Wine Tasting

Most of the wineries in the region have tasting rooms open between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm (some open until 5:00pm) and several have tours of their facilities available. As you enter Sonoma Valley on Hwy 121 (or as you are leaving), be sure to stop at Gloria Ferrer for a glass of sparkling wine on the terrace with its spectacular view, or at nearby Viansa, Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Located just a few blocks off of the Sonoma Plaza, Sebastiani Winery offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the Plaza. While there, enjoy a complimentary tour of their famous Cask Cellars. Buena Vista Winery, the oldest premium winery in the state, is just a short drive and is a great location to enjoy wine tasting and an afternoon picnic. On the way back to the Inn, stop by Ravenswood or Gundlach Bundschu for some of their award-winning wines.

Thirty other wondeful wineries are located throughout Sonoma Valley which will offer tasting and the full range of information about winemaking. Our staff will be happy to offer directions to a specific winery or a list with directions to wineries throughout the valley. For a complete winery list visit www.sonomavalley.com

California Historic Sites

The Historic Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square of its kind in California, is just a short four-block walk from MacArthur Place. Approaching the Plaza, notice Sonoma’s City Hall which stands proud in the middle of the eight-acre park. Taking a stroll around the Plaza is like stepping into California history; passing the Mission San Francisco de Solano – the last and northernmost of the California Missions, the Mexican Barracks, and the Depot Museum. Several other historic structures on the Plaza now house fantastic restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and wine shops. Many visitors spend most of their stay in Sonoma just walking the Plaza!

Other must-see historic locations in the area include General Vallejo’s Home which is located on Spain Street just a few blocks west from the Plaza. A former Mexican commandante, Vallejo called his home Lachryma Montis, in Latin meaning "Tears of the mountain," after a local Indian legend. The house is a classic two story, "Yankee Style Gothic" and is open 10:00am – 5:00pm.

A short drive to Glen-Ellen offers a visit to Jack London State Park. A historical tour of the site of the famed author’s Wolf House (which burned before he and his wife were able to move in) is available at a minimal charge. Take along a picnic and enjoy the beautiful setting of this historic park.

For a unique and entertaining way to learn about Sonoma's history, food and wine, try George Webber's Sonoma Plaza History/Food/Wine Experience. It's much more than a walking tour! 707-694-5097

Hiking & Biking

For an outdoor adventure, Sonoma offers great trails for hiking, biking, or even just plain strolling. We can point you in the direction of a great walk or hike, or rent one our mountain bikes to explore the valley's vineyards and historical sites. 

The Sonoma Overlook Trail is just a few blocks north of the Plaza and features beautiful views of the town of Sonoma, or head to historic Bartholomew Park Winery for a picnic and then a hike on the hills that surround the winery.      

Ramekin’s Sonoma Valley Culinary School

Unique cooking classes available for all cooking levels (including the beginner) housed in a stunning "rammed earth" style building. The Catalog of classes offers courses in several different styles from renowned Chefs. Check out their site at www.ramekins.com or dial 707-933-0450 for class catalog and information. Other interesting culinary adventures include Sonoma's seasonal Farmers' Markets, the Olive Press, and Sonoma County Farm Trails

Jim Russell Racing Driver School

Located at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School offers dozens of exciting racing and driving courses, from a 1/2-day course in racing go-carts to a 3-day racing program. For more information visit www.espnrussellracing.com or call 800-733-0345.

Not to mention….

Infineon Raceway: (formerly Sears Point) in Sonoma holds major racing events throughout the year, including the Dodge/Savemart 350, NASCAR Winston Cup Series. www.infineonraceway.com. 800-870-7223.

Art: di Rosa Preserve offers the world's largest collection of California Bay Area Contemporary Art - more than 2,000 pieces. Set on 217 beautiful and historic acres in the Carneros, the Preserve is available for guided tours by appointment 707-226-5991; Newly opened, Cornerstone Festival of Gardens is located on Arnold Drive just past Gloria Ferrer Winery on the way into Sonoma and showcases some of the world's foremost landscape designers in approximately 25 completely unique and thought inspiring outdoor display gardens 707-933-3010; The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is located on Broadway between MacArthur Place and the Plaza and has changing exhibits 707-939-7862; La Haye Art Center is located on the Sonoma Plaza and features a number of local artisits; If your visiting Napa, The Hess Collection Winery has an extensive collection of contemporary paintings and sculpture 877-707-HESS.

Wine Tours: California Wine Tours offers both public and private tours 707-939-7225; Burdick Vineyard Tours offers personalized tours of the Wine Country 888-368-8463 or 707-996-3200; Viviani Tours offer full and half day tours 707-265-1940 or 800-658-9997; Sonoma Wine Tours  707-542-5219 and Napa Valley Wine Tours 707-251-9463 both offer personalized private wine tours; Beau Wine Tours offers customized tours of Napa and Sonoma 800-387-2328; Napa Valley Wine Train has lunch, brunch and dinner excursions through the Napa Valley 253-2111or 800-427-4124.

Golf: There are a number of excellent golfing choices within a 30-minute drive: Stonetree Golf Club -18-holes in a beautiful setting in Novato 415-209-6090; Oakmont Golf Club - 2 Ted Robinson designed 18-hole courses in Oakmont 707-538-5524; Chardonnay Club - 27 holes of championship golf in the Napa Valley 707-257-1900; Eagle Vines is a new course in Napa that offers reduced rates for our guests  707-257-4470, ext. 1.

Children's Activities: Sonoma Plaza is 4 blocks from the Hotel and has a large children's playground. Sonoma Train Town is on Broadway a few blocks from the Hotel and has rides and the most developed scale railroad in the Americas 707-938-3912; The Charles M. Schulz Museum is about a 30 minute drive into Santa Rosa and is the official Museum of the "Peanuts" founder 707-579-4452; The Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield is about a 30 minute drive and offers factory tours 707-522-3267.

Or, kick-back and enjoy a quiet, peaceful day around the pool or at the spa at MacArthur Place! For spa treatment reservations call us at 707-933-3193.