Sonoma County Vineyard View
Dining in Sonoma County comes with more than great food and wines; it also comes with stunning views. Experience an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific Ocean, or dine al fresco above hillside vineyards.
Whether you make reservations in a fabulous restaurant or pack a picnic from one of dozens of delis and markets, Sonoma County boasts amazing dining vistas that will fit any budget. Here are five to get you started.
Lake Sonoma
On a clear day you can see forever at Lake Sonoma’s South Lake Trailhead and most days here are clear. The overlook is off Stewarts Point-Skaggs Spring Road. It has nice picnic areas and a great view of Lake Sonoma in one direction and Dry Creek Valley from the other. On your way, make a stop at Dry Creek General Store (3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448) a popular lunch stop for locals and visitors.
Lake Sonoma
Visitor’s Center: 3333 Skaggs Springs Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
View from Gloria Ferrer
Enjoy your lunch on the Vista Terrace at Gloria Ferrer in in the picturesque Sonoma Carneros region. Gaze out over estate sun-drenched vineyards while sipping a glass of sparkling, perfect with savory Spanish and local cheeses, meats, and other delicacies all available from the tasting room. Or, with a minimum purchase of wine, you can bring your own picnic. Suggested stops are either Cornerstone (23570 Highway 121, Sonoma, CA 95476) or Carneros Deli (23001 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476) both offering standard to gourmet lunch makings.
Gloria Ferrer
23555 Carneros Highway 128
Sonoma, CA 95476
View from Paradise Ridge Winery
Paradise Ridge Winery is known for having one of the most beautiful views in Sonoma County. Every Wednesday beginning in spring, the public is invited to bring a picnic and enjoy Paradise Ridge wines while watching spectacular sunsets from the winery’s expansive veranda and beautiful poetry terrace. Some nearby places to get your picnic are Pearson & Co. 2500 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 or Traverso’s, Fountaingrove Village, 2097 Stagecoach Road, Santa Rosa 95404.
Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 528-9463
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. until dusk, April through October
With a beautiful ocean sunset or sweeping vineyard view, here are two restaurants with a view if you prefer to dine out.
Sonoma Coast Sunset
For an awe-inspiring ocean view sunset dinner, go to River’s End Restaurant & Inn in Jenner. It is perched on a bluff overlooking the mouth of the Russian River entering the Pacific Ocean. Not only will you get to see a stunning sunset, you can enjoy watching the seal pups lay around and play on the beach below … and a delicious meal.
River’s End Restaurant & Inn
11048 Coast Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
Anytime of the day, or night, enjoy spectacular views of the Alexander Valley countryside from the patio at the River Rock Casino. Located on the Dry Creek Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the restaurant overlooks sweeping views of the vineyards quilting their way to the river, while echoing the valley’s rugged, mountain edge.
River Rock Casino
3250 Highway 128
Geyserville, CA 95441
For more high spots in Sonoma County, see Best Sonoma County Vistas.
