Kenwood & Glen Ellen Wine Tours

Welcome to Kenwood and Glen Ellen, two of Sonoma Valley's most charming wine country

villages. Nestled between the Sonoma Mountains and the Mayacamas Range, these neighboring

communities sit at the heart of one of California's most celebrated wine regions. Visitors are

drawn to the area for its world-class wineries, farm-to-table dining, scenic beauty, and a relaxed

pace that feels a world apart from the city.

Sonoma Wine Rides makes it easy to explore Kenwood, Glen Ellen, and the surrounding Sonoma

Valley vineyards in comfort and style. With pickup available from local hotels, inns, vacation

rentals, and businesses, guests can enjoy a memorable wine tasting day without worrying about

driving the winding valley roads.

A Little Kenwood & Glen Ellen History

Glen Ellen traces its roots to 1868 when Charles V. Stuart established a vineyard on land from

the Rancho Agua Caliente grant, naming it after his wife Ellen. The town that grew around the

vineyard kept the name, and by the early 1900s Glen Ellen had become a literary landmark.

Author Jack London settled here in 1909 and spent the rest of his life developing his Beauty

Ranch and writing some of his most famous works. London's stories often reference the "Valley

of the Moon," a translation of the name given to Sonoma Valley by the Pomo and Coast Miwok

peoples.

Kenwood's wine heritage runs just as deep. The Pagani Brothers Winery was built here in 1906,

and in 1970 it was transformed into Kenwood Vineyards, one of the wineries that helped

establish Sonoma Valley as a world-class wine region. Today, Kenwood and Glen Ellen remain at

the center of a thriving wine community, with dozens of family-owned wineries, tasting rooms,

and vineyards lining the Sonoma Highway corridor.

Why Choose Kenwood & Glen Ellen for Wine Tours

The Heart of Sonoma Valley

Kenwood and Glen Ellen sit right in the middle of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by some of the

county's most respected appellations. Guests staying here are minutes from Russian River

Valley, Carneros, Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley, and the Sonoma Valley floor. That central

position means more time tasting and less time in transit, making these villages an ideal starting

point for a wine country day.

A True Wine Country Experience

Unlike larger Sonoma County cities, Kenwood and Glen Ellen offer an intimate, unhurried wine

country atmosphere. Visitors can walk to tasting rooms, enjoy vineyard views from their hotel

porch, and dine at restaurants where the chef knows the farmer. For guests looking for an

authentic Sonoma Valley experience, these villages deliver something special.

Convenient Pickup Options

Sonoma Wine Rides offers pickup from Kenwood and Glen Ellen hotels, inns, vacation rentals,

and businesses. This gives guests a stress-free way to start the day, especially along the narrow,

scenic roads of upper Sonoma Valley where parking at popular wineries can be limited.

Kenwood & Glen Ellen Lodging

Kenwood and Glen Ellen offer a curated selection of boutique inns, luxury retreats, and

charming bed and breakfasts that reflect the character of Sonoma Valley.

Kenwood Inn & Spa – A Mediterranean-style luxury inn set on over two acres of vineyards and

gardens along Sonoma Highway. Known for its spa, pool, and adults-only tranquility, it is one of

Sonoma Valley's most acclaimed retreats.

Olea Hotel – An adults-only boutique hotel in Glen Ellen featuring garden cottages, a heated

pool and hot tub, complimentary gourmet breakfast, and lush grounds shaded by ancient olive

and oak trees.

Gaige House – A luxury inn in Glen Ellen offering refined accommodations, a pool and spa, and

a peaceful setting within walking distance of the village's restaurants and shops.

Beltane Ranch – A historic bed and breakfast set on a working ranch in Glen Ellen, offering

vineyard views, a wraparound porch, and a true Sonoma Valley countryside experience.

Jack London Lodge – A comfortable and convenient lodging option in the heart of Glen Ellen,

within easy reach of Jack London State Historic Park, local restaurants, and tasting rooms.

Glen Ellen Inn Secret Cottages – Cozy individual cottages in Glen Ellen, each with a fireplace

and spa tub, offering a private and romantic wine country stay.

Kenwood & Glen Ellen Restaurants

Kenwood and Glen Ellen offer some of the best dining in Sonoma Valley, with restaurants that

emphasize local ingredients, seasonal menus, and a relaxed wine country atmosphere.

Glen Ellen Star – A Michelin-recognized restaurant in Glen Ellen known for inventive wood-fired

California cuisine. Chef Ari Weiswasser's menu draws crowds from across the region.

Reservations recommended.

The Fig Cafe & Wine Bar – A beloved Glen Ellen dining spot offering French-inspired comfort

food in a casual, welcoming setting on Arnold Drive.

Salt & Stone – A Kenwood favorite voted Sonoma County's best seafood and outdoor dining,

offering California wine country cuisine in a beautifully renovated historic roadhouse on

Sonoma Highway.

Palooza Brewery & Gastropub – A fun Kenwood spot serving upscale pub food, in-house

beers, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizza, with outdoor seating and games.

Stella – Kenwood's newest restaurant, offering handmade Italian pastas and regional Italian

dishes in a warm, inviting setting on Sonoma Highway. A rising star in the local dining scene.

The Mill at Glen Ellen – A restaurant set in the historic grist mill of Jack London Village, with a

creative menu and a beautiful patio overlooking Sonoma Creek.

Things to Do in Kenwood & Glen Ellen

Kenwood and Glen Ellen offer far more than wine tasting. Visitors can explore state parks,

botanical gardens, local art, live theater, and the rich history of one of California's most storied

valleys.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Jack London State Historic Park – The crown jewel of Glen Ellen. Explore the ruins of Wolf

House, the House of Happy Walls museum, Jack London's cottage, and miles of hiking and

horseback riding trails across the author's former Beauty Ranch. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – Located just outside Kenwood, this park offers over 25 miles of

trails through redwood groves, grasslands, and scenic ridges. It includes the headwaters of

Sonoma Creek and a stunning 25-foot waterfall after winter rains. Camping is available with 47

family-sized sites.

Sonoma Valley Regional Park – A popular park along Highway 12 near Glen Ellen, known for its

oak-shaded trails, the Valley of the Moon Trail, and seasonal wildflower displays. A great option

for a morning walk before a wine tour.

Sonoma Botanical Garden – Formerly Quarryhill Botanical Garden, this 25-acre garden near

Glen Ellen is home to one of the largest collections of wild-source Asian plants in North America.

Open daily, with special Acoustic Sunset evenings on Wednesdays.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Benziger Family Winery – More than just a tasting room, Benziger offers one of the most

popular vineyard tours in Sonoma County. Their Biodynamic Tractor Tram Tour takes guests

through the estate to learn about sustainable and biodynamic farming practices.

Jack London Village – A small collection of shops, restaurants, and galleries in the heart of Glen

Ellen, set along Sonoma Creek in a historic mill setting.

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and Kenwood & Glen Ellen

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, also known as STS, is approximately 20 miles

northwest of Kenwood and Glen Ellen. The airport serves as a convenient arrival point for

visitors flying into Sonoma County, with connections from cities across the western United

States. From STS, guests can reach Kenwood or Glen Ellen in about 30 to 40 minutes, making air

travel a practical option for a Sonoma Valley wine country getaway.

Why Choose Sonoma Wine Rides in Kenwood & Glen Ellen

Kenwood and Glen Ellen are among the most scenic and rewarding places to experience

Sonoma Valley wine country. Their central location, world-class wineries, outstanding

restaurants, and rich history make them an exceptional base for wine tasting. With Sonoma

Wine Rides, guests enjoy convenient pickup from their Kenwood or Glen Ellen accommodation

and a guided, stress-free day exploring the best vineyards and tasting rooms the valley has to

offer.

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a group celebration, or simply a day of great

wine and beautiful scenery, Kenwood and Glen Ellen offer the authentic Sonoma Valley

experience.

Kenwood & Glen Ellen Wine Tours FAQ

Where does Sonoma Wine Rides pick up in Kenwood and Glen Ellen?

Sonoma Wine Rides picks up from hotels, inns, vacation rentals, and businesses in both

Kenwood and Glen Ellen. Popular pickup locations include Kenwood Inn & Spa, Olea Hotel,

Gaige House, Jack London Lodge, and Beltane Ranch.

What wine regions can I visit from Kenwood and Glen Ellen?

Kenwood and Glen Ellen are located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, providing direct access to

Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain, and Bennett Valley wineries. Russian River Valley, Carneros,

and Dry Creek Valley are also within easy touring distance.

How far are Kenwood and Glen Ellen from STS airport?

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is approximately 20 miles northwest of the Kenwood

and Glen Ellen area. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

What is there to do in Kenwood and Glen Ellen besides wine tasting?

Visitors can explore Jack London State Historic Park, hike at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, visit

Sonoma Botanical Garden, enjoy Broadway Under the Stars performances, dine at Michelin-

recognized restaurants, and browse the shops and galleries of Jack London Village.

What types of tours does Sonoma Wine Rides offer from Kenwood and Glen Ellen?

Guests staying in Kenwood or Glen Ellen can choose from join-in group tours, private wine tours,

and food and wine pairing tours. All tours include pickup from your accommodation or a

convenient meeting point in the area.

SONOMA WINE RIDES