Sonoma beckons this fall—here are 48 hours of bliss.
The Farmhouse Inn features a Michelinstarred restaurant.
Cool winds roll through warm, heavy air, and wineries bustle with activity as fall and harvest approach in Sonoma. The sights and smells of fermenting grapes and falling leaves swirl through vineyards, while thoughts of planning autumn menus are on the minds of every culinary team. It’s truly a wonderful time of year to live in or visit this region. Here are a few of our favorite places to wine, dine and stay this season.
Dutton Estate Cherry Ridge Syrah
Located in West Sonoma County, this hidden gem is for wine country visitors looking for an inviting and homey experience. Leading the sixth-generation family business, Kylie Dutton is now making the label’s famed chardonnay and pinot. Don’t miss the family photo on the wall when strolling into the tasting room, as it speaks volumes about the family’s identity and values.
Fall pairing: Tracy Dutton recommends a cool-climate 2017 Cherry Ridge Syrah from the Russian River Valley paired with roasted figs, crispy prosciutto and topped with Gorgonzola cheese. 8757 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol, 707.829.9463
Visiting Three Sticks is like taking a sip of history, because the winery hosts tastings in the original home of Sonoma’s founder. Book the Taste of Three Sticks private tasting to learn more about the history of the home while sampling the vineyard’s celebrated wines. We personally love the pinot, but don’t sleep on the chardonnay.
Fall pairing: Winemaker Ryan Prichard suggests mushroom dishes with the winery’s pinots. Make sure to try the brick chicken with trumpet mushrooms from Glen Ellen Star with the Durell Vineyard pinot noir. 143 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707.996.3328
Guests can expect great tastes at Three Sticks Winery in Sonoma.
For those interested in the symmetry of wine and art, add Donum to the fall itinerary. Latin for “gift of the land,” Donum engages in biodynamic and organic farming practices, which, combined with the owners’ appreciation for art, reveals how thankful they are for their gift. Guests will be thankful too, especially for Donum’s rosé.
Fall pairing: Who says you can’t drink rosé in the fall? Try the Donum Rosé paired with tomato and garlic tartlets to stay cool during the day. 24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma, 707.732.2200
A gorgeous room at the Farmhouse Inn
The MacArthur hotel is located just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the Sonoma town square to feel intimate and removed. The temperature tends to drop precipitously at night, so if the wine doesn’t keep guests warm, the fireplaces in each room certainly will.
Upgrade the fall experience: Time to relax with a Garden Spa package, which combines a two-night getaway with a $165 credit toward a choice of treatments at The Spa at MacArthur. From $1,009 per night, 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707.938.2929
Evening falls on MacArthur Place.
As the Russian River Valley’s only luxury hotel, the Farmhouse Inn offers the gracious hospitality of a small family-owned inn with the high-end perks of a branded resort. This sweet, forested spot only has 25 rooms and is a perfect getaway for those looking for a little alone time.
Upgrade the fall experience: The Farm, Flight & Field two-day getaway includes a helicopter tour of the Sonoma Coast, spa treatments, a seven-course meal from the inn’s Michelin-starred restaurant and food-paired wine tasting. From $1,875 per night, 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707.887.3300
The venue is located only a short walk from galleries, wineries and restaurants in the posh—but still down-to-earth—town square. After a day of sipping, eating and even hiking, jump in the 60-foot pool or head to the spa for a massage. Products used for the latter are crafted from locally sourced farms.
Upgrade the fall experience: Book a Sunday-through-Thursday trip to take advantage of a Fall Wines and Fall Flavors package, which includes a special room rate, dining credit and a welcome bottle of Sonoma County wine. From $552 per night, 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707.431.2800
Pork belly pot stickers at the revitalized Willi’s Wine Bar
When the original location was lost to the Tubbs Fire in 2017, locals and tourists pleaded with owners Mark and Terri Stark to reopen this iconic restaurant. Lucky for gourmands, they heeded our call and reopened in 2019, and we can all once again enjoy favorites like the Tunisian roasted carrots, chanterelle mac and cheese, filet mignon sliders and roasted Brussels sprouts. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707.526.3096
A Sonoma culinary landmark, this spot covers all of the culinary bases for patrons. The specialties here range from a fig and arugula salad to local seafood, duck, lamb and rabbit—all served with an array of grains, pastas and fresh vegetables. More lures: an exceptional bar and patio; plus, it’s close to parks, shops and more than 30 wineries. 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707.938.3634
Venison hobayaki with carrot miso at SingleThread Farm Restaurant
This farm-driven restaurant offers an authentic wine country experience by combining mindful agriculture with culinary delights sourced from the region. The menu periodically changes, but we’re hoping the pumpkin tartare with Dungeness crab makes its way back into the rotation this fall. 131 North St., Healdsburg, 707.723.4646
Photography by: FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FARMHOUSE INN; PHOTO: BY MADLYN SMITH; PHOTO: COURTESY OF THREE STICKS WINERY; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRANS; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRANS; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRANS; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRANS
