A Weekend of Sipping, Savoring, and Slowing Down in Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma Valley is a destination unlike any other, an ideal place for a weekend of slowing down. Generations-old farmers, ranchers, and of course, winemakers collide with big-city tech moguls and the millions of people from around the world who come to enjoy some of the country’s best wines. Needless to say, it’s a fascinating destination that portrays a modern California like few other parts of the state can, and the area seems to be growing by the minute. But for now, Sonoma remains an idyllic place to enjoy some R&R for a weekend—or longer—while still leaving you enlightened and inspired by the passionate winemakers, farmers, and artisans who call this beautiful part of the world home.

The laid-back, quirkier foil to a more developed and glitzy Napa has won a spot in our hearts as a low-key, yet luxurious place to unwind, make a pilgrimage (or four) to our favorite Sonoma wineries, and revel in the splendor of Northern California’s bucolic landscape. And there’s no shortage of delicious meals to be enjoyed while you’re there—many of which will be sourced from local farmers, cheesemongers, and fishermen.

The valley’s blend of rusticity and modern indulgences makes Sonoma a perfect place to enjoy your next domestic getaway—no passport renewal required. We’ve made trip planning a breeze by providing a weekend-long itinerary—plus several ideas in case you’re looking to book an extended stay—to at least make one of your vacations easy to plan this year.

Friday Afternoon

Whether you just flew across the continental U.S., drove an hour from San Francisco, or somewhere in-between, you’ll instantly feel at ease amidst Sonoma’s lush, rural landscape. Make MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa your home base for the weekend, which is just off of downtown Sonoma (called Sonoma Plaza). This 19th-century estate-turned-luxury hotel is widely considered to be one of the best stays in the valley and will certainly please in terms of amenities, from insightful artists-in-residence programming to a spa inspired by therapeutic ingredients from the estate’s garden.

Insider Tip: Book one of the Garden Spa Suites so you can drop off your bags and soak in the transportive outdoor tub before perusing the immaculate, art-filled grounds with a glass of California sparkling wine in hand. If it sounds idyllic, that’s because it is.

Friday Evening

It’s just a short jaunt through Sonoma’s charming residential neighborhoods to Sonoma Plaza from the hotel, where much of the town’s main eats are and activities happen. Spend an indulgent evening at the beautiful Taub Family Outpost, which houses a fantastic restaurant, speakeasy, tasting room, and a retail market and wine shop. Needless to say, come hungry!
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This story was published in Veranda, May 11, 2022. It was written by Lauren Wicks.

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