Things to Do in Sonoma County in Spring
After the longest, coldest, wettest winter imaginable in Wine Country, this is a spring we will all cherish. The California sun is back—but the crowds are not—and everything is in bloom. What better way to bid adieu to winter than to get outside and enjoy fabulous food, wine and events? From attending sun-soaked celebrations to strolling through gorgeous gardens and filling up on farm-fresh produce, here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Sonoma County in spring.
Fun Things to Do in Sonoma County in Spring
Rosé All Day
I know the slogan is “Rosé All Day,” but in Sonoma County, everyone’s favorite pink drink is being celebrated from April until sold out. Barndiva’s beloved annual Pink Party returns April 23 and features music, vibrant floral displays and elegant bites from the Michelin-starred restaurant’s chef to complement the assemblage of talented, boutique winemakers pouring their fine rosés in Barndiva’s charming courtyards in downtown Healdsburg. Premier pinot noir producers, such as Dutton-Goldfield and Three Sticks, are hosting rosé release parties in April; Breathless Wines will debut its first sparkling pinot meunier (a golden pink) at “Swing Into Spring” in May, where guests can enjoy multiple rosé sparklers, live music, and papaya salad and spring rolls in the garden patio. In honor of National Rosé Day on June 10, Bacchus Landing will be bringing back its National Rosé Day Celebration, which debuted last year with yacht-club attire, a DJ, dancing drummers and newly released pink wines from the many wineries who call Bacchus Landing home.
barndiva.com
bacchuslanding.com
duttongoldfield.com
threestickswines.com
Embark on “A Three-Hour Vineyard Tour”
Each spring, Jordan Vineyard & Winery brings back its Estate Tour & Tasting, one of the most epic things to do in all of Sonoma County. Hop aboard a luxury Mercedes sprinter bus for a three-hour vineyard tour adventure across Jordan’s 1,200-acre estate. The day includes a Champagne continental breakfast, visit to the chef’s garden, a chardonnay and food pairing by the lake, vineyard stroll and a light lunch with cabernet pairing at Vista Point, complete with 360-degree views from 650 feet. Hosted June through October, Thursday-Monday for $160 per person.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com
Feel the Music
Some argue that the best pairing with wine is something you hear—not taste. Excite all of your senses with the latest live music happenings this spring. Little Saint in Healdsburg hosts pop-up concerts every Thursday, as well as surprise guest concerts on select days. Healdsburg’s Tuesday in the Plaza is a weekly concert series beloved by locals and visitors alike where music lovers gather on the lawns of the plaza with friends, picnic provisions and bottles of local wine. Furthermore Wines, a newish tasting room located in the charming, bricked wall space (formerly Bergamot Alley), offers intimate concerts with a lounge-vibe on Fridays and Saturdays.
littlesainthealdsburg.com
healdsburg.ca.us
furthermorewines.com
Roam Around The Rooftops
The tiny town of Healdsburg is home to not one, but two rooftop restaurants. Healdsburg’s newest culinary concept from Chef Dustin Valette, The Matheson boasts a Wine Wall and two restaurants, one of which is the chic Roof 106, overlooking the Healdsburg Plaza and one of the only places in town with fire pit lounges. Nearby Harmon Guest House hotel is crowed with The Rooftop, a terrace restaurant with dining and lounge seating and gorgeous views of Fitch Mountain. Those with reservations at Sonoma County’s only Three Michelin Star restaurant, SingleThread, located just off the Healdsburg Plaza, enjoy SingleThread’s rooftop lounge when weather permits.
thematheson.com
harmonguesthouse.com
thematheson.com
singlethreadfarms.com
Keep Things Fresh
Spring signals the arrival of farmers market season and Sonoma County has to be one of the best places in America for local, farm-fresh produce. No matter what day of the week, chances are a farmers market is going on, for there are 21 across the county in towns like Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Sonoma (see the full list here). The season brings special delights like baby artichokes, colorful cauliflowers, broccoli rabe and edible flowers, plus some markets have live music, food trucks and booze to accompany your shopping. Our favorite farmer’s market in Sonoma County, the Healdsburg Farmers Market, reopens for the season on April 17. It’s hosted on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the parking lot behind Hotel Healdsburg.
Experience the Super Bloom at Ferrari-Carano
Ferrari-Carano’s five spectacular acres of gardens in Dry Creek Valley are always a sight to be seen, but in spring, the colors and scents are at their best. Featuring 10,000 tulips and daffodils and more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, the gardens go all the way back to 1987 and were inspired by both Italian and French styles. Four tasting experiences are offered, including a new Sunday Wine & Brunch.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, 8761 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA, 800-831-0381, ferrari-carano.com
Get to Know Sonoma Valley
Taking place May 16-19, Signature Sonoma Valley, a four-day wine immersion, has a killer lineup of events, from a large format bottle party to the Collector’s Dinner, vineyard tours and a bubbly brunch. Weekend pass and individual event tickets available.
Sip Wine Under Towering Redwoods
Wine amongst the redwoods at the annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, which takes place every May at Camp Navarro. This rustic event features pinot, rosé and sparkling wines from 50 producers, a barbecue, grand tasting, winemaker dinners and a concert throughout the weekend. The best part: reserve a cabin, teepee, or tent and sleep under the stars. $75-$450
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival at Camp Navarro, 901 Masonite Industrial Rd, Navarro, CA, 707-895-9463, avwwines.com
Revitalize Your Skin After the Long Winter
Winter is harsh on our skin, so spring is the time to give is a refresh with warmer weather ahead. The spa at Hotel Healdsburg offers farm-to-spa treatments, sourcing natural ingredients from the bounty of Sonoma; try the Meyer Lemon Body Polish or Strawberry Rhubarb Hydrating Massage. The Wellness Barn, Farmhouse Inn’s soothing spa in Forestville, lives up to its name with soothing experiences inside a beautifully designed farmhouse building. The Herbal Bath, Moon Milk Bath and Citrus Essence Facial are just a few of Farmhouse’s signature treatments.
hotelhealdsburg.com
farmhouseinn.com
Attend an Epic Alfresco Dinner Party
Picture an epically-long table set in the middle of a stunning ridgetop vineyard—and you sitting at that table. The people behind Outstanding in the Field sure know how to throw a party, and they know how what a picture-perfect setting Sonoma County is for alfresco meals. Healdsburg’s Medlock Ames, Flowers and Russian River Brewing Company are all featured in the Outstanding in the Field’s 2023 Tour. Tickets $375
Outstanding in the Field at Bohan Ranch, 28812 Bohan Dillon Rd, Cazadero, CA, outstandinginthefield.com
Hikes Amongst The Wildflowers
Sonoma County has one of the most vast collection of hiking trails in California, and spring is the best time to explore the region by foot. Vibrant wildflower blooms can be found in meadows, along stream beds, on hillsides and amidst the vineyard rows. Jordan Winery hosts Earth Week Nature Hikes in April (see our list of wineries that offer vineyard hikes) and Healdsburg Is Heavenly has created a Healdsburg Hiking Guide for those who want to take a break from eating and drinking on the Plaza and explore the great outdoors.
Thank you for including Barndiva’s Pink Party in this incredible and diverse line up heading into what will be a glorious Spring !
How blessed we are to live and work in Sonoma County.