Historic Sonoma Plaza: Hidden Gem Tasting Rooms
The Historic Sonoma Plaza, otherwise known as Downtown Sonoma or simply, The Plaza, is really just 4 square blocks surrounding a park and City Hall but if you look closely enough you’ll find hidden “Paseos” or narrow passageways shooting off of the main road that are home to some of the best restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops. Let me walk you through the Plaza to discover the variety of tasting rooms, from casual fun to nerdy somms, but always with a hospitable and friendly host and delicious food and wine.
Not-so-hidden and oh-so-worth it
Corner 103
You might not expect to find an award-winning experience at a tasting room that offers a flight of 5 wines for just $20, but owner Lloyd Davis makes it happen at his tasting room Corner 103. Located on a main corner on the Sonoma Plaza (hence the name Corner 103), you’ll find Lloyd himself and his super knowledgeable associate Brent hosting tastings of beautiful, well-balanced wines in an approachable and friendly way. They were voted Best Wine Tasting Room in America by USA Today in 2020 and their wines are studded with awards, too. You don’t want to miss a taste of their Sparkling or Rosé which sells out before the next vintage is ready. Make a reservation online and make this a must-stop on your trip to Sonoma. The outdoor seating and drinkable wines make it a perfect post-lunch appointment. www.corner103.com
Pangloss
Also situated on a main corner of the Plaza, Pangloss Cellars is seriously over the top in its architecture, decor, and bold wines. They’re known for their reds so book this one last or make an appointment before heading off to dinner. This place is worth the club membership so you can get access to the gorgeous, plush lounges, the back tasting room for their premium label, and access to Repris’ stunning views and ATV vineyard tour. The wines are pricey, but it is worth the splurge. It’s always fun to have an excuse to dress up and date night or have a girls night out, right? www.panglosscellars.com
Sigh
This is a champagne and sparkling bar straight out of The Great Gatsby. You can’t help but feel glitzy and glam seated at their horseshoe bar or lounge. Owner Jayme Powers opened Sigh to “fill the void of venues offering a vast array of quality Champagne & Sparkling Wines”. Here, you can find true French champage like Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé as well as local sparklings like Roederer Estate, Mumm, and Schramsberg. She recently introduced still wines, craft beers, and some cheese and charcuterie boards. This tasting room is next door to Portuguese Tapas restaurant Tasca Tasca which pairs beautifully with a trip to Sigh afterwards. www.sighsonoma.com
Bump
Bump is a small tasting room operated by husband-wife team Miyoko and Georgie. The space is also a well-curated art exhibit featuring a rotating collection of multi-media art works and a regular assortment of beautiful ceramics that I can’t help but have in my personal collection. They’re located right on Broadway just steps from the Plaza Park but can be easy to walk right by. They make very limited amounts of wine and some are even handpicked by the owners themselves. This place is really a treat. www.bumpwine.com
Hidden Gems
Cochon
Meander to the end of Vine Alley off of Napa St. and into Cochon where you’ll be greeted by Carlo and Jay, both with infectious smiles that’ll make you want to stay all day and drink. The patio hits the sun late into the day making it a great stop for when the sun starts to go down. They also stay open later than most of the tasting rooms on the Plaza to catch those that are coming Downtown late after vineyard tours or wanting a tasting Downtown before dinner. They offer a beautiful cheese and charcuterie board to accompany a red or white flight or a glass or bottle. We like that their portfolio ranges from sparkling to rosé, to Pinot Gris and Cabernet. You might be surprised to find that Carlo makes the best espresso in town, too. I’ve heard customers come up from San Francisco to have the coffee here! They host fun Club parties, too. www.cochonwines.com
Auteur
A somewhat swanky experience, in my opinion, which makes this spot a great addition to a Downtown wine tour. You’ll pretty much have the place to yourself for an exclusive tasting. The tasting room looks like a house (I’m sure it used to be) just half a block from Girl and the Fig and El Dorado Kitchen on the Plaza. Their wine is just incredible- specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which is a typical combination in Sonoma County. They also offer 1 Sauvignon Blanc and 1 Cabernet to round out the portflio. Here you will taste a chardonnay you’ll never forget. Reservations by appointment only. www.auteurwines.com
Rancho Maria
This tasting room is right on the Plaza, so not very hidden at all, but when you walk by you wouldn’t notice their epic “hidden” patio out back. In fact, the owner and winemaker Sebastian Juarez doesn’t like to promote the backyard so it remains a local’s secret. The space will take you to a place like Spain with large fig trees, a stone firepit, and vintage/rustic porch swing and tabletops that is truly Instagram-worthy. This is the perfect place to spend a Summer day. You can totally enjoy just a glass or bottle here, but the tasting is also a special, educational experience. www.ranchomariawines.com
Enoteca Della Santina
This isn’t technically a tasting room, but this wine bar located right next door to the Italian restaurant Della Santina is a must-stop for those wanting to try some international wines. They do carry Sonoma wines, of course, but also a rotating list of wines from places like Lebanan and Georgia, Chile and Argentina, and South Africa and France. You might recognize the space as the French wine shop in the movie Bottle Shock. What’s extra awesome is that the entire restaurant’s menu is available to enjoy in the tiny wine bar, so plan to go here hungry. They have snacks like mozzarella and proscuitto plates and larger dishes like lamb sugo with homemade pasta and roasted chicken. www.enotecadellasantina.com
Winery Sixteen 600
This place is just so chill yet they offer a refined, small production wine list. The current Owner and Winemaker, Sam Coturri, is son to Phil Coturri who began organic and biodynamic wine growing back in the 60s before it was so popular. Today, you’ll find the same kind of “hippie” approach in their service, brand, and winemaking processes. A tasting here includes tie-dye, a VW bus, and Grateful Dead records. The labels on their wines were designed by the same artist that drew a lot of the artwork for the Grateful Dead. Apparently this artist resides in Sonoma County and the family has a relationship with them! They also offer olive oil from their estate vineyard in Sonoma that should be taken home with some wine. www.winerysixteen600.com
Conlusion
You can get a weekend full of diverse wine tasting experience all on the small Sonoma Plaza. There is something like 30+ tastings rooms on the 4 square blocks. Downtown stays include El Dorado Hotel, Swiss Hotel, Sonoma Bungolows, and the Best Western.