A Great Day in Sonoma Valley

The drive through the Sonoma Valley from Sonoma in the south to Kenwood in the north takes half an hour, but you can easily fill a day touring the wineries and historic sites along the way. Make winery appointments at least two days ahead, especially at Scribe and St. Francis.

Breakfast and History

To hit the highlights, start in the town of Sonoma. Have breakfast at Sunflower Caffé or Taub Family Outpost, both across the street from the Sonoma Plaza to the west. From your breakfast spot, head east on East Napa Street, south on 8th Street East, and east on Denmark Street, a drive of just under 3 miles to reach Scribe, where grapes were first planted in 1858. If you can't get an appointment at Scribe, Buena Vista Winery (1857), the birthplace of modern California wine making, and Gundlach Bundschu (1858), still owned by members of the Bundschu family, are two other historic options.

Wine, Food, and Wine

Enjoy your tasting, then backtrack to East Napa Street and head west. The road eventually becomes Highway 12, which you'll take west and north to photogenic St. Francis Winery for the 1 pm wine and food pairing (reserve a few days ahead). From St. Francis, head back south 2 miles on Highway 12 to En Garde Winery (look for it on the right). Stop at this roadside tasting room for Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Literary Stroll

From En Garde, continue south on Highway 12 and take Arnold Drive into the picturesque town of Glen Ellen. Turn right on London Ranch Road and wind your way uphill for a few minutes to reach Jack London State Historic Park. Take a short stroll through the grounds and observe the historic buildings near the parking area before the park closes at 5 pm. Backtrack down London Ranch road for an early dinner at Glen Ellen Star or return to Sonoma on Highway 12.