Sonoma Date Nights Spots, Fun Brunch Spots & Napa Dinner Spots, Romantic Restaurants, Anniversary Ideas, Activities, Things To Do In Sonoma, Napa
For the longest time, Napa and Sonoma were known for their endless wineries and Michelin star restaurants. A lot has changed in the last 5 years in that wine country to appeal to those beyond stuffy wine tasting experiences and Yountville restaurants that require reservations booked months out.
As a professional photographer in San Francisco, I have scouted many areas for photoshoots, lifestyle images, branding sessions and backgrounds for headshots and portraits.
It’s my job to create photos with the best conversation starters and iconic locations that invite people to learn more about my clients whether it’s for dating profiles, press releases, business profiles or personal branding efforts.
Check out some of my favorite spots in and around Sonoma and Napa below. For other local date ideas, check out other lists in the Bay Area here. For date ideas for this current week, check out this list.
For those seeking help with their dating woes, check out my services here. Services span on where to live, places to meet singles, grooming, styling, lifestyle choices, hobbies, interests, conversation skills, help with dating apps, photos, identifying blind spots. Specialty working with introverted men, engineers, successful women, gay men and those seeking relationships
–>more recommendations for Napa/Sonoma date ideas<–
For my Marin County and San Francisco date ideas, scroll to the bottom of the page.
For some of my favorite spots for views, photos, and backdrops in Sonoma and Napa, check out my gallery: https://eddie-hernandez.com/sonoma-and-napa/
Napa & Sonoma Wineries, Restaurants, Bars, Sonoma Date Ideas, Napa Date Night Spots
Oxbow Public Market, Napa
Great place for a variety of appetites, dietary restrictions and places to sample bitters, sweets and other delicious bites.
Pro-tip: The public market also features a Fieldwork Brewing taproom known for their hazy IPA’s and stouts (great option and a fan favorite on my list of breweries mentioned in my “Guiltless Ways To Trick Your Girlfriend / Wife To Go Beer Tasting”
https://oxbowpublicmarket.com/
Girl and the Fig, Sonoma
Great restaurant and a classic Sonoma institution for places to eat in Sonoma. Known for amazing brunches and beautiful patio, this is a must stop for dining in Sonoma.
Pro-tip: They have Russian River Pliny the Elder on tap and their milk and cookies dessert is divine.
https://www.thegirlandthefig.com/
Hot Air Balloons, Yountville
If you don’t mind waking up early to enjoy the sunrise and look at wine country at dawn then this is for you.
https://yountville.com/balloon-rides/
Russian River Brewing Company, Windsor
Much bigger and more upscale than the smaller downtown location, this is a great place to visit for beer enthusiasts. Tours, tastes and lounging outdoors are all options for visitors to this amazing facility and production space.
https://russianriverbrewing.com/windsor-location/
Lagunitas Amphitheater, Petaluma
Live music, good beer and bites on the lawn on a warm afternoon day? Yes please!
https://lagunitas.com/story/petaluma-amphitheater/
Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma
https://brewstersbeergarden.com/
SingleThread, Healdsburg
For that special occasion dinner, anniversary or celebration, this is the place for you.
https://www.singlethreadfarms.com/
Redd Wood, Yountville
Excellent wood-fired pizzas and patio seats are a great way to cap off a day in Yountville.
Glen Ellen Star, Glen Ellen
Often ignored because of the drive from downtown Sonoma and Napa, this beautiful restaurant is situated in the darling town of Glen Ellen is definitely worth a visit when visiting wine country.
Farmhouse Inn, Forestville
The Infatuation calls this a power move of a date – I agree. Cute, off the beaten path without all the stuffiness of Napa fine dining.
https://www.farmhouseinn.com/restaurant
Auberge du Soleil Restaurant, Rutherford
If you want insane views for brunch, come to Auberge du Soleil for brunch.
https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/dine/
Addendum, Yountville
Thomas Keller Fried Chicken – enough said.
https://www.thomaskeller.com/addendum
Napa Valley Wine Train
Nice scenic ride, but lots of tourists which can be annoying. Kind of like a cruise shop on land.
More date ideas here in my newsletter.
Sonoma Date Ideas This Weekend, Napa Events This Week, Things To Do in San Napa & Sonoma This Week
For a curated list of one-off events, pop-ups and other events this week, check out my guide below. You can subscribe via email or just check out the web page.
Photo Locations Sonoma, Prettiest Wineries In Sonoma, Instagrammable Wineries In Sonoma
https://eddie-hernandez.com/sonoma-and-napa/
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Napa Valley Visitor Guide, Tourist Guide + Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Month To Go To Napa Valley?
That depends on your focus. November for fall colors. May-Sept for bachelorette parties. December for sunset views at closing time. March/April for mustard bloom. End of June for Lavendar harvesting.
Should I Stay In Napa Or Sonoma?
Depends on your lifestyle, focus. Napa is a little more quiet, romantic yet uptight whereas Sonoma is a bit more lively and relaxed.
How Do I Spend A Day In Napa?
Eat, drink and relax. See above options.
Is There A Dress Code For Napa Valley Wineries?
Most don’t but don’t dress like a slob if you want good service, free pours etc.
How Many Wineries Should You Visit In One Day In Napa?
Realistically 2-3. Many wineries will not serve intoxicated parties.
What Is There To Do In Napa besides Wine Tasting?
See above options.
What Is There To Do In Napa If You Don’t Drink?
See above options.
How Many Days Do You Need In Napa Valley
3 days is recommended to try a variety of wineries, restaurants and activities. Most wineries have limited hours and close early i.e. 4pm-5pm.
What Is There To Do In Napa At Night?
Most wineries close between 4-6pm so downtown Napa or Sonoma is your bet for tasting rooms, bars, restaurants and more.
Other Curated Lists, Guides On Eddie's List
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Places To Drink/Dine Solo In SF - Fun Places To Sit At The Bar
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Where To Meet Entrepreneurs, Founders & VC’s - Events, Cafes
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Date Ideas In SF, Marin, East Bay, Peninsula, South Bay & Sonoma + Napa
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SF Apartment Guide - Scams, What To Ask, Where To Look, How To Prepare
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Happy Hour List in SF - Late Night, Weekends & $1 Oysters
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First Date Ideas In SF - Coffee Dates, Drinks & In Between
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Living In SF - Tips, Hacks & Getting The Most Out Of The City
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Where To Meet Singles In SF - Bars, Events, Places To Meet Men, Women
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Late Night Dining In San Francisco - Best Spots To Grab A Bite After 10PM
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Best Outdoor Spots For Drinks in SF - Best Patios, Sidewalks & Parklets
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Co-working Spaces In San Francisco - (work in progress, not cafes/coffe shops)
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Rainy day activities in San Francisco - Indoor activities & more.
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SF Bay Area Third Spaces - Where to meet people, building community
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Dog/Kid Friendly Places - Where to meet couples, kf breweries & more
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Best Places To Read/Write - Quiet places, bars, and other spots
About Eddie Hernandez
Eddie is a dating coach for men & women in San Francisco (clients in NYC, LA, Chicago, & beyond ), as seen in the NYT & Bumble). He helps w/ profiles, photos, wardrobe, messaging, date ideas, red flags, lifestyle choices, hobbies, grooming/hygiene, communication, social skills & offline efforts.