Recently Heather and I decided we were in need of a girls trip. We didn’t want to go too far but needed somewhere with a lot to do and see. Enter: Sonoma County Wine Country. The proximity to us was perfect (less than 2 hour drive) and WINE. Duh. We rounded up 6 of our girlfriends and made it happen!
We left Friday morning and returned Sunday afternoon. It was a short but sweet trip and we managed to do a lot. Read on for all the details!
Gott’s Roadside
First order of business was a lunch stop at Gott’s. Heather had eaten here on a previous trip to wine country and insisted it was a must. It did not disappoint. Their burgers and fries were delicious and it was the perfect foundation meal before a tasting at a local winery!
Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
The first winery to host our group of eight was Gundlach-Bundschu in Sonoma. Before our tasting we got the weekend started by splitting a bottle of Rose´and walking around the gorgeous grounds while we waited for two of our friends to arrive.
Once our friends arrived we tasted their delicious wines and got to chat with Dina, our host, about the amazing history of the Gundlach and Bundschu families. Such a great way to kick off our trip!
WorldMark Windsor
By the time we booked our lodging, pickings were slim but we really lucked out with this timeshare condo popping up on VRBO. There was a full kitchen (we are a bunch of moms so you know we stocked that fridge well!) and it slept eight comfortably. There are also 3 hot tubs and 3 pools on site which was great.
Elite Excursions
On Saturday we didn’t want to have to bother with driving or Ubers so we decided to get transportation–in the form of a party bus! Listen, if you haven’t been on a party bus with a bunch of moms scream-singing N’Sync’s Bye Bye Bye, you haven’t lived. Our driver, Alan, was the best and by the end of the day we were referring to our ride as Uncle Alan’s Party Bus. It was amazing.
Comstock Wines
Comstock Wines was our first stop of the day and to say we were blown away is an understatement. Comstock is absolutely gorgeous. We were welcomed warmly and shown to our beautiful table that was set up in the middle of the breezeway overlooking the Merlot vines and various activities (Bocce ball and corn hole, so fun!) on the grounds.
Dresses c/o Bayabelle Boutique
We were treated to a delightful tasting and enjoyed a lunch of tasty wood fired pizzas. Then of course we had to participate in some Bocce ball action!
MacRostie Winery + Vineyards
You guys. Upon our arrival, as we stepped off the bus, we were greeted with a glass of wine. Best welcome everrrr!
The MacRostie Estate is on a hill and looks out across sweeping vines and views of the Dry Creek Valley. Absolutely gorgeous.
Our tasting was hosted by Colleen, who was lovely. We had been drinking for a few hours and were definitely in need of some food. Colleen graciously brought us out delicious charcuterie boards for us to enjoy during our tasting. Lifesaver!
The wine was amazing. Heather and I were so in love with the Rose’ and Pinots that we joined the wine club! It’s the vacation that keeps on giving.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
I don’t think we were prepared for the awesomeness that is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. First of all, it’s sprawling. Second, there is a huge swimming pool!
We kind of wished we would have planned a little better to spend a few hours there and bought the tickets to use and lounge by the pool. Next time for sure!
Cornerstone Sonoma
On our way out of town, we stopped at Cornerstone Sonoma: Gardens and Marketplace. We loved browsing the adorable shops and strolling through the art-inspired garden tour.
It was a perfect, low-key, relaxing way to end our trip before driving back to the every day chaos that is our normal lives.
Have you visited the Dry Creek Valley? What are your favorite Sonoma County spots to hit up? Give us all your suggestions because we will definitely be back!
Jaclyn says
So fun!! We went to Francis Coppola—it was so cool! Crazy how they had a pool!!
Heather says
Right?! That’s the last thing we expected!