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 “Sluggish-noma,” presents a captivating, laid-back tempo that’s excellent for a calming weekend journey. Whereas Wine Nation isn’t usually often known as a household vacation spot, after spending time there with two toddlers, I’ve realized that Sonoma is a spot individuals of all ages can (and will) take pleasure in. It’s one among our dwelling 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 presents famend meals and wine whereas remaining down-to-earth and unpretentious.
The place to Keep
There’s a spread of lodging, from five-star resorts to extra reasonably priced choices. The Inn at Sonoma is dog-friendly and conveniently positioned. Nevertheless, with households, we usually take pleasure in staying in a home. For my sister’s wedding 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 youngsters roam free.
The place to Eat
Sonoma has no scarcity of unbelievable eateries; we usually 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 a success for folks and children alike, they usually’re excellent to deliver to a close-by park. For someplace nearer to the plaza, Ohm Espresso Roasters is a good possibility 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 possibility if you wish to choose up small bites and produce. My youngsters at all times look ahead to 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 each day specials. On each journey, we choose up just a few 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 house and actions for youths. We make certain to carve out time right here to take pleasure in their mouth-watering brisket and fried rooster. We spend hours taking part in desk tennis whereas the children trip on toy tractors.
For one thing extra central, Oso is a wonderful possibility 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. Nevertheless, the hospitality and considerate touches—like an off-menu meal for my son—made the night pleasing for us all.
The place to Go
Regardless of being identified for wine, Sonoma has ample choices for approachable locations to go together with little ones. One in every of my favorites is within the plaza: Darling Wines, a small, family-owned, minimal-intervention vineyard. Not solely do they produce an outstanding Syrah, however I additionally love the intention with which they craft their wines: sustainably and with an account for the encompassing 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 outdated, this was the primary vineyard my son ever visited. You’ll discover seasonal bites and a phenomenal sprawling property with a family-friendly surroundings. 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 contains 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 lively and search for locations for our children to launch their power. Town park is within the heart of city, the biggest plaza of its sort in California. In between searching outlets, we make certain to cease on the park for the children to discover, trip bikes, and feed the geese. The park’s location makes it simple for one of many adults to sneak away for some procuring, all inside a brief stroll. The sq. continually has issues happening. We have been fortunate sufficient to have a good time Halloween right here, the place the children 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 stunning views and a three-mile path that winds by way of it. You too can organize horseback using by way of the Bartholomew Property Vineyard.
For an additional kid-oriented exercise, take into account testing TrainTown, a small amusement park that’s nostalgic for your complete household. Charlie’s Acres, a sanctuary for rescued animals, can be a wonderful place for youths and animal lovers.
Our journey philosophy has at all times been to deliver our children to most experiences with us, and Sonoma appears like a spot the place it’s doable and pleasing. Regardless of what lots of people suppose, 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 way of the vineyards with a stroller in tow, take into account this a delicate reminder that journey would not must cease when children come alongside.
Would you do Wine Nation with children?
