My 3-Day Sonoma County Itinerary (How to Spend Your Time in Wine Country)

As you might know, I recently returned from a trip to wine country. I traveled with Kara, who has been a part of the KSD team for a couple of years now, and we had the best time exploring Sonoma County. Our getaway was filled with delicious bites, ample shopping time, spa treatments, stunning vineyard views, and of course, lots of wine tastings.

I had never spent much time in Sonoma County until this trip, and I quickly learned that it was a place that I’d love to come back to time and time again. It feels welcoming, warm, and cozy — just what you’d want from a wine country trip. It offers a beautiful blend of high end experiences and more casual, family-friendly activities. I mentioned multiple times that I’d love to return with Brian — possibly for a late fall or wintertime trip!

Whether you’re planning your own wine country vacation or you’re simply curious to learn more about the area, I’m sharing all the details of our trip here. From the restaurants we loved to the hotel that made a lasting impression, I hope this travel guide inspires you to map out your own Sonoma County itinerary!

Sonoma County Itinerary

A note of thanks….

Before we dive into our itinerary, I want to quickly thank Volvo for hooking us up with the most beautiful car, the XC90. It drove like a dream and was the perfect carriage to take us from one activity to another.

Where to Stay

While there are plenty hotels, B&B’s, and resorts worth staying at in Sonoma, these two that we booked created a homey and luxe experience…

The Madrona

Formerly known as the Madrona Manor, this restored 19th century Victorian mansion is set on eight wooded acres just outside of downtown Healdsburg. The location was everything as it was easy to pop into town for food, shopping, and exploring. I appreciated the boutique feel and loved that there was a bar, restaurant, gym, and a saltwater pool onsite. The hotel also offers a driving service if you need a ride to and from your activities — so convenient!

When we checked in, we treated ourselves to a cocktail and light bites at Hannah’s Bar. It was the ideal way to kick off our trip! Another perk: The Madrona offers a charming breakfast spread in the lobby, complete with fresh pressed juices (which I thoroughly enjoyed!)

Farmhouse Inn

Described as a “a luxurious yet unpretentious retreat,” Farmhouse Inn immediately confirmed that I need to return to Sonoma County. From the photos alone, I knew that I would fall in love with this property, but my expectations were exceeded in every way. The hotel staff was incredibly warm and kind, the room was spacious, clean, and cozy, and they had all the amenities you’d want from a wine country stay. 

With just 25 rooms, it almost felt as if we had the whole place to ourselves. I spoiled myself with breakfast in bed, found time to unwind in the jetted bathtub, and even took part of the daily wine tasting held at the hotel. Small touches like evening fire pit s’mores, a soap and bath salt bar, and homemade cookies left during the turndown service made it hard to check out at the end of our trip. I can’t recommend this property enough — it would be perfect for a couples getaway, girls’ trip, or celebratory vacation. The spa is also worth visiting, even if you’re not a hotel guest!

Where to Eat

Satisfying your appetite is a must before wine tasting. Sonoma has a plethora of unique, fun, and tasty eateries, and I’m so glad that we tried some spots that were out of our norm! Here are some highlights…

Little Saint

This vibrant restaurant was perhaps the sweetest surprise from our trip. I’m not typically drawn to plant-based meals, but every dish seemed to be more delightful than the last. We visited on a Monday, which was “Neighbor’s Night,” meaning diners can enjoy a pre-fixe menu and a beverage pairing (I did this and loved the experience.) Even if you’re a meat lover, I’d encourage you to get outside of your comfort zone and book a reservation here. During the summer months, the back patio is a beautiful and intimate spot to sit!

Acorn Cafe

Craving a savory breakfast? Prefer something sweet? Acorn Cafe has it all, with exceptional service as the cherry on top. Blending Australian cafe culture with creative twists on brunch classics, this is the kind of spot that everyone will find something to devour. I liked the counter service setup and the charming outdoor seating. Some menu standouts include the lemon ricotta hotcakes, the “Shop Local” benedict, and the açaí berry bowl.

Bravas Bar de Tapas

Girl time and tapas? Say less. After a day of sipping on Sauvignon Blanc, this laid back spot was the perfect place to post up. The atmosphere was inviting and fun, and the menu catered to a wide range of cravings. I ate up every last bit of the skirt steak, creamy chicken croquetas, and patatas bravas. Kara and I both enjoyed tequila-based cocktails to switch things up a bit. My summary: I don’t think you can go wrong when ordering here. Plus, this restaurant is conveniently nestled just outside of Healdsburg’s charming town square.

Stella

Sometimes the best experiences are those that aren’t on your radar at all. This restaurant wasn’t on our original itinerary, but after hearing a local rave about it, we knew we had to snag a (highly sought after) reservation. From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s an experience. The decor and ambiance alone make it worth a visit, but the food is what guests really come for.

We ordered a mix of entrees and appetizers for the table — that way we could try a bit of everything! Some of our bites included the pork chop Milanese, the burrata and bacon, the cacio e pepe, and the rigatoni. We also shared a couple bottles of wine, and I was surprised to love the chardonnay from Sonoma County as much as I did (it’s not buttery at all!) The desserts were also noteworthy. I’d recommend the vanilla affogato!

Where to Wine Taste

Grab a glass and relish in these stunning properties, good sips, and an afternoon that’s sure to result in quality memories…

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Our first wine tasting experience in Sonoma County was at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and boy was it special. The property felt secluded, luxurious, and untouched, reminding me of a place you’d visit in Italy. The bright yellow exterior popped against the lush vineyard backdrop, and it was a treat to explore the grounds after our tasting.

We were paired with just two other guests and got to indulge in an olive oil tasting before we let some corks loose. At the end of the tasting, the owner introduced himself to us and it was so nice chatting with him — a personal touch I won’t forget.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

This was easily the most unique wine tasting experience I’ve ever had (and I’d certainly go back!) Our visit blended a cinematic and educational tour with perfectly crisp sips of rosé. Not only did we learn about winemaking and the bottling process, but we also stepped away with a rich understanding of Coppola’s film career.

The grounds have a quirky, playful, and creative feel to them, showcasing costumes and props from The Godfather, Coppola’s Academy Awards and Oscars, and vintage cars. There’s also a pool on the property where families can reserve lounge chairs and spend time relaxing while their kids play — a stellar option if you’re traveling with littles!

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

For a classic and well-rounded wine tasting experience, head to St. Francis. We booked the “Secrets of Sonoma” tasting which included five wines and a generously sized mezze board. Each dip was created to serve as the perfect accompaniment to the wine we drank, and it was so fun to chat about the pairings we each preferred. The icing on the cake? We sat at outside, right along the vineyards and mountains. Pure bliss.

More Ways to Spend Your Time

Looking for more ideas on how to fill your time in Sonoma County? Here are some additional favorites!

– Explore the boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants in Healdsburg Plaza.

– Partake in some retail therapy at Bon Ton Studio, a shop we both loved!

– Treat yourself to a new accessory at Falling for Dainty (I purchased a new necklace.)

– Swap wine for a honey and mead tasting at La Ruche.

– Book a spa treatment at the Wellness Barn at the Farmhouse Inn.

– Kick back and relax by the pool if your hotel offers one (we adored the pool at the Farmhouse Inn!)

What to Pack for Summer in Wine Country

I put together a complete wine country style guide in a separate blog post, but here’s a quick list on what to pack for a trip to Sonoma County (for the summer and early fall season.)

– Maxi and mini dresses

– Sandals

– Heels

– Linen pants or shorts

– Strapless tops

– Lightweight layers, like sweaters, a trench coat, or a linen jacket

– Swimwear

– Sunglasses

– Straw hat

– Loungewear set for travel days

– Activewear if you plan to walk or workout

I hope this Sonoma County itinerary helps you plan your own getaway! If you have any questions or recommendations that I should add to this list, please let me know in the comment section below.