A Weekend in {Sonoma Valley}
Outdoor Adventure in Wine Country
Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley’s less pretentious next-door neighborhood, has long been a world-famous wine destination. While wine is always at the forefront, the valley’s landscape lends itself to hiking, biking, and paddling in between wine tastings.
Friday
Start the weekend with a farm and garden tour at the family owned DaVero Farm and Winery. What began as an olive orchard has morphed into a full-fledged farm, complete with hens, sheep, pigs, herb and vegetable gardens, and a Meyer lemon tree orchard. While taking a farm tour, guests can learn all about DaVero’s biodynamic farming practices, explore the gardens and sample their wide array of natural Italian wines, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette.
For dinner, head to downtown Healdsburg. The historic downtown square has all the charm of small town America with all the culinary delights of a sophisticated foodie-destination. Farm-to-table restaurants are the norm here. One of the best is Spoon Bar. Dine on the back garden patio and choose between Moroccan Spice Marinated Chicken, Korean Fried Chicken, or Maple Leaf Duck Duo.
Saturday
Spend the better part of the day at the one of the area’s premier wine estates: Jordan Winery. Start with the winery’s four mile hike that weaves around fields of Chardonnay grapevines, through meadows and up to a hilltop to take in a panoramic view of the 1,200-acre ranch, multiple wine regions, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Once back down to the ivy-covered yellow-stone chateau, end the hike with a charcuterie picnic al fresco on the winery’s terrace. Under the shade of oak trees, enjoy freshly baked bread, house marinated olives, local meats and cheese paired with Jordan Chardonnay or Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon which is modeled after the classic French Bordeaux and considered one of the best Cabs in the region.
Switch out the French-inspired winery for a Spanish-inspired dinner in downtown Healdsburg. Sit on the patio of the charming Bravas Bar de Tapas, a bungalow-turned-tapas-restaurant, and sip Sangria as plates of Iberia ham, clams steamed in Cava, and paella arrive table-side.
Sunday
Break out those tennis shoes again for a day of cycling, sipping, paddling, and eating.
Start with an eight-mile ride along Westside Road in the heart of the scenic Russian River Valley. Bike the quiet country road as it meanders past meadows of wildflowers, old-wooden barns, endless fields of grapes, and, of course, wineries. An easy stop is at the historic Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate. Grapes have been growing on the land since the late 1800s. Enjoy a glass of their famous Chardonnay. If in the mood for a red, further up the road is Gracianna, a small family winery overlooking the Russian River Valley known for its Pinot Noir.
In the afternoon, head to Russian River with a kayak and spend a few hours floating down the gentle river. While passing old vineyards on the edge of the water, keep your eyes open to spot ospreys, bald eagles, great blue herons, and otters.
After a weekend full of wine, end the trip at the craft cocktail haven Duke’s along the Healdsburg square.
Where to Stay
While visiting France is not an option just yet, staying at Les Mars Hotel might be the next best thing. The French-style 16-room chateau evokes Parisian charm with its 17th century antiques, four-poster beds, and daily in-room delivery of freshly baked French pastries.
