This Overlooked Gem In California's Sonoma County Is Perfect For A Wine Tasting Getaway

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves a combination of charming small towns, gorgeous natural scenery, whimsical art, and lots of wine, then you should definitely be planning a trip to Sebastopol. Located in Northern California, Sebastopol is one of Sonoma County's hidden gems. Even though it's nestled within one of America's most iconic wine regions, the town hasn't been spoiled by over-tourism. On the contrary, Sebastopol has retained its own unique style and flavor that keeps in-the-know travelers coming back for more.

Sebastopol is laid back and unpretentious compared to some popular destinations for wine tastings. The population of the town is under 7,500 people, but there are over a dozen different wineries for travelers to enjoy. California's wine country is world renowned. Napa Valley and Sonoma County are neighbors and they both produce some of the best wine in the world. The wine from Northern California skyrocketed in popularity back in the late 1970s, and the region has been a popular tourist destination ever since. Some wine-tasting destinations in the area that can seem a little bit stuffy — they're still fun places to visit if you're willing to splurge, but if you're looking for chill bohemian vibes and authenticity then Sebastopol is a better choice. In addition to wine tastings, you can spend your days exploring unique public art displays, shopping at cute boutiques, or enjoying the great outdoors. Travelers who are searching for a wine-country getaway that is as relaxed as it is elegant will almost certainly adore a wine tasting getaway to Sebastopol.

After a night spent indulging in fine wines, coffee is a must. Grab a steaming cup of joe and baked goods at one of the darling cafes around town to start your day of on the right foot. Sarmentine is a lovely French bakery where you can enjoy a mouthwatering organic croissant. Avid Coffee, Hardcore Espresso, and Sunshine Organic Coffee Roasters are equally worthwhile. 

After breakfast, head to Florence Avenue for a stroll through the artsy residential neighborhood. In 2001 a local named Patrick Amiot created a one-of-a-kind fisherman sculpture in his yard from an old water heater. Soon Amiot and his wife, Brigitte Laurent, were creating sculptures for each of their neighbors. The houses are adorable and the gardens are gorgeous. The whimsical sculptures are crafted from materials that would otherwise be diverted to the landfill – think old cars, trash cans, pipes, and appliances. Afterwards, spend some time browsing the local shops in search of a souvenir to commemorate your trip. Check out the sparkly rocks, gems, and minerals at Sagestone or pick out some lovely soaps and lotions at Sumbody. Artisana Functional Art sells a variety of handmade gifts, home goods, and jewelry. The Barlow is a large marketplace that covers over 12 acres and has all sorts of artisan goodies.

When it comes to wineries, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. The Dutton Estate Winery is a visitor favorite, with 4.9 stars and on Tripadvisor. Lynmar Estate has a chic aesthetic and 100 acres of vineyards and nature preserves. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike and take a ride along the Sonoma County bike trail. You can stop at plenty of wineries along the way.

The closest major airport to Sebastopol is the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, which is under 20 minutes away by car. It services non-stop flights from several cities in the United States, including Burbank, Portland, Seattle, Dallas, and Phoenix. If you're visiting from further afield, then you'll probably fly into one of the larger Northern California airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK). The drive from either of these airports to Sebastopol is about 1.5 hours. It's worth renting a car and driving yourself if you want to explore all that Sonoma County has to offer. Car rentals cost about $60 per day in San Francisco. If you do decide to drive, don't worry about parking because there are multiple public parking lots within the town of Sebastopol. If you'd rather avoid the hassle of driving you can also book a ride on a shuttle bus. Groome Transportation has a shuttle service that departs several times daily, with one-way adult tickets priced at $50 per person.

When booking accommodations, consider a farm stay at Kanzler Vineyards or stay close to town at the budget-friendly Fairfield Inn and Suites. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy Sebastopol and Sonoma wine country without any wine. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, head to the nearby Russian River — a scenic hot spot for outdoor adventures. Whether you're booking a dreamy bachelorette weekend, or planning a romantic getaway to connect with your paramour, the memories you make in Sebastopol will last long after you finish your delicious glass of wine.