The Perfect Mix: Art, Wine, and Beauty in Sonoma
A day to ourselves to go somewhere new… As a married couple with two small children, we don’t get that very often, if ever. It’s unfortunate because there are numerous day-trip options around here. I live in Sacramento, California, which means that I am surrounded by some truly wonderful places to visit, from San Francisco and Napa Valley to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains, all within less than two hours.
When you think about having a day to yourself to explore a place near your home, what kind of things come to mind? For me, this day-trip to Sonoma was the perfect mix of wine, views, and art.
Gardens? Sculpture? Landscape architecture? Art? It’s difficult to define the gardens of CornerStone. According to the website, each designer (including some of the world’s top landscape architects) was given a parcel of about 1800 square feet and complete freedom. The result: an eclectic, impressive mix of outdoor landscapes and art installations that was right up my alley.
This one honors the Mexican immigrants who work in the fields of this area and was designed by the top landscape architect in Mexico (according to the website).
The hills always turn brown in the summer. I love it.
Did I mention the gardens are free? Check out Cornerstone’s website for info.
The vines are beautiful in the summer
And now for the wine… Everyone knows about Napa Valley, but right next door is Napa’s match, the Sonoma wine country. People who know CA wine country often prefer Sonoma to Napa Valley because it’s much more rustic. Instead of insanely beautiful, castle-like wineries that charge $15 or more for tasting and often are packed with tourists, Sonoma County is dotted with smaller, friendlier wineries, often without the big names but serving top-notch wine nonetheless. Some are reached by driving through tiny farms roads, covered in trees and barely marked with signs.
After visiting a couple wineries around the town of Sonoma, we set out on those little back roads for the lovely Gundlach Bundschu winery. It’s been family-owned for 6 generations (i.e. unlike some Napa establishments, it’s not owned by Disney or some other huge company). It’s small and cozy. It has cave tours, vineyard excursions, and scenic picnic areas.
The wine caves at Gundlach Bundschu
For me, the gorgeous drive through vine-covered hills to Sonoma, the fascinating outdoor art of Cornerstone Gardens, and the lovely wine-tasting at Gundlach Bundschu made a perfect day-trip. What would be a perfect outing for you?
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Posted on June 17, 2011, in California & U.S. and tagged landscape architecture, Sonoma, wine. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Jenna, One of my favorite wineries for art tourism value is Clos Pegase just south of Calistoga on Dunaweal Lane, between St Helena Hwy (128) and the more attractive Silverado Trail. They have some permanent works on display, mostly sculptures, but years back they would have showings of various artists works. A great way to enjoy yourself – appreciating the creativity of art and wine.
This is a really good area and sounds like just the place you would enjoy!
I’ve done that area and like you, prefer it over Napa. A while back, we took a visit to Calistoga and really enjoyed the weekend there. We just biked all over town and rode among the vineyards and enjoyed the view.
I’ve mentioned my favorite place close by is Apple Hill. I love going every Fall and it is such an enjoyable getaway that’s close to home. It is PERFECT for kids and I look forward to it every year. Cooler air, outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle, and just a lot of fun activities.
Like you, I know what it means to have two kids and a family. It’s not easy to get away. Yet there are so many places around here to explore. Sonoma is definitely a good one as well – just don’t do it during race weekend!
Sonoma sounds absolutely enchanting and right up my alley as well. Gorgeous landscapes, historic wineries, and let’s not forget the wine!! Great article and nice photography my friend!
Great post, Jenna, and wonderful photos!
My favorite outing is in that same area – the Dry Creek Valley & nearby Alexander Valley. It’s an enchanted, peaceful area with lots of small wineries to visit, and is especially stunning in the fall, when the vineyard-covered valley (much smaller than Napa Valley to the east) is ablaze with color & bathed in golden light. We don’t go for the wine – it’s the location of our favorite ride on our tandem road bike
After our ride, we reward ourselves with lunch at the rustic Dry Creek Valley General Store. A perfect outing!