(1 Reviews)

Melissa Homer

Santa Rosa, CA

Croatia Travel Agent Advisor

As a flight attendant, ticket agent and customer service agent in the airline industry for over 10 years I have extensive knowledge and experience in the travel industry. I have also traveled to every continent with the goal of reaching every inch...
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As a flight attendant, ticket agent and customer service agent in the airline industry for over 10 years I have extensive knowledge and experience in the travel industry. I have also traveled to every continent with the goal of reaching every inch of the world. I have spent extensive time exploring Europe, Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Mexico as I've taken hundreds of trips throughout all these areas. I am a native of California and have lived in the heart of the wine country in Sonoma my entire life. Let me plan for you the perfect wine country getaway! I am the go to travel planner for all my children and my friends children for every sports club travel event and I've gotten many compliments on pulling off the impossible with airfare and hotels for the entire team. I recently planned a trip to Havana Cuba for an acquaintance who thought it was impossible and they told me it was the best trip they had ever been on. I work for the airlines so that I can travel and live my life always planning for my next adventure so let me help you plan yours! 

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Melissa Homer

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1-707-332-8227

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Sonoma Travel Agent Expert

A visit to Sonoma offers a more laid-back and rustic wine country experience compared to its neighboring Napa Valley. Known for its charming small towns, family-run wineries, and beautiful rolling landscapes, Sonoma is an ideal destination for those seeking both wine and nature, along with a dose of history and gourmet food.Day 1: Exploring Historic Sonoma PlazaStart your visit in Sonoma Plaza, the heart of the town. This historic square is home to cute boutiques, tasting rooms, and several landmarks, including Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the California missions. The plaza is also dotted with art galleries and local shops, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll.For lunch, grab a bite at The Girl & the Fig, a local favorite known for its French-inspired cuisine and delicious farm-to-table dishes. Afterward, walk over to the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art to explore local and international contemporary exhibitions.Spend the afternoon wine tasting at some of the nearby tasting rooms around the plaza, such as Three Sticks Wines or Pangloss Cellars, which are both known for their elegant and approachable wines. To close out your day, have dinner at El Dorado Kitchen, where locally sourced ingredients are highlighted in an innovative and seasonal menu.Day 2: Vineyard Hopping and Scenic Drives Sonoma is famed for its wide variety of wineries, many of which offer more intimate and relaxed experiences than Napa. Start your morning with a tour and tasting at Buena Vista Winery, one of California’s oldest wineries, dating back to 1857. The estate feels like a step back in time, and its historic cellars and engaging history make it a must-visit.From there, head to Gundlach Bundschu Winery, another historic property with a more rustic and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a picnic by the vineyards, sip on their signature reds, and maybe even catch some live music if you're visiting during an event.For something off the beaten path, visit Scribe Winery, where you can taste wines on their scenic patio overlooking the valley. Scribe is known for its minimalist and organic approach to winemaking, focusing on terroir-driven wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.For dinner, visit LaSalette, a Portuguese-inspired restaurant near Sonoma Plaza. Known for its tapas-style menu, it offers unique dishes like salt cod fritters and octopus paired with local wines.Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and More Wine Tasting Sonoma is perfect for blending wine tasting with outdoor activities. Begin your day with a hike in Sonoma Valley Regional Park or Jack London State Historic Park. The latter not only offers scenic trails but also an interesting glimpse into the life of the famous writer, who spent his later years here. The park’s rolling hills and oak woodlands are perfect for hiking and picnicking.After some time outdoors, reward yourself with a visit to Ridge Vineyards – Lytton Springs, located just outside Healdsburg. Known for its Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridge’s tasting experience is both relaxed and informative, and the views from the tasting room are spectacular.For lunch, head into Healdsburg, another charming Sonoma town. Stop by Healdsburg Shed for a farm-fresh meal, or enjoy wood-fired pizza at Diavola Pizzeria in nearby Geyserville. Spend the afternoon walking around the Healdsburg Plaza, which is home to numerous tasting rooms, such as Banshee Wines and Cartograph Wines.End the day with a sunset dinner at Valette, a farm-to-table restaurant in Healdsburg known for its fresh, seasonal cuisine and local ingredients.Day 4: Russian River Valley and Farewell On your last day, take a scenic drive through the Russian River Valley, one of Sonoma’s top wine regions known for its cooler climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Stop by Gary Farrell Vineyards for a tasting with a view, as their elevated tasting room looks out over the valley.Continue on to Korbel Champagne Cellars for a different tasting experience—sparkling wine. Take a tour of their historic facilities, and enjoy a tasting of their California-style sparkling wines, which range from brut to rosé.After a leisurely lunch at River’s End in Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, take in the dramatic coastal views along Highway 1. The rugged Sonoma Coast is a striking contrast to the valley's vineyards, offering scenic pull-offs and state parks like Bodega Bay, perfect for a quiet walk or even spotting some seals along the shore.Before heading back, stop by Iron Horse Vineyards, where you can toast your trip with some bubbles and a panoramic view of the Russian River Valley.A visit to Sonoma offers a diverse mix of intimate wineries, beautiful natural landscapes, and a laid-back charm that leaves visitors feeling relaxed and connected to California's wine country roots. Whether you're a wine aficionado or just looking to escape into nature and history, Sonoma offers the perfect balance of indulgence and tranquility