Sonoma Wine: One Day Tasting Tour (Photos)

Our favorite Sonoma County breakfast spot is Costeaux, a French bakery and bistro that’s straight out of France. Artisanal breads such as sourdough are perennial winners at countywide contests; the sweets aren’t bad, either.

TIP: For a hearty breakfast, try the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich—fried eggs, bacon, avocado and cheese on one of the bakery’s house-made croissants.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Costeaux French Bakery

There's no better way to spend your morning than by riding horseback through the vineyards of this magical 1,300 acre estate. If horses aren't your thing, try Chalk Hill's culinary tour through the gardens or a guided wine tasting paired with cheeses.

TIP: Don't miss the estate's excellent Syrah, and its proprietary red blend. And make time to chat with the well-informed (and entertaining) tasting-room staff.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery

Tucked in the hills near the confluence of the Knights Valley, Chalk Hill and Alexander Valley appellations, the family-owned Lancaster Estate specializes in estate-grown wine of the Bourdeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

TIP: Splurge for the tour and tasting, which ends inside the hand-carved wine cave.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Lancaster Estate

The quaint Jimtown Store has been an Alexander Valley landmark since 1895, and, after years of disrepair, was re-opened in 1991 as the countrified café-and-tchochke shop it is today.

TIP: Arrive early enough to snag a piece of homemade pumpkin-apple bread, which usually sells out by 1 p.m.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Jimtown Store

Crystal chandeliers and modern art adorn the downtown Healdsburg tasting room of Boisset Family Estates. The winery imports wines from Burgandy, but a standard tasting also includes pinot noirs grown in Sonoma County (many of which are grown organically and biodynamically).

TIP: Grab a seat in one of two bay windows for people-watching while you sip.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Boisset Family Estates

Transport yourself to the Midwest at The Wurst (707/395-0214), a chic sausage shop in downtown Healdsburg. Owner Charles Bell imports many of the Polish sausages and bratwurst from Wisconsin and Chicago; he makes the rest himself.

TIP: For a great value, order the lunch special, which includes one sausage, a small order of French fries and a beer for $13.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Wurst

Cupcakes highlight the menu at Moustache Baked Goods, Healdsburg’s newest sweet-shop (though home-made Oreos and pumpkin whoopee pies are out-of-this-world, too). The owners incorporate local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

TIP: If you’re lucky enough to visit on a day when they have savory bacon cupcakes, don’t pass up the opportunity to try them.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Moustache Baked Goods

Owned by the same family since 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard was the first new winery in the Dry Creek Valley following prohibition. Today, in addition to a broad portfolio of wines, the place also boasts the best picnic garden in town.

TIP: Ask to try the special Cuvee, which Dry Creek makes exclusively to be served at the annual Screen Actors Guild awards show.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Dry Creek Vineyard

Part of celebrity chef Charlie Palmer's restaurant group, Dry Creek Kitchen showcases the considerable bounty of the region. Expect dishes like smoked shrimp and mascarpone tortellini, and coriander-crusted Sonoma duck.

TIP: The 6-course tasting menu for $74 is a great value.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Dry Creek Kitchen

Mateo Granados Cocina Latina is Healdsburg’s newest restaurant, and the bar is a perfect spot for a cocktail to end the night. Partner and consulting mixologist Scott Beattie—of Cyrus fame—has concocted potions that spotlight tequila.

TIP: The Anticuado, a tequila-based drink with orange, bitters, sugar and a cherry, tastes like a Manhattan with Mexican flair.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Mateo Granados

Sonoma's most luxurious lodging is the Hotel Les Mars, a chateau-style property that would be at home in the French countryside, serving nobility. Here, it offers a refined night's sleep with breakfast delivered to your room.

TIP: The hotel will book private tastings for you at its partner wineries.

Plan Your Trip: Fodor's California Wine Country Travel Guide

Photo: Courtesy Hotel Les Mars