10am: On the road

Don’t worry if you miss the turn-off to Sonoma town when driving from San Francisco, as you’ll end up at The Fremont Diner (2698 Fremont Dr, Sonoma), a classic road house that uses local ingredients in dishes such as ricotta pancakes with seasonal fruit, and house-smoked brisket hash.

12pm: Local flavours

Sonoma Plaza is at the heart of the historic town. Visit Savory Spice Shop (Sonoma Market Place, 201 West Napa St) to pick up faraway and local spices, including wild California fennel. Taste the Mezzo Secco Monterey Jack at Vella Cheese Company (315 2nd St E), the only place in the world that makes this style of cheese.

1pm: Picnic lunch

Spread a rug in the shade at Preston of Dry Creek (9282 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg), a picturesque farm and winery producing biodynamic, organic wines, walnuts, apples, stonefruit, grains and other crops, as well as house-made olive oil and sourdough.

3pm: Cellar doors

The barn-like cellar door at Quivira Vineyards (4900 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg) is flanked by a lush kitchen garden, and its world-class wine flight takes you from a light, citrussy sauvignon blanc through to a spicy rendition of the region’s rock star, zinfandel. Hot-foot it to Iron Horse (9786 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol; open till 4.30pm). The view is as spectacular as its sparkling – the Russian Cuvee was made for the summit meetings of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, which marked the end of the Cold War.

5pm: Farm stay

Don’t be fooled by the modest facade of The Farmhouse Inn (7871 River Rd, Forestville) in its lush farmland setting. Rooms are spacious and elegant, with bold architecture, hand-woven fabrics, two-way fireplaces and oversized marble bathrooms. Chill out in the spa before dinner, then stock up on locally made pick ‘n’ mix bath products.

8pm: Michelin stars & s’mores

The Inn’s eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant is set in a restored weatherboard cottage. Executive chef Steve Litke’s menu lets local produce shine, much of it grown on the family-owned ranch nearby. The ‘Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit’ (rabbit three ways) and grilled octopus are signatures, while seasonal dishes might include zaatar-roasted squash with amaranth-crusted goat’s cheese. Load up with DIY s’mores, then settle in by one of the blazing fires at the pool.