El Dorado Kitchen

Just downstairs from the hotel, El Dorado Kitchen’s super-seasonal menus and signature cocktails (edible-flower-garnished cocktails in summer, a winter citrus cocktail for cold nights) alongside a robust wine list, is a lauded by travelers and Sonoma locals alike. In the hands of executive chef Armando Navarro, creative cuisine like the Pork Belly with Watermelon appetizer, Crab Cake Benedict or Caramel-Corn Ice Cream makes Sonoma flavor paramount.

Scribe Winery

Scribe is more than a winery; it’s an experience.A restored, 1870s Mission-style home is the “hacienda” centerpiece for its by-appointment-only tastings and unique farm dinners. And the terroir-driven wines seem to bottle the spirit of the land itself, making Scribe Winery the symbol for next-gen Northern California today—with a just-as-cool cult following.

Three Sticks Winery

Try an intimate wine and food pairing at the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, located just off the town square. Three Sticks’ Pinot and Chardonnay varietals are consistent 95+ award winners from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, and the Castaneda Rose’ is a refreshingly elegant favorite.

Sonoma Springs Brewery Co.

Sonoma’s breweries infuse a welcome, hoppy alternative to the county’s wine-tasting scene. One of the top go-to spots for grabbing a pint is Sonoma Springs Brewing Company. The family-style seating makes the vibe friendly, and handcrafted California ales and barrel-aged brews keep it fun with clever names like the Knockin’ Fruits and He Said, She Said.

Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream

If you’re in Sonoma Square, you may find it hard to resist the smell of waffle cones wafting into the plaza from the Sweet Scoops’ Homemade Ice Cream shop. The mother-daughter founders use fresh, local ingredients to create over 200 unique, rotating flavors of one-of-a-kind deliciousness. Try wine-country-influenced blends like the Peach Bellini and Cabernet Fig, or cool twists on the classics like the Oreo Salted Caramel and Vegan Cocoa Mint.

Wine Country Chocolates

Infused Chardonnay bites, Zinfandel ganache, Port truffles. Sometimes the best wine pairing is with chocolate. While traditional truffles are rolled, Wine Country Chocolates’ version is “formed, hand-pressed, and delicately enrobed in a generous layer of dark chocolate”—making a perfectly decadent complement to an afternoon of wine tasting.