Where to Stay, Eat and Sip in Sonoma
Between the rolling hills and the charming downtown area, Sonoma is a dream for wine lovers looking to escape the city and unwind in wine country. Similar to Napa, Sonoma is most popular for wine tasting, but there is much more to this quaint town than just vino. With premier culinary options and luxury hotels like The Lodge at Sonoma, this NorCal destination is a must-visit. Looking to plan a lavish getaway? We’ve got you covered on where to stay, what to eat, where to drink and more.
Travel
Those that live in San Francisco have the pleasure of living a short drive away from wine country. Thanks to JSX, however, SoCal residents can make their way to Sonoma with a quick 45-minute flight—and in style. JSX offers a semi-private flight experience with only 30 seats on board, taking luxury travel to the next level for a fair price. Passengers are able to enjoy spacious seating with most planes featuring a one- to two-seat configuration, ensuring that you never have to deal with a cramped middle seat. All gourmet snacks, wine and liquor are complimentary, and boarding takes less than 10 minutes. Best of all, if you’re hoping to bring your furry family members along for the journey, all pets fly for free on JSX. Simply show up to the Hollywood Burbank Airport 30 minutes before departure and prepare for takeoff.
Stay
The Lodge at Sonoma is an elegant yet modern hotel located just up the street from downtown Sonoma. Upon arrival, guests walk through the timeless and breathtaking lobby that features a gallery wall above a massive fireplace and an inviting workstation with rows of spacious desks. There is even a self-serve wine dispenser that highlights several different varieties of vino so that guests can enjoy a glass at their leisure with the simple swipe of a card. The hotel also hosts an afternoon wine tasting that is fully complimentary. Outdoor amenities include the pristine pool, cozy fire pits and games like Jenga and cornhole along with relaxing hammocks.
Rest
Though you have the choice between standard rooms and suites, the cottages are the premier accommodation option at The Lodge. These spacious cottages offer plenty of privacy and a sense of exclusivity that is met with modern yet warm decor. Plus, if you’re able to reserve one of the few cottage junior suites with an outdoor soaking tub, you won’t regret it. The massive soaking tubs on the patio allow you to turn on the fireplace and unwind under the stars as you immerse yourself in the warm water and aromatic bath salts. Each cottage also has an indoor fireplace so that you can keep the cozy vibes going all night long.
Restore
The Spa at The Lodge is ideal for visitors in need of a massage or facial between wine tastings. If you arrive early for your treatment, head outside to the coed area and take a dip in the warm and cold mineral pools. There is also a small barrel sauna outside that spa-goers can enjoy before getting zen in the plush and private waiting area. When it comes to the treatments themselves, the Renew and Restore option starts off with a nutrient-dense salt scrub and is followed by a volcanic mud used for detoxification. Finally, the full-body massage allows you to melt right into the table.
Dine & Drink
Wit and Wisdom
Located at The Lodge at Sonoma, Wit and Wisdom is an upscale and elegant restaurant by celebrity Chef Michael Mina. Between the chic and cozy interior and the spacious patio, Wit and Wisdom is great for everything from a formal dinner to drinks and apps in the afternoon. The pizzas are a must-order—the clam pizza is a unique yet utterly delicious take on the classic dish. The handmade pastas change with the seasons, but a consistent entree that never gets old is the W&W steak frites with decadent duck fat potato wedges.
Benicia’s Kitchen
From a casual breakfast to lunch in your room, Benicia’s Kitchen is a quick and convenient option at The Lodge at Sonoma. This on-site restaurant puts a Latin flair on farm-to-table fare, showcasing the freshness of Sonoma produce while adding vibrant flavors to the innovative menu items. Some fan-favorite breakfast items include the chilaquiles and Carneros French toast with cornflakes. For lunch, start off with some loaded nachos before ordering the savory shrimp fajitas for your main course.
The Girl and the Fig
Dinner at The Girl and the Fig is a must when in Sonoma. This French-inspired eatery is a local favorite that is only about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. You could even bike over using one of the rental bikes from The Lodge. For starters, the steak tartare with lavender sea salt is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The duck confit is a classic entree, but the wild flounder meunière is a delicate and flaky fish that is enhanced by the creamiest Yukon potato purée. For dessert, definitely order the chocolate chip cookies and butterscotch pot de creme.
Pangloss Cellars
Pangloss Cellars puts a lavish twist on the traditional wine-tasting experience by offering decadent caviar service to pair with the quality vino. Enjoy a spread of creme fraiche, potatoes, crackers, caviar and more while sipping on bubbles before embarking on a flavorful flight. The sleek yet timeless setting is enhanced by colorful paintings, stone walls and vintage decor. Pangloss Cellars is known for several varieties like chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.
Walt Wines
Walt Wines gives guests a true taste of Sonoma grapes from the comfort of the small yet charming tasting room downtown. Walt Wines specializes in chardonnay and pinot noir, and the Current Release tasting lets you experience the best of them for $40 per person. That said, the Root 101 tasting elevates things with seasonal bites that pair perfectly with Walt’s selection of pinot noir. The Root 101 tasting is only available Thursday through Sunday and is $85 per person.
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection
1325 Broadway (at Leveroni & Napa Rds)
Sonoma, CA 95476
707.935.6600
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
