Our Faves

Below is a curated list of all our favorite spots to Eat, Sip, and Play in Sonoma (and Napa) Wine Country.

Where to Eat

the girl & the fig

"Country Food with a French Passion". One of our favorite restaurants and the location of one of our first dates! 

Ian's Choice: Milk + Cookies

Glen Ellen Star

Wood-fired cooking with local seasonal flavor. Definitely worth the stop, but be sure to make reservations in advance! This is also who will be catering our wedding! 

Kinzie's Choice: Vanilla Maple Bourbon Ice Cream

El Molina Central

Homey spot for tacos, tamales & tostadas.

Kinzie's Choice: Roasted Butternut Poblano Chile Vegetable Tamales

Layla Restaurant

A comfortable, sophisticated, “Mediterranean kitchen” dining experience featuring healthy, organic options, fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, and an open, communal vibe.

Kinzie's Choice: Omelette with creamy Boursin cheese, fresh herbs, and mixed lettuces. Ian's Choice: Olive Oil Pancakes with strawberries, whipped butter, and vanilla syrup

Mini Model Bakery (Yountville)

These breakfast sandwiches on the world-famous Model Bakery English muffins have made The ‘O’ List (Oprah's Favorites) TWICE!

Ian's Choice: Breakfast Sausage Sandwich

Bouchon Bakery (Yountville)

Classic French boulangerie, the bakery features a wide selection of artisanal breads and classic desserts inspired by Chef Keller’s memories of life in France, as well as his own childhood in the United States.

Sunflower Caffé

Artsy cafe with seasonal and locally-sourced breakfast and lunch. Worth the wait!

Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream

This mother-daughter creamery uses only fresh, local ingredients to create flavors driven by wine country influences (think Cabernet Fig) alongside classic favorites like the Oreo Salted Caramel - and made fresh daily!

Where to Sip

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards | Sparkling Wine

Start your day with a glass of sparkling wine and an incredible view of Carneros from the Vista Terrace. You won't be disappointed with this morning routine.

Our Choice: Classic Carneros Tasting Experience

Ram's Gate Winery | Pinots & Chardonnays

"The gateway to wine country." Nestled just on the border of Sonoma Valley and on the way from San Francisco, this winery is the perfect place to press pause and soak in the California wine country lifestyle.

Our Choice: 2018 Bush-Crispo Pinot Noir

Saintsbury Winery (Napa)| Pinots & Chardonnays

Technically in Napa, this winery is just too delicious and just close enough to not include on the list!

Our Choice: Stanly Ranch Pinot Noir

Patz & Hall | Pinots & Chardonnays

Located just north of the Eighth Street wineries, within biking distance of Sonoma Square, The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall offers acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs to enjoy as you look out over vineyards tucked along the edge of the Mayacamas Mountains.

Viansa Winery | Italian & Sonoma Varietals

"Tuscan-born, Sonoma-raised." Stop by between 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. to pair your pours with our favorite wood-fired pizza in all of Sonoma.

Our Choice: The 'za!

Talisman Wines | Pinot Noirs

Love pinots? Stop by the Glen Ellen tasting room for a customizable tasting experience to find your fave style of pinot! P.S. It's within walking distance from all the hotels in Glen Ellen!

Kunde Family Winery

Our wedding venue! We've been members here since our first trip to Sonoma, the summer we met. We've since brought friends, family, and now you to experience Kunde's beautiful property and wines. Elle has experienced Kunde's quarterly dog hike and has swum in nearly every pond on the property! 

Our Choice: Red Dirt Red

Gundlach Bundschu

Just 5 minutes from Sonoma Plaza, GunBun is great for outdoor picnic-style seating and sipping wine in the Sonoma sunshine.

Clif Family Winery (Napa)

Clif bar? Yup! Clif Family Winery Tasting Room has a cool cycling vibe, the Bruschetteria food truck on-site, and good wines!

Where to Play

Jack London State Historic Park

Located in Glen Ellen, Jack London State Park is the home of author Jack London.  Walk, hike, mountain bike at Jack London.

Ian's Favorite Trail: Sonoma Ridge & Vineyard Trail.

Kinzie's Favorite Trail:  Red Hill Road. 

Elle's Favorite Trail: Carolyn Day Trail

North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Preserve

The Ridge Trail begins in the ferns and redwoods on the south fork of Matanzas Creek, then climbs to nearly 2,000 feet through forests of oaks and bay laurels and treats hikers to stunning views of peaks surrounding Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley.

Trione-Annadel State Park

Hiking, mountain biking, and great wildflowers from early Spring thru early Summer.

*We hammock-camped here once with Martin & Kelly... not Kinzie's preferred wine country accommodations.

Wine Country Bikes

The quintessential wine country bike tour. Casual riding on beautiful roads, visits to a few gorgeous wineries, a great guide, amazing picnic lunch- one of those daydream days!