Spring is right around the corner and a rejuvenating wellness weekend is just the ticket to beat the winter malaise. Some may equate a "wellness weekend” with strict regimens and austere retreats. Sonoma Valley offers a different path. Here in the birthplace of California’s iconic wine scene, wellness flows naturally from the landscape itself. Sonoma’s hillside trails, vineyard glens, and creek bed valleys have beckoned wanderers for millennia. From mineral waters that once drew Indigenous healers to the loamy, volcanic terroir that now nurtures both biodynamic vineyards and organic farms, Sonoma Valley wellness springs from the land itself. Rid your mind of rigid self-improvement; rather, open oneself to gentle discovery. Embrace how good it feels to move your body through ancient oak woodlands, to taste vegetables harvested hours ago, to sip wines made in harmony with nature's rhythms, and to indulge in a mystical spa session. Over three days, you can experience what the valley's first inhabitants knew: that true wellness emerges not from self-denial, but from a deep connection to place. Read to the end for expert travel tips, alternative destinations of interest and lodging recommendations that will make your Sonoma Valley wellness weekend a rejuvenating oasis.

A Wellness Seeker's Guide to Sonoma Valley:

I believe that the small town feel of Sonoma allows people to enjoy a beautiful place and take time to escape the everyday hustle

9AM: Start your day at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmer's Market where every Friday the Field of Dreams parking lot transforms into the best place to procure local produce, artisan cheese and honey, and unique crafts. It’s a chance to connect with local producers whose connection with the local topography will ground your wellness journey. Locals tip: the seasonal fruit galette from Jen Demarest at Baker & Cook goes fast. Get there early. 11AM: Take a gentle morning stroll through Sonoma Botanical Garden, where paths wind through collections of East Asian and California flora. The garden provides a perfect setting for walking meditation, especially for those who want to ease into the day’s activities.

Friday: Grounding in Nature

Sonoma Valley is rich with stunning hiking paths, bike trails, local parks, and botanical gardens

Afternoon: Stop by Sonoma Market & Juice Bar, grab some sandwiches and a delicious smoothie for the road and drive out to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a soul-stirring hike. With over 25 miles of trails, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park highlights the local environment via a one-mile-long nature trail. From the canyon floor to Bald Mountain peak, accessible from the rigorous 8.2-mile hiking loop, Sugarloaf Ridge exploration is a must for nature and fitness enthusiasts. And don’t miss the Sonoma Creek headwaters, where winter rain rushes over a 25-foot waterfall, a rare sight in Sonoma County. 7PM: Dine at Glen Ellen Star (reservations strongly encouraged), where Chef Ari Weiswasser creates nourishing dishes using produce from his family's Glentucky Family Farms. The wood-fired cauliflower with winter citrus vinaigrette, dukkha spiced hazelnuts, pickled raisins, dill, and mint puree exemplify the menu’s elevated vegetable-forward cuisine. Save room for the piece de la resistance, a Snake River Farms American wagyu zabuton with double creamed spinach, stuffed prince of orange potatoes, bacon jam, Tillamook cheddar, onion creme fraiche, in-house made A1 sauce. An unbelievable way to complete your first day. Top the evening off with a mocktail or classic nightcap at The Beacon, a well-appointed Sonoma speakeasy.

Step into the Wild

6PM: For your final dinner, enjoy the health-conscious menu at Tasca Tasca, a Portuguese tapas bar that’s one of downtown Sonoma's hidden gems. The restaurant boasts warm hospitality and a high-ceiling dining room; you'll feel like you've exited the Spa into Iberia. Using simple yet inspirational ingredients, renowned Chef Manuel Azevedo prepares some of the most artful, shareable plates we've tasted. Try the Shrimp Passion Fruit Ceviche, Paté of Sardines, Lupini Beans, Smoked Duck Breast, Roasted Beet Salad, and so much more!

Where to Stay

Wellness in Sonoma is a way of life. This itinerary offers a foundation for wellness exploration, but there are many other wellness adventures that can rejuvenate the soul. Sonoma Valley's greatest gift might be its invitation to slow down and savor each moment, whether that's through movement, nourishment, or simply being present in nature's embrace. Can’t fit it all in? Guess you’ll just have to come back. Start creating your three-day wellness itinerary at sonomavalley.com.

Embrace Wellness Here

By StoryStudio on January 23, 2025

Embrace wellness here

- Ari Weiswasser, chef/owner of Glen Ellen Star

Sponsored by Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau

9AM: Rent bikes and hit the Sonoma Bike Path, a paved trail connecting Sonoma to The Springs. The path winds through vineyards and past historic sites, offering a gentle but engaging way to greet the day. 11AM: Stop into Spread Kitchen, Cristina Topham’s Lebanese-inspired hot spot for an early lunch of bowls, salads, and wraps. These Mediterranean delights nourish both heart and soul with exquisite spices, richly prepared proteins, and some of the most beautifully prepared vegetables to ever cross your lips. Afternoon: Time to unwind from your active wellness weekend. Choose between a plethora of spa treatments Sonoma Valley is known for. Schedule a wellness treatment at MacArthur Place Spa, known for their organic body treatments nestled amongst their fragrant gardens. Or visit the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Spa and spend a dreamy and decadent afternoon soaking in their many thermal springs.

Sunday: Active Renewal

Embedded Object Space

Saturday: Cultural Wellness

8AM: Begin your day with an invigorating yoga class at Sonoma Yoga, located at The Lodge at Sonoma. Their morning flow classes welcome all levels and often incorporate breathwork specifically designed to release travel tension. All sessions are led by expert, certified instructors who know the difference between performance and true mindfulness. 10AM: After class, head to brunch at Sunflower Caffé for delicious smoothies, hearty and heart-healthy entrées, and a memorable outdoor garden patio where a charming ambiance will put you in the best mindset for a day of connecting with nature through wine. Afternoon: Embark on a biodynamic wine journey. Sonoma Valley has some of the best organic and biodynamic farms in the world. Visit Benziger Family Winery, known for its biodynamic farming practices and educational tours that explain how this holistic approach creates wines in harmony with nature. Follow this with a visit to Amapola Creek Vineyards and Winery, where Sonoma County wine legend Richard Arrowood opened a small-batch winery known for its colorful Chardonnays and delightful Zinfandels, all of which contain certified organic grapes grown on Arrowood’s four estate vineyards.

6PM: Keep the festive vibe going with a happy-hour tasting at Pangloss Cellars, where best practices meet an artful setting. Take a ride share up Highway 12 for a delicious surf and turf-style dinner at Salt & Stone. If weather allows, don’t miss the opportunity to dine on their garden patio. 9PM: Treat yourself to a therapeutic soak at your hotel's spa facilities. The Kenwood Inn and Spa (recommended below) offers excellent thermal experiences that draw inspiration from the valley's natural mineral waters, which were historically used by Indigenous Miwok, Patwin, and Pomo peoples.

Luxury: Kenwood Inn and Spa Nestled among vineyards and heritage oaks, this Mediterranean-style resort offers an intimate escape with just 29 rooms. The property's renowned spa specializes in grape-seed treatments and therapeutic massage, while the peaceful meditation garden provides a sanctuary for quiet reflection. Charming: The Lodge at Sonoma This charming property combines accessibility with comfort, featuring spacious rooms with private patios and an excellent on-site yoga program. The location provides easy access to both hiking trails and downtown Sonoma.

Making the Most of Your Stay

Before you set out on your wellness journey, here are some practical insights to help you fully embrace the Sonoma Valley experience:

Many Sonoma spas and wellness centers require advance booking, particularly for weekend visits. Consider joining a guided nature walk with the Sonoma Ecology Center for deeper insight into local ecosystems. If visiting during winter, check waterfall conditions at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park - recent rains make for spectacular viewing. Bring layers; Sonoma's Mediterranean climate means cool mornings can turn into warm afternoons.

Three Days of Rejuvenation

The Sonoma Valley landscape, comprised of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and redwood forests, is ideal for casual strolls and half-day hikes. Early blooming wildflowers greet explorers in Trione-Annadel State Park, the first blossoms in a months-long succession of photo-worthy botanical beauties. Cyclists and equestrians in Sonoma Valley Regional Park often begin on the Valley of the Moon Trail before branching off to ride the ridgelines above the surrounding hillsides. The trails lead over the hill to the quaint town of Glen Ellen, where a stop for an espresso or a smoothie rejuvenates walkers looking for a break. The park is also unique in that it offers a paved experience for visitors in wheelchairs. Nature lovers will also discover opportunities to explore with local naturalists from the Sonoma Ecology Center and elsewhere to learn about plant communities, complex ecosystems, and, at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park's Ferguson Observatory, the celestial heavens. With over 25 miles of trails, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park highlights the local environment via a one-mile-long nature trail. From the canyon floor to Bald Mountain peak, accessible from the rigorous 8.2-mile hiking loop, Sugarloaf Ridge exploration is a must for nature and fitness enthusiasts. And don’t miss the Sonoma Creek headwaters, where winter rain rushes over a 25-foot waterfall, a rare sight in Sonoma County. Meanwhile, the city of Sonoma connects to the area know as the “The Springs” via the Sonoma Bike Path, which passes through vineyards, a farm and historic park with a museum. The path is paved and very popular with locals and visitors out for a morning stroll or heading out to catch lunch.

Where to Stay

Before you set out on your wellness journey, here are some practical insights to help you fully embrace the Sonoma Valley experience: