The town of Windsor in Sonoma County has recently gained attention as a destination for travelers looking for a relaxed and welcoming experience. After narrowly escaping major damage from the Kincade fire, thanks to the efforts of firefighters, Windsor continues to attract visitors with its walkable downtown area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants.
The online magazine 7X7 described Windsor as “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.” The publication highlighted several reasons to visit the town.
Windsor’s craft beer scene is expanding, with Russian River Brewing opening an outpost in the area. This location is notable for offering Pliny the Younger, a sought-after triple IPA released each February. The brewpub features a one-acre beer garden, tours, an extensive food menu, and Pliny the Elder on tap throughout the year. Other breweries in Windsor include Barrel Brothers Brewing, known for its creatively named beers such as The Snozzberries Taste Like Snozzberries, and Cuver Brewing, which produces Belgian-style beers with local influences.
Wine enthusiasts can visit Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, which combines Russian River Valley characteristics with Burgundian winemaking methods. Visitors can participate in guided tastings, walk through vineyard paths, and play croquet on well-kept lawns while sampling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir paired with cheese and charcuterie.
For accommodations, 7X7 praised the Holiday Inn Express Windsor for its recent renovations and affordability, calling it “the nicest Holiday Inn you’ll ever stay in… and it’s a steal.”
Dining options mentioned by 7X7 include Kin’s fried-pickle Frickles and Sweet T’s smoked meats and key lime pie martinis. Sweet T’s previously burned in the 2017 Tubbs fire but has since reopened in Windsor. KC’s American Kitchen was referred to as “the Cheers of Windsor,” known for large breakfasts like Benedicts served over potato pancakes.
“Some of the favorite bites listed in the 7X7 piece include the fried-pickle Frickles at Kin and the smoked meats and key lime pie martinis at Sweet T’s, another survivor that actually burned in the 2017 Tubbs fire and found new life in Windsor. The website also dubbed KC’s American Kitchen ‘the Cheers of Windsor’—if, that is, Cheers served big breakfasts, such as a Benedict built on top of the restaurant’s beloved potato pancakes.”
For additional suggestions on visiting Wine Country during winter months or other seasons, resources are available for those interested in planning trips to Sonoma County.
