"Sonoma takes a lot of visual its cues from Tuscany, and this boutique property, which occupies what could only be described as an Italian farmhouse, is an stunning embodiment of that aesthetic. A relatively small spot with only 29 rooms, Kenwood Inn is a great option if you're hoping for a quiet, intimate vacation—the recently remodelled spa offers a slew of excellent treatments and the lemon cranberry breakfast scones are unforgettable. "

"We love this beautiful little market and its gorgeous selection of prepared goods. It's a great stop if you want to bring home gifts to friends who aren't big drinkers, and the convenient location on the way into Healdsburg makes it an easy spot to pick up a sandwich (we like the Muffaletta or the fried chicken) on your way to a winery. There's also a location in Oakville along the St. Helena Highway."

"A Healdsburg mainstay since 1881, this is the kind of place we'd be regulars at if we lived in the area. There's a quirky collection of oddities and antiques hanging from the ceiling, an attached farm, a solid deli, and you can still pick up bait and tackle for a fishing trip. "

"This no-frills, old-school winery is best known for Zinfandel, but they make a great rosé and some whites as well—either way, it's a nice break from Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room can feel a little bit industrial, but it's a familial place with a vibe that's not at all touristy."

"Owners Don and Rhonda Carano, second-generation Italian Americans, acquired the Vintners Inn after spending more than 20 years honing their craft as winemakers in the Russian River Valley. Every detail is considered, from the strict green practices it follows to the beautifully kept gardens to the fresh baked cookies that come with the nightly turn-down service. If you don't want to leave the grounds, you can eat at the impressive John Ash & Co. or the Front Room Bar & Lounge."

"For years, this quaint hotel has earned a reputation for being one of the Russian River Valley's best, for both service and its gorgeous grounds. Situated around a main farmhouse, the owners upped the ante several years ago and added a spa and several "barn rooms," which albeit pricey, are worth the splurge for the open views, huge tubs, and private deck and fireplace. The onsite restaurant is another lauded element to the expertly run enterprise. "

"Located on the west side of Healdsburg, this hotel puts you within walking distance of all the downtown wineries and restaurants. (You can also borrow one of the hotel's PUBLIC bikes to explore.) Or if you want to stay indoors, local restos Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen and Pizzando offer room service. The spa is great, as is the outdoor pool and garden. "

"SingleThread Farm is located on a stretch of five acres between the Russian River and San Lorenzo Ranch. The restaurant and inn are run by chef-owner (and Fat Duck alum) Kyle Connaughton, who concepted a multi-course Japanese-inspired restaurant, plus an intimate five-guest-room-inn designed by AvroKo, all under one roof. Much of the menu inspiration comes from Connaughton's own farm a mere five miles away, which supplies everything from veggies, herbs, flowers, honey, and eggs to the kitchen. The approach is very Japanese, and guests can choose from one of three 11-course tasting menus (including vegetarian or pescatarian options). The exacting attention to detail threads through the guest rooms as well—they've got kind of California-meets-Japanese-ryokan vibe from the Toto toilets and binchotan charcoal toothbrushes in the bathroom to the matcha served in a beautiful Japanese mug come breakfast. Photos: Courtesy of SingleThread Farm (Eric Wolfinger and Garrett Rowland)"

"Inside a family-owned working ranch that dates back to 1892 and shaded by local oak trees, this five-room B&B is packed with charm. The rooms, both in the main plantation-style house and adjacent cottage, are nicely sized for a couple and tastefully appointed with a mix of antiques. (Opt for a room on the second floor for killer views of the vineyard and poppy-filled garden—particularly at sunset.) In the mornings, tuck into a spot on on the wrap-around porch for breakfast. "

"With back garden that's dripping in ivy and wisteria, Barndiva is hands-down one of our favorite dinner spots to try while you're exploring the area. The food is sourced locally and always inventive, while the rustic barn setting is such a fun change from the norm. (Don't mis the insanely good goat cheese croquettes.) To top it all off, the cocktail menu is off-the-charts. "

"The siblings who now own and run Catelli's are the third generation of restaurateurs at this much-loved Italian spot. Everything from the wine to the vegetables is locally sourced, and it's all really nicely priced. "

"Spoonbar has a great menu with California-style cuisine, but the biggest draw is the cocktails. The drink menu changes seasonally depending on which local spirits are available, meaning that it's a great place to get a feel for the talent in the region's many distilleries."

"If there's such a thing as a hipster winery, Scribe Winery probably qualifies. Owned by young brothers and located in Sonoma, it's a small production vineyard with a decidedly unstuffy vibe—you'll sit at a picnic table or swing on a rope swing while you sample their rosé. There's a historic hacienda located on the property that the brothers are in the midst of restoring. It promises to be a fantastic tasting room (and an even better event venue), but until the project is finished, they're happily running their tastings on an outdoor hillside lovingly dubbed "the knoll." "

"A destination for in-the-know design enthusiasts, owner and artist Dave Allen's experience with (and love for) European and Asian design runs deep–he's ventured to France, India, and China to explore old methods of manufacturing and discover indigenous objects. His warehouse/showroom is filled with eclectic, never-before-seen antiques, architectural elements, garden decorations, and other forms of décor. "

"This is one of those still under-the-radar places you want to tell everyone about–but also want to keep to yourself. Chef Liza Hinman creates a menu of seasonally-forward dishes inspired by various global traditions. Our favorites include the curry-spiced halibut, wilted kale salad, and killer coconut corn fritters that have the perfect crunch without excessive oil. A true locals destination for excellent food, the space is also an artistic hub (every six weeks it features the work of a different local artist in the dining room). "

"For chef Dustin Valette, the history in this space dates back to the 1930s when his great grandfather owned the property. He and his brother, Aaron Garzini, opened the restaurant in early 2015 and the duo has been serving inventive American cuisine with French influences to locals and visitors ever since. Order the coriander crusted duck breast and finish off the meal with something sweet like the carmella chocolate semifreddo. "

"This authentic ramen and Japanese gastropub is a welcome–and unique–addition to the Sonoma food scene. Serving up handmade noodles, small batch sauces, and yaktori meats, it also offers a changing menu of robata-yaki and small plate izakaya dishes. The space is seriously laid-back and the drink menu is solid and includes several local craft brews. "

"Located in the heart of Sonoma's central plaza, this restaurant serves up Portuguese cuisine with a twist–with most dishes heavy on the olive oil, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. Chef Manuel Azevedo cooks classics from his native country, such as a traditional fish stew with a medley of clams, mussels, shrimp, sea bass, and scallops. "

"Jewish comfort food, Southern fried chicken, and Korean seasonings may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but that's kind of the point. In an open kitchen, chef Mark Stark turns out chicken fried oyster lettuce wraps, crispy skin salmon wings with kimchee salt and matzo ball soup (with BBQ chicken thigh, obviously). They've got a nice selection of crowd-pleasing beers on tap, too. "

"Founders Christopher Medlock James and Ames Morison have created a sustainable, ethical operation that exudes a small town, almost utopian feel. Their team farms the vineyards organically, avoiding the use of insecticides, herbicides, or chemical toxins, and solar power provides the energy to keep the 330-plus acre spread running (80 percent of which they keep wild to allow for the natural growth of local trees and other botanicals). The best part is the outdoor communal area, with its farm tables situated amidst several kitchen gardens, is often a core for community and visitor gatherings (especially on Saturdays, when they make pizzas in the gorgeous copper wood-fired grill). "

"Upon arriving at the MacRostie Estate House, you’ll be wowed by the sheer size of the space—complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand patio that offers some of the best views in the valley. The concrete floors and exposed wood beams add to the clean, industrial vibe. And of course, there’s the wine, particularly the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, that always impresses. "

"This boutique winery crafts small-batch artisanal wines from several vineyards around the Sonoma Coast. Located downtown Sonoma in Vallejo-Castañeda Adobe House, a mid-1800's historic landmark which the owners reinvented with the help of architect Ken Fulk, the space is stunning: equally eclectic and modern with Mexican influences. "

"After founding Landmark with other wine enthusiasts in the mid-1970's, Damaris Deere Ford (great great grand-daughter of steel plow pioneer John Deere) fell in love with the Sonoma Valley's Mayacamas Mountain views and growing wine community, which inspired her to move the winery in 1989 to its present Kenwood location. It was then the Landmark team began producing its world-renowned Chardonnay. With two locations in the Sonoma region (the other is known for its Pinot Noir), Landmark specializes in small-batch wines that are hand-crafted. The truly knowledgeable and welcoming team offers its clients and visitors a fun experience learning about its wines and region. The expansive property makes it easy to kill an entire afternoon (which, believe us, we did)–and along with the tasting room, you can picnic on the lawn and play corn hole or Bocce Ball, and, of course, take a tour of the vineyards. "

"The latest addition to Landmark’s wine-making portfolio, the Hop Kiln Estate is a majestic space rich in history. Originally designed for drying hops for brewing, the late 1800's stone mansion–located just outside of downtown Healdsburg–is a registered California Historical Landmark. The property is absolutely stunning, with epic views of the valley and tasting rooms both indoors and out. Complementary to its sister location in Sonoma Valley, which produces world-renowned Chardonnay, this location is better known for its Pinot Noir. "

"This independently owned coffee roaster and café makes the best almond milk lattes in the region. With two other locations in nearby Healdsburg, it's one of our favorites spots to grab a morning coffee. "