Spring has arrived! Spring has arrived! This has become my favorite time of year in wine country. It’s not too hot (average temps here in the springtime are high 60’s to mid 70’s) and everything in the valley is blooming.
I love to be outside as much as possible during this time and thought I would make a little list of my favorite places to picnic. I also recently splurged on this beautiful handmade picnic basket and wanted to share it with you all. It fits our lifestyle really well since we go to wineries quite a bit during the spring and summer. A huge bonus is that the inside is insulated to keep items fresh AND it can fit a full sized bottle of wine or champagne.
A LIST OF MY FAVORITE PICNIC PLACES IN SONOMA COUNTY…
Kendall Jackson Winery. Located just a few miles south of Healdsburg right off the 101. This is a gorgeous winery to enjoy a picnic. Not only do they have a sprawling garden and picnic tables with a vineyard view, but they also welcome visitors to bring along their own food if you purchase a bottle of their wine to enjoy with it. Many wineries do not let you bring in your own food, so this is a nice treat at Kendall Jackson. Do make sure to call or check their website since picnic tables do need to be reserved before arriving.
The Sonoma Plaza. If you want to let your kids play at the playground and run free while you sit back and enjoy a picnic, then you will LOVE the charm and ease of the Sonoma Plaza. A bonus…the city welcomes wine in the Plaza, so you can even bring your own wine and enjoy it right there with your picnic.
Downtown Healdsburg. Somewhat similar to the Sonoma Plaza is the Healdsburg Square. It is not as big and grassy as Sonoma, and it does not have a playground, but it has a very nice and relaxing atmosphere. There is a big fountain in the center of the square that kids love to play around, as well as several tall trees to provide some shelter on a warm day. Like Sonoma, the City of Healdsburg also allows wine consumption in the square. Also, if you don’t have time or simply just don’t feel like preparing your whole picnic, you can easily run into Oakville Grocery (located across the street) to grab everything you’ll need (even the wine).
B.R. Cohn Winery. Located just a couple of miles outside the city of Sonoma is B.R. Cohn’s picturesque property with sprawling vineyard views. This is such a fun, family AND dog-friendly winery that has an abundance of pretty white picnic tables. You can sit, sip, nibble and relax while the kiddos play. Please note that they do not allow outside food or beverages. They do, however, have a very nice selection of wine and nibbles that you can purchase right there. This is one of my favorite places to go in the summer to enjoy the relaxed outdoor setting, while listening to one of their many live music performances.
Dry Creek Vineyard. This family owned winery is located in Healdsburg’s Dry Creek region and welcomes you to bring along your picnic to enjoy on their picnic tables. The Dry Creek General Store (a favorite deli amongst locals and tourists) is conveniently located across the street. So, if you didn’t have time to prepare a full picnic, they will have you covered.
Shop my dress here. Shop my picnic basket here.
Happy spring and happy picnicking!
xx Danika
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