California's Breathtaking River Valley In Sonoma County Boasts Bold Wines And Serene Riverside Picnic Spots

The Russian River starts near Willits, California's "Gateway to the Redwoods," and winds its way over 100 miles through Mendocino County along Highway 101 and into Sonoma County where it eventually meets the Pacific Ocean at Jenner. The valley that was carved by the river has a mix of picturesque cities, charming riverside communities, abundant natural beauty, and fantastic wineries, and it's long been a popular vacation spot for those looking for a relaxing day by the water and anyone who likes good wines.

Depending on exactly where in the Russian River Valley you're going, it's about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, and you will need a car to get around. Keep in mind that it can take an extra 30 to 45 minutes on a Friday afternoon out of the city, so try and avoid rush hour. Along the way, if you're coming in on Highway 101, you can make a quick detour to Marin French Cheese Company, America's oldest cheese shop, to stock up on some fantastic picnic snacks, from artisanal cheese to pastries and more, for your Russian River getaway.

The Russian River Valley is one of those wine regions that deserve as much hype as Napa. It became an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983, and there are around 15,000 acres of vines planted in the approximately 150-square-mile region. The Russian River Valley AVA is known for its cool-climate grapes, like pinot noir and chardonnay, thanks to a mix of cool nights, warm days, and coastal fog. The AVA encompasses a part, though not all, of the actual Russian River Valley.

There are 70 wineries in the Russian River Valley AVA, so you're truly spoiled for choice. One of the area's big-name wineries is Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens near Santa Rosa at the eastern edge of the AVA. Take part in a wine tasting (it's known best for chardonnay) and tour the elaborate culinary gardens. Another well-known spot is Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville. Dating back to the 1880s, it's special, in part, because it gets to call itself "California Champagne" when other brands outside of the Champagne region of France have to call their products "sparkling wine." It offers complimentary single tastings and one-hour tours where you can learn about the winery's history.

Some great pinot noirs are made by Bacigalupi Vineyards and Gary Farrell Vineyards, both in Healdsburg, an underrated wine town with Tuscan countryside vibes. Additionally, Porter-Bass Winery near Guerneville is a small, family-run, biodynamic vineyard making zinfandel, pinot noir, and chardonnay. Tastings are held outside with views of the vines and the forest. Located 16 miles northeast, Notre Vue Estate Winery is 710 acres, nearly half of which is protected open space with hiking trails that you can explore, and it has tastings by the lake or on the terrace.

Sample some of the Russian River Valley's best wines all in one place at John Ash & Co., one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in the area. It's at Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa, an idyllic resort set on 92 acres with a working vineyard, spa, and pool with private cabanas. It's an ideal place to stay for your Russian River Valley vacation, especially if you want to be close to the conveniences of a bigger city.

The same way it's hard to pick just a few Russian River Valley wineries, it's hard to pick the area's best beach. Riverfront Regional Park near Windsor gives you access to the Russian River as well as Lake Benoist and Lake Wilson, and along with miles of trails, it has a picnic area in a redwood grove. Johnson's Beach is a popular spot in Guerneville, and it has camping and cabins available along with a snack bar. Monte Rio Community Beach, aka Big Rocky Beach, is outfitted with barbecues and picnic tables.

Pack a cooler and hit the river for a picnic; the best stretch of river is from Steelhead Beach to Sunset Beach in Forestville. It can get busy during warm summer weekends, and the water runs slowly through this 2-mile section, so plan for a leisurely experience. Pro tip: Pick up a sandwich at Speer's Market to enjoy as you go.

When you're ready to tuck in for the night, Wildhaven Sonoma in Healdsburg is a glamping spot with cabins and tents right on the river with private access to the water and shallow areas great for kids. You can even sit your lawn chair right in the water. Another top Russian River Valley stay is The Stavrand in Guerneville, a boutique hotel with 21 rooms, some of which have private cedar tubs, perfect for stargazing and relaxing after a long day of exploring. The hotel also has bikes and kayaks for guests to use during their stay, making it easy to get to and out on the river. Guerneville River Park is just a half mile away and offers a picnic area and pretty river views along with a non-motorized boat launch.