Journey to Sonoma County, California – Episode 875

December 2, 2023

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Hear about journey to the wine area Sonoma County in California because the Novice Traveler talks to Brooke Herron about this fashionable tourism area the place she grew up.

Why ought to somebody journey to Sonoma County?

Brooke says, “A myriad of causes, for my part past wine. It’s a completely beautiful area from an outside perspective. You’ve bought the coast, you’ve bought climbing trails, mountains, hills and you then’ve bought additionally a lot of farms, distilleries, breweries, cideries. And what I cherished probably the most about residing there for 20 years and now coming again house to it regularly is basically first, the outside and the sweetness, proper? The entry to the ocean and timber. After which subsequent, in fact, the truth that you may get wonderful meals, and craft drinks all over the place.”

Brooke lays out a 5-day itinerary:

Day One: The Sonoma Coast

The primary day begins on the breathtaking Sonoma Coast. Drive alongside Freeway 1, skip the touristy Bodega Bay, and head to Shell Seashore close to Jenner. Right here, you possibly can select between a leisurely stroll on the Kortum Path or a tougher hike on the Pomo Canyon Purple Hill Loop. Chris recommends historical past buffs take the drive as much as Fort Ross which was the Russian presence on the California Coast.

After the hike, contemplate a cease in Jenner for a smoked salmon bagel or clam chowder with a view over the bay. For dinner, Santa Rosa gives the Hen and the Bottle, a favourite, or a extra informal choice at Russian River Brewery.

Day Two: Sebastopol and Russian River

On the second day, Brooke will discover the charming city of Sebastopol and the Russian River space. The Barlow, an open-air market, is a must-visit. Take pleasure in craft cider, spirits, and distinctive meals choices. Highlights embrace Golden State Cider, Blue Ridge Kitchen, SpiritWorks Distillery, and the not too long ago added Rewind Arcade for a playful contact.

In the event you’re not into alcohol, discover Goldridge Natural Farms for olive oil tastings and Bohemian Creamery for a pleasant cheese expertise. For wine fans, Horse and Plow, Dutton Property Vineyard, and the distinctive Radio Coteau are really useful stops.

Day Three: Stress-free in Petaluma

On the third day, Brooke recommends a leisurely drive to Petaluma. Discover the historic downtown, and if within the temper for seafood, the Shuckery is a good alternative. For a extra informal expertise, Brewster’s Beer Backyard gives a relaxed environment with nice out of doors seating.

Lodging in Santa Rosa will be discovered at Lodge E, a boutique luxurious choice within the coronary heart of downtown. In Petaluma, Brooke suggests contemplating the charming Metro Lodge for a singular and reasonably priced keep.

Day 4: Discover Hillsburg and Windsor

Brooke’s high vineyard picks in Hillsburg embrace Idlewild Wines for distinctive Italian varieties like Arnés, Fresa, Dulcetto, Grignolino, Barbera, and Cortese blends, with instructional Sunday occasions. Orsi Vineyards, a hidden gem in Dry Creek Valley, gives distinctive varieties like Sagrantino and Biancolella. Unty Vineyards, identified for sustainable practices, supplies an off-the-cuff Rhone and Italian selection tasting expertise. Gary Farrell in Sonoma County is really useful for distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, particularly from the Russian River Valley. Aperture Cellars, identified for Bordeaux blends, stands out, with a concentrate on texture.

In Windsor, Artisan Alley hosts Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider. Two Shepherds gives natural and pure wines, together with orange and skin-contact varieties. Grand Cru Customized Crush gives a various micro-winery tasting expertise. Out of doors fans can get pleasure from Shiloh Regional Park’s hikes and mountaintop views, whereas Riverfront Regional Park gives a scenic water setting.

Brooke suggests exploring farmers’ markets in Windsor and Healdsburg for recent produce and vibrant atmospheres. Eating suggestions in Healdsburg embrace Bravas Tapas Bar, Willie’s Seafood and Uncooked Bar, Valette Restaurant, and The Matheson. Lo and Behold is really useful for cocktails, and Black Oak Espresso and Flying Goat for espresso.

In Windsor, Artisan Alley’s Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider are must-visits, together with Pizzalea for gluten-free pizza. To unwind, Shiloh Regional Park and Riverfront Regional Park provide stunning pure settings.

For spirits, Younger and Yonder Spirits and Alley Six Spirits in Healdsburg are noteworthy.

Day 5: Discover the Sonoma Valley

On day 5, discover the famend Sonoma Valley. Hike at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park or Bartholomew Park.

Kibblestadt Cellars, identified for balanced wines, is a best choice. Prohibition Spirits in Sonoma gives distinctive tastings like Pink Gin. Bedrock Wines, close to the plaza, options fascinating varieties.

Eldorado Kitchen is really useful for high-end eating. Café La Haye, Valley Bar and Bottle, and Sunflower Cafe provide various breakfast and informal choices. Enoteca Della Santina is recommended for a relaxed glass of wine, whereas Vineyard 16 600 in Glen Ellen gives distinctive wines.

Sonoma’s fantastic eating contains Eldorado Kitchen and Café La Haye. Sizzling Monk Tavern and The Grapevine are informal favorites. Eldorado Cantina, connected to Eldorado Kitchen, gives pleasant Mexican meals at a extra reasonably priced worth.

Wrap up the day with tastings at Kibblestadt Cellars and Bedrock Wines. Brooke highlights Sonoma County’s variety, together with hikes, seashores, cider, beer, and spirits. For planning, test Sonoma County Tourism’s web site for itineraries and data.

Whether or not you’re right here for the wine, cider, and spirits or the coastal hikes and ziplining by way of the redwoods, Sonoma Valley gives adventures that carry you again time and again.

Sponsor

This episode is sponsored by MasterClass. With MasterClass, you possibly can be taught from the world’s finest minds – anytime, anyplace, and at your individual tempo. This vacation season, give one annual membership and get one free. Go to masterclass.com/traveler.

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