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Sonoma is often described as the quieter sister of Napa Valley (opens in new tab), but with 400 wineries in an area nearly twice the size of Napa, it is not only a top-notch wine region with fewer crowds. With its charming towns, idyllic rolling hills, excellent dining, wide range of accommodations, and world-class wineries, Sonoma is a unique destination in its own right.

To get to Sonoma, first find out if you can fly direct to Santa Rosa, home to the quaint Sonoma County Airport (STS). If not, fly into San Francisco Airport (SFO) and then drive an hour and a half over the Golden Gate Bridge into the laid-back wine country. Fall is Sonoma's most popular season (grape harvest time), but winter offers more special tastings, experiences, and holiday events. If you are looking for a warm-weather getaway, the farms are in bloom in the spring, and summer offers outdoor activities, especially along the coast.

From trendy Healdsburg to the famous Russian River Valley, here are some of the not-to-be-missed attractions in Sonoma, California.

The Farmhouse Inn (opens in new tab) proves that rusticity and luxury can coexist. This charming hotel features indoor and outdoor fireplaces, cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Located near the redwoods on the Sonoma County coast, the Farmhouse Inn offers loaner cars if you don't bring your own, and if you spend the night on the property, there are plenty of experiences on site, including fireside s'mores and daily wine tastings.

Baker Melissa Yank, winner of Season 6 of Food Network's "Holiday Baking Championship," opened Quail and Condor with her husband, Sean McGaughey. Quail and Condor Bakery (open in new tab) offers special pastries like flaky croissants and cardamom cream buns. Get there early, as there is often a long line for the delicious breads and baked goods.

Small Vines (open in new tab) offers tastings of wines that Paul and Catherine Sloan have spent years growing. Planting the vines closer together naturally produces lower yields and slows the accumulation of sugar in the grapes, resulting in more complex, nuanced wines. Don't miss the unique Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flavors as you learn firsthand about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Mr. and Mrs. Sloan.

Barlow Market (open in new tab) is a 12-acre outdoor market district featuring more than 30 makers offering a taste of Sonoma through local food, wine, beer, and spirits Seismic Brewing (open in new tab), Pax Wines (open in new tab), Two Dog Night Creamery (open in new tab), and end with a great dinner at Fern Bar (open in new tab).

Paul Hobbs (open in new tab) at Katherine Lindsay Estate in the Russian River Valley, where you can taste some of their exclusive wines at a seated tasting of six vineyard-designated wines and seasonal cuisine. Explore the 12,000-square-foot winery and surrounding vineyards and see how the renowned winemaker created her own brand.

The Wellness Barn (open in new tab) believes in using nature as a healer of body, mind, and soul, not just a place to unwind. From sound baths to massages, local therapies and treatments are designed to restore balance. Try the Nurtured by Nature treatment (opens in new tab), a sensory tour of the Sonoma area using Pacific sea salts, healing clays, and coastal redwood mist, and a tailor-made massage using homemade oils and butters.

Chef Dustin Vallette has opened twin restaurant concepts, The Matheson and Roof 106 (opens in new tab), in Healdsburg, located along the Russian River in the heart of Sonoma. Upstairs on Roof 106 you can enjoy cocktails, pizza, and sushi in a casual atmosphere. Downstairs, a wine wall allows guests to try new wines. A self-service tasting area allows guests to sample small portions of wines that are not normally available by the glass.

Also in Healdsburg, Marine Layer Wines (opens in new tab) recently opened a tasting room downtown. Don't miss the option to pair the wine with Little Saint's mezze platter (opens in new tab).

If you've fallen in love with Sonoma, book your trip here (opens in new tab).