"Sonoma Wine Country" a Sonoma Travel Page by jakelorenzo

Sonoma is much more informal than Napa. The people here tend to have real jobs, drive pick-up trucks and are willing to talk to strangers. There are loads of restaurants, wineries and vineyards, but there is also a vital community where we live and raise our kids and interact with friends.

Unfortunately, the dining scene in Sonoma is static. There's lots of good food, but no thrilling, cutting-edge food. Restaurateurs seem content to live off the tourists by putting out the same standard fare. Rarely do they challenge themselves or their customers. Some once great restaurants like Della Santinas have settled so deeply into mediocrity that we can't even force ourselves to go just for old times sakes.

Still, Sonoma Valley remains one of the truly beautiful spots on earth. The rolling hills and vineyards are stunning. Be sure to get up into the hills to partake of the marvelous and ever-changing vistas. Have a picnic and a few bottles of wine and you'll get the best out of Sonoma.