Beyond the Usual: 4 Tasting Rooms Around Sonoma Plaza That Redefine Wine Country
Discover the authentic edges of Sonoma's wine scene—where wellness meets craft, history lives on, bubbles reign supreme, and nature takes center stage.
If you're planning a Wine Country getaway with your closest friends, you already know that Sonoma isn't just about the wine—it's about the stories, the people, and those unexpected discoveries that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.
While tourists flock to the big-name tasting rooms, there's a collection of intimate, thoughtfully curated spaces right on and around Sonoma Plaza that offer something genuinely different. These aren't just places to taste wine; they're destinations that align with the values you care about—wellness, sustainability, authenticity, and meaningful connection.
Let me introduce you to four tasting rooms that belong on your next Sonoma itinerary.
Sol Rei Wine: Pure, Pristine, and Perfectly You
For the health-conscious wine lover (and let's be honest, that's most of us these days), Sol Rei Wine is a revelation. This isn't just another tasting room—it's a commitment to clean, artisan-crafted wines that honor both your palate and your well-being.
Every bottle is hand-crafted in small batches with low sulfites and low histamines, meaning you can savor that second glass without worrying about how you'll feel the next morning. Whether they source from organic or sustainable vineyards, Sol Rei goes the extra mile, testing for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to ensure no trace amounts of toxic chemicals make it into your glass.
What makes Sol Rei truly special? These are limited production wines—once a specific vintage sells out, it's gone forever. Yet there's a beautiful consistency in their flavor profiles. Take their Private Reserve: fruit-forward, made in the style of Pinot Noir with a Mencia blend, no harsh tannins, just pure, pristine wine that reflects the unique character of each vintage.
This is wine for the woman who reads the labels, asks the questions, and wants to know exactly what she's putting in her body. And honestly? That's all of us.
Three Sticks Wines: Where History and Craft Converge
Step into the Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, and you're not just entering a tasting room—you're walking into a piece of California history lovingly restored as a Sonoma landmark.
Built in 1842 by Salvador Vallejo, brother to General Mariano Vallejo, this stunning adobe is now home to Three Sticks Wines, a producer widely recognized for exceptional estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But what sets Three Sticks apart isn't just the wine—it's their deep commitment to stewardship of both the land and the people who tend it.
Their curated experiences (available by reservation) offer something you can't find just anywhere: a genuine connection to the rich cultural tapestry that makes Wine Country so special. It's the kind of place where you'll want to linger, ask questions, and soak in the stories that have shaped this remarkable region.
For the intellectually curious traveler who appreciates arts, culture, and the intersection of past and present, Three Sticks offers an experience that goes far beyond the glass.
SIGH: Sonoma's Only Sparkling Wine Bar (Yes, Really!)
Sometimes you just want to celebrate—and what better way than with bubbles?
SIGH was established in 2012 by Champagne aficionado and Sonoma native Jayme Powers, who turned her passion for sparkling wine into a business her community and its visitors have wholeheartedly embraced. What started as a tiny 400-square-foot space in Vine Alley has blossomed into a beautiful, welcoming destination that's quadrupled in size.
Here's what makes SIGH special: they proudly serve Champagne and sparkling wines from all over the world, along with unique Champagne flights that let you explore three specialty sparklers in one sitting. The staff is deeply knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic—they welcome your questions and conversation, making even sparkling wine novices feel right at home.
Beyond the bubbles, SIGH offers artisanal beers, still wines, their famous SIGH slushies (yes, please!), artisanal cheese selections, premium caviar, and seasonal small bites. And if you want to take the party to the Plaza? They're happy to offer anything from their beverage list to go.
This is the kind of inclusive, welcoming space where you and your girlfriends can settle in, sip something spectacular, and create those laugh-until-you-cry memories that make Wine Country weekends so magical.
Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah!: Nature Meets Luxury
"Outside of the known universe"—that's what "extradimensional" means, and it's the perfect description for this innovative, nature-filled winery that sits at the crossroads of craft and adventure.
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Hardy Wallace and Kate Graham (who live in Glen Ellen with their two young children and can be found exploring California in their Airstream), Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! creates wines that enhance your world and spark meaningful moments around your table.
Hardy, previously of Dirty and Rowdy Family Winery, has developed a devoted following for redefining California wine. He's known for his deep dive into California Mourvèdre and for championing lesser-known grape varieties that stand with the world's greatest wines. He believes in wine as a vehicle for transformation.
Kate brings 20 years of experience working for social impact organizations and is a believer in community over efficiency—values that shine through in every bottle. She's also a white and orange wine lover, so you know the selection here goes beyond the expected.
These wines are meticulously made so you never have to second guess. They're released with full hearts three times each year, making each release something special to anticipate.
For the adventurous palate who values both quality experiences and supporting local, community-minded businesses, Extradimensional is a must-visit.
Your Wine Country Moment Awaits
The beauty of Sonoma Plaza isn't just its picturesque setting or its proximity to world-class wineries—it's the thoughtful, passionate people who have created spaces that feel authentic, welcoming, and genuinely special.
Whether you're seeking clean, health-conscious wines at Sol Rei, connecting to California history at Three Sticks, celebrating with bubbles at SIGH, or exploring nature-filled vintages at Extradimensional, these tasting rooms offer something you won't find on every tourist map: a genuine taste of what makes Sonoma Valley truly unforgettable.
So gather your favorite people, plan that weekend getaway, and discover the authentic edges of Wine Country—one meaningful sip at a time.
Planning an intimate Wine Country experience? Goodness Gracious Private Chef & Catering brings farm-to-table dining directly to your vacation rental, creating the perfect complement to your Sonoma adventures. Learn more at www.goodnessgraciouseats.com (707)343-1308 14301 Arnold Dr. Suite 3 Glen Ellen, CA 95442