Exploring Sonoma

There’s nothing quite like it!

Exploring Sonoma

Visiting our home goes far beyond finding incredible wines. Western Sonoma County is home to towering Redwood forests that take your breath away. Farther west, Highway 1 puts you on the rugged North Coast and the Pacific Ocean. Artisans and farmers of all things reside here. We have resorts, spas and a food scene to die for.

We’re partial, of course, to The Barlow in Sebastopol, where the MacPhail Tasting [email protected] Barlow fits right in with this growing community of chefs, vintners and artisans who work side by side. Check out The Barlow here.

To discover more about Sonoma stop by our Visit Sonoma partners. Theyhave the latest scoops for planning a great visit.

But we do have our staff favorites.  Here are just a few.

Places To Stay:

Farmhouse Inn

P: 800.464.6642 | Email : [email protected]

A luxury, farmhouse-style inn nestled off River Road in the Russian River Valley. Their Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, and top-notch concierge staff deliver the best that wine country has to offer

The Raford Inn

P: 800.887.9503 | Email : [email protected]

Overlooking vineyards, this elegant, traditional B&B in the Russian River Valley occupies a grand Plantation-style house dating from 1880. Say hello to the proprietors, Rita & Dane, for us!

The Gables Wine Country Inn

P: 707.585.7777 | Email : [email protected]

This premier luxury inn in Santa Rosa offers a relaxed country experience, large guest rooms, and an exceptional breakfast. We know that Pam & Larry, the owners, will help make your stay relaxing and fun.

Hotel Healdsburg

P: 707.431.2800 | Email : [email protected]

Located in Healdsburg’s downtown plaza, in the Dry Creek Valley, this hotel has everything going for it! So much so that we don’t even know where to start, so just check it out. They also host one of our favorite events of the year, Pigs & Pinot, every March..

Amy’s Local BNB

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7601685

Nestled among huge fir trees in a quiet neighborhood a short walk from downtown Sebastopol. With a full kitchen, you can enjoy the comforts of a meal cooked “at home” from the local farmer’s market, or walk to superb local eateries..

Tranquil Wine-Country Retreat

http://bit.ly/2szx7R7

Located on a secluded Sonoma County wine country estate. The spacious, 460-square-foot suite is on the ground floor of a home at the end of a private lane. Enjoy the stars at night and bright, sunny days in this quiet rural setting with views of vineyards out your window.

Places To Taste:

The Hess Collection Winery

P: 707.255.1144 | Email : [email protected]

If you’re planning a day of tasting in Napa our sister winery, The Hess Collection on Mount Veeder, is a must-visit! Hess features tasting options that include wine and food pairings and tours. Members of our Red Wagon Wine Society receive complimentary basic tastings! While you’re there you can also explore The Hess Art Collection, featuring one of America’s most notable private contemporary art collections. Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Martin Ray Winery

P: 707.823.2404 | Email : [email protected]

The name Martin Ray resonates deeply with those well-versed in the history of California wine. Since 2003, Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery has made its home in the heart of the Russian River Valley at one of the oldest continually working wineries in California. The winery and vineyard are located just beyond the eastern border of the Russian River’s coolest, foggiest sub-AVA, the Green Valley. Open Daily 10am to 5pm.

Emeritus Vineyards

P: 707.823.9463 | Email : [email protected]

Just down the road from us, Emeritus recently opened their tasting room, right next to their winery and vineyard, the Hallberg Ranch Estate. Tastings and Tours are available daily, appointments preferred, from 10am to 4:00pm.

Red Car

P: 707.829.8500 | Email : [email protected]

Red Car’s stylish tasting room is a great stop for anyone seeking out leaner wines from the cooler, coastal regions. They are open daily from 10am to 5pm and they are neighbors with Dutton Goldfield Winery, which we also recommend!

Where To Eat:

Vignette Pizzeria

P: 707.861.3897 | Email : [email protected]

Chef Mark Hopper opened Vignette across the street from our Tasting Lounge the same week we opened in 2014! We love visiting Vignette for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Wood-fired pizza is the focus, and it’s to die for, but they also feature some of our favorite salads and appetizers.

K&L Bistro

P: 707.823.6614

This has long been one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Sebastopol, located just a few blocks from our Tasting Lounge. Karen & Lucas, the owners, never fail to deliver a top-notch bistro style menu. They also have our favorite happy hour in town, from 3 to 6pm every day.

Zazu

P: 707.523.4814 | Email : [email protected]

Also located in The Barlow with us, Zazu is a pork-centric “snout to tail” restaurant operated by well-known, hands-on chef partners Duskie Estes and John Stewart. It really doesn’t get much more farm to table than Zazu; John and Duskie oversee their own farm, picking just what’s in season for their menu, and also raise and cure their own meats.

Handline 

P: 707.827.3744 | [email protected]

This new restaurant from the owners of well-known local restaurant Peter Lowell’s has proven to be an instant favorite! Housed in a repurposed Foster’s Freeze, it offers a modern take on order at the counter service, and a menu featuring fresh local ingredients including fresh from the coast oysters and seafood.

Tour Drivers:

Randall’s Wine Tours

P: 707.888.1551 | Email : [email protected]

Whatever your wine preferences, Randall uses his expertise and passion to personally customize each wine tour. He can set up all appointments, including wineries so exclusive they are known only to industry insiders. Whether you are new to the wine world or a seasoned wine lover, we think you’ll love Randall!

Woody’s Wine Tours

P: 707.396.8235 | [email protected]

Woody’s Wine Tours is where your wine fun begins! With over a decade of experience, they will prepare your itinerary to be as unique as you are. Whether you are looking for an intimate tasting with a wine maker, a vineyard tour, or a grand scale view, they provide exceptional service and strive to exceed expectations.

Fun Things To Do:

Sonoma Canopy Tours

P: 888.494.7868 | Email : [email protected]

Need a thrill? Sonoma Canopy Tours features two unique courses with zip lines, bridges and rappels for most ages and abilities. You’ll love the panoramic forest views and deep ravines.

Armstrong Woods

P: 707.869.2015

We recommend a peaceful afternoon walk through the redwoods of Armstrong Woods in Guerneville, which includes remnants of the redwood forests that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century.

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