As summer began to wind down and we witnessed the temperature drop, it was enough of a sign for my husband and I to seek a peaceful escape to California’s wine country. While Sonoma is sometimes overlooked from the nearby Napa Valley, we were not only curious to see what the other side of the hills may look like but we were also drawn by its distinct reputation as the perfect home-base to exploring California wine country.

Is It Better to Stay in Napa Valley or Sonoma?

While Napa holds the world-class reputation, Sonoma offers more accessible accommodations in an arguably just as beautiful setting. Sonoma and Napa Valley actually run parallel from one another, moving from north to south and only divided by the small Mayacamas Mountains. The cooler marine air traverses through Sonoma County but is shielded by the small mountain range, lending to unique climates that produce extremely versatile grapes in both valleys. So no matter which wineries land on your itinerary, you’re sure to have a truly unique experience.

Where Do You Fly Into for Napa or Sonoma?

We caught a direct flight on Alaska Air from Portland International Airport to Santa Rosa, and within just a few hours door-to-door, we arrived at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. It’s amazing what an hour and a half flight can change in your surroundings. From Pacific NorthWest autumn rain, we pulled up to the resort only to be greeted with glasses of oaky Chardonnay and the heat of the golden Californian sun.

Where Should I Stay in Sonoma?

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is a luxurious resort located in the heart of California's wine country. The resort offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Established in the early 1900s, the resort has since been renovated to include modern amenities while still maintaining its historic charm. The elegant Spanish design is ultimately most admired from the adobe-style guest rooms featuring vaulted ceiling and airy balconies overlooking the Mission’s expansive gardens throughout the property. Guests can indulge in a range of activities, including swimming, hiking, wine tasting, and exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape — much of which we enjoyed as we drove from winery to winery.

Top Places to Eat in Sonoma

While the Mission Inn and Spa is home to Michelin-starred Santé Restaurant, we had our stomachs set on a more humble establishment that we actually heard about prior to visiting. Just a short walk from the resort, El Molino Central is a colorful Mexican casa home to freshly made Mexican classics including some of the best tamales we’ve ever tried. Though the salsa verde pork tamales make an incredible argument, the chicken mole tamales take-the-cake on the most sought-after dish in the area. We were actually so impressed with the quality of their organic ground masa that we returned to El Molino to purchase a batch of tamales to take home to Oregon with us! Other popular must-tries include the swiss chard enchiladas, house-made chips and guacamole, birria beef tacos, and wild halibut tostadas de ceviche. The quality of tortillas, tamales and chips does not go unnoticed!

If looking for a quicker bite without the line, Los Magos Mexican Food Truck just across the street from El Molino serves incredibly tasty and affordable tacos and burritos. After a full day of wine-tasting, this served as the perfect evening stop on our way back to the resort.

Best Things to Do in Sonoma: What’s on Our Itinerary

Apart from exploring the wineries in the region, we were excited to visit Sonoma because a dear friend of ours was tying the knot with their fiancé. As this provided a fantastic excuse to dress up, we put on our best suits and ventured over the Mayacamas. Being able to drive around through the country between towns added to the allure of the region. It was surprising how different the natural plant-life varied between Sonoma and Napa, but it just helped us to build even more appreciation for how the farmers and vintners work the land.

After a night of sips and frivolity, it was time to head back to Portland, but not without one last gourmet breakfast at the Mission Inn along with a spa treatment to refresh us before the flight.

The Mission Inn’s spa boasts a range of treatments that incorporate local ingredients, such as grape seed oil and lavender, to provide a truly tantalizing experience. Featuring multiple hot spring pools, we got to choose from a variety of massages, facials, and body treatments. Though the spa was exactly what we needed, what we remember most from our last morning was the Mission Inn’s custom fresh-baked banana bread, which was smothered with espresso crusted peanut butter. It was so delicious, we actually asked for the recipe!

We’ll savor the memories from Sonoma (along with the Banana Bread recipe), until we can return again. Whether flying in to Santa Rosa, or venturing up from San Francisco, Sonoma is the perfect anchor to explore California wine country and enjoy a peaceful escape.