Quirky and modern, Valley Bar + Bottle is our favorite go-to for a sip and a meal in Sonoma Plaza. (Courtesy of @valleybarandbottle)
Fresh restaurants + recently renovated hotels make downtown Sonoma ripe for a revisit.
13 July
Downtown Sonoma, once the birthplace of the California flag that marked the state's independence from Mexican rule, lures visitors with the charm of its heritage along with all the modern trappings of Wine Country life.
Go for the wine tastings, quirky speciality shops, and restaurants du jour.
Where to Stay in Downtown Sonoma
(Courtesy of The Lodge at Sonoma)
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
On Sonoma’s southern edge, The Lodge, a boutique resort with a luxe spa, welcomes you to town. The hotel and its collection of rooms and cottages are clean-lined and comfortable, with modern art on the walls, warming fireplaces, and botanical bath amenities. The Lodge’s wine cellar-walled Benicia’s Kitchen revels in Latin-inspired cuisine breakfast through dinner while, outside, a horse trailer has been remodeled into a sweet little bar to service the day beds and simple cabanas that line the broad pool deck. A new program just for California residents means you won’t pay an extra cent for morning yoga classes, bikes for tooling around town, daily shuttle service, happy hours hosted by local wineries, passes to nearby FIT gym and Sonoma Splash lap pool, or wine tasting at nearby Sangiacomo Family Wines (21545 Broadway). They’ll even refund you the cost of visiting Jack London State Park, Sonoma Regional Parks, and Sonoma State Historic Parks. With so much to get into (including chef Michael Mina’s Wit & Wisdom next door, see below for more), the Lodge at Sonoma Resort is the rare versatile Wine Country stay that will truly please everyone. // 1325 Broadway, thelodgeatsonoma.com
MacArthur Place
MacArthur Place is within walking distance to the Sonoma Plaza, but once inside, you'll feel far from city life. Set on 300 acres, the inn is home to an 1850s Manor House with 10 country-style rooms (64 total), romantic gardens, lawn sculptures, quiet sitting areas, a life-sized chess board, and heated pool. Dine at the on-site restaurant Layla, have a classic cocktail in the plush bar, or borrow an old school movie from the library. The rooms at MacArthur Place received a glow-up back in 2019; the spa and pool are set to reopen following a remodel in late August 2023. // 29 E. MacArthur St., macarthurplace.com
Ledson Hotel
Sleep like royalty at Sonoma Plaza's extravagant boutique-sized Ledson Hotel, where the guest quarters are larger and have more amenities (fireplaces, whirlpool tubs) than some San Francisco apartments. All six rooms are unique, with wood-carved ceilings and beds, intricate chandeliers, marbled vanities, and plush oriental rugs. We also suggest making the 25 minute drive to Ledson's majestic winery in Kenwood. // 480 First St. East, ledsonhotel.com
Book your stay at the El Dorado Hotel and awake to the tantalizing aromas of one of the town's best restaurants—there are churros for breakfast, hello. Here the country and the city sides of Sonoma County merge in rooms that are rustic yet modern, neutral yet warm, with French doors and private balconies that overlook the Plaza. Catch a siesta by the solar-heated saltwater pool before dinner. // 405 First St. W., eldoradosonoma.com
Downtown Sonoma's Best Restaurants
(Courtesy of @tascatasca)
Tasca Tasca
Valley Bar + Bottle
This spot on historic Sonoma Plaza does it all—a restaurant, wine bar, and bottle shop with coffee and pastries in the morning, lunch on weekdays, brunch on weekends, and dinner nightly—all with an eye toward organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture and sustainability. In dishes like ricotta with roasted stone fruit, zucchini gratin, and steak with mushrooms, Valley’s laidback California home-cooking lets local, seasonal ingredients shine. But it's in wine where Valley most excels. Their extensive collection of low-intervention wines from around the globe are just as good in a glass at the wine bar as they will be out of a bottle back home. For the same quality but with fish shack vibes, check out sister spot Valley Swim Club. // 487 1st St. W., valleybarandbottle.com
Oso
You'll want to make a reservation at Oso, an intimate alcove that's great for date night. Chef/owner David Bush gets creative with flavor combos in everything from shareable plates (Dungeness crab deviled eggs; mole-braised pork shoulder tacos; steamed mussels in a coconut-tamari and lime broth) to cocktails—try the Abuelita (Han Soju fire whiskey, cold brew coffee, and coco powder). // Closed Sunday and Monday 9 East Napa St., ososonoma.com
It's not a proper trip to Sonoma without a meal at this Wine Country institution, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017. The restaurant was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement and still grows much of its own produce and cures all meats in house. Cal-French plates include plenty of namesake figs: Order the starter of duck liver mousse with fig jam on toasted brioche; chocolate-dipped dried figs for dessert; or a Fig Royale. // Open for lunch and dinner daily plus weekend brunch;110 West Spain St., thegirlandthefig.com
Tasca Tasca
This delightful Portuguese tapas and wine bar keeps things simple. Order a tasting plate of three, five, or seven items then load up the board from their list of more than two dozen small plates from garden, land, and sea. Each dish is a miniature masterpiece combining local quality with Portuguese flavors like fried Dungeness crab empadas with chipotle mayo, goat stew with fingerling potatoes, port-braised honeycomb tripe, and shrimp passion fruit ceviche. Sweets like cinnamon flan and chocolate piri-piri ice cream can also be added to the mix or, better yet, ordered on a tasting plate of their own. // 122 W. Napa St., tascatasca.com
El Dorado Kitchen
The seafood paella is a local favorite at El Dorado Kitchen, but you can't go wrong with the housemade fettuccine carbonara or the not-so-plain Petaluma chicken served with tasty and seasonal fixin's. Choose to dine inside the historic 1843 adobe or alfresco beneath the fig trees. // Open for three squares daily;405 First St. W., eldoradosonoma.com
The Red Grape
The owners of this casual, family-run pizza joint created their recipe for crispy thin crust pies almos 20 years ago and have been charming foodies ever since. Order up a side of truffled onion rings and then choose from nearly 20 offerings including the Four on Four (four cheeses, four meats) and Pears and Gorgonzola, one of several delightful spins on the tomato-less white pizza. // Closed Sundays; 529 First St. W., theredgrape.com
Sunflower Caffé
For a quick bite between tastings, grab a table at the casual Sunflower Caffé, inside the original home of Captain Salvador Vallejo (brother of General Vallejo, Sonoma's founder), who reportedly lost the house in a poker game. Now the old place serves seasonal dishes—think smoked duck or avocado pepper jack sandwiches—made with local ingredients. Whatever you order, we're certain it'll pair well with the farmer-approved Bloody Mary, made with organic beet, tomato, and cucumber juices. Craving something sweet? Look for waffles in fun, rotating flavors like apple pie and bananas foster. // Open 8am to 3pm daily; 421 First St. W., sonomasunflower.com
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom is chef Michael Mina’s first Wine Country restaurant, a tavern with a hearth oven at its heart. The California-influenced, classic American cuisine here comes in a wide range—from raw bar and caviar, to wood-fired pizza, to steak with duck fat fries and roasted half chicken. There’s a secret menu too, which, while we cannot tell you its exact nature, does include melt-in-your-mouth rolls served with honey butter. It comes as no surprise that the restaurant’s wine list is extensive, a collection so well curated it was the only one in California to earn both a spot on The World’s Best New Wine Lists and a Wine Spectator award of excellence in 2022. But while Wit & Wisdom is impressive, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Case in point, dessert, which includes childhood favorites like a made-from-scratch candy bar and souffle made of s’mores. // 1325 Broadway, witandwisdomsonoma.com
Folktable
At Cornerstone Sonoma, Folktable sits technically just outside downtown. But with Bib Gourmand bona fides and lush gardens for after-lunch strolls, it's too good not to make the five-minute drive from town. Locally sourced ingredients make their way into colorful, flavorful, and mostly plant-based dishes such as charred eggplant or seared zucchini carpaccio; stone fruit and griddled halloumi; and a French farm omelette or open-faced BLT. Book a table on the back patio. // 23584 Arnold Dr., folktablerestaurant.com
Where to Taste Wine (and a Little Beer) in Downtown Sonoma
(Courtesy of @hopmonksonoma)
HopMonk Tavern
Three Sticks
The Vallejo-Castenada adobe—the longest-occupied residence remaining from California's Mexican Period (1822-1846)—got the magic treatment from San Francisco interior designer Ken Fulk, who transformed the historic interior into an enchanting space for tasting Three Sticks' primo chardonnay and pinot noir, sourced from some of the top vineyards in Sonoma County. // Reservation required;143 W. Spain St., threestickswines.com
Want a taste of some of the best pinot noir in all of California? Sojourn Cellars' Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir regularly receives top honors. It's not too surprising, as Sojourn has a reputation for producing stellar, single vineyard pinots, which can be sipped side-by-side in an intimate tasting. They also pour excellent Sonoma County chardonnay and some Napa cab in a country-chic cottage. If you've been here before, use this year's launch of Sojourn Brut sparkling wine as an excuse for a revisit. // Tastings by appointment 10am to 5pm;141 East Napa St., soujourncellars.com
This bubbly bar feels like a New Year's Eve party all year long. The luxe location off Sonoma Plaza pours local sparkling wines, but the real treat is the chance to try Champagnes and bubblies from around the world. Pair with fancy cheeses and caviar, and look out for the occasional live music set and Monday trivia nights. // Seatings are first come first served beginning at noon daily;120 West Napa St., sighsonoma.com
Kamen
Kamen Wines represents the second career of screenwriter/producer Robert Mark Kamen, who brought us The Karate Kid. Back in 1980, Kamen bought property in Sonoma and began to grow mountain cabernet sauvignon, eventually starting his own wine label. The only decoration in his sleek, minimalistic tasting room is a series of quotes from his famous films above the bar. Wax on, wax off, drink up. // Open daily for flight tastings ($25 and $50); 111B East Napa St., kamenwines.com
Walt Wines
Taste your way through California at Walt, which makes chardonnay and pinot noir sourced from vineyards that span 1,000 miles of California coast, making for a diverse portfolio of wines that showcase the terroir of each region along with their distinct flavor characteristics. Walt is the sister winery to Napa Valley's Hall Wines, but the vibe here is considerably toned down. More fitting for Sonoma, Walt tastings go down in a charming country house where the best seats are on the patio. // 10:30am to 5:30pm, reservations recommended; 380 First St. W., waltwines.com
Corner 103
Named simply for its address, Corner 103 strips down the oft-intimidating tasting experience into something more relaxing, fun, and educational. Owner Lloyd Davis, formerly of the much larger Viansa Winery, wanted to do something different, without the crowds. Here you'll find no bar (all tastings are done comfortably seated), and there are no stupid questions. Opt for flights with artisan cheese or light bite pairings. // 11am to 5pm daily for groups up to four people, by appointment;103 W. Napa St., corner103.com
Pangloss Cellars
With 4,000 square feet to work with, Pangloss has a tasting experience to match every mood. Saddle up to the bar for a classic tasting ($30/five wines), sip wines with light bites in the cozy lounge, or head to the cellar for immersive journeys into Pangloss' portfolio of Rhone varietals and Moon Mountain District appellation wines. Not too long ago, Pangloss completed a painstaking restoration of their gorgeous, 1902 building featuring the original redwood and stone walls. // Reservations required;35 East Napa St., panglosscellars.com
Obsidian Wine Co.
It’s true that Obsidian specializes in wines derived from the rich volcanic soil at the northern edge of the Mayacamas Range, but that’s only part of their story. Because Obsidian isn’t just a winery: it’s an adventure company with a wine obsession. Sip velvety estate-grown malbecs, spicy syrahs, and floral cabernet sauvignon at their “base camp” tasting room in downtown Sonoma. By the time you’ve drained your last glass, you’ll be signing up for one of Obsidian’s excursions, wine-driven experiences that include sailing the Bay, riding their vineyard on horseback, and touring the Mayacamas by seaplane. // 441 1st St. W., obsidianwineco.com
When you've had enough wine, you can drink all the beer at HopMonk Tavern. The 15-beer tap list includes a mix of HopMonk's own brews, as well as some from the West's top brewhouses—Lagunitas, Dogfish, and Drake's to name a few. Head there for "hoppy hour" or a nightcap in the massive beer garden complete with a fire pit and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. // Opens at 11am daily; 691 Broadway, hopmonk.com
Things to Do in Sonoma: Food Tours, Hiking + More
(Courtesy of @sonomaadventures)
For Weekend Warriors
Sonoma State Historic Park
Today Sonoma is best known for its world-class wines, but the town has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s when it played a pivotal role in California's declaration of freedom from Mexican rule. Get the full story at Sonoma State Historic Park, where admission ($3) gets you access to six historical sites including the Mission San Francisco Solano. // 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays; 20 East Spain St., parks.sonoma.net
Sonoma Adventures
Meet up with Sonoma Adventures for a half- or full-day guided bike tour through Wine Country including stops at wineries, a picnic lunch and, for full-day tourists, a tasting at Vella Cheese Company. You can also rent bikes for a choose-your-own adventure. // 1254 Broadway, sonoma-adventures.com
Sonoma Overlook Trail
A trip to Sonoma can mean maximum food and wine, and very little exercise. If it's balance you seek, find the trailhead at Mountain Cemetery, just a few blocks from the Plaza, and explore old Native American hunting grounds. The leisurely, three-mile Overlook Trail hike is beloved for its accessibility and panoramic views of Sonoma Valley; look for longer and more rigorous trails at the adjacent Montini Open Space Preserve. // First St. W. and Mountain Overlook Trail, overlookmontini.org
For Foodies
Sonoma Food Tour
Food makes everything, even history class, better. That's why we love the idea of discovering Sonoma's heritage while hopping around its local eateries, specialty shops, and tasting rooms. Book the Original Sonoma Food, Wine & History Tour ($149/person) for a delicious three-hour stroll around town. // 11am to 2pm Thursday through Saturday by reservation at least two hours in advance; sonomafoodtour.com
Figone's Olive Oil Company
Olive oil is the new wine at Figone's, where you can taste an array of EVOOs in sundry flavors including white truffle mushroom, sun-dried tomato and blood orange, as well as aged balsamic vinegars. Figone's olive mill is located a bit outside of town, but it's worth the trip for a tour of one of the few mills that opens to the public during crush time. // Tastings ($30/person) available with advance reservation; 483 First St. W., figoneoliveoil.com
The Vella family has been making cheese, including their signature high-moisture jack, behind the stone walls of their downtown Sonoma factory since 1931. Sadly they don't do public tours, but you can stop by to sample Italian-style cheeses, cheddars and salami. // 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday;315 Second St. E., vellacheese.com
Sonoma’s Specialty Shops + Spas
(Courtesy of @botanyzhi)
House of Botanicals
House of Botanicals
Sonoma’s newest plant specialists, this gorgeous shop on Broadway is all golden mirrors, streaming light, and greenery of every shape and size. Build your own indoor jungle or let owner Lewis Deng help design the oxygen-rich interior of your dreams. // 520 Broadway, hofbsonoma.com
Chateau Sonoma
While this Francophile's dream keeps changing its address, the shabby-chic shop specializing in French antiques, mostly to do with the home and garden, has been a fixture of downtown Sonoma for decades. Also shop curated bath and body products and elevated pantry items. // 453 1st St. W., chateausonoma.com
The Spa at Kenwood Inn
In nearby Kenwood, this hotel property is all faux-Italianate in style, but the recently renovated spa serves up authentic Wine Country luxury and truly quality massages. The hearth-warmed couples treatment room and an upstairs relaxation lounge make this poolside retreat perfect for dates. // 10400 Sonoma Hwy (Kenwood), kenwoodinn.com/spa
On your way out of downtown, pull over at Sonoma Roadside, a welcoming collective of businesses. Shop quirky locally crafted gifts (need a bonnet for your cat?), snarky greeting cards, soaps, and preserves at Fat Pilgrim General Store and then head next door to Harvest Home, the San Francisco design shop known for Wine Country–chic furniture and antiques. Taste wine with Three Fat Guys. // 20820 Broadway (Sonoma), sonomaroadside.com
Tiddle E. Winks Vintage 5 & Dime
Like a real-life vintage Etsy shop full of fun, classic items that'll add a pop of color, humor, and nostalgia to your home. But don't be fooled by the name. This is still California's Wine Country, where nothing is 10 cents, but your new Crazy Cat Lady dinner tray will be worth every penny. //115 E. Napa St., tiddleewinks.com
Global Heart Fair Trade
You can feel good spending your money at Global Heart, which sells fairly traded goods—think colorful scarves, home decor, and trinkets—made by artisans from all over the world. The vibrant downtown store places a focus on global outreach and awareness too; sales of their handmade cards help victims of sex trafficking and landmines. // 423 First St. W., globalheartfairtrade.com
The Candlestick
California's largest specialty candle store has been making homes smell wicked amazing since the 1950s. Browse this whimsical shop and stock up on candles of all kinds for every season. // 38 W. Spain St., thecandlestick.com
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