SONOMA

We split our time between San Francisco and our ranch in west Santa Rosa so I have a bias but more than that, a deep love for Sonoma County. Whether you are in the town of Sonoma proper, the northern part of the county such as the ridiculously quaint town of Healdsburg, or the more rural western portion known as “west county” where we are near Sebastapol, you proudly claim Sonoma as your own because it is, after all, the Tuscany of the US! (I read that once and now tell everyone!) It makes sense, though. The rolling hills and windy roads chock-full of wineries ranging from what looks like a tiny farmhouse to a sprawling vineyard estate give visitors the same magical feel that I get driving a tiny Fiat from the hilltop town of Luca to the other hilltop town of Pisa through Italy. And when you do stop at one of our wineries here, it’s a relaxed, warm experience with the vineyard experts not just pouring you a glass but telling you a story. Prepare to sit for 1-2 hours, not stand at a bar holding your glass out for your next taste. It’s a next-level experience and you won’t be in a rush to get to your next stop. Sonoma is so much more than just wine (but the wine is world famous for a reason); the county offers some of the most beautiful places to run, bike, and hike in all of California!

Greggory’s Picks

Dining & Entertainment

• Willy’s in Healdsburg - If you’re a seafood fan, this is a must! Known for their oysters (baked, fried, and raw), Willy’s is a great place to share small plates. I will admit I was hesitant on my first visit because I am not the biggest seafood fan but after one bite of the out-of-this-world crab cake, I was hooked. The salads, french fries (with the most incredible goat cheese ranch dip), and hangar steak will completely satisfy those non-seafood eaters. But if you are a seafoodie, this will be heaven

• Starks Steakhouse in Santa Rosa - The Starks name is well known all through Sonoma county because they offer some of the best restaurants from Santa Rosa to Healdsburg. Honestly, every one could be on this list. I’ve been to them all, and love every one! But the original Starks Steakhouse in Santa Rosa is our favorite date spot when we are in town. It’s an old-school steakhouse where we love to sit at the bar and enjoy a rye manhattan while we wait for our table. The best steaks and sides in town!

• The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma - Located right on the corner of Sonoma square, this is a must if you like Duck Confit. It’s absolutely delicious but so is the Roast Half Chicken, the Braised Pork Shoulder, and just about everything else on the menu (including my favorite…Steak Frites!). Great for lunch and dinner!

• Barndiva in Healdsburg - A charming and delicious place to enjoy lunch or dinner right off the square in Healdsburg. I love their burger for my go-to but sometimes mix it up with the Fettucini Limone or Strip Loin Steak - all absolutely fantastic

Wine Tasting

• Macrostie - This is my favorite winery in Healdsburg and my go-to whenever we have family or friends visiting us in Sonoma. You are greeted with a glass of their Sauvignon Blanc before you even enter the winery - no complaints here! They offer some of the most beautiful vistas and truly Instagram-worthy moments from any spot on the property. The architecture alone of this stunning winery will have you looking up in marvel before you even step outside for photos! And all of this is just icing on the cake with the cake being the delicious Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs they offer (and of course the greeting Sauv Blanc!). They also have my favorite breadsticks which are perfect to snack on as you move from whites to reds in what can easily turn into an afternoon-long tasting thanks to the incredibly warm and welcoming staff that foster a truly next-level wine tasting experience

• Benovia - This small, family owned winery (the founders/owners grandson James treats us like we are family!) has some of the best Pinot in Santa Rosa. You’ll never spot this winery when driving down Piner Road so you’ll need to know it’s there but once you take the mile-long drive down the driveway and arrive at the tasting house, you’ll be glad you did! Surrounded by vineyards, you’ll definitely get that Tuscany feel!

• Lynmar Estate - Like Benovia, this is a short 5-minute drive for us so it’s become one of our primary tasting spots in town. We know the staff well and enjoy the wine, the staff, the food, and the overall experience tremendously. Any season is great for Lynmar but if you can, check it out in the spring because their garden is absolutely beautiful! Their wine is also not only a favorite of ours for dinner at home, but what you usually can expect us to have in-hand if we come over for a dinner party.

• Michel-Schlumberger - Another favorite in Healdsburg, this charming Spanish-style winery also offers stunning views of their gardens and vineyard. You are welcomed into what almost seems like an historic California Mission with charming succulent gardens and large Spanish tiled tasting room. The wines are superb and the experience is relaxed and fun.