10 Reasons to Visit the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County
This is an amazing place to visit for wine lovers, foodies, and nature lovers. The Russian River Valley has gaint redwood trees and rolling vineyards with the Russian River meandering through it all. For this reason, it’s also an excellent wine getaway destination to rest, relax, and rejuvenate! In addition, if you are an adventure seeker or love the great outdoors, you will find that this is an amazing destination for you! There is so much to see and do that you will fall in love with this area for so many reasons!
Sonoma County wine country is such an amazing place to visit and the Russian River Valley is no exception! It is located about 60 miles north of San Francisco, making the Russian River Valley an amazing weekend destination getaway. It’s also known for having amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay so it’s the perfect place to go wine tasting in!
This area is filled with boutique wineries that are off the beaten path with incredible wines. These charming boutique wineries is one of the many reasons people love visiting the Russian River Valley.
1.) Pinot Paradise
Russian River Valley is known for having exceptional Pinot Noir along with Chardonnay. While the Russian River Valley is known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, you will also find many other varietals in that area that you can enjoy.
Enjoy a Russian River Valley Wine Tour with Windsor Wine Tours. On our Russian River Valley Wine Tours, you can sip world-class Pinot Noir, learn about the wine making process, and soak in the stunning vineyard views. Take your time and walk through the vines on your Russian River Wine Tour and take in the beauty of this beautiful valley.
In addition, the Russian River Valley is near both the Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. This makes it an incredible area to go wine tasting! With three world class wine regions so close to one another, you will have no shortage of amazing wine! For this reason, if you are staying for a while, it’s worth considering spending a day going on an Alexander Valley Wine Tour or a Dry Creek Valley Wine Tour. Book your wine tour today with Windsor Wine Tours and explore the beautiful Russian River Valley. Check out Russian River Valley wineries here.
2.) Visit The Barlow
In addition to charming boutique wineries throughout the Russian River Valley, you will also find The Barlow. This is a 12-acre outdoor market in Sebastopol, California featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made by lcoal Sonoma County artisans. Stroll around this area to check out the amazing shops, eat incredible good, and sip amazing wine and beer.
3.) Kayak, paddle, or float in the Russian River
Another reason to visit the Russian River Valley is because of the nature. Enjoy the Russian River and all that it has to offer. You can paddle along the Russian River on a stand up paddle board, kayak, or float in the river. Either way you will have a relaxing experience.
If you go a little further to Jenner, you will be able to kayak to see the harbor seals at certain times of the year. In this coastal town, you can also see them by walking along the sand at Goat Rock beach where the mouth of the Russian River meets the ocean.
4.) Go soaring through the redwoods ziplining
You can enjoy an amazing ziplining experience and soar through the redwoods with Sonoma Zipline Adventures. In addition to ziplining through the redwoods, you can spend the night in a treehouse. From the treehouse, you will have stunning views of these giant redwoods, while allowing you the option to rappel back down to the forest floor.
You will experience a deep connection with nature as you combine the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the exhilarating experience of soaring through these majestic redwood giants.
5.) Foodie Delights
In addition to the Russian River Valley having amazing wine, it also has amazing food! You will discover incredible Michelin-starred restaurants nearby and an amazing food and wine scene. You can also experience amazing food at The Barlow as well dining at many other local restaurants. Pictured below is Wild Flour Bread where you can grab a delicious scone and enjoy walking through the garden to their peaceful seating area filled with chairs and picnic tables.
If you are looking for an amazing wine and food pairing while on a wine tour in the area, please check out our blog about Amazing Food and Wine Pairings in Northern Sonoma County.
6.) Soar above it all in a hot air balloon ride
In addition to seeing stunning vineyard views from the valley floor, you can also have aerial views of this beautiful valley. Soar high above it all and soak in the incredible vineyard views and rolling hills! A hot air balloon ride is an excellent way to see the beautiful Russian River Valley!
There are several compainies that you can go through to have this expereince! It’s a once in a lifetime experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime!
7.) Visit the charming towns in the Russian River Valley
The town of Guerneville is so charming and there are so many charming towns in or near the Russian River Valley! In addition to small family owned wineries, you will find the small town charm of the cities in the Russian River Valley and those that surround it.
Enjoy a tranquil getaway and be surrounded by nature. The Russian River Valley is a place that is known to have many incredible vacation rentals. If enjoy your own slice of heaven while visiting the Russian Valley and want a private experience, a vacation rental is something to consider! Many hotels and vacation rentals are tucked away in the Redwood Trees, providing a peaceful and relaxing getaway! Windsor Wine Tours partners wtih many vacation rental properties in the area for those seeking the ultimate getaway vacation in the Russian River Valley.
8.) Check out this artsy town
The Russian River Valley is known for being artsy and is full of art and culture. You can see this all around town and their metal art pieces are truly stunningly beautiful and unique. Visit the three-block-long Florence Avenue where you will enjoy a stroll through an outdoor art gallery.
9.) Enjoy the coastal views
Enjoy a short trip to Bodega Bay or Jenner to soak in the coastal views! You can bring a pincic and relax as you listen to the sound of waves! It’s a scenic drive with incredible views of the rugged coastline.
A favorite place for visitors and locals alike is the Kortum Trail Hike. There is also the Pomo Hiking Trail.
10.) Relax at a spa
Book a one-of-a-kind experience at the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary! Enjoy the beautiful Kyoto-style Japanese gardens for a zen like experience. Pamper yourself at this serene and peaceful spa sanctuary!
In addition to this amazing spa, there are many other amazing spa experiences that you can experience while in the Russian River Valley!
There are so many amazing reasons to visit the Russian River Valley and so many reasons this is an amazing getaway destination when in Sonoma County wine country. In addition to world class wines and farm to table restaurants, you will also find a nature lovers paradise here in the Russian River Valley. Feel free to also check out our blog on Discovering Hidden Gems on a Russian River Valley Wine Tour.
If you are looking for a wine tour when visiting this beautiful destination, please visit our Russian River Wine Tours webpage. If you are looking to book a wine tour checkout our online wine tour request form: Book Online
If you are looking to go wine tasting in more than one wine region during your stay in wine country, check out our Healdsburg Wine Tours, Sebastopol Wine Tours, Alexander Valley Wine Tours, Dry Creek Valley Wine Tours, and our Sonoma Valley Wine Tours.
