I hear some stores already have Halloween items up. It’s as if we’re looking towards something more hopeful in the future that might improve: any change of improvement to our current situation.

If all goes well, one of these anticipations though is always Sonoma in the Fall.

The days are cool and the scenic colors are just stunning. With temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees and a crisp temperature around the ’40s at night, it’s just perfect for a glass of red by the fire.

Ideas of what to do are endless. Sonoma County is so vast, it’s hard to give anyone an idea of what to do as it depends on what part of Sonoma County you’re staying in.

You can visit the coast, the town of Sonoma in the South, the heart of the valley’s small towns, and discover the northernmost areas that can be reminiscent of what it was almost like 50+ years ago.

Visit a farm, rent a cabana looking out towards the vineyards, shop ‘til you drop and visit a spa. While you’re at it, eat an abundance of fresh food prepared with such craft and pair it with countless different varietals of wine and it’s hard to top that anytime.

During the Fall, the scenic drives are just gorgeous too. (Who says we don’t have Fall colors in California?) The drives never get old - even during COVID when every tasting room was shut down. We still enjoyed the scenic roads.

Here are some of the highlights we’ve had during the Fall but by no means, is this a complete list. This list just scratches the surface and it’s no wonder we have guests who come every year into Sonoma County.

Wineries to visit in the Fall

Although Michel-Schlumberger Winery produces beautiful white wines, we’ve brought family and friends during the cold seasons.

They have a beautiful fireplace and a nice charcuterie to enjoy.

Jordan Winery has been offering outdoor tastings through COVID but when it starts to get cold, hopefully having a tasting in their chateau “library” will be open as it’s downright cozy. Everyone sits down on this big antique table with formal dining chairs as if to embark on a formal dinner but instead, you’ll taste linear vintages of one varietal with small pairings. If visitors are able to sit indoors, this would be a nice tasting.

In the Fall, the Chateau is covered in beautiful gold, red and yellow leaves too as you can see below.

Robert Young Winery has beautiful fireplaces in airy rooms with large windows to enjoy the views and with their distinct earthy wines of plums and herbs, the Fall would be the ripe time to visit them. You’ll still get a nice glimpse of their outdoor patio views too.

Other nice wineries with fireplaces are La Crema, Ram’s Gate, Lambert Bridge, Zina Hyde Cunningham in downtown Sonoma (when you want to take a break after your brisk and cool walk in town), Benovia Winery, Chalk Hill, and Paul Hobbs. Call ahead right before to make sure they can serve indoors or what they’re offering outside.

The drives to take

A great drive is through the Alexander Valley - (or headed towards it like in the 30-sec video above) from Napa.

From the Nest, Take Hwy 101 North, exit Lytton Springs and turn right. At the fork, take either a right or left to get onto Alexander Valley Road. Follow that road to Jimtown and then onto the 128. As you meander this gorgeous drive, one-stop not to miss (at least for a memorable picture) is that of the Stonestreet Winery in the Fall.

The road to this winery in November is breathtaking.

Stroll Through Town

Whether it's the town of Sonoma, Occidental, Sebastopol, Downtown Windsor, or the Healdsburg Plaza, taking a walk in the cold crisp air while drinking a hot coffee or cocoa is very relaxing. The leaves on the ground, the crisp clean air, (and if you’re lucky), the wet streets from a drizzle make for a great way to get your steps in.

After going to KC’s for breakfast in Windsor, we strolled through the Windsor Farmers Market which is on Sundays, (where we picked up our hanging chandelier for the backyard). My friend and I wanted to do a 5-minute shop to see if we could pick up a wine tasting dress. (Have you heard of these?) We found some cute affordable dresses at Hushup Clothing. It’s worth a visit even if you only have 10 minutes like we did and walked out with a couple of dresses and a pair of earrings!

If you’re doing a stroll, however, you might want to find a hat and gloves even in the Fall.

Have Japanese tea and soak your feet in Healdsburg

Well, maybe not right now as I just received a report but after doing your steps while shopping at the vintage boutiques for gifts and special souvenirs, relax at The Taste of Tea, in Healdsburg. When it’s safe to get a foot massage, you can rest your feet in a green tea foot soak. For now, maybe you can just sip tea in their relaxing spa where you can smell scents reminiscent of Japan. Call ahead right before to make sure they can serve indoors or what they’re offering outside.

You’ll find traditional Japanese hospitality and a nice twist on relaxing while in town (or detoxing after much wine tasting).

This is how the bartender finishes his cocktails at my favorite pub - the Goose and Gander in St. Helena.

Have a nightcap in a sophisticated English Bar

If you’re in St. Helena (towards the end of the drive in the Alexander Valley), this is a great bar to have a nightcap. The Goose & Gander is a great restaurant but if you venture outside and down the stairs, you’ll find a nice hidden speakeasy, a favorite among the locals where they serve cocktails with fresh vetiver. Call ahead right before to make sure they can serve indoors or what they’re offering outside.

Inside it’s like a cold-winter's-night somewhere along the moors of a European village.

Get Your Dancing Shoes On

I didn’t think there was a place to dance until we walked into Dukes on the plaza in Healdsburg. We were just sitting there minding our own business when other patrons started dancing along the bar.

Soon after, a crowd dressed in gowns and hats walked in and started dancing through the crowd —it was straight out of a movie. The guys (at least one I remember) wore fedoras and the women were dressed as if they had just left a holiday party. I’ll never forget that. I thought, “are you kidding?” What fun!

You’ll want to order a Tuxedo Dog cocktail that is served in a coupe. I don’t know if it was Juniper thyme or lemon basil but it has fresh herbs as aromatic as a garden in France — with a kick.

Or Shop for Shoes While Wine Tasting

Their Instagram has a lot of photos with customers who shop while wine tasting! :)

Maybe the men would find it more amusing to have a cocktail while watching Football or a Clint Eastwood movie next door at The Geyserville Gun Club but I certainly enjoyed shopping for shoes while sipping on wine at the Locals Tasting Room for free!! Regardless, it’s a nice find when waiting for a table for dinner in Geyserville.

Recent requests I’ve had were for events, yoga in wineries, and vineyard dinners. While I’m still researching these, don’t forget that a trip to Sonoma is a stone's throw from Los Angeles. And with fares from Avelo airlines where you can fly directly into Santa Rosa from Burbank, it can be fairly reasonable, convenient, and time-saving.

Booking a car is still around $45 a day and for 3 days, that’s around $150. Flights for two from Burbank airport in LA are just $100 per person round trip, (Richard just booked 2 flights for $120 RT on a special). So for less than $300, (or $200 if you book on a special), you have airfare and a car for a couple of nights. Not bad considering all there is to see and do.

Ask me how to get free wine tastings. Also, did you have a wine dinner in the vineyards on your bucket list? (It’s not as easy as you think no matter how much money you’re willing to splurge but it’s good to know a few things to get you in!)

What are your most memorable times in the Fall in wine country?
Always remember you have a home to come to in Sonoma County.

Cheers to you staying safe,

Claudia Nicole