A Winemaker’s Favorite Hidden Gems in Sonoma County

A top ten list is bound to be controversial, especially in a county as large, grand, and diverse as Sonoma County.  This listicle could easily be a “top 10 restaurants in Healdsburg” or a “top 10 beaches along Sonoma Coast” or a “top 10 bakeries” or a “top 10 outdoor dining venues” or… Well, I think you get the point. 

Sonoma County is a rural-urban mix that boasts everything from slow travel (via horseback) to daredevil speed (Sonoma Raceway). With over 1700 square miles encompassing everything between Marin and Mendocino counties, Sonoma County is a big territory. 

To explore you’ll need a car and time. Not only is Sonoma County diverse in topography, encompassing coastline, mountains, rivers, protected pastureland, and twisty one-lane dirt roads, but also in adventures.. 

Meet your resident winemaker, Kerith Overstreet (that’s me!)

Are you a foodie? No problem. Michelin stars await. 

Love hiking? Check. 

Cyclist? Yup, we’ve got that. 

Birdwatching? Totally, from wetlands to Bodega Head. 

Seeking the quirky & the weird? Just drive west (West County, that it). Requiring luxe & pampering? Not a problem - Sonoma County houses some of the most exclusive and expensive resorts in the country. 

Of course, Sonoma County is synonymous with premium wine, especially pinot noir and chardonnay.  But you already know that which is how you happened upon this list. With little ingenuity, it’s easy enough to do an internet search for great wineries, mine included. 

In contrast, this is list is meant to give you an introduction to the stunning landscape I call home.  I hope that each tidbit is siren call to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and delve into the unique climate, sensibility, and ethos of the area.  Without further fanfare or explanation, here we go:

Activity #1: Hike in Armstrong Woods

NorCal is famous for its redwood groves, and Armstrong Wood boasts some of the oldest, biggest, and most majestic redwoods around.

For the non-hikers, consider the 1.6 mile flat Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop Trail, a family favorite even elementary-aged kids can tackle with pride.

En route to Armstrong Woods, you’ll pass through Guerneville, with beaches, quirky thrift shops, & restaurants. Korbel winery is historic and boasts a deli. Big Bottom Market is another local favorite. Armstrong Woods is shady, damp, and cool. Wear layers. Limited parking in attached lot. Park along the street for free.

photo via Sonoma

Activity #2: Play in the Russian River

The Russian River is long and expansive. You can explore tributaries throughout Sonoma County. For example, guided kayaking trips leave from Healdsburg. But river rats splash, float, and boat from inlets around the county, including Guerneville (see above). That’s a lot of mileage.

Should you follow the river to Healdsburg, check out Wicked Slush for an icy, sweet summertime treat.

Activity #3: Be Bougie

Even if you’re not staying at the swanky Montage resort, grab a nibble and a glass of wine on the patio. The view is lovely, and the aura screams “pampering.” This newly opened luxe property is everything for Instagram influencers and 1% of the 1%. 

Activity #4: Embrace Carbs

There are so many, I mean SO MANY stellar bakeries in Sonoma County. I’m going to highlight a few as springboards to broader regional outings.

My all-time favorite is Quail & Condor in Healdsburg, offering you an entrée into the charming town of Healdsburg replete with a tidy square, trendy shops, Michelin dining, and wine tasting rooms galore. Grab a croissant or a super-sized cookie and a latte and stroll through town.

Gold Coast Coffee & Bakery in Duncan Mills is an excuse for good coffee, awesome, ginormous frosted cinnamon rolls, and an exploration of West County. Duncan Mills is itself a charming (if limited) excursion.

But the drive to and through are terrific. Open space, windy roads, and the California coastline beckon. I’d be remiss to talk bread without mentioning Wild Flour Bakery in Freestone. The scent of brick oven baked breads and a line snaking out the door are obvious signs you’ve found this quirky, old school Sonoma County favorite.

Activity #4: For Those With Kids…

No problem. My big kids were little kids once too. 

Check out the Charles Schultz Museum & ice rink, TrainTown (my kids LOVED this gentle train when they were littles, also a springboard to explore the town of Sonoma), and the Pacific Coast Air Museum near our beloved STS airport. Here kids can touch and wander around the grounded biplanes.

Activity #5: Lao Strawberries

Yes, it’s a farm stand with strawberries.  And of everything listed herein, this suggestion is bound to elicit the most controversy. 

Local living closer to the Sonoma Square will argue that Watmaugh strawberries are better. Watmaugh offers another excursion through which you might explore the town of Sonoma or surrounding Glen Ellen or Kenwood. And they have strawberries. 

In contrast, Lao is off the Highway 12, en route to Sebastopol, near the Humane Society. So, if you pick Lao’s, you get both fruit and a rescue dog. Or continue past Lao to check out the Barlow in Sebastopol or better still reward your healthy eating choice with chocolate cake and an espresso at Patisserie Angelica.  Buyer beware: Lao is cash-only; the Humane Society is not.

Activity #6: El Molino

Note that I did not head this suggestion “Mexican food” or “Great Mexican Food” or “Authentic Mexican Food.” It’s simply El Molino. Arrive early. Fight for parking. Be pushy enough to commandeer a table. Always order the guac and grab extra tamales and handmade tortillas to go.

Activity #7: Beach Day

Dozens of easily accessible and not-so-accessible beachy expanses dot the Sonoma coastline along Highway 1. Our family leans into Doran Beach, since it’s closest to our home, easily accessible, and parking is doable.

In other words, we are kind of lazy.

That said, please remember that the Sonoma Coast is not Waikiki. The ocean is cold. Sometimes the air is cold too, and we sit shivering on the beach in a sweater, parka, and wool beanie. Don’t let this deter you from exploring the coastline. Nearby Bodega Bay is famous for oysters, chowder, kite shops, hiking, and the pink and white striped candy shop favored by my kids. Schlep the family to the beach. Hike a little. And a pound of mixed saltwater taffy is like a reward.

Activity #8: Deli Sandwich Picnic (And Otherwise)

Do not be dissuaded by fancy, specialty grocers in high rent districts with their made-to-order sandwiches.  Don’t be fooled by local grocery chains (that frankly, are super pokey pants in the deli department). Just go to Big Johns Market in Healdsburg. 

Take a number - that’s literal and not a metaphor. You’ll queue up alongside a who’s who of vineyard managers, winemakers, and local Healdsburgers seeking a quick lunch to-go. 

Despite the scrum at the counter, the staff is very efficient and calls out locals with a friendly hello by name.  And their sandwiches are delicious and reasonably priced. 

My favorite is the roasted veggie Foss Creek. (I love eggplant). From Big Johns, you can explore Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, tasting rooms on the square, or even backtrack to towards the Russian River. 

The cheese selection is stellar. Sushi, a la minute wood oven pizzas, and a burrito bar are alternative options, alongside an outpost of Costeaux Bakery.  Good stuff. And if you live here, wear your friendly face since you’ll inevitably see someone you know.

Activity #9: Drink Wine

I’m a winemaker so I’m going to direct you right to my door. Thank you for your support of Sonoma County.  I hope to see you at the winery, and we’ll raise a glass together.