Guide to Sonoma Plaza and Wine Tasting

Stroll Historic Sites Between Wine Tasting

Sonoma Plaza is a perfect place to explore wine and more in Sonoma Wine Country.

Sonoma Plaza is surrounded by interesting landmarks which date back to the early 1800s. Walk to historic sites from California’s past in between wine-tasting downtown. Protected by the Sonoma State Historic Park, stop and marvel over the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel, the remains of La Casa Grande, and General Vallejo’s Home.

Walk and Wine Taste Around Sonoma Plaza

With more than two dozen wine-tasting rooms and several wine bars set on or near Sonoma Plaza, you can sample an amazing selection of wines just by walking a few steps. Here are a few to explore.

Sigh

Taste sparkling wine and imported Champagne at this stylish “bubble bar.” It sports a central bar, window nook, and cushy lounge.

Jeff Cohn Cellars

Across the street, stop in at this friendly tasting room to sip bold, flavorful wines like popular Zinfandel. This small winery also offers tasty Rhône-style wines, as well.

Corner 103

Corner 103 has had the honor of being named the best tasting room in America by the readers of USA Today. It’s the brainchild of Lloyd Davis, who left a New York City career in finance for his passion for wine. Taste area wines and Davis’ own award-winners.

Pangloss Cellars

Set in a renovated 1902 building, this spacious, high-style wine lounge includes private tasting rooms, a wine bar, and a variety of seating. Here, you can sample Pangloss wines, which include mountain-grown Sonoma Valley Cabernets and Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs.

Kamen Estate Wines

Further down the street, you’ll find the winery of screenwriter Robert Kamen, who penned hits like “The Karate Kid” and the wine country-themed “A Walk in the Clouds.” Taste mountain-grown Cabernets and check out the fun, film-themed t-shirts for sale.

Enoteca Della Santina

Based on the Italian word “enoteca” as a place to sample, drink, and buy wine — this wine bar and shop boasts 250 plus hard-to-find gems from Sonoma and the world. You can even order tasty Tuscan fare from the Della Santina’s restaurant next door.

Sojourn Cellars

Relax with a glass of sumptuous Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir in this charming, sophisticated, and recently renovated tasting salon located just off the Plaza in downtown Sonoma.

Walt Sonoma Plaza

The cozy brick and timber cottage tasting room invites you to sample famous Pinot Noir wines from around the West Coast. Contemplate a glass of Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir under the redwoods out back or in the front courtyard.

Roche Winery Downtown

A few steps off the plaza in a little house with shaded front yard seating, this welcoming winery is a favorite with those who love Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

Three Sticks Wines

Fans of design, history, and wine will revel in this meticulously restored Vallejo-Casteñada adobe, originally built in 1842 of mud-and-straw bricks. Enjoy mid-19th-century furniture and architectural details, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a Rhône-style blend from the famed Durell Vineyard.

Vine Alley in the Town of Sonoma

On the south side of Sonoma Plaza, “Vine Alley ” (aka the Sonoma Court Shops) evokes a European scene with stucco walls, a tiled walkway, and a lovely fountain. Look for the tasting room signs and the little Bacchus statue, then pass under the greenery-fringed archways and explore. Make it a round trip by following the narrow passageways that lead back to the street.

Fulcrum Wines

This welcoming wine spot plays to the Pinot Noir crowd, and in fact, you can compare this popular varietal from appellations to the north and south of Sonoma County while choosing your personal favorites.

Galatea Effect

A triathlon-competing entrepreneur brings high energy and style to this tasting lounge, where the top offering is a “super Syrah.”

Sosie Wines

Sosie is French for “twin” or “spitting image,” illustrating this winery’s affinity for French-style winemaking. Sosie sources grapes from wine-region sites that share cooling influences. Visit their welcoming tasting room to sample red, white, and sparkling wines.

Wine Tasting in the Sonoma Neighborhood

These notable wineries are located within walking distance, bicycling distance, or a short car trip from Sonoma Plaza.

Buena Vista Winery

At the end of Old Winery Road, you’ll find a very old winery indeed. Legendary vintner ‘Count’ Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista in 1857. In recent years, Jean-Charles Boisset restored the ‘Champagne cellars’ and an engaging historical exhibit.

Enkidu Wine

Mythology buffs will enjoy the reference to wild man Enkidu, the wingman to King Gilgamesh in the ancient epic tale. The inviting winery has plenty to tempt you, including stellar Shamhat Rosé, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Zinfandel.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Adventurous visitors can tour the vineyards here in an open-air Pinzgauer military vehicle and peer into wine caves. A wide array of reds and whites can be ordered from the outdoor bar overlooking the valley or sampled in the stone cellar.

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery

A pleasant walk a few blocks east of the Mission San Francisco Solano leads to one of Sonoma’s oldest wineries. Here, at Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, you’ll find Sonoma County-sourced Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, as well as Moscato, Pinot Grigio, and more.

Where to Stay in Sonoma

Staying in Sonoma Wine Country is a great way to make your Northern California experience more relaxing.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Relax in historic luxury at this iconic inn, which features beautifully appointed guest rooms, a pampering spa, world-class golf, and the award-winning Santé restaurant.

Sonoma Creek Inn

This reasonably priced, 16-room hideaway offering colorfully decorated rooms with private outdoor patios or porches, flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and mini-refrigerators welcomes you to relax after exploring Sonoma Wine Country.

For more lodging, including boutique hotels, cozy bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and resorts, check out Sonoma Hotels & Lodging.