Sonoma is just like Napa... 30 years ago! While Napa Valley has blossomed into the wine and food mecca of the world, nearby Sonoma has stayed humble to its roots. Open roads, fewer tourists, cheaper tastings, it's no wonder that Sonoma has quietly become the secret getaway for wine lovers. But unlike Napa, Sonoma is spread out. That's why you need Local Wally's Sonoma Tourist Guide for the insider's guide to the Best of Sonoma. There's no guessing, no fluff, if it's good, it's here. If it's not, it's not!
Unlike the big corporate websites that have to keep their advertisers happy, I'm just a regular guy who loves wine... and loves vacations. But finding the good stuff on Sonoma in regular tour books is hard work, and finding unbiased recommendations even harder.
That's why I always talk with the locals wherever I go. They know the best things to do, the best places to eat, and the stuff to avoid. Just ask a Sonoma local what wineries to visit - they know.
And now you will too, thanks to Local Wally. Over the years I've collected a lot of Sonoma tips and recommendations from the locals and now it's time to pass them on to you. It's like having your own Sonoma Insider with you all the time! Sweet!
Sonoma runs parallel to Napa Valley but is quite a bit larger. That's why we'll spend our time in the Carneros and Sonoma Valley areas. It's close enough to Napa Valley to make a day trip possible and the large concentration of wineries means you'll be doing more drinking than driving. Here's a preview of what's inside:
BEST HOTELS: I only recommend hotels that I would actually stay at, from big Sonoma resorts to cheap and clean.
BEST WINERIES: From the big names to the hidden gems, the best Sonoma wineries. No tourist traps! No endless lists!
FREE TASTINGS: A complete list of Sonoma's complimentary tastings and free two-for-one coupons. That's right, free!
BEST DINING: From picnics to 5 Star, stick with me and every meal in Sonoma will be your best ever.
TRIPADVISOR: Direct links to what other Sonoma visitors have said, plus the best rates on hotels and travel packages!
LET'S GO EXPLORE!
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SONOMA
Hotel Deals
- Romantic Fairmont
- Carneros Inn 5 Star
- MacArthur Place
- Best Best Western Deal
- Bungalows 313
- TripAdvisor Reviews
Google Ad
Free Wine Coupons
Random Pics
Wally News
SPRING 2012: I love visiting Sonoma in the Spring. The vines are starting to bud, the bright yellow mustard plants, and it's cheaper! Lovely!
And who doesn't like to save some money? My free coupon page has more free wine and coupons than you might think in Sonoma.
Want even more Sonoma info? Search out hotel and restaurant reviews via my TripAdvisor links, compare rates, even book the best deal there. Nice, very nice.
Don't miss my other guides! Napa Valley / San Diego