Refresh Among the Grapevines With This 72-Hour Itinerary
Sipping on a green juice, taking long walks and indulging in red light therapy—you know the drill. This year’s wellness trends are in full force, and the only thing missing is a wine weekend in Sonoma Valley.
Situated just over an hour from San Francisco, Sonoma Valley combines the best of Northern California’s small-town charm and laid-back lifestyle. Sumptuous spa services merely scratch the surface when it comes to everything this destination has to offer. From hot air ballooning over picturesque vineyards and picnicking among the grapevines to farm-to-table dining experiences that showcase the region’s bounty, there is much to experience in Sonoma Valley. And with a collection of elegant lodges and Tuscan-style resorts scattered across the valley, there’s no shortage of sophisticated hotels to unwind in for the evening. Pack some snacks for the road, gather your bags and your travel partner, and use this guide to Sonoma Valley for a three-day vacay in the birthplace of wine in California. Sonoma Valley Itinerary
STAY
MacArthur Place
A professional Pinterest board brought to life, MacArthur Place is an organic modern oasis set on six stunning acres of Sonoma wine country. This award-winning estate is home to three seasonally inspired culinary outlets, a communal marketplace, a chef’s garden and the elegant Spa at MacArthur. Manicured gardens, cobbled pathways and lush, green canopies are framed by adorable picket fences. Check into one of their 64 modern farmhouse-style abodes, with custom heated travertine floors and cozy furnishings, for a dreamy wellness getaway.
Kenwood Inn & Spa
A staple in our guide to Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Inn & Spa will more than satisfy your long-overdue villa vacation. This boutique hotel ticks all the wellness boxes—think outdoor warming pools, a mahogany wine bar and the exclusive Spa at Kenwood. Ever the Italianate, vinotherapy is a spa specialty at this wellness estate! Mediterranean manors clothed in ivy give way to refined modern suites. Open the balcony doors to reveal sparkling fountains and landscaped vineyards.
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
Less of a cottage and more of a modish mansion, The Lodge at Sonoma Resort is every wine lover’s dream brought to life. Renovated living quarters, seasonal restaurants and poolside cabanas are sprawled across each picture-perfect acre. Wake up with a barrel sauna session, and then transition to The Spa at the Lodge for a Himalayan salt stone massage. With a glass of Chardonnay in hand, reserve your afternoon at the pool deck before sitting down to a farm-fresh dinner for an authentic wine country culinary experience.
DAY 1
Browse the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market
Rain or shine, the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market is your freshly stocked pantry, fridge and garden all rolled into one. Located a short 8-minute walk from Sonoma Plaza, community members band together every Friday morning to display their fruitful bounty of artisan pastries, locally sourced produce, specialty superfoods and more. Select a few vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes from The Patch, probiotic pickle elixirs from Collective Cultures and fresh-cut flowers from La Vida Buena Nursery, and you’ll be good to go!
Local Insight: If you are in town on a Tuesday from May to September, Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market happens from 5-8 p.m. in the Sonoma Plaza. Come enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, farm stands and more!
Pastries at Les Pascals
With organic goods in hand, make your way to Les Pascals for a quick brunch and munch! Spearheaded by accomplished pastry chef, Pascal (and his wife Pascale), this quaint patisserie, boulangerie and cafe uses locally-sourced ingredients from Sonoma County. Stop in for some baked goodies, like an apricot croissant, lemon tart or a few French macaroons!
Bike Ride With Sonoma Adventures
Morning movement is a must, and what better way to soak in the Sonoma sunshine than with an outdoor sweat sesh? Skip the gym and snap on a helmet for a cruise among the grapevines. Sonoma Adventures combines the best of both worlds with full and half-day tours along some of Sonoma Valley’s most picturesque hillsides with vineyards for miles on end. Did we mention that winery tours, gourmet picnics and olive oil tastings are all part of the deal? This is a must-do in our guide to Sonoma Valley!
Lunch at Valley Bar + Bottle Shop
Break for a well-deserved lunch at Valley Bar + Bottle Shop. Quaint and cozy, this natural wine bar and restaurant doubles as an adorable and Instagrammable market. Woven baskets brimming with fresh fruit, kitchen essentials and modern home decor fill the shelves next to their pastry bar full of housemade goodies. The outdoor patio is the only way to enjoy their bite-sized delicacies and seasonal plates, which include manchego with dulce de manzana and wood-fired pizzas. Lift your wine glass in a toast to feel-good food!
Visit Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
Hustle culture is out and breathwork is in when you take a respite at Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. When was the last time you penciled in rest to your never-ending list of daily to-dos? More than likely, you’re long overdue. Channel your inner zen at this meditation retreat, whose traditions are inspired by ancient Zazen practices. In an effort to help you release the tension of everyday life, the center offers several meditation instructions designed to integrate rest and relaxation into your routine, while also teaching the fundamentals of traditional Zen meditation.
Farm-Fresh Dinner at Layla Restaurant
Say goodbye to girl dinner and hello to scratch-made sunchoke tortellini from Layla Restaurant. Effortlessly chic with cozy finishings, natural textiles and a soft color palette, this Mediterranean gem is a wellness oasis located inside the extravagant MacArthur Place. With a menu in sync with the seasons, their rotating farm-fresh fare will leave you satisfied and smiling. Lobster fusilli, Australian wagyu and salmon tartare? Sign us up! Given you’re in wine country, a splash of Cabernet is an absolute essential.
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
DAY 2
Breakfast at Baker & Cook
Sure, coffee is cool, but have you tried the brioche cream donuts from Baker & Cook? While espresso may be your morning essential, nothing pairs better than the housemade morning buns and lemon ginger scones from this local gem. To balance out the sugar rush, consider a dose of nutrients from their breakfast sandos, yogurt bowls, and turkey bacon bagels. Furthermore, sustainable sourcing and biodynamic farming are the secrets behind their offerings—enough to make any wellness girl swoon!
Hot Air Balloon Ride With Sonoma Ballooning
Elevate your wellness weekend to new heights with Sonoma Ballooning. Overlooking Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley, Petaluma, Carneros and beyond, there’s no better view of this region’s rolling wine country than the one from the clouds. Reaching heights of 3,000 feet, this hot air balloon experience provides the perfect opportunity to pinpoint your next wine tasting excursion! Commemorate the journey with a complimentary post-ride champagne toast and a fun photo op to celebrate the day.
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
Lunch at LaSalette Restaurant
If you’ve never tried Arroz á Valenciana or cod cakes, allow us to point you to LaSalette Restaurant. With an impressive list of accolades stemming from their inventive Portuguese fare, this local hot spot capitalizes on its tiny country’s mighty culinary scene. Even if you can’t pronounce the monikers of these exquisite dishes, be adventurous and try the Açorda de Trigo (farro risotto) or Bacalhau no Forno (salt cod casserole). Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed.
Hike + Wine Tasting With Active Wine Adventures
Post-lunch hot girl walks just hit differently, you know? Especially when mid-hike wine breaks are involved! Get lost among the grapevines on a guided tasting tour with Active Wine Adventures. Channel your inner wayfarer on these four- to five-mile treks through oak woodlands, ancient redwood groves and scenic wineries. With seven seasonal hiking routes, take your pick between mountain valleys or shaded forests. Round out the trip with a private wine tasting at a local family-owned vineyard.
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
Massages at The Spa at the Lodge
A post-hike glass of wine can only go so far before your tired muscles begin to crave some extra love. The Spa at The Lodge offers nearly a dozen massage treatments to soothe and restore your mind, body and spirit, including aromatherapy, Himalayan salt stone and deep tissue treatments. Each one replenishes lost nutrients, while additional services like scalp massages and foot scrubs revitalize every muscle in your body. Life’s too short to pass up a good day of pampering.
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
Dinner at Tasca Tasca
Home-style dishes and bite-sized portions of indulgent cheese and salt cod cakes are on repeat at Tasca Tasca. Named after the traditional Portuguese pub-style eatery, this build-a-board tapas bar has a DIY menu organized into five tasting categories. Mix and match your favorites from their cheese, garden, land, sea and sweet sections for a dreamy snack plate that will satisfy all your charcuterie board visions. House-churned butter, pork sliders and Portuguese cinnamon flan are just a few of their not-to-miss dishes.
DAY 3
Yoga Class With Sonoma Yoga
Kick start your morning with Sonoma Yoga, where you can stretch and lengthen your muscles in a meditative yoga class. This soothing studio is a wellness haven for the mind and body that will leave you feeling grounded and restored in all the best ways. Additionally, curated to suit a variety of fitness levels, their classes promote mindfulness and relaxation while delivering a low-impact workout. Choose between upbeat Vinyasa flows and core sculpting classes for invigorating movement, or calm your body with a gentle Hatha flow.
Vegan Picnic With Farm Animals at Charlie’s Acres
Have you considered going plant-based? We know, we know—giving up eggs and bacon is a big commitment, but you’ll think twice after dining among the adorable farm animals at Charlie’s Acres. This animal sanctuary gives abused animals a chance to find their forever home. The shelter offers inventive ways to love on these four-legged friends. They promote everything from goat yoga and sheep meditation to plant-based picnics of vegan cheese and charcuterie spreads—it’s the perfect way to make some new furry friends!
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
Hike at Jack London State Historic Park
After a peaceful picnic, it’s time to get your steps in! Jack London State Historic Park, named after the famous American novelist and adventurer, encompasses 1,565 acres and features 29 miles of hiking trails to explore. Trek out to the historic orchards, hike to the top of Sonoma Mountain or walk down to the dramatic ruins of Wolf House. Visitors are encouraged to explore on their own or embark on a docent-led tour for a deeper dive into Jack London’s life.
Tour of Benziger Family Winery
Located about a two-minute drive down the road from Jack London State Historic Park, Benziger Family Winery is an 85-acre, biodynamic ranch tucked on the slopes of Sonoma Mountain. The winery has been around for more than four decades. Furthermore, it uses organic and sustainable farming methods, resulting in a collection of authentic wines. Visitors can enjoy a vineyard tour, a seated tasting on the winery’s terrace or a wine flight in the tasting room and gift shop.
Explore Sonoma Botanical Garden
The spring season is in full bloom, giving life to a fresh wave of florals at Sonoma Botanical Garden. This seasonal garden is rooted in nature conservation, preserving sacred flora native to California and Asian habitats. Winding pathways, cozy footbridges and an abundance of greenery frame the pops of color that spring up from the ground. Native species unique to these represented regions, like Chinese Tulip Trees, Mariposa Lilies and Sky Lupins, create a colorful canvas on this 25-acre property.
Sonoma Valley Itinerary
Cozy Dinner at the girl & the fig
If the cute and catchy name doesn’t capture your heart, then the lavender crème brûlée from girl & the fig most certainly will! The food at this French bistro in Sonoma Valley speaks for itself with outstanding flavor and texture, while the antique woodwork and cozy ambiance create an indulgent dinner setting. Where else can you find wild flounder meunière or fig burgers with bacon-fig jam? And don’t get us started on all the fig-inspired classic cocktails: fig-roni or fig royale, we’re not picky!
