Sonoma Plaza: Walking Food & Wine Tour with Lunch

Summary

Walk Sonoma Plaza for food stories, wine sips, cheese bites and local color

You’ll wander Sonoma Plaza with a local guide, tasting fresh tacos, cheeses and olive oils while hearing real stories behind each spot. Expect laughter over wine tastings and chocolate stops, plus surprising bits of history tucked between bites. It’s relaxed and friendly—a lunch that feels like hanging out with neighbors you just met.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I got distracted by a dog in a bandana outside the cheese shop—typical me. Our guide, Lisa, waved me over with a grin that made it feel like we’d known each other longer than five minutes. Right away she launched into stories about Sonoma’s Italian roots and how some of these old buildings have survived earthquakes and wild weather. The plaza was already buzzing with locals grabbing coffee or just chatting under those big oaks. It’s funny how you can feel both like an outsider and right at home here.

The first stop was this California Mexican spot—I’ll be honest, I thought “lunch” meant something lighter but nope, we got proper tacos with tortillas that were still warm from the grill. There was a faint citrusy smell from someone squeezing limes behind the bar. Lisa explained how the mix of Spanish and Mexican history shaped what’s on our plates now. She even pointed out the old Mission as we walked past—her voice kind of dropped when she talked about the Bear Flag story (I had to Google more later). The day trip around Sonoma Plaza is only about a mile but you’re stopping so often for bites or little stories that you barely notice.

I didn’t expect to get so invested in olive oil—like, there are people who swirl it in tiny cups and sniff it like wine? Apparently yes. We tasted one that was grassy and another that was almost peppery; my friend tried to sound fancy describing it but just ended up laughing at herself. The cheese place had this nutty local cheddar I still think about (and yes, I bought some). There’s something about eating outside in that soft Northern California light that makes everything taste brighter.

By the time we reached the chocolate shop near the historic theater (which Lisa says has its own ghost), everyone was joking together like we’d known each other for ages. The final Sonoma wine tasting felt extra relaxed—maybe because lunch had been spread out over hours or maybe because no one was rushing us along. If you’re after a private wine tour in Bordeaux style luxury this isn’t it—but if you want to wander with a local guide who actually knows people on every corner, it’s pretty great. I left full but not stuffed, and with more random Sonoma trivia than I expected to remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sonoma walking food, wine, and history tour

• Welcome guests and introduction
• Learn about Italian and European immigration
• Walk around Sonoma Plaza and learn history
• Taste locally-made cheeses
• Learn about Spanish and Mexican heritage
• Pass by historic Barracks
• Learn about California statehood and Bear Flag
• Taste locally-made olive oils and vinegars
• Pass by Sonoma's Historic Theater
• Pass by heritage Williams Sonoma store
• Taste locally-made chocolate
• Enjoy progressive lunch with food, wine, and cocktail
• Guide gives recommendations for Sonoma Valley

Top questions

How long is the Sonoma walking food & wine tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and covers roughly 1 mile around Sonoma Plaza.

Is lunch included on this Sonoma food tour?

Yes, all tastings—including enough food for lunch—are included in the price.

Are drinks included on the Sonoma Plaza tour?

You get one wine tasting (3-5 wines) and one cocktail (margarita) included.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian option is available; let them know when booking.

Can people with mobility issues join this walking tour?

The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

What happens if there aren’t enough guests?

If fewer than 4 guests book, the tour will be cancelled (you’ll be notified).

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs rain or shine—just dress appropriately for conditions.

Are there any extra tasting fees during the tour?

Nope—all food and drink tastings are covered in your ticket price.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—think tacos hot off the grill, locally-made cheeses, fresh olive oils and balsamic vinegars—as well as a full wine tasting flight and a margarita cocktail along the way. A friendly local guide leads you through historic sites around Sonoma Plaza while sharing stories; there are no extra fees or surprise charges anywhere on this walkabout lunch experience.