A couple summers ago, Drew planned a birthday weekend for me in Sonoma. I had told him previously that I wanted to go somewhere warm for my birthday, because even though San Francisco is considered “mild,” I am perpetually chilly.
Sonoma did not disappoint. During the day it was in the 90s, but it was exactly the sunny escape I needed. If you are looking for a relaxing weekend escape just under an hour from the city, a Sonoma weekend itinerary is the perfect answer. Or if you’re visiting from out of town – this guide is for you!
Getting From San Francisco to Sonoma: Driving Distance & Route
One of the best parts of living in San Francisco is how quickly you can escape to wine country. The drive from San Francisco to Sonoma is only about 45 miles and takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
To get there, you simply head north across the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101, then transition to Highway 37 East and Highway 121/12 North. It is incredibly easy to jump in the car on a Friday afternoon and be sipping wine on the plaza before sunset.
Sonoma vs. Napa: Which Wine Country Vibe is Best?
We’ve visited several wine regions (Temecula most recently!), but this trip made us realize how much we love the distinct personality of Sonoma. One major difference you’ll notice when visiting Sonoma versus Napa is that Sonoma is significantly less commercialized.
While downtown Napa has tons to offer and boasts an incredible array of high-end restaurants, Sonoma feels much more grounded and peaceful. If you want a relaxed, authentic experience where you don’t feel like a tourist, then Sonoma is probably the destination for you.
Where to Stay in Sonoma: Our Charming Airbnb Cottage Review
For this trip, we wanted something quiet and intimate. We stayed at a charming Airbnb cottage, which was actually an old shed that the owners beautifully restored on their property.
The owners had chickens, cats, and the sweetest doodle named Gilligan, who was always happy to say hello to us. The property also featured a hot tub, which was the best way to relax in the evenings once the air cooled down.
Exploring the Historic Downtown Sonoma Plaza
Although we’ve visited Sonoma wineries in the past, we hadn’t spent much time in the actual downtown area. Our Airbnb was just a short bike ride from the historic square, and bikes were conveniently included with our rental.
We rode to the downtown square on our first afternoon. The neighborhoods along the way are filled with gorgeous, charming homes and quiet, peaceful streets. The local shops are incredibly fun to explore. We stopped into a boutique for an olive oil tasting and walked out with some to try on our salads!
Where to Eat in Sonoma: Best Downtown Restaurants
Downtown Sonoma has a fantastic culinary scene. We were excited to try two highly reviewed spots during our weekend stay:
The Girl and the Fig
We loved our dinner at The Girl & the Fig (a Michelin Bib Gourmand). I am a huge fan of figs, and as the name suggests, they incorporate them beautifully into several dishes. I ordered the chicken thighs, which were tasty, though perhaps not extraordinary.
However, the real star of the show was dessert—the butterscotch pudding is a absolute must-order. To top it off, the staff wrote me a sweet birthday card and brought out a candle with a cookie, which was such a thoughtful, personal touch.
Tasca Tasca
We also tried Tasca Tasca, a Portuguese tapas restaurant. While it is highly rated, we found it to be just okay.
The menu is heavily seafood-focused, so if you are a big seafood lover, you will likely appreciate it much more than we did. Drew doesn’t eat seafood at all, and I only eat salmon occasionally. The food was perfectly tasty, but nothing quite blew us away.
On Our Radar: Enclos
Since that birthday trip, we’ve made a couple of quick drives back to the valley, and there is one new spot downtown that has been at the absolute top of my bucket list: Enclos.
Concealed inside a gorgeously restored 1880s Victorian home just steps from Sonoma Plaza, Enclos recently made a massive splash by earning two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star in its very first year. The restaurant is led by Chef Brian Limoges, who brings experience from legendary spots like Atelier Crenn and Quince. They serve an 8- to 10-course tasting menu that highlights local, regenerative ingredients sourced directly from Stone Edge Farm’s organic gardens.
Snagging a reservation here is notoriously difficult, and we haven’t been lucky enough to secure a table yet. However, it is at the top of our list for our next weekend getaway!
Best Wineries in Sonoma for Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
A weekend in Sonoma wouldn’t be complete without visiting a few outstanding wineries. Here are the two spots that defined our weekend:
Saintsbury Winery: A Quaint Garden Tasting in Carneros
Drew booked us a reservation at Saintsbury, our favorite winery where we’ve kept a membership for a while. They specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
It is a favorite of ours not just for the wine, but for the experience. They have a gorgeous, quaint garden where you sit during your tasting, making it feel peaceful and entirely tucked away from the typical tourist crowds.
Wine Tip: Did you know that light to medium-bodied red wines are actually best served with a slight chill? They are ideally enjoyed at cellar temperature, which is between 55–60°F.
Scribe Winery: Spanish-Style Architecture
After our Saintsbury tasting, we headed back to the Airbnb, grabbed our bikes, and checked out a few other wineries nearby. Biking between vineyards is an incredible perk of staying just outside the plaza.
We stopped to check out 3 different ones, but only actually tasted at the 3rd ~ Scribe.
As we were biking up the palm lined entry bath, I knew we would like this place. The exterior is a Spanish influenced home. We didn’t have a reservation, but the host was incredibly accommodating and offered us a glass of wine to enjoy while we strolled the property.
Scribe also has a full-service restaurant on-site. However, I later found out that their lunch reservations are exclusive to wine club members.
Active Mornings in Wine Country: Easy Sonoma Hiking Trails
On Sunday morning, we decided to get moving before driving back to the city. We did a scenic, 3-mile hike nearby. There are plenty of fantastic hiking trails around Sonoma, ranging from easy strolls to more intense climbs.
On our drive back to San Francisco, we made a mandatory stop at Sol Food in San Rafael. Getting their Puerto Rican dishes is the absolute best way to wrap up a weekend. Having these amazing weekend escapes just a 50-minute drive away is easily one of my favorite parts of living in the Bay Area.
Things to Do in Sonoma Besides Wine Tasting
While the world-class Pinot Noir is a major draw, there are plenty of incredible things to do in Sonoma County that don’t involve sipping wine. If you want to mix up your itinerary or are traveling with non-drinkers, here are a few local favorites:
Explore California History: Located right on the plaza, Mission San Francisco Solano is the last of the Alta California missions and is surrounded by beautifully preserved historic barracks. It is an easy, 15-minute stroll between your lunch and afternoon plans.
Hike the Sonoma Overlook Trail: For panoramic views of the entire valley, head to the trailhead just a few blocks from the plaza. It’s a relatively easy, 3-mile loop that is perfect for a morning walk.
Relax at a Geothermal Spa: If you want to splurge, the spa treatments at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa are legendary. You can soak in natural thermal mineral pools that flow from an underground source.
Shop Local Artisans: Spend an hour window-shopping the unique home goods and fashion boutiques lining the historic Sonoma Plaza. Be sure to check out local art galleries and pick up some gourmet pantry staples.
Our Current Go-To Sonoma Day Trip Routine
Here’s a little update based on what we’ve been doing lately. Drew and I are members at Saintsbury—it’s actually the only wine club we belong to—and our absolute favorite Saturday routine is to drive up for a slow, intentional afternoon.
We’ll start by having a big brunch at home head out around 1:00pm, and book a ~2:00 p.m. tasting. We typically hang out at the winery for about two hours, and then we’ll drive over to Sonoma Plaza. We always pack our park chairs and bring our books along so we can just relax in the Sonoma Square park to read and people-watch for an hour or so.
For dinner, we make reservations somewhere right around the square or a short drive away and go to Glen Ellen Star. We don’t drink at dinner so that we can sober up completely for the drive back to the city. Because we stick to just the one tasting at Saintsbury, we aren’t over-consuming, and it honestly makes for the perfect day. You get to enjoy a gorgeous vineyard, unwind in the park, and wrap up with an early, incredible meal.
In the summer, you’re back home in SF before the sun even sets, feeling like you had the most fun-filled, warm day. It’s easily one of our favorite excursions. Most people think a wine country trip requires hitting two or three different spots, but we’ve really loved dialing it back significantly—staying mindful, moving at a slower pace, and just focusing on one great winery and a great meal.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sonoma?
Because Sonoma is just a short drive from San Francisco, it is truly a year-round destination, but each season offers a completely different experience:
Harvest Season (September to November): This is widely considered the best time to visit Sonoma. The weather is warm, the grape vines are heavy with fruit. Keep in mind that hotel prices and winery reservations will be at their peak.
Mustard Bloom Season (February to April): Spring is incredibly beautiful and underrated. The valleys are covered in bright yellow mustard wildflowers, the crowds are thin, and tastings are much more intimate.
Summer Escapes (June to August): Summer gets hot (frequently in the 90s!), making it the perfect time if you are escaping SF’s chilly summer fog. Just make sure your accommodation has a pool or a hot tub.
Sonoma Travel FAQs
How far is Sonoma from San Francisco?
Sonoma is approximately 45 miles north of San Francisco. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 50 to 60 minutes via Highway 101 North and Highway 37 East.
Is Sonoma cheaper than Napa?
Generally, yes. While both valleys offer high-end luxury, Sonoma tends to have a more laid-back, rustic vibe. Tasting fees at boutique Sonoma wineries are often slightly more affordable, and you will find a wider selection of casual, budget-friendly dining options.
Can you bike to wineries in Sonoma?
Absolutely! Biking is one of the best ways to explore the valley. Staying near the historic Sonoma Plaza allows you to easily rent a bike and ride along quiet, flat residential roads to outstanding vineyards like Scribe.
