Visit Sonoma: Wine Tasting, Dining & Things to Do

Welcome to Sonoma — one of the most iconic and inviting towns in California wine country. With its historic plaza, charming downtown, boutique lodging, walkable tasting rooms, and relaxed atmosphere, Sonoma offers visitors a complete wine country experience with plenty to enjoy before and after a day of touring.

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Staying in Sonoma? Sonoma Wine Rides offers pickup from Sonoma hotels, vacation rentals, and local businesses — so you can enjoy a full day of wine tasting without worrying about driving or parking.

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Why Stay in Sonoma

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A Classic Sonoma Valley Home Base​

Sonoma is one of the best places in the region to use as a home base for wine tasting. The city combines history, charm, walkability, and a true wine country atmosphere, making it especially appealing for couples, weekend visitors, and travelers looking for a more intimate experience than larger destinations.

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Visitors can spend time around the Sonoma Plaza, enjoy tasting rooms and restaurants on foot, and still have easy access to nearby wineries and scenic backroads. That balance makes Sonoma especially attractive for guests who want both convenience and character.

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Easy Access to Sonoma Valley and Beyond​

Staying in Sonoma gives visitors excellent access to the Sonoma Valley wine region, one of the county’s best-known tasting areas. Depending on the itinerary, guests can also explore nearby parts of Carneros, Bennett Valley, and other surrounding wine country destinations.

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This makes Sonoma a strong choice for guests who want a relaxed and scenic day centered around classic Sonoma County wine tasting.

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Simple Pickup Options​

Sonoma Wine Rides offers pickup from Sonoma hotels, vacation rentals, and businesses within the city. For many guests, a convenient meeting point is in front of Sonoma City Hall on the plaza, which is also one of the closest pickup points for visitors coming from Napa or American Canyon.

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Parking around the Sonoma Plaza is limited and many spaces are restricted to short time limits, which is not ideal for a wine tour that may last up to six hours. Guests meeting in Sonoma should use the free city parking lot behind Sonoma Cheese Company, just north of the square, which is only a short walk to the pickup point.

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Sonoma Lodging​

Sonoma offers a variety of excellent places to stay, from boutique inns and historic properties to luxury resorts and comfortable hotels. Lodging in Sonoma works especially well for guests who want walkability, charm, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms.

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• Inn at Sonoma – A charming boutique inn near Sonoma Plaza, ideal for guests who want a comfortable and highly walkable stay in the heart of town.

• The Lodge at Sonoma – A luxury Sonoma resort and spa within walking distance of Sonoma Plaza, known for its upscale setting and wine country feel.

• Sonoma Valley Inn – A convenient and relaxed option near the plaza, well located for guests who want easy access to downtown Sonoma.

• Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – An iconic luxury resort in the Sonoma area, known for its historic character, spa experience, and upscale wine country atmosphere.

 

Sonoma Restaurants​

Sonoma is known for its strong food scene, with everything from relaxed cafés and wine bars to destination restaurants and elegant Wine Country dining. Guests can enjoy memorable meals before or after their Sonoma Wine Rides experience, often within easy walking distance of downtown lodging.

• the girl & the fig – One of Sonoma’s best-known restaurants, located near the plaza and known for seasonal Wine Country dining and a strong Rhône-focused wine list.

• El Molino Central – A popular Sonoma favorite for Mexican cuisine, known for its flavorful menu and casual local appeal.

• Wit & Wisdom – A polished dining option in Sonoma with a refined Wine Country setting and an upscale feel.

• Sunflower Caffé – A longtime Sonoma favorite known for fresh California cuisine and a charming garden-style atmosphere.

 

Things to Do in Sonoma​​

​Sonoma offers more than wine tasting. The city is built around the largest plaza in California,

and visitors can spend hours exploring the shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants

that line the square. A few highlights for visitors spending time in Sonoma before or after a

wine tour:

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Sonoma Plaza – The heart of the city and a California Historical Landmark. Stroll the shaded

paths, enjoy a picnic on the lawn, or browse the boutique shops and tasting rooms

surrounding the square.

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Sonoma State Historic Park – Explore Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of California's 21

missions, along with the Sonoma Barracks and other preserved historic sites within walking

distance of the plaza.

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Depot Park Museum – A small community museum near the plaza showcasing Sonoma's

history, from its early days through the wine country era.

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Cycling and Walking – Sonoma's flat terrain and quiet side streets make it ideal for leisurely

walks or bike rides through nearby vineyards and residential neighborhoods.

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Lachryma Montis (General Vallejo's Home) – The preserved 1850 home of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, commander of the northern Mexican frontier and founder of the Pueblo of Sonoma. Part of Sonoma State Historic Park and located just a short walk from the plaza, the estate offers a window into early California history and the role Sonoma played in the state's founding.

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad – A beloved family attraction located just one mile south of Sonoma Plaza. TrainTown features a quarter-scale railroad with four miles of track, 20-minute rides through tunnels and over bridges, a petting zoo, vintage amusement rides, and free general admission and parking. Open weekends year-round and daily during summer.

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Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and Sonoma

​Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, also known as STS, is located in the heart of Wine Country and offers visitors a convenient alternative to the larger Bay Area airports. Sonoma Valley is about 22.7 miles from the airport area, making STS a practical option for guests traveling to Sonoma for a wine country getaway.

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STS is known for a more relaxed arrival experience, with shorter lines and easier access to ground transportation than many larger airports. For guests flying in for a weekend trip or short stay, this can make the start of a Sonoma wine tour feel much easier and less stressful.

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Wine Tour Pickup from Sonoma

Sonoma is one of the most rewarding places to explore with Sonoma Wine Rides because it combines history, charm, walkability, and access to outstanding wine country experiences. Guests can stay in town, enjoy local restaurants and tasting rooms, and spend the day visiting wineries without the hassle of driving.

Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a weekend in wine country, or a relaxing trip with friends or family, Sonoma offers a memorable setting for a well-paced and enjoyable wine tasting experience.