Sonoma eaten rather than looked at — guided tasting walks through the plazas, and kitchens that hand you a knife and a seat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saddle, harness, handlebar and fairway — the county covered at ground level, guided or under your own steam.
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.
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.
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.
Founded 1985 by Michael Stusser. Cedar enzyme bath, pagoda massages, organic facials, 5-acre Kyoto-style gardens. Voted Best Spa in Sonoma County 17 years running.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. Scottish-style links above the Pacific — ocean views from all 18 holes, a dramatic three-hole coastal finish, four-star Golf Digest rating.
A former PGA Nationwide and Nike Tour stop — eighteen holes through lakes, creek, and oaks, uncluttered by homes. Championship pedigree at a public-course price, open twelve months.
The Russian River and the Sonoma Coast — paddled, floated, fished and surfed, from flat morning water to cold open Pacific.
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.
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.
Owner-operator Erik, who grew up in the Sonoma area. Russian River kayak tours with seal-watching at Jenner, redwood hikes, biking, Sonoma Coast tours. "Erik IS the product."
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.
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.
Sonoma from above — dawn balloon flights over the valley fog, and jumps for anyone who would rather arrive fast.
Sonoma's only skydiving operation. $269 Classic Tandem from 12,000 feet over Alexander Valley. Owner Tyler Wareham, USPA-rated instructors. Wed-Sun May-October, weekends year-round.
25+ years operating. Owner Mike Kijak. 100% positive safety record. Daily sunrise flights from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, brunch at Kendall-Jackson.
Founded 1979. Owner Scott van der Horst has been flying since age 13. Seven-balloon fleet, multiple flight corridors, made-to-order champagne brunch post-flight.
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