Amy's List of Things To-Do in Sonoma
One of the pleasures of staying at the Farmhouse Suite is discovering wine country the way locals do. Over the years, Amy has gathered a collection of favorite places for morning coffee, long lunches, memorable tastings, farm stops, and beautiful day trips. Some are close by, some are worth the drive, and all are places we especially love to recommend to guests.
Morning Coffee & Bakery
If you are a coffee person, these nearby spots will not disappoint. Some are perfect for a quick start to the day, while others are worth lingering over with breakfast, pastries, or both.
- Avid Coffee
- Crooks Coffee
- Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
- Sarmentine French Bakery
Dining Favourites
From relaxed lunches to celebratory dinners, these are a few of our favorite places to enjoy a meal in and around Santa Rosa. Some are lively and festive, others a little more tucked away, but all are worth having on your list.
- Willi’s Wine Bar
- Monti’s
- Ca’Bianca
- Stark’s Steakhouse
- John Ash
- Salt & Stone
- VJB Cellars
Wineries & Tastings
My list would not be complete without a few favorite wineries. Some are close to the suite and perfect for an easy outing, while others are worth the drive for their beautiful grounds, memorable tastings, or a little bit of both.
Favorite Tastings Nearby
These are wonderful options when you want a relaxed wine country outing without venturing too far.
Matanzas Creek Winery
A longtime favorite and especially lovely in lavender season, when the grounds are at their most beautiful.
Corner 103
A great Sonoma tasting room for a polished, memorable experience without needing to spend the whole day winery-hopping.
Gundlach Bundschu
One of Sonoma’s classics, with a setting and tasting experience that always makes for a fun afternoon.
Cline Family Cellars
Known for its farmhouse setting, pond, and rose-lined grounds, this is an easy place to linger a little longer than planned.
Benziger Family Winery
A beautiful Glen Ellen stop with a strong connection to the land and a relaxed, scenic wine country feel.
Worth the Drive
These are the places that make a day in wine country feel especially memorable.
Orsi Family Vineyards
A favorite for limited-production Italian wines and a tasting experience that feels a little more tucked away and personal.
J Winery
A fun stop when sparkling wine sounds like the right plan — especially if you are in the mood for something festive.
Bricoleur Vineyards
Beautiful grounds and a polished tasting room make this a wonderful choice for a special outing.
Ferrari-Carano
Known for its formal gardens and elegant setting, this is a lovely place to stroll and taste at a slower pace.
Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
A great pick if you are looking for something a little different, especially for cave tastings and old-vine character.
A Beach Day
If you feel like trading vineyards for ocean air, Bodega Bay makes a wonderful day trip from the Farmhouse Suite. It is an easy drive and a lovely way to spend a slower day beyond wine country.
A few favorite stops include Estero Cafe for coffee or breakfast, Doran Beach for a walk by the water, and Fishetarian Fish Market or Spud Point Crab Company for lunch. If you feel like bringing a little sweetness home with you, Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy is always a fun stop on the way back.
Seasonal Notes
Some of our favorite places are especially lovely at certain times of year — lavender season at Matanzas Creek, summer stops at Dry Creek Peach & Produce, and the many local farm stands and markets that make wine country feel especially vibrant. If you are visiting in season, it is always worth asking about a few current favorites.