The Local's Weekend in Sonoma Wine Country

Santa Rosa is the heart of Sonoma County and boasts a small airport with minimal services, but most visitors will find themselves traveling by car, which is recommended. The town is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from both OAK and SFO international airports, traffic depending, and may involve crossing the scenic Golden Gate Bridge.

Tip: Make sure to stop on the north side Golden Gate Viewpoint for iconic snaps of the Bridge in front of the City by the Bay (fog permitting).

Check-in to your hotel. Depending on preferred locale, there is an adorable boutique hotel waiting for us to book. I recently had a wonderful experience at the Astro Motel in downtown Santa Rosa, a retro, centrally located motel with attentive staff members and some of the best granola you will ever eat. Healdsburg is also an excellent choice as a base for wine-tasting activities. Stay at the Montage for true luxury with sweeping views of the valley and vineyards.

Sonoma County is home to some of Californian's favorite Craft Breweries, including Lagunitas, Hen House and Russian River Brewing. To start the evening, head to downtown Santa Rosa to the Russian River Brewing Company Tasting Room to sample the unique, hoppy offerings. Pliny the Elder is an iconic favorite and if you are lucky enough to snag a taste of Pliny the Younger, be sure to acknowledge the beer gods for showering you with good fortune. There is also a RR taproom in Windsor if you find yourself staying in Healdsburg.

For Dinner, snag a reservation for The Spinster Sisters. Agriculture is one of the top industries in the area, making for availability of local dairy, seafood, meat, egg, fruits and vegetables seasonally. The Spinster Sisters' menu is a reflection of this local bounty, which is ever-changing with the seasons. They are also very vegan friendly. Try one of the chilled Red Wines with dinner and dessert.

Tip: Many hotels feature wine bars and/or tasting rooms. Check to see if yours has a tasting included with the stay, or bring a bottle down to the fire pit in the evening to enjoy.

If you've chosen the Astro Motel, congratulations, you are about to enjoy the best yogurt and granola, made by the aforementioned Spinster Sisters. Head back to the game lounge to grab a bowl with some coffee or tea. Dine casually with local travelers in the common space or retreat to your room.

Prepare for the day. Head to Red Bird Bakery, just around the corner from the Motel. Grab a handcrafted coffee drink and your choice of a sweet or savory breakfast pastry. You may also choose to purchase your lunch to take with you on your wine tasting journey, made on their skinny, fresh baked baguettes.

Tip: Don't drink and drive. Wine tasting will sneak up on you and the Wine Country back roads are unforgiving. Play it safe and designate a driver. If this is not possible, look into many of the wine tours, who will shuttle you from winery to winery so you can simply enjoy the tastes without worry. Now that you have a driver, here is the itinerary:

VML Winery

Be guided through a Celestial tasting in the Veranda on Dry Creek. Afterward, go feed the goats and sheep fig leaves or wander next door to the Truett Hurst tasting room to continue the fun.

Head back towards Healdsburg. If it's lunchtime and you are without food, be sure to stop at the Dry Creek General Store. Be prepared to wait, but be prepared for it to be worth it.

Thomas George Estates

Enjoy a simple Wine & Arancini pairing or go all out and book a Wine Safari, where you will ride the Safari cruiser to the top of the hill before descending to enjoy a four-course lunch served amongst the vines which the wine originated from, served with a pairing and inclusive of a bottle of your choice.

RYME Tasting Room

Experience a slightly competitive wine-making experience as you sample His and Hers versions of the same varietals while seated in the backyard of the winery. If you are going to join a wine club along the way, try here!

Finish off the day at The Barlow in Sebastopol. Advertised as a shopping mall, this is far from what you may be picturing. This outdoor market district is set in industrial-style buildings and is filled with local wineries, breweries, restaurants and shops full of artist goods. Try THE PUNCHDOWN, a wine bar featuring a robust selection of Natural Wines.

Tip: Many wineries will waive the tasting fee if you proceed to buy a bottle. This varies but can save you some major $$ on tastings.

Feeling frisky? The Flamingo Resort hosts a weekend Drag Brunch that is said to be Gorgeous. Switch up the vibe of the trip to hang with some of the Bay Area's fierce Queens and Kings.

If you aren't Wine-d out yet, venture over to the East side of Sonoma Wine country to continue to experience the versatility of the region's beautiful wines.

Kunde Family Winery

Start the day here and choose from three unique tasting options, including an outside Lounge and their Mountaintop tour, which starts in the cave and ends at the tasting deck, which sits at 1,400 feet above the valley.

Hamel Family Wines

Make a reservation for one of the tour and tasting experiences, featuring a selection of their Estate wines. Add the food-tasting option to experience the wine paired with gourmet small courses.

End your trip in the town of Sonoma. Be sure to stop at Lou's Luncheonette. Don't mess around and order the fried chicken, preferably in sandwich form, also called the Two Burn. It's served with mac 'n cheese, so you know it's good. For a more upscale experience, following the footsteps of Lady Gaga and visit The Girl and the Fig.

Tip: Allow yourself ample time to return to the airport. The North Bay highways can be unpredictable.

Tip: Check with your airline regarding checking wine. Some airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, allow guests traveling from the Bay Area to check a case of wine for FREE!