Things to Do in Sonoma County in Spring
Spring is the season in wine country that you’ll want to spend entirely outside. Rainy days are few and far between, the sun is shining—but it’s not too hot—the crowds aren’t at their peak yet and everything is in bloom. From attending sun-soaked wine 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
Spring is the unofficial kickoff for rosé season. Wineries all over Sonoma County release their pink productions starting in April, so this is the time to stock up for the summer before they sell out. Some of our favorite rosé producers, which just so happen to be near Jordan, are Cartograph (pinot rosé) and Breathless Wines (for sparkling rosé). The Girl & The Fig is also throwing a Rosé Day party on June 8, the official National Rosé Day, featuring wood-fired pizzas and rosés from local wineries, like Cline Cellars, Three Sticks Wines and more.
Embark on “A Three-Hour Vineyard Tour”
Each May, Jordan Vineyard & Winery brings back its Estate Tour & Tasting, one of the most epic wine country experiences 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 ft. Available Thursday-Monday at 9:45 a.m. $125
Happy Hour at Sonoma’s New Rooftop Bar
Healdsburg’s newest hotel and architectural masterpiece Harmon Guest House has opened up its rooftop terrace just in time for sunnier weather. The opening menu features spring-inspired cocktails like Citrus (Hanson ginger vodka, spiced pear liqueur and lemon garnished with star anise) and Sparkling (Griffo gin, strawberry liqueur, lime juice and Roederer sparkling wine garnished with strawberry) to pair with killer wine country views.
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.
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. While you’re there, you should do a wine tasting from their extremely diverse lineup.
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. $25-175
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 sage purifying body polish or herbal wrap. The Farmhouse Inn in Forestville is offering a spring special. The Citrus & Herbs Scrub, Rub and Shrub soothes dry, itchy areas and rehydrates the skin in three steps: a full-body exfoliation, outdoor shower, and essential oil massage.
Dance it Out at Gundlach Bundschu
The annual Huichica Music Festival hosted by Gundlach Bundschu Winery takes place in late spring. This folk-focused, boutique music fest goes down in a much more intimate setting than say, BottleRock, and features a slew of fun, independent acts on multiple stages set amongst a stunning vineyard backdrop. There will of course also be plenty of GunBun wine to sip, plus local food vendors and even kid-friendly activities.
Catch a Flick about Wine
There’s a new wine film coming out—no, we’re not talking about Netflix’s Wine Country—and you can be one of the first to see it. André: The Voice of Wine tells the fascinating life of American wine icon, the late André Tchelistcheff, who was hired by Jordan Winery in the 1970s to craft a premium California Cabernet Sauvignon that rivaled First Growth Bordeaux. The private screening will take place in June at the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg and will include a Champagne reception with Jordan’s newly released wines, artisan cheeses, charcuterie by Journeyman Meat Co. and movie snacks. A Q&A will follow the film, featuring Ralph Fiennes (who narrates the film) and Jordan winemaker Rob Davis, who was mentored by Tchelistcheff and is featured in the film. $75
Attend an Epic Al-Fresco Dinner Party
Picture an epicly-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 their 2019 tour is making a stop in Sonoma County in June. Bohan Ranch on the Sonoma Coast will play host to quite possibly the most fabulous, al-fresco dinner party you’ve ever attended, featuring Kutch Wines and a menu prepared by chef Charlie Parker of San Francisco’s Piccino on Saturday, and chef Gonzalo Guzman of Nopalito, also in San Francisco, on Sunday. Tickets $285
