Sonoma County has so much to offer, it can be difficult to choose what to do. There’s wine tasting. Great food. Amazing nature. And especially important to me, an impressive lineup of unique wellness experiences.
With this in mind, as a local Sonoma County-an, I have created my perfect weekend in Wine Country with a focus on wellness, leaving room for indulgence, of course … because, well, isn’t that also part of wellness?
Day 1
The Farmhouse Inn, located in the Russian River Valley near Forestville, is small, exclusive and worth every dime. This boutique hotel mixes luxury with that unique Wine Country quaintness, creating a beautiful, light and calm environment – a perfect space for relaxation and a little indulgence. With a high-end restaurant and spa onsite, you could essentially never leave the premises.
They suggest starting the morning with a brisk, easy hike—or a run for those inclined—while taking in the crisp air and beautiful surroundings. A favorite option is the Santa Rosa Creek Greenway Trail, stretching from Willowside Road to Fulton Road. Just a 16-minute drive from Farmhouse Inn in Sebastopol, this 4.2-mile flat, paved trail offers views of nature, vineyards, a creek, and even horses. For those who prefer an unpaved path, the Ewok Trail is a great alternative.
As visitors are already in Sebastopol, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the town and stop for lunch or a coffee. Once an orchard town famed for its Gravenstein apples, Sebastopol became a hub for hippie culture in the 1960s, even declaring itself a nuclear-free zone—a sign that still stands today. Today, the town is evolving into a more refined Wine Country destination while retaining its distinctive blend of hippie spirit and farm-town charm.
Visitors can drop by The Barlow, a buy-local, artisan, and sustainable outdoor market showcasing local food and wine. A popular stop is The Farmer’s Wife, known for its hummus salad and famous fries. For something lighter, The Nectary—just a 10-minute walk from The Barlow—offers plant- and flower-based beverages and dishes, perfect for restoring, rejuvenating, and revitalizing the body.
In the afternoon, guests can return to Farmhouse Inn for a luxurious escape at the in-house spa, the Wellness Barn, which offers an array of treatments for both couples and individuals. Signature experiences include a massage or the Ultimate Farmhouse Glow facial. Afterwards, unwind by the pool before preparing for dinner.
For the evening, the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn restaurant awaits, offering Sonoma County farm-to-table cuisine at its finest. Guests can elevate the experience with a thoughtfully curated wine pairing—an exceptional complement to the menu and a true highlight of the stay.
Day 2
The next morning, guests can set out on a bike ride to Bricoleur Vineyards for a yoga class. From spring through autumn, Bricoleur offers public Sunday sessions as well as private classes tailored to individual needs, all held in a covered pavilion with sweeping vineyard views. For guided rides, Adventures in Cycling arranges both public and private tours, while Sonoma Valley Bike Tours provides the option of bike delivery directly to the Farmhouse Inn for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
After yoga, make sure you have a reservation for one of the spectacular food and wine experiences Bricoleur offers!
Guests can indulge in the Essentials Picnic, a beautifully prepared alfresco lunch paired with exceptional wines and enjoyed amid the stunning vineyard setting. Another option is the seasonal six-course wine and food pairing in the tasting barn, crafted in collaboration with Chef Charlie Palmer, where each course is thoughtfully matched with Bricoleur’s wines for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Bike back to the Farmhouse Inn, park the bike and head to downtown Healdsburg for a bit of people watching in the square and shopping in the quaint boutiques. For those in the mood for an additional wine tasting, a stop at Lioco Wine Co.’s tasting room is a delightful choice—wellness, after all, comes in many forms. The day can then be capped with a five-course tasting menu at Hazel Hill, the French-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant at Montage Healdsburg. With its locally sourced, seasonal menu and breathtaking views, Hazel Hill offers a refined tribute to the bounty of Sonoma County.
To end the evening, guests are encouraged to drink plenty of water and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Plan Your Own Personal Wellness Itinerary
Whether you want complete relaxation or outdoor activities; a beach day or forest exploration, there is a wellness experience tailored to your needs and wants in Sonoma County. If you are looking for something unique and different, it is always worth asking the concierge at the hotel you are staying at for that local-knowledge touch. You can also download the Sonoma County App to start creating your personalized wellness itinerary in real-time, complete with step-by-step directions.
