The Perfect 2-Day Sonoma Wine Country Itinerary

As a certified sommelier and wine enthusiast, I gravitate toward destinations where the glass, the setting, and the experience are equally compelling. Sonoma Wine Country hits that sweet spot. It’s unpretentious yet elevated, with sweeping views, standout varietals, and wineries that feel more like tucked-away film sets than tasting rooms.

Often overshadowed by its glossier neighbor Napa, Sonoma offers a different kind of magic—less flash, more feeling. Here, it’s about character over crowds, cool-climate Pinot over pomp. You’ll find historic family-run estates, thoughtfully designed tasting flights, and a slower pace that invites you to actually savor what’s in your glass (and who you’re with).

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a honeymoon detour, or just craving a change of scenery, this two-day itinerary delivers ease, depth, and a little bit of that Meet Qute charm. Expect olive trees, small-lot wines, and a lineup of picturesque, Uber-friendly wineries perfect for lingering—not just tasting.

🍷 Day 1: Cozy Vibes & Classic Charm

An approachable day of sipping, snacking, and settling in at neighboring wineries.

1. Anaba Wines – Pizza & Tasting, from $40

Start your weekend with wood-fired pizza and a tasting flight in Anaba’s breezy courtyard. The Pinot and Rhône-style blends are stellar, but it’s the relaxed ambiance and olive grove-adjacent patio that steal the show.
Meet Qute Moment: Share a pie and clink glasses beneath fluttering market lights—it’s giving Sonoma Under the Tuscan Sun.

2. Viansa Winery – from $40

Just up the road is Viansa, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the wetlands. The Tuscan-style villa, cypress trees, and generous pours make it feel like a romantic detour to Italy.
Meet Qute Moment: Split a bottle, wander through the gardens, and sneak a kiss by the view deck—it’s an instant postcard.

3. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards – from $30

Yes, you read that right—Jacuzzi. This family-run gem offers Italian varietals in a rustic stone villa. Bonus: they also make their own olive oil.
Meet Qute Moment: Do a side-by-side tasting of Barbera and olive oil, then take home a bottle labeled with your anniversary date.

4. Cline Cellars – from $25

Right across the street, end your day at Cline—home to lush gardens, koi ponds, and sustainably-farmed wines. It’s peaceful, picture-perfect, and easy on the wallet.
Meet Qute Moment: Stroll the rose garden, then find a hidden bench to toast the sunset together.

🍇 Day 2: Walkable Wineries, Elevated Tastes

A luxe, low-effort lineup—ideal for Ubering between tastings without sacrificing the experience.

5. Gundlach Bundschu (GunBun) – from $45

Start your day at California’s oldest family-run winery, where historic meets hip. GunBun offers a chill vibe, serious wines, and off-roading tasting experiences if you’re feeling bold.
Meet Qute Moment: Book the Pinz tour and explore the vineyards by vintage military vehicle—ideal for couples who crave a little adventure.

6. Bartholomew Estate – from $45

Just a short drive (or even a scenic hike if you're feeling ambitious), Bartholomew offers historic charm and sustainably grown wines. Surrounded by oak trees and art installations, it’s tranquil yet full of texture.
Meet Qute Moment: Settle into Adirondack chairs with a chilled white and read aloud from an old love letter or book you brought along.

7. Buena Vista Winery – from $35

This one's pure theatre. As California’s oldest commercial winery, Buena Vista brings vintage glamor with its ivy-covered buildings and eccentric Champagne tasting cave.
Meet Qute Moment: Channel your inner old-Hollywood couple and pose with vintage props after sipping sparkling rosé in the cave.

8. The Donum Estate – from $75

Conclude your day at The Donum Estate, where world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay meet an expansive open-air sculpture garden. This 200-acre Carneros property is home to over 50 large-scale, site-specific artworks by renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring, and Louise Bourgeois. The estate's Vertical Panorama Pavilion, designed by Studio Other Spaces, offers a unique tasting space beneath a kaleidoscopic canopy of 832 colored glass panels, reflecting the estate's microclimate. 

Meet Qute Moment: Stroll hand-in-hand through rolling vineyards adorned with monumental sculptures, then share a glass of Pinot Noir under the vibrant hues of the Vertical Panorama Pavilion. It's a sensory experience that blends art, nature, and wine in perfect harmony.​

🎬 Final Pour

Sonoma isn’t just about great wine—it’s about how you experience it. It invites you to slow down, sip with intention, and enjoy good company in unforgettable surroundings. This guide is about unfussy luxury, ease over excess, and small details that leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re here for a milestone weekend or a spontaneous reset, Sonoma has a way of pulling you back to the present—with a full glass and good energy to match.

Meet Qute is where film, wine, and travel come together. I create cinematic moments, on and off screen—and I’m always looking for real-world places that feel like they belong in a love story. Got a favorite wine country destination or hidden gem winery? Drop me a note—I just might feature it next.