Head to Sonoma County for indulgent wellness experiences that range from yoga sessions set against picturesque vineyards to forest bathing and stargazing.
In a world where many people are increasingly focused on their well-being and strive to strike a work-life balance, most still find themselves neglecting their hard-earned vacation days. Those looking to Sonoma County will find a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty where the art of relaxation awaits, promising to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Here are some of our favourite wellness experiences from across Sonoma County this fall.
READ: San Francisco’s Iconic Cable Cars Turn 150
Forest Bathing at Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery, Sonoma
Immerse yourself in the serenity of Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery for a very special forest bathing and estate wine tasting experience led by certified nature therapy guide Jenny Harrow-Keeler. Jenny leads guests through the Japanese meditative practice, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), opening all five senses to the land and vineyard, connecting you with nature.
Take the time to slow down and truly be aware of your surroundings – on all levels. Enjoy the beauty of Bartholomew amongst the vines, redwoods, and creeks of the 151-hectare sanctuary. Following the forest bathing experience, you’ll be guided to Bartholomew’s picturesque Oak Knoll for a seated tasting of wines produced from grapes grown in the winery’s sustainably farmed vineyards. Forest bathing enhances the wine, and the wine enhances your experience of the land. It’s a full circle experience of connection and oneness.
Seaweed Foraging Adventure, Bodega Bay
Examine Sonoma County’s underwater life with seaweed expert Heidi Herrmann of Strong Arm Farm. Heidi knows what to pick, how to pick it, and most importantly, how to make it taste delicious! This two to three-hour guided foray meets on the beach in Bodega Bay and is followed by a talk on what you collected, the science of seaweed, and how to cook your catch.
Taking place during coastal low tide, foraging participants can expect to explore the normally underwater inter-tidal zone at a negative low tide, connecting with the local food system, enjoying umami direct from the source and takeaway 10 pounds of raw edible seaweed – a nutritional powerhouse – during your Bodega Bay adventure.
READ: New Adventures for The Great Southern
Triple Creek Horse Outfit Jack London State Historic Park Horseback Ride, Glen Ellen
Celebrating 20 years, Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers private horseback tours in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country on some of the finest riding trails in the world, past acres of vineyards for premium wines, cross open oak woodlands and through shady groves of tall redwoods at the renowned, Jack London State Historic Park.
Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers a variety of ride lengths to suit their guests’ riding interests and schedules. Daily ride times vary. Triple Creek horses are saddled specifically for their reserved rider and rotated daily to insure a happy, healthy mount. Since Sonoma County wine tastes better after riding a horse, Triple Creek offers a complimentary tasting at nearby VJB Cellars.
Cedar Enzyme Bath at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone
In a quiet corner of Sonoma County sits Freestone, California, home to Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the only spa in North America that offers a Cedar Enzyme bath. A Cedar Enzyme “bath” involves submersion in a redwood tub filled with rice bran and warm cedar and fir shavings, a dry microbiome in which fermentation produces unique salutary benefits for metabolism, digestion, the cardiovascular system, relieving joint and muscle pain and improves sleep.
READ: LUX* Belle Mare Reopens on Mauritius
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary has a 30-year history of creating a unique healing environment in Sonoma County that provides spa services in resonance with nature. Beyond the uniqueness of their offerings—such as the one-of-a-kind Cedar Enzyme Bath and award-winning Japanese Zen gardens—their commitment extends to the close attention they give to making guests feel at home, comfortable, and well taken care of.
Autumn Star Parties at Robert Fergueson Observatory, Kenwood
Located in the majestic Mayacamas Mountains in northeast Sonoma County, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a striking testament to the state’s vast and varied landscapes. Encompassing over 1,618-hectares, the park is a treasure trove of verdant valleys, craggy peaks, and sprawling meadows.
Within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park visitors can enjoy the Robert Ferguson Observatory, a must-visit for anyone with a passion for astronomy. Offering a unique chance to view celestial objects through high-powered telescopes, the Observatory hosts regular star parties and events throughout the fall season. During these events, volunteers guide visitors through the universe, from the planets in our solar system to far-off galaxies.
READ: Conscious Cocktails Arrive in Bali
For those who prefer to stargaze alone, the park’s high elevation and minimal light pollution make it an ideal location for appreciating the beauty of the night sky and connecting to the universe.
Harvest at Small Vines Winery and Farmhouse Inn, Forestville
Immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful times of the year in Sonoma County with Small Vines Winery. Every dream of being part of a grape harvest team, if for just a day. As a guest of the Farmhouse Inn, this is your exclusive opportunity to get your hands dirty, smell the grapes being pulled from the vines, and experience what goes on in a day during grape harvest at a small-production, family-owned winery. Learn about the artistry of the vineyard under their expert guidance.
READ: Look Who’s Launched His Own Gin
Guests will Savor the meticulously crafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Small Vines, originating from California’s most carefully tended and distinctive high-density vineyards. Experience includes al-fresco farm-to-picnic-basket dining for two and round-trip transportation with chauffeured transportation from Farmhouse Inn to Small Vines Winery. Seize the opportunity to unwind in luxury as you spend the night at Farmhouse Inn and savour a breakfast for two.
The Bathhouse Ritual at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is ideally situated atop an ancient mineral hot spring, allowing guests to take advantage of the proven healing benefits of mineral waters in geothermal pools. The drawing of energy from nature has been practiced for millennia. Guests can immerse themselves in the elements and be reconnected with nature at Fairmont Spa. The famed Bathing Ritual at the Bathhouse will leave you feeling vibrant and nourished.
READ: Delving into the Black Forest
The steps you’ll travel will be filled with ancient mineral waters, fire, ice, and healing aromas. Make the most of a Sonoma County Wine Country getaway with a curated offer designed with rejuvenation in mind. Visiting for just a night or escaping for a few? The perfect package is available at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Glamping Special at Safari West, Santa Rosa
Experience a magical evening glamping on the Sonoma Serengeti as Safari West commemorates three decades of dedicated wildlife conservation. Don’t miss out on this unique, memory-making experience. During your visit to Safari West be sure to be on the lookout for Otto, Safari West’s first-ever Southern white rhino baby born to mother, Eesha, and father, Ongava. And to sprinkle even more joy on your experience, children stay free.
READ: American Airlines Launches New Flagship Suites Business Class
Herbal Remedies for Winter Wellness at Wind & Rye, Penngrove
Herbalist Colleen Solis leads this empowering class highlighting the plant allies and herbal traditions used in the winter months to keep our bodies nourished and our immune systems strong. The concept of fire cider reaches back centuries but was officially named and perfected by famed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in the 1970s. Learn about how to use traditional brews in your everyday cooking to support immunity and more.
Every attendee will leave with a fire cider, elderberry syrup and bundle of broth herbs created in class. As always, a nourishing meal made with local organic Sonoma County ingredients will be served with drinks at the conclusion of the class.
For more Experiences click here.
