Sonoma County · Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley
The valley running from the town of Sonoma north to Santa Rosa, mixing history, spa resorts and mixed plantings.
At a glance
- Type
- ava
- Where it is
- Southeastern Sonoma County, along Highway 12.
About
Sonoma Valley runs roughly seventeen miles from the town of Sonoma north past Glen Ellen and Kenwood, bounded by the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountain. Its plantings are mixed, from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at the cooler south end to Cabernet and Zinfandel further north.
Why go
It is the closest Wine Country valley to San Francisco, which makes it the most practical for short trips, and the most varied in a single drive.
What makes it different
Few valleys hold this much variation — history, spa resorts, wooded hamlets and vineyards — within a single road.
How it fits a trip
Two to three nights covers the valley end to end without rushing.
Best for
- First-time Sonoma
- Spa and wellness
- Shorter stays
- Mixed interests
Wineries
Hotels
Beltane Ranch
A historic 105-acre ranch and vineyard farm stay in Glen Ellen, with estate wines, farm breakfasts and private hiking trails.
El Dorado Hotel
A design-forward boutique hotel on the corner of the Sonoma Plaza with a saltwater pool and the lively El Dorado Kitchen.
Gaige House and Ryokan
A Glen Ellen inn blending Victorian bones with Zen ryokan design — granite soaking tubs, creekside gardens and meditative calm.
Inn at Sonoma
A Four Sisters inn on Broadway with a rooftop hot tub, afternoon wine socials and a short walk to the Sonoma Plaza.
Ledson Hotel
A six-room hotel of old-world opulence on the Sonoma Plaza, with antique-filled suites, whirlpool tubs and a wine lounge.
Olea Hotel
A hillside modern-minimal boutique hotel above Glen Ellen, with a pool among the oaks and a two-course gourmet breakfast.
Restaurants
Experiences
Spas
Let us design your Napa.
Plan Your TripReviewed 2026-09-06