A Day in Sonoma

A Day in Sonoma

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What is Sonoma?
Sonoma is part of California's wine country. It's right next to Napa (a more familiar name). The tastings in Sonoma are generally less expensive because it's not as well known. 

Hot air balloons over sonoma.

In Napa, you can't get by without spending at least $20/person. In Sonoma, you can get away with free wine tastings (Whaat!?).

Wine country is not all about wine (Whaat!?) - it's actually quite beautiful. Here's a day in Sonoma County.

1. Brunch at Hole in the Wall 
This is one of those places where the menu is written very well. Unfortunately, the food is quite heavy. I'd save this place for a hangover. The French toast is great. It's a neat place where you can explore many unique options.

It's like a rich thai curry with pasta. It's unique, but after a few bites it becomes very rich. 

Veggie hash. The biscuit was AMAZING! The eggs were overDone, but the chef kindly brought us fresh ones.

Dutch Apple Pancake - make sure you share this.

2. Lagunitas Brewery (open til 9 PM)
So I told you that wine country is not all about wine - it's about beer to ;). 
You gotta do this at least once. For a brewery- the food is decent. 

The charm of this tap room is that you can sit outside and it is bustling with people.

The chicken tacos were solid.

Veggie Burger- not my favorite

3. Bike Trail in Sebastpol
You should really work off those calories you just ate. A popular ride is from Santa Rosa to Sebastpol.

Don't drink and bike! It's dangerous! I did NOT have Lagunitas before this ride.

Don't drink and bike! It's dangerous! I did NOT have Lagunitas before this ride.

4. Wine Tasting

Helpful Tip: Wine country is for Maxi Dresses

Helpful Tip: Wine country is for Maxi Dresses

Gary Farrell Vineyard
This place has a beautiful view that you would be charged out the whazoo for if this place was in Napa valley.

Merry Edwards Vineyard
This place allegedly has the best Pinot Noirs in the area. They were pretty good. What wasn't good was that you have to stand while you taste - and it's not a typical lounge-y wine country experience. But- HEY- it's free- so I can't complain.

5. Corks Restaurant

Beautiful, romantic restaurant. I'd recommend the lamb dish. The owner owns a dog who will sit at your feet and beg for food. 

This is the lamb Dish. Order this!

This is the lamb Dish. Order this!

This is the chicken dish. It was a bit dry for my taste.

This is the chicken dish. It was a bit dry for my taste.

They have a chicken pen here with ridiculous looking hens.

Finish off the day by walking around the vineyard at sunset.

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What are your favorite spots in wine country? Comment below!

Follow Up: How to Deal with Negative Restaurant Experiences

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