Sonoma Valley: A Wine Country Day Trip from San Francisco

Overview

If Napa is the fancy one, Sonoma is the relaxed one. Lower prices, a walkable town square, a strong food scene, and a less tourist-heavy feel. This is where we send friends who want wine country at a slower pace.

Getting There

About 1 hour from San Francisco via Highway 101. Take the Highway 37 exit for the route through the Sonoma hills. On weekends, leave before 10 AM to beat traffic.

The Town Square

Sonoma Plaza is the center of town. At eight acres, it’s California’s largest town square, surrounded by tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops. You can park once and walk to half a dozen tasting rooms without moving your car.

The Wineries

Buena Vista is California’s oldest commercial winery, founded in 1857. Gundlach Bundschu is a family-owned estate dating to 1858, and Ram’s Gate has modern architecture near the Carneros entrance to the valley. Tastings typically run $25 to $40, noticeably cheaper than Napa.