Sonoma on a Budget

The following are tips on how to not go into debt just to visit California's famed wine country. Sonoma County is definitely less expensive than Napa, but not cheap unless you're from NYC or Hawaii maybe. However, everything from lodging to wine tasting fees to wine purchases to eating out will be less expensive in Sonoma. 

If you feel the need to spend time in Napa Valley, headquarter yourself next door in Sonoma County and spend a day of your trip in Napa. A few example drive times: Town of Sonoma to town of Napa, 25 minutes. Healdsburg to Calistoga in northern Napa Valley, 40 minutes. Santa Rosa to Calistoga, 30 minutes, to St. Helena in the heart of Napa, 45 minutes.

Lodging

The most popular times to visit are June into October, so expect lodging to be higher-priced through the summer and into the harvest season. The region gets lots of Bay Area weekend visitors, so midweek lodging should be less expensive any time of year.

Metro Hotel in Petaluma
Inexpensive lodging doesn't have to be generic

Wine Tasting

See my previous post on reasonably-priced wineries. 

Tasting fees run from free up to about $50 with most in the $20-25 range. If you ask you can usually share a tasting with your SO. Budget for buying wine because you will. Somehow I always find wine I "need" when out tasting, and you will too. Tipping has gotten to be the norm in the last few years with five or ten dollars being the minimum.

Smaller groups are the best way to experience the wineries, so anywhere from two to six people is best. More than six makes it more difficult to get in a number of wineries and restaurants. Post-pandemic you'll find many of the smaller wineries (and restaurants) closed for a couple weekdays, so check in advance.

Casual wine tasting at Little Vineyards

Eating

There are plenty of inexpensive places for lunch where you can get a salad, burger or a couple tacos. Pack some cheese, crackers, bread, or sandwiches for your day out wine tasting. Some wineries will let you picnic on their property.  There are plenty of great restaurants in Sonoma County, but maybe save the fancy, higher-priced meals for your dinner.

Eat at the Wurst Restaurant in Healdsburg
Where they specialize in sausages and burgers

Inexpensive or Free Things to Do

There are plenty of outdoorsy things to do like Jack London State Park in Sonoma Valley, one of the many regional or state parks in the county, or visiting the Sonoma Coast. There are numerous art galleries and even art walks. You'll find sculptures throughout the county, even just along the roadside. Paradise Ridge Winery has a pretty amazing exhibit that's free to visit. Visit the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. Throughout the summer, several towns have day and evening farmers markets; often with evening concerts in conjunction with the markets.

Bodega Bay fishing fleet

 
Regional Pricing

The towns of Sonoma and Healdsburg plus the coastline communities are geared toward tourism, making prices for lodging and dining a bit more expensive than other parts of the county. Both Sonoma and Healdsburg are convenient places to stay and are cute towns. You have to decide if it's worth the extra money.

The rooftop lounge at The Matheson in Healdsburg
The newest, and trendiest spot in town