Windsor, a town in Sonoma County, has recently drawn attention for its resilience after narrowly avoiding significant damage from the Kincade fire. The town is known for its walkable Old Downtown filled with shops and eateries. According to 7X7 magazine, Windsor is “a charming, Mr. Rogers–level friendly pocket of Sonoma County that has all the wine country essentials (plus lots of beer) without crowds or a trace of snobbery.”
Windsor’s craft beer scene is notable. Earlier this year, Russian River Brewing opened an outpost in Windsor, making it one of the few places where visitors can enjoy the annual February release of Pliny the Younger, a triple IPA. The brewpub features a one-acre beer garden, tours, an extensive food menu, and Pliny the Elder on tap throughout the year. Other local breweries include Barrel Brothers Brewing, known for creative beer names such as The Snozzberries Taste Like Snozzberries, and Cuver Brewing, which offers Belgian-style beers with California influences.
For wine enthusiasts, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards offers guided tastings and vineyard walks. Guests can play croquet on well-kept lawns while enjoying Chardonnay and Pinot Noir paired with cheese and charcuterie.
Accommodation options include the renovated Holiday Inn Express Windsor. 7X7 described it as “the nicest Holiday Inn you’ll ever stay in… and it’s a steal.”
Local dining highlights mentioned by 7X7 feature fried-pickle Frickles at Kin and smoked meats at Sweet T’s—a restaurant that rebuilt in Windsor after being destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs fire. KC’s American Kitchen was called “the Cheers of Windsor,” known for large breakfasts like Benedicts served atop potato pancakes.
For additional suggestions on visiting Wine Country during winter months, readers are encouraged to see Why Winter is a Great Time to Visit Sonoma County.
