The Sonoma Mountain Homes Guide to the Valley
You're staying on one of the most beautiful pieces of land in wine country. Here's how we'd spend our time down the mountain.
RESTAURANTS
G L E N E L L E N , CA
Our top pick. Book ahead. The most celebrated restaurant in the valley, and for good reason. Chef Ari Weiswasser's compact menu revolves around a wood-burning oven that turns seasonal Californian produce into something genuinely compelling — from smoke-kissed roasted vegetables to brick chicken and whole roasted branzino. The restaurant holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and sources ingredients from nearby Glentucky Family Farm. The chef's counter seats are the best in the house. Reservations essential — book as soon as you arrive.
Casual and beloved. The laid-back sibling of Sonoma's famous the girl & the fig, this Glen Ellen outpost serves French country food in a warm, unpretentious setting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don't want to drive far. No reservations — arrive early or expect a short wait
Something different. A wonderfully unexpected find in wine country: a highly regarded Nepalese and Indian restaurant with warming, aromatic dishes that provide a lovely contrast to a week of Californian cuisine. A local favorite.
Casual & historic. A classic Sonoma saloon with an easygoing atmosphere, cold drinks, and simple food. Good for a relaxed lunch or a drink after a hike through the Jack London State Historic Park next door.
In Sonoma Town
S O N O M A , C A
Farm-to-table Mexican. A cult favourite among locals for its hand-made tortillas and market-fresh Mexican food. Casual, counter-service, and always delicious. Arrive hungry.
The Sonoma institution. Located on beautiful Sonoma Plaza, this French-inspired bistro is known for its antique bar, award-winning Rhône-Alone wine list, and seasonal menu of country food with a French passion. Sonoma Valley Signatures include the steak tartare, duck confit, and the classic fig & arugula salad. The private garden patio tucked away from the street is the ideal spot — skip indoor seating if the weather allows. Reservations strongly advised on weekends
Refined Californian. Upscale farm-to-table dining in the heart of Sonoma Plaza, with a beautiful outdoor terrace. A great choice for a special dinner or a long weekend lunch
Local favorite. A lively, neighborhood spot with a creative menu and excellent cocktails. Buzzy atmosphere and reliably good food make it a go-to for a casual dinner with the group
Intimate and seasonal. A small, thoughtful restaurant focused on local ingredients and quiet, considered cooking. Ideal for a slower evening when you want the food to do the talking.
VJB Vineyards & Cellars - La Cucina
Wine and Italian food in one. A relaxed Italian marketplace and restaurant on the VJB estate. Pick up provisions, enjoy a glass of estate wine, and stay for a leisurely lunch in the garden.
Wine Tasting
Chateau St. Jean
The grandest estate experience. Walk-ins welcome. Set on a 250-acre estate in Kenwood, the 1920s chateau and its surrounding rose gardens, grand lawn, and vineyard views evoke a fine European estate under Sonoma skies. California Through My Lens The winery has been dedicated to crafting elegant, site-specific wines since 1973 and its flagship Cinq Cépages Bordeaux blend is one of the valley's most celebrated wines. Multiple tasting experiences available, from casual garden tastings to private seated flights in the chateau dining room. Book ahead for private experiences.
Landmark Vineyards
Chardonnay specialists. Prepaid reservations required. A beautiful, relaxed property known above all for its Chardonnay — some of the finest expressions of the grape in all of Sonoma Valley. Intimate tasting experiences with attentive hosts.
Kenwood Vineyards
Classic Sonoma. Appointment only. One of the valley's most established names, producing excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet. A quieter, more intimate experience than some of the larger estates nearby.
Ledson Winery & Vineyards
Appointment recommended. Known throughout the wine world as "The Castle," Ledson sits nestled among rolling vineyards in Kenwood and consistently produces small-lot, handcrafted wines scoring in the mid-90s and above. The tastings are conducted by experienced staff personally trained by fifth-generation winemaker Steve Ledson himself and the Gourmet Marketplace is ideal for assembling a picnic to enjoy in the oak grove afterward. One of the most visually spectacular winery visits in the valley.
VJB Cellars
Italian-style, family-owned. Appointment only. A charming Italian-inflected winery with a devoted local following. The La Cucina marketplace attached to the winery makes it easy to combine a tasting with a casual lunch. A warm, welcoming experience that feels far from the tourist trail.
A Few Tips from Us
Book Glen Ellen Star and the girl & the fig as soon as you confirm your stay — both fill up weeks in advance on weekends. For winery visits, mornings are quieter and the light is better for photos. If you're planning a full day of tasting, we recommend no more than three wineries — the valley rewards a slower pace. And if you'd like us to make any reservations or arrange a private wine tour on your behalf, just ask when you inquire.