This week, I was lucky enough to catch a deal on Travel Zoo for the Sonoma Wine Passport.  $29 for the year, good for two people, with more than 50 deals at any given time in Sonoma County.  Two for one deals, complimentary tastings and discounts on bottle purchases, even buying it halfway through 2018, it’s still an awesome deal.  So what better time than now, to pull together another Sonoma Valley wine tasting itinerary?!

Just like my wine itinerary for Napa and the first Sonoma County itinerary, these wineries are all in close proximity to one another (less than a 10 minute drive between all of them).  In such a large region, you don’t want to spend all your time en route to wineries.   Less time in the car- more time for wine.  Also, you can drop in at all of the selected wineries.  None of them require a reservation (unless you have 6 or more in your party), so if you wake up one bright sunny Saturday morning, use this itinerary to make a spontaneous visit to wine country!

Schug Carneros Estate Winery

Start your day with a self-guided walking tour through the vineyards at Schug Winery.  Their tasting room at the vineyard opens at 10am, so you can grab a map and wander the vineyards, then enjoy your wine.

If you plan to take a stroll through the vineyards, bring an old pair of sneaks- it’s dusty!  We were in sandals and our feet were a dusty mess after our walk.  Still the property is beautiful and it was fun to explore.

Cline Cellars

Next up, head down the road to Cline Family Cellars.  Cline is the total package- warm and attentive service, fantastic wine, a gorgeous outdoor space- they even have their own chocolate!   Taste the Mourvèdre with the salted dark chocolate- it’s bananas.

Bring snacks or lunch and eat in the garden after your tasting.  If you’re going during peak season or on a weekend, you can reserve a picnic table (or two!)

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

Just across the way from Cline (literally across the street), you’ll find Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and The Olive Press.

Be sure to take some time to explore the grounds, Jacuzzi is really beautiful.  Lots of opportunities for impromptu photo shoots.

And of course, sample five wines of your choice.  If you didn’t get your fill of chocolate at Cline’s, treat yourself to a chocolate wine shot!

The Olive Press

Be sure to visit The Olive Press shop at Jacuzzi.  They have great olive oil and balsamic vinegars, and small bites of bread so you can sample everything.   They sell 2 oz travel bottles and gift sets, so even if you’re visiting from out of town, you can grab something small to take back home.

They have amazing dipping olive oils– the Roasted Garlic and Rosemary is my absolute favorite.  Toss some potatoes in this dipping oil and roast them in the oven- so GOOD!!

Cornerstone Sonoma

Your last stop for the afternoon is just a mile up the highway.  We stumbled upon Cornerstone Sonoma the first time, noticing the HUGE bright orange patio chair visible from the highway.

Pulling into the parking lot we realized Cornerstone was home to wineries, a distillery, restaurant and beautiful garden spaces.

Cornerstone is a great place to spend the rest of your afternoon.  Whether you are looking for more wine, want to sample some spirits, shop in one of the marketplace boutiques…

or if you’d just like to enjoy the sun in the lavender gardens.

Our first trip to Cornerstone was much too short considering all that they have to offer.  This summer, I plan to make an afternoon of it and wander through all the wineries, the distillery and hopefully catch a nice nap in the garden.  I’d love to go now actually.  Anyone with me?

So that’s it fam, another wine country itinerary in the books!  If you’re headed to wine country this summer, what places are you most excited to visit?