Sober Travel Guide: Sonoma
… after reading this you won’t have FOMO next time you visit northern California
If you’re newly alcohol-free or sober-curious and find yourself in Sonoma, no-stress, there is plenty to do that will help you feel fulfilled and inspired.
Sonoma is known mostly for wine country; however, there is so much to see while surrounded by small-town charm.
Growing up in the Midwest, I have a soft spot in my heart for small towns, and in 2023, Sonoma was voted Best Small Town to Visit in the USA.
Sonoma County has mountains, forests, rivers, valleys, meadows, and 55 (angel number) of Pacific Ocean coastline. You can hike among redwoods and enjoy many beautiful parks - and a stunning botanical garden.
With a food culture central to the city’s heritage, many restaurants have locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more. If you visit during the week - you’ll want to check out the farmer’s market on Tuesday while in season.
Sonoma has wonderful hiking, biking trails, and beautiful spas. If you’re looking for the best things to do as a non-drinker; keep reading.
Let’s start with flights.
Depending on your vibe and your preferred airline, you can fly into SFO or Oakland. For domestic flights, I typically fly Southwest because I’ve been flying with them for so long and feel like they are more modern. They recently got a lot of attention when they said they would stop their open-seating policy. Who knows when that will happen, I’m not worried about it . If you’re considering flying with Southwest, I highly recommend signing up for their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card. I’m also hopeful that Southwest will increase the amount of alcoholic options served on flights in the future.
Up next: hotels.
I’ve personally stayed at the Inn at Sonoma and loved it. They had what every domestic hotel should have: bathrobes and bicycles. It was right near Sonoma Plaza and it was an easy walk or bike ride to explore the town.
Here are two other hotels I recommend:
You can book your own hotel using this link. To make your trip even more special, you’ll receive VIP amenities, upgrades if available, and other exclusive offers.
Fairmont Spa & Wellness
Northern California is known for its wineries….
If you’re in your sobriety journey where you are comfortable going to wineries and enjoying NA wine and other NA options, then I recommend checking out the beautiful spaces. Often, they are outside with lots of outdoor seating. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, no wineries in Sonoma County offer non-alcoholic wine. However, several of them do take special requests when making reservations. There are a few that offer olive oil-tasting.
One winery, in particular, has a mocktail-tasting flight and is my pick for the best winery for you to visit, with delicious mocktail options for you to enjoy:
This beautiful winery is located in California’s iconic Sonoma Valley, where guests take time to slow down and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Ed, the tasting room host, is a fantastic man who shares that their doors are open to everyone sober or who wants to stay health-conscious.
They offer by-the-glass mocktails & a mini mocktail-tasting flight.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards:
This family-owned winery knows a thing or two about hospitality.
NA beverages include standard sparkling water and Italian sodas. Something I love about this winery is that with all their seated tastings, locally baked bread is included with an olive oil and vinegar dip. The bread & olive oil comes from The Olive Press, an olive oil manufacturer known for its field-to-table methods, focusing on local agriculture. (more info below)
Even if you’re not drinking, I highly recommend checking out the property for the All’Italiana experience. Picture the ultimate luxury picnic. The vineyard partners with a local chef to craft super-fresh seasonal menus. The food is served family-style, so wine tasting is an option, but you can easily opt out and have a lovely, seasonal lunch shared with friends.
My favorite thing about the Jacuzzi is the lower prices for people who don't drink. THANK YOU, Jacuzzi! You're the real MVP.
You can learn more about that experience and their other offerings here and follow them on ig @jacuzziwines.
The Olive Press invites you to join them in the tasting experience of LIQUID GOLD. Yes, I said it. Again, my mouth is watering as I type this.
The Olive Press offers a wide variety of 100% California-grown extra virgin olive oils. During this life-changing experience, you will learn how to properly taste olive oil and distinguish aromas and characteristics against the backdrop of their Italian mill right in the heart of Sonoma. They have award-winning EVOOs - all ranging in delicate to robust flavor profiles.
You heard it here first: they are also adding balsamic vinegar for a crash course in mixology. Who said being sober was boring?! This sounds like the best day ever.
You’ll also receive a 10% discount on any purchase of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and balsamic Vinegar made on the day of your tasting. All of this is for $20.
Check for availability and make your reservation here and follow them on ig @the_olive_press.
There’s also a brewery, Barrel Brothers Brewing Company, that might be worth checking out.
It’s about 50 minutes from Sonoma Plaza and is open every day from 12pm - 9pm and offers craft non-alcoholic beer, including HAZY IPA, that is smooth, tropical, & well-balanced with just the right amount of bitterness. Vacuum distillation technology decentralizes alcohol content to less than 0.5%.
You can see their full Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer options here.
If you’re up for a drive, Barlow Market District is a 12-acre Bay Area outdoor market in Sebastopol, California. It features local food and crafts made onsite by Sonoma Country artisans. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Sonoma Plaza. Barlow Market District is an industrial chic, dog-friendly spot with a welcoming community and many options for food and drinks.
The Barlow
Restaurants with great NA Options:
While you’re visiting, be sure check out these restaurants:
^ First of all, this French-inspired restaurant's appetizer menu includes artisan bread with house-cultured butter. Need I say more?
If you’re like me and spend more time looking at menus than you’re willing to admit, you will need at least 44 minutes to look at the plats du jour. I am not sharing.
See their gorgeous mocktail beverage menu below. Can we talk about that virgin lavender moji-no?
A perfect drink to enjoy on their gorgeous garden patio.
Follow them on IG here.
^ This spot is amazing because they use real ingredients and keep their food simple. They use milk from cows in Sonoma County and local pastured eggs in their dishes. Open daily from 8am - 3pm, Sunflower Caffé is the perfect spot to start your day in Sonoma.
For breakfast, I recommend the avocado toast with a poached egg. For lunch, take your pick amongst their four grilled cheese sandwiches. They have so much more on their menu that you’ll have a hard time deciding.
For drinks, they have one non-alcoholic option—a phony negroni—which would be fun to taste. They also have wellness shots, green smoothies, kombucha, and plenty of delicious coffee options.
Feel free to drool over their menu here.
^ Family-owned and operated since 1991, The Chocolate Cow is sure to please any sweet tooth. Also located on the historic Sonoma Plaza, has HAND-CRAFTED chocolates and fudge made by a father-son dream team.
Not only do they serve up the best chocolate in the county, they have ICE CREAM AND GELATO, and they signature “s ‘moo’ thies” made with fresh fruit and yummy juice.
Of course, they also have espresso drinks including a cow’pucchino and a cal’e latte.
Here’s their full menu for you to find your favorite treat.
After you’ve had yummy treats, let’s explore nature!
I’m sure you’ve heard of the benefits of grounding. This simple practice leads to many health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced stress, and increased clarity and focus.
Jack London Park is open daily, with different parks, museums, and cottage hours. Technically, this spot is a great place to enjoy the afternoon between Sonoma and Santa Rosa.
Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers guided horseback tours in the park, which has some of the finest riding trails in the world through acres of vineyards, open oak woodlands, and shady groves of tall redwoods. These are suitable for a first-time rider or an experienced equestrian.
Of course, you can hike in the park, and they offer recommendations for different types of hikes.
Another way to have a relaxing afternoon is to enjoy a local botanical garden.
Sonoma Botanical Garden is one you don’t want to miss. About 8 miles north of Sonoma and open 10am - 5pm daily,
Through the end of September 2024, they have a “Ribbit Exhibit” which depicts classic paintings through frog sculptures. How cute is that?!
On Wednesdays, May - October, the Botanical Garden also does Acoustic Sunsets which includes live music in the amphitheater, lawn games, and lots of fun activities.
And while I’m sure you love being outside as much as the next girl, sometimes you want (need) a massage.
These two spas in Sonoma offer amazing services when you need self-care.
blush a day spa - has a wellness menu that will knock your socks off.
I recommend their - healing arnica sports massage. This is their signature deep, healing massage designed to help restore flexibility and release your body from pain and stiffness.
The Spa at MacArthur (also a stunning hotel) is open to overnight guests and those with day passes to enjoy yoga and the pool.
Plants and flowers from their garden are used in the spa treatments to provide relaxation, sensory awakening, and connection with nature. Their Sanctuary of Flowers treatment, begins with exfoliating botanical body polish packed with medicinal wildflower essences created exclusively for their guests by Floral Alchemist LotusWei, followed by a custom head-to-toe massage and scalp treatments. *immediately books flight to Sonoma*
If neither spa above is your style, there are plenty of others to choose from here.
The Spa at MacArthur
It's time to feel inspired once you’re feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
There’s a vibrant art culture in Sonoma. This page on arts and culture includes everything from museums to performance groups to live music.
If you love to see live music, check out the official Calendar of Events so you can plan accordingly.
Sonoma Plaza is full of jewelry makers, artisans, and galleries and will inspire you to create your art by the time you leave.
I loved visiting Global Heart Fair Trade with adorable hats, books, and pottery - the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift for someone you love.
Next steps for Sober Travel…
I hope this Sober Travel Guide to Sonoma gave you great ideas and helpful tips for your next alcohol-free trip.
Here are some ways to help you travel better:
Get VIP perks & upgrades at preferred hotels when you book using this Hotel Travel Desk.
Book exclusive travel experiences, including tours, excursions, and transfers here.
Follow me on IG for more sober travel inspiration.
Explore the world & travel with other women who are alcohol-free ✈️
If you have any questions, need more info, or want to share your own travel stories, send an email to michelle@michelleplante.com
Happy Sober Travels ✨✨✨
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
