Santa Rosa Wine Tours

Welcome to Santa Rosa, one of the most convenient and versatile places to begin a Sonoma County wine country getaway. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa offers comfortable lodging, excellent dining, easy freeway access, and a central location for visiting some of the region’s best-known wine areas.

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Sonoma Wine Rides makes it easy to enjoy the best of Santa Rosa and the surrounding vineyards. With pickup available from Santa Rosa hotels, vacation rentals, and businesses, guests can enjoy a relaxed and memorable wine tasting experience without the stress of driving.

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Why Choose Santa Rosa for Wine Tours

A Convenient Sonoma County Home Base

Santa Rosa is one of the best places in Sonoma County to use as a home base for wine tasting. Its central location makes it easy to reach multiple AVAs, while the city itself offers a wide range of lodging, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions.

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For visitors who want flexibility, convenience, and variety, Santa Rosa is a strong choice. Guests can stay in a full-service hotel, enjoy downtown restaurants and nightlife, and still be just a short drive from some of Sonoma County’s most scenic wine regions.

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Simple Pickup Options

Sonoma Wine Rides offers pickup from Santa Rosa hotels, vacation rentals, and businesses within the city. This makes Santa Rosa especially convenient for visitors who want a straightforward and stress-free start to their wine tasting day.

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With so many accommodations and meeting options available, Santa Rosa works well for couples, friend groups, business travelers, and visitors arriving for a quick weekend in wine country.

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Santa Rosa Lodging

• Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country – A full-service hotel with a central location and convenient access to downtown Santa Rosa.

• Courtyard by Marriott Santa Rosa – A dependable and comfortable option for visitors looking for modern lodging near the city center.

• AC Hotel Santa Rosa Sonoma Wine Country – A stylish and modern hotel in downtown Santa Rosa, ideal for guests who want walkable access to restaurants and nightlife.

• Hotel La Rose – A historic Railroad Square hotel with classic character and a great location for exploring downtown Santa Rosa.

• Hotel E – A boutique downtown property with a polished feel and convenient access to city attractions.

• The Flamingo Resort & Spa – A well-known Santa Rosa resort offering a relaxed and iconic Sonoma County stay.

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• The Gables Wine Country Inn - a premier luxury bed and breakfast set on 3.5 acres in Santa Rosa, featuring an elegantly restored Gothic Victorian mansion built in 1877, a historic redwood barn from 1855, and a small vineyard. Owned and operated by Pam and Larry Willis since 2012, the inn offers nine thoughtfully appointed guest rooms with private baths, many featuring clawfoot soaking tubs. Guests enjoy a gourmet three-course breakfast each morning made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—often grown on the property—making breakfast one of the most celebrated aspects of the inn experience. Located just 20 minutes from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Russian River Valley wineries, The Gables is the perfect romantic retreat and wine country home base.

 

Santa Rosa Restaurants

Santa Rosa has one of the most diverse dining scenes in Sonoma County. Guests can choose from steakhouses, classic local institutions, modern bistros, and casual spots that work well before or after a Sonoma Wine Rides experience.

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• Stark’s Steak & Seafood – A popular Santa Rosa favorite known for steaks, seafood, and a polished supper-club feel.

• La Gare French Restaurant– A longtime local institution serving classic French cuisine in a distinctive and memorable setting.

• Jackson’s Bar and Oven – A downtown favorite with a warm atmosphere and a menu that works well for lunch or dinner.

• Bird & The Bottle – A lively and creative restaurant known for small plates, strong flavors, and a fun social atmosphere.

• Willi’s Wine Bar – A casual and popular choice for small plates, wine, and a relaxed Sonoma County dining experience.

• Sea Thai Bistro – A stylish Santa Rosa favorite offering Thai-inspired dishes in an attractive downtown setting.

 

Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa offers much more than wine tasting. As the largest city in Sonoma County, it gives

visitors a wide range of attractions, outdoor spaces, and cultural experiences to enjoy before

or after a day with Sonoma Wine Rides.

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Charles M. Schulz Museum – A world-class museum dedicated to the life and work of Peanuts

creator Charles M. Schulz, who lived and worked in Santa Rosa for over 30 years. The museum

features original comic strips, rotating exhibitions, a recreation of Schulz's studio, and an

outdoor sculpture garden. Located near the airport at 2301 Hardies Lane, it is open six days a

week (closed Tuesdays).

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Luther Burbank Home & Gardens – A National Historic Landmark honoring famed

horticulturist Luther Burbank. The gardens are open daily with free admission and include

collections of cactus, fruit trees, roses, medicinal herbs, and Burbank's original 1889

greenhouse. Located at the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue.

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Trione-Annadel State Park – A 5,000-acre park on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa with over

45 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A favorite for visitors and

locals who want to experience Sonoma County's natural landscape beyond the vineyards.

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Railroad Square Historic District – Santa Rosa's charming old town, listed on the National

Register of Historic Places. The walkable district features international dining, vintage

shopping, local wine and craft beer, and the 6th Street Playhouse. Easily accessible via Highway

101 and the SMART Train.

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Spring Lake Regional Park – One of Sonoma County's most popular parks, located just

minutes from downtown Santa Rosa. Visitors enjoy swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and

walking trails around the lake, making it a great way to unwind after a day of wine tasting.

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Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and Santa Rosa

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, also known as STS, is located about 7 miles northwest of downtown Santa Rosa. This makes Santa Rosa one of the most convenient places in Sonoma County for visitors flying in for a wine country trip.

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STS is often described as an easier and more relaxed airport experience than larger Bay Area airports, with shorter lines and simpler arrivals. Guests can land, get to their hotel quickly, and begin enjoying Santa Rosa and Sonoma County without a long transfer. That convenience is a major advantage for weekend getaways, short stays, and visitors who want to maximize their time in wine country.

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Why Choose Sonoma Wine Rides in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is one of the most practical and enjoyable places to explore with Sonoma Wine Rides. Guests can stay in a comfortable hotel, dine well, enjoy easy pickup, and reach multiple wine regions without spending too much time in the car.

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Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a trip with friends, or a short Sonoma County escape, Santa Rosa offers comfort, convenience, and excellent access to a memorable wine tasting experience.

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