


Independent · Curated · Rooted
Wine country rewards the ones who look up from the glass. Drift over the vineyards at dawn by balloon, paddle the Russian River, ride horseback down a fog-cool beach, or walk a food tour through a downtown that eats well. These are the locally-owned outfitters who turn a tasting trip into a story — everything worth doing beyond the glass.

Santa Rosa's municipal course — a 150-acre parkland layout at the base of Bennett Peak. Eighteen holes, par 72, mature oaks, driving range, the most affordable serious round in the county.





Owner Bob Miller (Uncle Bob), 20+ years water experience. Surf lessons with instructor Nate (beginner-friendly), kayak rentals and guided tours, SUP rentals, e-bike rentals, premium wetsuits. Walking distance to Salmon Creek break.









Captain Mike Long pilots every charter himself aboard the 28' Miss Vic — heated cabin, private restroom, six-passenger maximum. Greys and Orcas December–May, Humpbacks May–November, Blues July–October.







Forestville to Guerneville on the Russian River — 10 miles, 3.5–5 hours, redwoods overhead. Memorial Day through mid-October. Free shuttle back to your car. The casual summer rite of passage on the river.







Opened August 2002 by Jean Schulz. World's largest collection of original Peanuts artwork. Three exhibition galleries, biographical gallery, studio replica, movie theater, outdoor Snoopy-head labyrinth.




Owner Andrew Loose and daughter T have run guided trail rides at Point Reyes National Seashore for over 20 years. Five Brooks expanded to Bodega Bay's Chanslor Ranch in 2017 — coastal trails, sand dunes, beach rides south of Salmon Creek.






Founded 1991 by Randy Johnson. Longest continuously owned bike tour company in the region. Sip 'n Cycle (easy), Velo 'n Vino (advanced), kayak Russian River and Jenner Coast, hiking, multi-day 2-7 day combinations.










The original food tour to circle the Sonoma Plaza. Three hours, four sit-down pairing courses, a half-glass of local wine at each, with California history and sommelier tips between stops.













A 1928 Alister MacKenzie design — the architect of Augusta National and Cypress Point — laid out among 150-foot redwoods on the Russian River. Nine holes, par 36, walkable, affordable.






Pastry chef Lisal Moran's classes at SingleThread alums Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey's Quail & Condor bakery. SF Chronicle Top Bakeries Bay Area 2024.






Open-air electric trike tours from Sonoma Plaza covering boutique wineries, vineyards, hiking, and Sonoma Ashram meditation. 100% five-star reviews and Viator Top 10 Beverage Tours award.







One of Sonoma's oldest cooking schools, located inside Seven Branches Venue and Inn blocks from the Plaza. Public hands-on classes, demo classes, and 2-4 day Culinary Retreats.

Founded 2003 by Donna del Rey. Roving culinary experiences at vineyards, farms, and food producer locations. Snail of Approval certified by Slow Food, Les Dames d'Escoffier member.






French chef and tour guide Jérôme Ribeiro's vintage Vespa-inspired sidecars. 2-passenger custom tandem sidecars with vintage helmets and two-way radios. Pickup at Sonoma Plaza or El Pueblo Inn.








Founded 2001 by Larry Laba (designer of SOAR Inflatable Canoes since 1993). Pet-friendly raft trips on Middle Reach of Russian River — thousands of dogs since 2003. "No sweat" easy riding promise.









400-acre AZA-accredited wildlife preserve, 900+ animals, 90 species. Founded 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang. Three-hour Classic Safari in Vietnam-era M37 Power Wagons. Overnight tent-cabins from Botswana.







Founder Tammy's small-group walking tour of Healdsburg's Plaza food scene. Max 6 guests, 3.5-4 hours, $132.50/person. Recurring partner stops include Bravas, Portalupi, Journeyman, Quail and Condor.














Operating since 2010 at Alliance Redwoods. Sonoma's only redwood canopy zipline. 7 zip lines (longest 1500 feet up to 40 mph), 2 sky bridges, spiral staircase, 45-foot rappel descent. Treehouse glamping available.






Captain Skip's 38' Tournament-Style Sportfisher runs full-day fishing, deep-water rockfish/lingcod trips, half-day and full-day crab combos, whale watching, and sunset harbor cruises. Twin-engine speed, full bathroom, flybridge views.








The #1-rated walking food tour of Sonoma Plaza. 3 hours, 1.5 miles, max 8-10 guests. Stops include Figone's Olive Oil, La Casa, a cheese shop, ice cream, and a wine tasting room — equivalent to lunch.







Founded 1992. Sheana Davis, born in Sonoma, mentored by MFK Fisher and Ig Vella. Hands-on cheesemaking classes Thursday-Saturday with award-winning cheesemaker. Curator of MFK Fisher's Last House since 2016.





















Owner Suki Waters — Kashaya Pomo descendant, kayak instructor since 1979. Sonoma Coast State Park and Greater Farallones Sanctuary estuary specialist. Living Classrooms Project for students.


















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