Around the Russian River Valley, fall is a season full of bucolic beauty and life. With bountiful wineries going through harvest, oysters cropping up along the coast, and the misty forests winding down after the summer rush, there’s no time like fall to experience all the natural beauty and awe that Sonoma County has to offer.
With AutoCamp Sonoma as home base, you can easily explore wineries, forests, and foodie destinations, then turn in for a dreamynight in the redwoods. Need help planning an itinerary? We’ve got you covered.
Where to:
Hang When You Wake Up
Ease into the trip with a short walk to the clubhouse for complimentary coffee and granola before hitting the road or climbing back in bed (we won’t tell).
Sip Like A Sonoma Local
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
You are in wine country, after all. Hop in the car for a quick drive to Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, 25-ish minutes from AutoCamp Sonoma. The Spanish-style estate pairs vine-side tastings with a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable winemaking. Pro tip: snag a charcuterie plate to enjoy on the patio.
Korbel Champagne Cellars
Head back north toward AutoCamp where Korbel Champagne Cellars pours sparkling tastings and opens historic cellars for a peek at the bubbly-making process. Plenty of cheers to come!
Porter Creek Vineyards
If you’d like to weave a little adventure into your wine consumption, Porter Creek Vineyards offers private vineyard and winery tours featuring an epic truck tour of the steep hillside vineyards.
Bike, Hike, and Explore
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve
Grab a complimentary cruiser bike from the Clubhouse, or drive a few minutes to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve. Towering redwoods, some over a thousand years old, line peaceful trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, or just daydreaming. Fall temperatures make exploring extra comfortable, and the quieter woods mean it’s easy to do your own thing without interruption. Pro tip: Pack a picnic with a bottle of local wine or a craft beer from nearby Guerneville purveyors.
Prefer sightseeing from the car? Sonoma’s back roads treat you to sweeping vineyard and forest views, with bursts of gold and red foliage peaking late October through early November.
Eat and Drink
boon eat + drink
With Guerneville right around the corner from camp, it’s easy to get a taste of the fabulous local food scene. boon eat + drink serves seasonal farm-to-table plates (roasted beet salad, truffle mac & cheese, yum) that scream autumn.
Main Street Bistro
The go-to for wood-fired pizzas and hearty pastas when you want something a little more sturdy. Bonus: it doubles as a piano bar, meaning live acoustic music and jazz are part of the charm.
Hog Island Oyster Farm & Bodega Bay Oyster Company
In this part of the country, fresh oysters are basically a must. Hog Island Oyster Farm in Marshall and Bodega Bay Oyster Company a little further inland both shuck plump oysters that will melt in your mouth. Promise you won’t regret it.
Stargaze
With minimal light pollution, Sonoma is a stargazer’s paradise. Lay back on a blanket near your stay or find a quiet vineyard road to catch the celestial spectacles. October brings the Draconids, which peak on the evening of October 8 and are known for unpredictable little bursts that light up the night. A couple of weeks later, the Orionids shine before dawn on October 21, offering fast, bright meteors that streak across the morning sky. Finally, the Leonids make their appearance before dawn on November 17, more low-key than the others, but still magical.
Stay
Skip the tourist shuffle and do autumn in wine country like a local: sip slow, eat well, and end the day in comfort. May we suggest AutoCamp Sonoma?
