Sustainable Sonoma County and Curating a Conscious trip to California

Sustainable Sonoma County 

California is known to be one of the more prominent leaders of sustainable travel within the US. The Golden State has long championed initiatives to create a space for the travel industry to hold itself more accountable regarding setting a gold standard that not only attracts sustainable savvy travelers but also visitors who are looking to learn more about ways they can be more mindful. 

California is a prime example of how you can have the best of both worlds, a commitment to being both stewards of a destination along with showcasing everything good about a location. 

And with 58 counties, California visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to vacation planning. When heading to the West Coast, I’m immediately drawn to Sonoma County, a region of the state that truly has everything a visitor is looking for in a destination with a plethora of options to fill a meaningful travel itinerary. Here are a few of my personal standouts for a more sustainable Sonoma vacation. 

Altruistic Activities 

There’s much to add to the agenda in Sonoma County, and even easier to find something that aligns with a sustainable travel trip. Here are a few ideas to get your sustainable wheels spinning.  

Biking Dry Creek Valley 

 

Dry Creek Valley is an AVA just outside of Healdsburg, California where over 70 wineries call home. The region is primarily known for producing some spectacular zinfandels. Wine tasting routinely finds its way to the top of the list on many Sonoma itineraries, so find a unique way to explore wine country, on two wheels. With over 9,000 acres of vineyards, the landscape is a sea of vines dotting the rolling hills that run parallel to the quiet winding country roads. 

Getaway Adventures has the perfect opportunity to spend the afternoon biking through the bucolic Sonoma wine country. The “sip n’ cycle” offers guests a chance to mix wine tasting with some activity. But, there’s a catch that makes this activity truly good for any participant, the e-bike. 

The combination makes for the perfect afternoon. With the assistance of the e-bike, you can easily travel 10-12 miles in a few hours, all while having the opportunity to stop at 2-3 wineries, putting in the work for those tastings. Lunch is also provided, and the spread they offer is from Oakville Grocer. The perfect tasty accompaniment to a nice glass of red. 

A bike trip through Dry Creek Valley is also a more interactive way to taste wine. It makes drinking part of the experience and not the main attraction, which is perfect for people who want to learn about wine without the drinking part taking over the itinerary. 

Walking the Trails at Bodega Bay

Not only are the seaside trails of Bodega Bay a stunning way to see Sonoma’s seaside, but it’s also a testament to the conservation commitment in the county. The looped trails are suitable for all levels of experience, anyone can enjoy the views. 

On Fridays, there are free docent-led tours at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. Visitors can learn more about coastal science and research in the area. Keep the conservation conversation going with observing local marine life. From January until May on the weekends there is a Whale Watch Program where state park volunteers assist visitors in spotting migrating whales and answer questions about the marine mammals. 

For our ornithologists, Bodega Bay is also a wonderful habitat where shorebirds and waterfowl thrive. Birdwatching makes for another engaging sustainable activity to add to the Sonoma list. 

Local Tastes 

 

There are so many fantastic farm-to-fork dining opportunities, the choices are limitless. Find just how sustainable Sonoma County is on the plate and in the glass. 

Agrotourism opportunities abound in Sonoma and one place to visit that gives you a break from the wine tastings is Gold Ridge Organic Farms. This orchard and olive grove sit just outside of Sebastopol, with 88 acres of apples, olives citrus, and herbs. Oils are milled on-site and a tasting offers a chance to delve deeper into the complexities of the different varieties. A visit to their farm along with an olive oil tasting is a perfect answer to break up wine-tasting monotony. Don’t forget to book a tasting before your visit. 

The best way to find out more about sustainable Sonoma is through gastronomy. Come hungry, there are numerous dining experiences that all prioritize our planet. While there are endless possibilities to e from, here are a few of my personal favorites. 

For a more fine dining experience, head the Healdsburg to The Matheson which is known for its “upscale farm to table” menu. Not only are they a highly rated restaurant when it comes to sustainable dining, but they are recognized and award-winning in the industry overall. I’d recommend the chef’s counter when reserving smaller parties. You have a front-row seat to all the action, watching the chefs and staff create culinary masterpieces right in front of you as you eat. Dinner and a show at its finest. For a more casual experience, head up to their rooftop space Roof 106 for elevated snacks and wood-fired pizzas. 

Boone Eat + Drink just ticks all the boxes. Local, seasonal, and organic, this farm-to-table really satiates the sustainable diner. In addition to curating their dishes, the beverages also highlight California, with emphasis on local microbrews and wines. Carve out some time before dinner strolling through Guerneville, once a small logging town it has still held onto its rustic charm. In addition, be aware that Boone does not accept reservations, so my advice is to put your name in the queue and grab a mezcal at El Barrio while you wait. 

Responsible Respites 

 

Thankfully, California takes its green lodging seriously and many opportunities exist to find fantastic accommodations with true eco-initiatives.  

The Kind Traveler program is a perfect way to incorporate a more sustainable stay. Places like the Flamingo Resort & Spa are part of the California Green Lodging Program, which ensures that hotels are following best practices when it comes to being more responsible accommodations. 

A mid-century landmark property, the Flamingo has historical roots with more updated amenities. 

While the pool and spa are focal points, the real winner for me was how they incorporate wellness into the property amenities. Not only do you have a serene spa, but the activities like yoga, meditation, and sound baths. These are a great introduction for those curious about mind and bodywork but also ideal for those more experienced who are looking to pepper in a few classes during their vacation. 

The Flamingo is in a great location, close to the Sonoma County airport if you’re flying into Santa Rosa, and easy access to the region’s premier wineries, other small towns, and outdoor activities. A perfect day-tripping hub.  

If you’re looking for a more peaceful stay surrounded by towering California Redwoods, then Mine + Farm is where you’ll want to spend a few days. Nestled in the former logging town of Guerneville, the bed and breakfast is a homey and warm alternative to a hotel.  The main house was once a historic inn, over a century old, and given some new life in 2022 with some modern touches, beautiful design choices, and some sustainable upgrades.

The theme here is ‘conscious consumption’ with everything from locally sourced breakfast options all the way to eco-friendly solar and water conservation. Even the landscaping is intentional, and thoughtfully designed with indigenous plants, making the property visually appealing, good for the earth, and staying here is ultimately good for the soul.   

It’s simple to see how sustainable Sonoma County can be and how creating a more intentional itinerary is made easier by how invested the county is in protecting and celebrating all aspects of the region.