Get ready to kick off the final weekend of summer! Labor Day Weekend in Sonoma is a great way to bid adieu to the summer season. During September, the weather is ideal, and the wine-fueled adventures are at an all-time high.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing extended weekend away or seek to experience the pinnacle of Sonoma, we’ve got the Labor Day Weekend itinerary and guide for your getaway in wine country!
Friday Afternoon: Welcome to Sonoma
Welcome to Sonoma wine country! It’s time to settle into your vacation home and rest your feet after a day of travel. Whether you’re lodging near downtown Sonoma or retreating on the outskirts of town, we recommend heading to Sonoma Plaza to get acquainted.
The Historic Sonoma Plaza has dozens of shops, restaurants, and wineries surrounding the quaint Plaza Park, located in the heart of the square.
Explore Sonoma Plaza
Visit boutique shops, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms in this historic district. Start at the flagship Williams-Sonoma here in the heart of Sonoma, where it all began! Explore Mission San Francisco Solano, which sits on the plaza’s edge. There are plenty of shops to browse and artisan goods to be found!
Photo Credit: Garrett Rowland
Champagne tasting at SIGH
Just across the plaza, SIGH Champagne Bar offers the perfect place to unwind. Sip on bubbles from across the globe, including many Sonoma County bottles. This first-come, first-served bubbles lounge has small bites to choose from, including caviar and French cheeses. Raise your glass to the perfect Labor Day Weekend in Sonoma!
Casual dinner at Mary’s Pizza Shack
Mary’s Pizza Shack is a Sonoma County institution and a must-visit for a true Sonoma experience! Founded in 1959, Mary’s Pizza Shack in the Sonoma Plaza is one of the first-ever shacks opened by Mary herself.
Be sure to get a heaping side of their famous ranch dressing (the recipe is held under lock and key!), and don’t skip on the popular Mary’s salad. Then, head back to your Sonoma vacation home to rest up for the fun weekend ahead!
Saturday: Sky Views and Spa Days
Start the weekend in Sonoma from the sky! Here, we’re known for our mild weather and rolling vineyards—the perfect formula for a hot air balloon ride. Of course, you’ll want some rest and relaxation later in the day at one of Sonoma’s best day spas.
Sunrise hot air balloon ride
Watch the sunrise over Sonoma Valley from the clouds! Your Sonoma Ballooning adventure includes round-trip transportation from your Sonoma or Southern Napa location before taking you on a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon adventure. Float across the sky and experience a birds-eye view of beautiful Sonoma and Napa.
Sonoma spa day
After an exhilarating ride across the sky, you’ll undoubtedly be ready for some pampering. Unwind at one of Sonoma’s best day spas, or bring the spa to you! Many mobile spa providers can set up a relaxing massage or facial in your vacation home. Soak in mud baths, enjoy couples massages, or take advantage of nearby spa amenities.
Downtown Sonoma dining
Sonoma is a host to several fine dining restaurants, many of which can be found in the heart of town. Popular El Dorado Kitchen, located on the first floor of the El Dorado Hotel, serves upscale California Cuisine made with farm-to-table ingredients. Other popular nearby restaurants include Wit & Wisdom, OSO, and The Girl & the Fig.
Sunday: Explore the Wine Region
If you are coming to Sonoma over Labor Day Weekend for the wine, you will love these spots! From Sunday brunch to nightcaps and desserts, tasting rooms to lush vineyards, you’ll get a five-star experience in the best of Sonoma wine country.
Winery brunch
Spend your Sunday in Sonoma the way it was intended—with a flight of Chardonnay paired with artisanal pastries and brunch treats. Benziger Family Winery offers a fabulous weekend wine brunch Fridays through Sundays.
This 21+ event includes bites from local Bellweather Farms and Les Pascales Patisserie, as well as biodynamic wines from the tasting room. Reservations are required, so promptly add this experience to your itinerary!
Private vineyard tours and tastings
Elevate your Sonoma experience with a private tour through some of the region’s most esteemed wineries. Bohemian Highway Tours takes guests on a rustic, off-road adventure through the winding vines of Sonoma, showcasing the region’s top producers.
This all-inclusive experience includes premier library pours and tastings, a behind-the-scenes peek into tasting rooms and vineyards, and seasonal lunch offerings. Your full-service concierge team will plan out the day (or multiple days) and handle all arrangements, including round-trip transportation, lunch arrangements, and tasting fees.
Dinner in Glen Ellen
Wrap up the weekend in cozy Glen Ellen, just minutes outside Sonoma. This charming town may be small, but its dining scene is quite robust. Glen Ellen is home to popular eateries like Glen Ellen Star, Poppy, and The Mill at Glen Ellen.
The menus at each restaurant are updated seasonally, and the wine lists are often rotating. Be sure to take home a bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy long after your Labor Day Weekend in Sonoma!
Courtesy Glen Ellen Star
Monday: Farewell, Wine Country
We’ll be sad to see you go, but know you’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime—or at least until next Labor Day Weekend. Before you head out, fill your bellies with one last serving of Sonoma.
Sunflower Caffé is a fantastic yet casual spot to fuel up before heading home. Try hearty plates like Turkish eggs or smoked salmon Benedict, or keep it light with coconut chia seed pudding. If you prefer to take breakfast on the road, stop by Homegrown Bagels for homemade bagels, bagel sandwiches, and fresh drip coffee.
Plan your Labor Day Weekend in Sonoma
Ready to plan your holiday weekend in Sonoma? The first step is booking your Sonoma vacation rental. From cozy cottages to poolside villas, we have the perfect wine country vacation home for your getaway. Start packing and come spend Labor Day Weekend in the heart of Sonoma wine country!
