One Day in Sebastopol
A Wine Lover's Itinerary
I’ve started creating wine-centered itineraries for travelers or locals looking to explore wine country. My years of visiting wine regions have taught me that sometimes the biggest challenge is understanding what you can reasonably do in a day. I’ve spent too many vacation days learning too late that it’s going to take me an hour to drive the twelve miles that seemed such a manageable distance between wineries. Let me save you some time, frustration, and California gas prices with guides that keep the driving time between destinations at fifteen minutes or less, and focus on experiencing the unique character of a specific area.
Some itineraries will pack in as much wine as reasonably possible, so hire a driver and buckle in. Others feature great wine as an accent to adventures in places with much more than wine to offer. Below is my first sample itinerary, one day in one of my favorite places, Sebastopol. Sebastopol is in Sonoma County, firmly situated in wine country, and yet it’s a bit off the beaten path, with a community that is distinctly both artsy and agricultural. This isn’t the place where you’ll find the ritzy hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, or glamorous tasting rooms with chef’s pairings. It’s down to earth. Don’t bother dressing up for these tastings; you’ll mostly be outside, and sometimes tromping through vineyards. Close-toed, comfortable shoes are ideal. Despite being a lesser-known cousin to nearby Napa and even nearer Sonoma, the area around Sebastopol produces some of my favorite wines in the world, no caveats - and I’ve featured my top choices in the following itinerary. One of my favorite things about Sebastopol and Sonoma County more broadly is the diversity of grape varietals and styles, and I’ve given you a peek into that world here.
Does this itinerary possibly involve more wine than one should drink in a single day? Yes. It is a truly wine-focused experience, and if you don’t moderate, spit, or dump, you could quickly find yourself stumbling through The Barlow, incapable of tasting the difference between Syrah and Chardonnay. Proceed with caution. That said, I’ve also included breaks for plenty of food, fresh air, and movement.
This itinerary is free for the public, and open for comment. Do you wish I would give more information - specific times, driving distances, web links? Do you want more options for flexibility in your trip? Help me create a tool that would be truly helpful to you as you explore wine and wine-growing regions. On my list for future itineraries are multiple sections of the Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley, Niagara, parts of Spain, Champagne, Greece, and more. Once I hammer out the details, these guides will be available to paid subscribers, or for purchase individually.
I also create customized itineraries for folks traveling to Napa and/or Sonoma, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in a personalized plan. I can even take all the stress out of your vacation and make the reservations for you. Contact me at stacey@justasmidge.me with inquiries.
On to Sebastopol!
