Tucked away in Sonoma Valley, the small and charming town of Glen Ellen offers visitors a perfect blend of history, wine, and natural beauty. While sometimes overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, this laid-back destination provides an authentic wine country experience without the crowds. A day in Glen Ellen is best spent exploring its scenic landscapes, discovering its vibrant local businesses, and, of course, sampling world-class wines.

Morning: Explore Jack London State Historic Park

Before the tasting rooms open, you have time to start your day with a visit to Jack London State Historic Park, a must-see for literature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park, dedicated to the famous author who once called Glen Ellen home, features miles of hiking trails, historic ruins, and the stunning Beauty Ranch. Whether you take a short stroll to London’s grave or embark on a longer hike to the top of Sonoma Mountain, the fresh air and peaceful surroundings set the perfect tone for the day.

Late Morning: Coffee, Local Shopping and Wine Tasting

After your morning adventure, head into town for coffee and a bite at Les Pascals Patisserie, a local favorite offering authentic French pastries from the cheery husband and wife team. If a heartier meal is in order, Garden Court Café serves classic breakfast dishes with a dog-friendly patio. 

A short walk to Jack London Village brings you to Glen Ellen’s oldest building, home to unique shops like Sculpturesite Gallery for fine art sculptures, The Magic Oak Wellness Center for gifts, and Wine Country Chocolates for delicious treats. 

Also located in Jack London Village, the Wine Bar at Passaggio features small-batch wines from Passaggio Wines plus five different wineries in a welcoming, dog- and child-friendly space: Grand Scheme by Tom and Crissy Witzcak, Once & Future by Joel Peterson, Rock and Clay by Kent Iverson and Carol Collier, Series by Kathe Kaigas, and Topophilia by Jess Wade. These talented winemakers bring their unique stories, passion, and artistry to the Passaggio tasting room, creating a more diverse experience for you to enjoy. Manager Carole Martinson notes that the shared space provides visitors with more tasting options than a single-vintner room. “This is our community and we love nothing more than coming together to enjoy life with great wine, good food, and fun. The Wine Bar concept allows us to do so much more with our space, including lively music on some weekends,” said Martinson.

At Dane Cellars, just across the way, you can taste hand-crafted Sonoma Valley wines with the winemaker inside a 160-year-old tank!

For those looking for a relaxed, small-town tasting experience, Schermeister Winery, Dane Cellars, Laurel Glen Vineyard, Talisman Wines and Eric Ross Winery will be joining with Passaggio as part of Glen Ellen’s Spring Stroll where tastings are just $10 each.  No reservations required, just pay at the door and experience six small wineries with big wines.  The Stroll takes place on April 5 and 6 in charming downtown Glen Ellen.

Lunch: A True Taste of Wine Country

For lunch, enjoy classic American fare at The Saloon at Jack London Lodge, with burgers and beers on an outdoor deck overlooking a babbling creek. For something more exotic, Yeti serves delicious Indian and Nepalese cuisine in an eclectic setting. Eric Ross Winery (across the street from Yeti) showcases the unique qualities of specific vineyards and their geo-graphic locations is the name of the game. The winery sources grapes from vineyards in Russian River, Dry Creek, Lodi and Carneros, crafting unique varietals of Albarino, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo, Old Vine Zinfandel and Cabernet from the Mayacamas Mountains as well as PORT.

Afternoon: Botanical Gardens

Take a break from your wine tasting adventure by strolling through Sonoma Botanical Garden, home to one of the largest collections of wild-source Asian plants in North America and Europe. Now expanded to include California natives, the garden offers peaceful walking trails and valley views.

Evening: A Cozy Dinner in Town

Back in Jack London Village, the newly opened Songbird Parlour has quickly become a local favorite. Partner and General Manager, Kenneth De Alba describes the restaurant as a hyper-local, farm-to-table community partner. “We buy directly from local farmers. Using the great products available to us translates into incredible dishes,” says DeAlba. Songbird focuses on upscale food with a warm, family-style atmosphere. Born of its catering arm, Goodness Gracious Catering, De Alba says that Songbird follows the same practices which include sustainable, local, and organic whenever possible.

For another great dining option, Glen Ellen Star is known for its wood-fired dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including charred pizzas and seasonal salads. The Fig Café & Wine Bar offers French-inspired California cuisine in a relaxed setting. The Mill at Glen Ellen is a charming restaurant in a historic setting offering  innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

Final Thoughts

As the day winds down, Glen Ellen’s peaceful streets and welcoming community remind visitors why this hidden gem continues to captivate. With a perfect mix of nature, history, exceptional food, and incredible wine, a day in Glen Ellen leaves a lasting impression. Whether you stay for a short visit or extend your trip, chances are, you’ll be planning your return before you even leave.