Valley of Adventures

6 Winter Experiences in Sonoma Valley

01.10.2019

1) Waterfalls & Early Wildflowers

Hikes abound in the valley, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has a hidden waterfall that’s especially good after winter rains. Reach it on a short hike through a forest and keep an eye out for some early blooms, like the popcorn wildflower.

2) Sonoma Valley Delicious

Recognized as one of California’s premier culinary destinations, Sonoma Valley is a foodie’s dream (yep, it’s not just the wines winning all the accolades!). The month of January celebrates all things epicurean in Sonoma, and that means you get awesome offers, including prix fixe menus, curated food and wine pairings, signature dishes and cocktails, and more at restaurants, tasting rooms, and wineries! Sonoma Valley Delicious runs January 1–31, 2019. For more inspiration, check out these 10 Memorable Culinary Experiences in Sonoma Valley.

3) Roll Out the Vineyards

Rent a bike and pedal around the historic plaza and beyond. Quiet bike trails and roads lead to historic wineries, like California’s first premium winery, Buena Vista. Make it a point to pedal to some newer tasting rooms like Bedrock Wine Co. in the historic General Hooker House, brought to life by Morgan Twain-Peterson. You can also do a guided bike tour for a more in-depth experience and a yummy lunch.

4) Museum Among the Redwoods

Jack London State Park has a completely modernized interactive museum. The House of Happy Walls has 22 new exhibits featuring the adventurous life of one of America’s most celebrated authors, Jack London, and his wife, Charmian. Take the short hike from the museum to the ruins of London’s dream home, which mysteriously burned down.

5) Secret Garden

Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Sonoma Valley is one of the pre-eminent Asian botanical gardens in the world thanks to its expansive collection of Asian plants. Stroll its 25 acres and marvel at the scenery and the solitude of this oasis hidden above the rolling hills of Sonoma Valley.

6) Craft Beer & Spirits

Beer and spirits in wine country only work if the craft behind them is truly artisan, grounded locally, and oh so tasty! Venture off Sonoma’s historic plaza to Sonoma Springs Brewing Co. They have refreshing IPAs and Kölsches, along with seasonal specialties. Or head to Cornerstone Sonoma, a beautiful outdoors marketplace with a small, well-curated collection of shops, tasting rooms, artisanal foods, and the creative Sunset art gardens. Take a break and taste handcrafted whiskeys and limoncello at Prohibition Spirits. Finally, take a guided tour of the new Hanson’s Organic Vodka Distillery in the Carneros area and try one of their delicious signature cocktails.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View