What is your favorite winery, what is your favorite restaurant, where is your favorite place to take out of town guest? These are questions we get every day. From visitors who walk into our California Welcome Center to our friends who are constantly asking us.
We are lucky to live in a place that people love to visit and while we usually share our own personal experiences and favorites, we can also share with you what all our friends think. I was honored to co host The Press Democrats (the local Sonoma County paper) Best of Awards and so many of the ones the whole Visit Santa Rosa team are talking about won awards. The awards are based upon nomination and votes sourced from all Sonoma County and yes when I said what my friends think, I really mean what the entire county thinks.
If you are visiting Santa Rosa, this list is a great place to start researching where you want to go and what you want to do. If you are a resident, this is a great list to remind you how lucky we are and maybe visit somewhere you have not tried in the last few years.
Best Day Spa: Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant: Amy's Drive Thru
Best Craft Beer & Best Taproom: Russian River Brewing Company
Best Tasting Room: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
Best Local Red Wine: Balletto Vineyards
Best Romantic Meal: River's End Restaurant & Inn
Best Local New Restaurant: Sweet T's Restaurant & Bar
Best Craft Cocktail: Perch + Plow
Best Hotel or Motel: Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa
Best Winery to take Visitors to: Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Best Thrill Activity: Safari West
Best Annual Festival & Best Music Festival or Music Series: Country Summer
Best Movie Theater Experience: Airport Stadium 12 Cinemas
Best Casino: Graton Resort & Casino
Best Live Theater Company: 6th Street Playhouse
Best Music Venue: Green Music Center
Best Shopping Experience: Montgomery Village Shopping Center
Best White Wine: La Crema
Best Museum: Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
