A Relaxing, Wine-Filled Bachelorette in Sonoma

Sonoma is one of the best locations for a relaxing bachelorette — particularly if the bride is a food and wine lover. Especially a wine lover. But with the long list of wonderful wineries and restaurants, where to start? Here’s what My Best Friend’s Weekend planned for client Elizabeth’s friend Lauren.

Where they stayed:

In a house found through Sonoma Valley Escapes within walking distance of downtown Sonoma. Sonoma County is quite big, so you definitely want to be thoughtful about which town you pick as your home base for a weekend trip to avoid spending unwanted time in transit between activities and wineries. Sonoma was the choice for this group because most were flying in already and it would be far more convenient to the airport than the Russian Valley or other destinations further up north.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards & Winery © Jim G | Flickr

What they did:

On Thursday, the group arrived in the evening, checked into the house and ordered take-out from The Red Grape, one of the best pizza places in town.

Friday was a day for the group to relax — the girls had time to wander around town, visiting various shops and wine stores, and also to get spa treatments at the lovely Fairmont Hotel. (For summertime bachelorettes — spa treatments also give you access to the hotel’s pool!) Dinner that night was at the impeccable The Girl & the Fig in downtown Sonoma.

Saturday was wine tasting day. The group started with a late morning tasting at Jacuzzi Wineries (yes – owned by the same family that makes Jacuzzis). They then picked up sandwiches from Carneros Deli and picnicked at Cline Cellars before their tasting. (A highlight of Cline’s: they have both indoor and outdoor picnicking options so there’s no need to worry about weather when visiting.) If you’re looking for a fancier, sit-down lunch option, Ram’s Gate Winery can do a delicious farm-to-table three-course lunch.

Saturday night was relaxed – the group decided to eat in after the long day of wine tastings and a lingerie party for Lauren, but we recommend the El Dorado Hotel, Swiss Hotel, or the Depot Hotel Restaurant as a few other wonderful places for dinner in downtown Sonoma.

Sunday was a day for a casual brunch in smaller groups before heading back home. Brunch favorites in Sonoma included Sonoma’s Best and Sunflower Café.

Ram’s Gate Winery © Sharon Hahn Darlin | Flickr