Valley of Adventures

6 Winter Experiences in Sonoma Valley

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. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View