OUR FAVORITE PLACES FOR WINE & FOOD IN THE TOWN OF SONOMA
Wine Tasting Rooms Around the Plaza
Start with the square itself. Sonoma’s plaza is lined with tasting rooms that each bring something unique. Pangloss feels more like a lounge than a traditional tasting room — spacious, relaxed, and perfect for an unhurried afternoon hangout. Roche is all about atmosphere, with a great outdoor space that feels lively and welcoming. And if Pinot is your thing, Walt Winery on 1st Street pours some of Andrea’s favorite Pinots in town.
For smaller, more intimate producers, don’t miss Darling Wines and Auteur Wines, two understated gems well worth seeking out. Champagne lovers will be at home at Sigh, a stylish spot dedicated entirely to bubbles. And if you’re curious about Sonoma’s bolder, but still under-the-radar makers, Moon Hollow, Kamen and Caddis Wines offer beautiful, expressive wines and a personal, small-production feel.
There are countless others nearby, including Valley Bar & Bottle, which doubles as a natural wine bar and restaurant. You can browse the full list at the links below — or simply stroll the plaza and duck into whatever catches your eye. Half the fun is discovering your own favorites.
And don’t forget: one of Sonoma’s charming quirks is that you can enjoy wine in public. So grab a blanket, a bottle from a tasting room, something delicious to snack on, and join the locals for a picnic on the grass. There’s no better way to ease into the rhythm of Sonoma.
Bars + A Break From Wine
If you’re ready to switch gears from wine, Sonoma has some fantastic bars worth visiting. Beacon sits right on the square, tucked upstairs from Taub Family Outpost, and has a great, relaxed vibe. The bar at Layla inside MacArthur Place is always a hit, polished, warm, and beautifully designed. The bar at Wit & Wisdom, the restaurant at The Lodge, offers a refined but comfortable atmosphere for cocktails or a late-evening wind-down. And if you’re craving something more classic, Murphy’s Irish Pub is a local institution.
Beer lovers are covered too: HopMonk Tavern and Sonoma Springs Brewing Co. are both great options, each with its own character and loyal following.
A few minutes outside the plaza, you’ll find a handful of wineries that feel both close and wonderfully removed. Scribe, Hanzell, Bartholomew Park, Buena Vista, and Gundlach Bundschu are all favorites — each offering a different expression of the valley. Most can be reached by bike if you’re feeling adventurous.
Venturing farther up Highway 12 toward Glen Ellen and Kenwood is one of the most beautiful drives in the county, with vineyards stretching to the hills. This stretch is home to B Wise, Kunde (their hilltop tasting has one of the best views in wine country), Benziger with its biodynamic tour, and welcoming spots like Imagery, Mayo, Valley of the Moon Winery, and B.R. Cohn.
And while you’re up that way, stop at El Molino Central — a beloved Sonoma institution serving some of the best Mexican food around. Tiny outdoor seating. Huge flavor.
Sonoma Restaurants We Love
Sonoma has no shortage of memorable places to eat. Café La Haye remains one of the most beloved restaurants in town — intimate, beautifully executed, and honored with a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. Valley Bar & Bottle, another Bib Gourmand recipient, brings natural wines and seasonal dishes to a stylish but unfussy space.
Wit & Wisdom, a Michael Mina restaurant at The Lodge, is great for a special night out, and Glen Ellen Star (a short drive away) is one of those places that locals and visitors rave about equally. The Girl & The Fig is everything you’d expect from a Sonoma classic — warm, lively, and consistently delicious — while El Dorado Kitchen offers polished dining in a beautiful setting.
For a more relaxed evening, we love the bar and lounge at Layla, tacos in the sunshine at El Molino, or the hearty, wine-country comfort of HopMonk. And for something casual and shareable, Oso and Tasca Tasca are wonderful small-plate spots.
And of course — a trip to the plaza wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Sweet Scoops, our local ice cream maker. The line can be long on warm evenings, but it moves quickly… and yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re celebrating something truly special, Enclose offers a two-star Michelin dining experience that’s as thoughtful as it is unforgettable.
These are just a few of the places we love — the ones we return to and recommend to guests staying along Thornsberry Road. Whether you follow this guide or wander and discover your own favorites, Sonoma has a way of meeting you right where you are: slow, warm, generous, and always a little magical.
Explore + Enjoy
Explore more here:
https://sonomaplaza.com/places/wine-tasting-rooms/
https://sonomaplaza.com/places/food-drink/
