A Child-Pleasant Itinerary for Sonoma

Welcome to Like a Native, our collection the place vacationers share their preferrred lengthy weekends. This time, Tessa reveals do Sonoma—wine, meals, and enjoyable—with children in tow.

Sonoma, affectionately identified by locals as “Gradual-noma,” affords a captivating, laid-back tempo that’s excellent for a soothing weekend journey. Whereas Wine Nation isn’t sometimes generally known as a household vacation spot, after spending time there with two toddlers, I’ve realized that Sonoma is a spot folks of all ages can (and may) take pleasure in. It’s considered one of our residence bases once we go to the U.S., and a spot we by no means tire of exploring. Although Sonoma is a small city of roughly 11,000, it affords famend meals and wine whereas remaining down-to-earth and unpretentious.

The place to Keep

There’s a variety of lodging, from five-star resorts to extra inexpensive choices. The Inn at Sonoma is dog-friendly and conveniently positioned. Nonetheless, with households, we sometimes take pleasure in staying in a home. For my sister’s marriage ceremony, we rented this Airbnb, which is the proper location proper subsequent to the plaza, the place something you want is inside strolling distance. We even have loved this property, which is extra appropriate for a bigger group. It’s in a peaceable, woodsy setting simply exterior city and has a big fenced-in yard permitting dad and mom to chill out whereas the kids roam free.

The place to Eat

Sonoma has no scarcity of unimaginable eateries; we sometimes combine eating out with takeaway to take pleasure in consuming exterior. We normally begin our day with a espresso (or mocha) at Baker and Cook dinner—our go-to spot for breakfast and pastries. Their ham and cheese croissant and jam-filled doughnuts are successful for folks and children alike, and so they’re excellent to deliver to a close-by park. For someplace nearer to the plaza, Ohm Espresso Roasters is a superb choice that additionally occurs to serve pastries from Baker and Cook dinner.

A go to to The Sonoma Valley Licensed Farmers’ Market, on Friday mornings is a wonderful choice if you wish to decide up small bites and produce. My kids all the time stay up for the crêpes and distributors normally give them meals to style. The market is located subsequent to a park with shuffleboard and prepare vehicles that make for a enjoyable playground.

Michelin-star Italian chef Andrea Marino’s Salumeria Ovello is a must-visit. This small deli is simply exterior the plaza and has a well-curated choice of meats, cheeses, and every day specials. On each journey, we decide up a couple of porchetta sandwiches and a choice of meats for snacking.

On the opposite aspect of city is Lou’s Luncheonette, a Southern-inspired diner with ample outside area and actions for teenagers. We make certain to carve out time right here to take pleasure in their mouth-watering brisket and fried hen. We spend hours taking part in desk tennis whereas the youngsters journey on toy tractors.

For one thing extra central, Oso is a wonderful choice for households and is correct within the coronary heart of the plaza, providing a dynamic menu of shareable plates and al fresco eating. Professional tip: do not skip the blood orange margarita.

Cafe La Haye, an American bistro prioritizing seasonal components, has been round since 1996 and is a Sonoma establishment. Initially, I hesitated to deliver my children right here due to the intimate setting and the truth that it’s solely open for dinner. Nonetheless, the hospitality and considerate touches—like an off-menu meal for my son—made the night fulfilling for us all.

The place to Go

Regardless of being identified for wine, Sonoma has ample choices for approachable locations to go along with little ones. One among my favorites is within the plaza: Darling Wines, a small, family-owned, minimal-intervention vineyard. Not solely do they produce an exceptional Syrah, however I additionally love the intention with which they craft their wines: sustainably and with an account for the encircling ecosystem. Additionally they gave my children a basket of toys to play with whereas I loved a brief tasting with my mother, which felt doable with children.

Gundlach Bundschu (‘Gun Bun’ to locals) is a Regenerative Natural Licensed® family-owned vineyard and winery in Sonoma, producing wines since 1858. At two weeks previous, this was the primary vineyard my son ever visited. You’ll discover seasonal bites and a good looking sprawling property with a family-friendly atmosphere. Their sister vineyard, Abbot’s Passage, is run by Katie Bundschu, the primary feminine winemaker in her household’s six-generation wine legacy. Set among the many 80-year-old Zinfandel vines, the property encompasses a tasting room, shuffleboard, seasonal grazing boards, and a curated mercantile with regionally made items.

Whereas we take pleasure in exploring the assorted eateries in Sonoma, we additionally keep energetic and search for locations for our youngsters to launch their vitality. The town park is within the middle of city, the most important plaza of its form in California. In between looking retailers, we make certain to cease on the park for the youngsters to discover, journey bikes, and feed the geese. The park’s location makes it straightforward for one of many adults to sneak away for some buying, all inside a brief stroll. The sq. continuously has issues happening. We have been fortunate sufficient to have a good time Halloween right here, the place the youngsters might go trick-or-treating on the native shops whereas we walked round with Frosés from SIGH.

For a extra in depth stroll, head to Bartholomew Park, which sits on 375 acres of vineyards, gardens, and forest. The park has lovely views and a three-mile path that winds by means of it. You can too organize horseback driving by means of the Bartholomew Property Vineyard.

For an additional kid-oriented exercise, think about testing TrainTown, a small amusement park that’s nostalgic for the whole household. Charlie’s Acres, a sanctuary for rescued animals, can also be a wonderful place for teenagers and animal lovers.

Our journey philosophy has all the time been to deliver our youngsters to most experiences with us, and Sonoma seems like a spot the place it’s attainable and fulfilling. Regardless of what lots of people assume, Sonoma is laid-back and has one thing to take pleasure in for all generations. Whether or not having ice cream within the park or strolling by means of the vineyards with a stroller in tow, think about this a delicate reminder that journey would not must cease when children come alongside.