Is 7 days too long

Question

Trying to plan a bday & 37th anniversary trip for hubby and I to fly to SFO and spend 7 days in Sonoma and surrounding areas. Wondering if 7 days at Inn at Sonoma by 3 sisters will be a good base location? We would like to bike, do a few wineries, eat, do some photography, spa day, and just enjoy. This would be end of March

Answer

Spending 7 days in Sonoma and the surrounding wine country at the Inn at Sonoma by 3 Sisters can be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, especially for a combination birthday and anniversary trip. End of March is a lovely time to visit, as the weather is generally mild and spring is starting to bring out the greenery and blossoms in the vineyards.

Seven days is not too long if you plan a balanced itinerary that mixes activity with relaxation. Staying at a central location like the Inn at Sonoma is ideal, as it gives you access to wineries, local restaurants, and small towns without needing to switch hotels frequently.

Here are some suggestions for activities and pacing:

Wine Tasting: Dedicate a few days to winery visits, but avoid trying to visit too many in one day. Consider booking tastings at smaller boutique wineries for a more intimate experience.
Biking: Rent bikes for a half-day or full-day ride along scenic vineyard routes or nearby country roads. Early spring is comfortable for biking, and you’ll find fewer crowds than in summer.
Photography: Plan early morning or late afternoon outings to capture vineyards, rolling hills, and town squares in soft light. Sonoma Plaza and surrounding vineyards are great subjects.
Dining: Explore Sonoma’s culinary scene with a mix of casual and fine dining. Some wineries offer excellent food pairings, which can also double as a relaxing lunch or dinner.
Spa Day: Reserve one day for a spa experience—many wineries and hotels in the area offer spa packages, perfect for a leisurely day off your feet.

Optional nearby day trips could include:

Napa Valley for a slightly different wine experience.
Bodega Bay or Sonoma Coast for ocean views and coastal photography.
Sonoma countryside towns such as Healdsburg for boutique shopping, galleries, and additional dining options.

Tips for pacing your week:

Alternate busy days (wineries, biking) with more relaxed days (spa, casual walks, photography). This will prevent burnout and let you savor the experience.
Consider booking one special experience per day rather than cramming multiple activities.
Use the Inn at Sonoma as a central home base so you can return for breaks or enjoy quiet mornings and evenings on the property.

Overall, 7 days in Sonoma is plenty of time to enjoy wine, food, biking, and photography at a leisurely pace while celebrating your special occasions. With thoughtful planning, it can be a memorable and rejuvenating trip.