I am staying in Sonoma - Can anyone recommend any restaurants and wineries that must be visited and that are not too far away from Sonoma.

The Sebastiani winery is right in the town of Sonoma, and they are VERY generous with their samples. The winery has a tasting room with a blackboard list of all the wines they have for samples that day. There are at least four or five choices available for each type of wine. They tell you "Now, we're not saying to get drunk, but feel free to sample whatever you want." The tour and the employees were wonderful. I'm afraid I don't know about the restaurants in Sonoma, but if you go the Sonoma visitors office, they are very helpful and friendly. Good luck!

Do you mean the town of Sonoma or county? There are many places!!What are your preferences for types of food etc?

Assuming you are open to all of Sonoma County, would recommend the Madrona Manor (and their restaurant) in Healdsburg, the Vintner's Inn in Santa Rosa (John Ash & Co. restaurant is tops), Souvarain Winery and restaurant, El Dorado Hotel and restaurant Piatti in Sonoma city on town plaza near the Mission. A very pricey, but outstanding choice here is the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. Outstanding wineries are Kenwood, Buena Vista and Matanzas Creek, but there are so many more. Get a copy of the Sonoma Visitor's brochure in the town of Sonoma or in Healdsburg. It's a great wine area and less crowded than Napa. Enjoy.

Gail,

We are looking in town or relatively close (within a half hour drive).

As far as food - we enjoy just about anything - seafood, steak, mexican, etc.

If you travel down Highway 12 a bit there is a great little restaraunt for breakfast. Its called the Secret Garden. Its tiny and always crowded!

If you drive to nearby Kenwood (only 15 minutes or so away) there is a great place called the Kenwood Inn.You will know it as there are a couple Zebra sculptures out front. I know it sounds crazy, but that's California! It is pricey, but very good.Make sure to get reservations!

If you continue in 12 towards Santa Rosa there is a great Mexican restaraunt called The Vinyards Inn. I would stay closer towards Sonoma for Mexican food as there is a really good place right in the plaza across from the mission though.

Jack London Historical Park is out this way. It is a nice place to visit and hike if you are a fan.
Have a great stay!

I would have to disagree about the earlier post recommending John Ash & Company restaurant. I had the worst service I have ever experienced at that restaurant, & it was very expensive. A terrible experience.

I tend to agree about John Ash. It is a trendy setting, but I don't feel we really got our money's worth there. In reading Phil's requirement to stay within a half hour drive of the town. I think it would be eliminated anyway as it is quite a bit further away.

We really enjoy Viansa Winery as a place to sample foods and wine, and other goodies in the Italian Market Place (as well as a great BBQ on weekends). It overlooks a wetland wildlife viewing area. Check out their website if interested.

The Artisan Bakery is a great stop for coffee and treats in Sonoma. It is not directly in the square but closer to Safeway. Be careful of the Roosters in the Square! they have made the newspapers this year as they are pretty assertive.(Just kidding they have removed the troublemakers).