Need a wine country retreat with small-town charm and outdoor beauty? I always recommend heading to Windsor. Right in the heart of Sonoma County, it’s one of those places I return to when I want great wine, peaceful scenery, and that easy-going Northern California feel. If you're like me, you’ll love how close you are to redwood forests, farm-to-table restaurants, and vineyard-dotted backroads. Whether I’m sipping Chardonnay or just enjoying a slow stroll through the town green, you’ll find Windsor is pure wine country magic.
Windsor, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike the Windsor Bike Loop – I’ve biked this loop myself, and it’s such a peaceful ride through vineyards and wide-open landscapes. You’ll love the mix of nature and wine country charm.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Healdsburg Museum – I like popping over to Healdsburg to learn about Sonoma County’s early days. You’ll appreciate the exhibits on pioneers and winemaking—it’s a quick and meaningful side trip.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques at Windsor Town Green – I always make time to browse the shops around the green. You’ll find unique artisan goods, local gifts, and plenty of spots to grab a bite or a coffee.
- For Couples: Wine taste along the Russian River Valley – I’ve had some memorable afternoons tasting at places like La Crema and Martinelli. You’ll enjoy romantic views, cozy tasting rooms, and some of the best Pinot and Chardonnay around.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Keiser Park – I’ve joined friends with kids here—it’s got room to roam, play structures, and even community events. You’ll find it’s a perfect family-friendly break from wine tasting.
Best Time to Visit Windsor, CA
Personally, I love visiting from May to October. That’s when the weather is perfect for sipping wine outdoors, hitting the farmers market, or hiking nearby trails. You’ll especially enjoy September and October if you want to catch the energy of harvest season—it’s one of my favorite times to be in wine country.
How to Get to Windsor, CA
- If you are traveling by car: I drive in via U.S. Highway 101—it’s a beautiful 90-minute trip from San Francisco or just 15 minutes north of Santa Rosa. You’ll love how easy and scenic it is.
- By Plane: I often fly into the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS). It’s just 10 minutes from town, and you’ll find direct flights from lots of West Coast cities—it makes getting here a breeze.
- By Train: The SMART train is expanding, and Windsor is slated as a future stop. For now, you can ride to Santa Rosa or San Rafael and drive the rest. I’ve done this combo before and it works well.
Where to Stay in Windsor, CA
- Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Windsor – Wine Country – I’ve stayed here with family—it’s got a pool, plenty of space, and you’ll be just minutes from downtown and great eats.
- For Couples: Vintners Resort (nearby Santa Rosa) – I’ve treated myself here a few times. You’ll fall in love with the vineyard views, on-site spa, and romantic, tucked-away feel—it’s perfect for a weekend escape.
- For Boutique Style: Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor – I like this spot for its clean, modern design and easy walk to the Town Green. You’ll get great comfort and location without the big price tag.
Best Things to Do in Windsor, CA
Bike through the countryside with Ace It Bike Tours
I find that the best way to get to know an area quickly is on foot or by bike. Ace It Bike Tours helps you get acquainted with Sonoma County through scenic bike rides. The company has several different tour options that you can choose from.
The Sonoma County Wine Tour winds in and out of pristine vineyards and takes you past colorful murals, cobblestone walls and historic attractions. On the Santa Rosa Bike N’ Brew tour you get to enjoy biking, beer and the beautiful scenery surrounding Santa Rosa.
The Windsor Bike N’ Brew tour is structured the same way, but in a different city. The last tour, the Healdsburg Cycling Wine tour, takes you through the wineries surrounding Healdsburg.
367 Windsor River Rd, Windsor, CA 95492, Phone: 707-688-4063
Stop by the tasting room at Guerrero Fernandez Winery
The Guerrero Fernandez Winery is a family owned boutique winery where premium wines are painstakingly produced by hand.
The Guerrero family believes that a great wine can only be produced from a great grape and to this end they source the best possible grapes from the Russian Valley, Bennett Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Yolo County, which thrive in their particular terroir.
Wine lovers are invited to stop by their tasting room to experience their range of award winning wines and to hear the stories behind each of them. While you sip and learn you can enjoy a cheese platter.
Guerrero Fernandez Winery, 7724 Bell Rd, Windsor, CA 94592, 707 953 7956
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
Go hiking in Foothill Regional Park
Beyond the vineyards, I enjoyed hiking in Foothill Regional Park because of its sceniery. Located in the shadow of the Mayacamas Mountains, Foothill Regional Park is 211-acre wilderness park with nearly seven miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
The massive park features some of the best scenery in Sonoma County along with three large ponds filled with bluegill and bass.
Gravel paths throughout the park make this an easily-accessible destination for guests in wheelchairs.
There are also picnic areas throughout Foothill Regional Park that are perfect for gatherings and functions.
1351 Arata Lane, Windsor, CA 95492, Phone: 707-433-1625
I stayed at Holiday Inn Windsor - Wine Country by IHG.
Wineries and Vineyards:
Explore Martinelli Winery & Vineyards
Established in the late 1800s, the Martinelli Winery & Vineyards is a family business that has its roots in Italy.
The family specifically migrated to California in search of the perfect spot for their winemaking operation.
The vineyard is primarily known for its excellent grapes. 90 percent of the grapes grown here are sold to other wineries in Napa Valley. However, visitors can come taste wines made at the vineyard and tour the extensive grounds.
Parts of the vineyard can also be reserved for special events like weddings and parties.
3360 River Rd., Windsor, CA 95492, Phone: 707-525-0570
See a cooking demonstration La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard
Located in the center of the Russian River Valley, La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard is celebrated as one of the best destinations for wine and culinary education.
The stately barn is used for wine tasting sessions, educational seminars, cooking demonstrations and other gatherings.
Interactive guest experiences and delicious, carefully-crafted wines are a couple of the highlights at La Crema Estate.
Apart from wine tasting, you can also take tours of the vineyard or participate in a picnic with a personalized menu and a trained wine educator.
You can also purchase all kinds of fine wines at Saralee’s Vineyard.
3575 Slusser Rd., Windsor, CA 95492, Phone: 800-314-1762
Take a tour of Russian Hill Estate Vineyards
Russian Hill Estate Vineyards is managed by Patrick Melley, a self-taught winemakers who spent years managing restaurants and attended a leading culinary college in Florida.
His vineyards are located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, one of the premier grape growing regions in the word.
These vineyards are specially designed to produce the perfect grapes for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two kinds of wine that Russian Hill Estate Vineyards are best known for.
You can come to the vineyards for tastings, tours and special events.
4525 Slusser Road, Windsor CA, 95492, Phone: 707-575-9428
Bring your dog on a wine tasting at Mutt Lynch Winery
Probably the most dog-friendly winery you will ever have the privilege of visiting, Mutt Lynch Winery just loves dogs, almost as much as they love a really good wine.
Owner and wine-maker Brenda Lynch invites you to stop by for a tasting of her award-winning handcrafted wines, all of which bear brilliant “doggy” labels.
Needless to say, you can bring along your 4-legged best friend. The small-batch wines are carefully crafted from the best grapes in the Sonoma Valley and neighboring regions.
If you choose to buy some of the wines from their “wines that give back” range, you can sip happily, knowing that your purchase has helped sponsor dog rescue associations.
Mutt Lynch Winery, 9050 Windsor Rd, Windsor, CA 95492, 707 687 5089
Take a guided tour of Calluna Vineyards
Calluna Vineyards sprawls out across 12 acres on Sonoma Valley’s Chalk Hill.
The vineyard was founded by David Jeffrey, who attended viticulture and enology school and traveled extensively to learn about the winemaking process.
Jeffrey’s talent combined with California’s near-perfect conditions for growing wine grapes has helped Calluna Vineyard produce a variety of unique and popular wines.
Calluna also has its own wine club where members can get two shipments of Calluna’s finest wines each year.
You are welcome to come by for guided tours and wine tastings. Calluna even has an elegant guesthouse onsite for people who want to extend their stay.
11450 Brooks Road, Windsor, CA 95492, Phone: 707-239-1325
Jump to a Spot...
- • Bike through the countryside with Ace It Bike Tours
- • Stop by the tasting room at Guerrero Fernandez Winery
- • Go hiking in Foothill Regional Park
- • Explore Martinelli Winery & Vineyards
- • See a cooking demonstration La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard
- • Take a tour of Russian Hill Estate Vineyards
- • Bring your dog on a wine tasting at Mutt Lynch Winery
- • Take a guided tour of Calluna Vineyards