Yogi Berra touched on the problem when he said of a New York nightspot, “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.” But a place like California’s Sonoma County, on the other hand, is the perfect spot for a winter getaway.

Because of its more than 200 award-winning wineries, scenic coastline, majestic redwoods, and top-rated golf courses, Sonoma County, less than 30 miles north of San Francisco, has long been a preferred destination of those looking for the ultimate vacation experience. But visit during the winter months and the driving is a bit more leisurely, the natives are a little happier to see you, and while not every day is a beach day, most of the time you can still play a round in shorts.

And speaking of driving, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers a podcast driving tour with commentary from local historians as well as food and wine personalities. But that’s just one of the things making the Fairmont, located in the eponymous town of Sonoma, the lodging of choice in the area. Its fine-dining establishment, Santé, is something of an institution in this culinary-crazed region, and its spa is famous for its natural thermal mineral water and more recently its Pilates for Golf program.

Best of all, guest status at the Fairmont is legal tender for golf at private Sonoma Golf Club, site of the recent Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the season-ending event on the Champions Tour. The very walkable layout measures 7,087 yards for a par 72 and fits its wine-country context like a glove. Designed by Sam Whiting, also known as the architect of San Francisco’s prestigious Olympic Club Lake Course, it dates to 1928 and is set on 177 acres at the foot of the Mayacama Mountains, amid lakes, mature forests, and vineyards.

Traveling is Essential
Whether it’s to some of the dozens of vineyards or to Sonoma County’s nearly as numerous golf courses, reconnoitering the area is essential to appreciate its variety. Two wildly different golf experiences can be sampled in the same day: Northwood Golf Club and Sea Ranch Golf Links (707-785-2468), which are connected by a gorgeous drive along the California coast.

The former is by Alister Mackenzie, the latter by Robert Muir Graves. Northwood, in Monte Rio, is a nine-hole course shoehorned into a colossal redwood forest. It begs to be walked. Sea Ranch, in the town of the same name, is a windswept seaside track. Together they may encourage you to think about moving to California yourself.

The Windsor Golf Club (707-838-7888), which opened in 1989, is quickly landing on many golfers’ must-play lists as well. This 6,650-yard par-72 championship layout traverses a creek, lakes, and oak trees. While its signature hole is No. 8, a 368-yard par 4, you won’t miss its signature silos along the landscape.

Home to dozens of award-winning wineries and challenging golf courses, Sonoma County also offers a number of activities to for a break from the links, including more than 40 spas, museums, galleries, restaurants, and more. Just remember, though, this is off-season.

Golf Courses in the Area

Links at Bodega Harbour, 21301 Heron Dr, Bodega Bay, 800-503-8158
6,290 yards, par 70; $60-$90

Northwood Golf Club, 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio, 707-865-1116
5,786 yards, par 72; $33-$57

Rooster Run Golf Club, 2301 E. Washington St, Petaluma, 707-778-1211
7,001 yards, par 72; $38-$58

Sea Ranch Golf Links, 42000 South Hwy 1, Gualala, 707-785-2468
6,604 yards, par 72; $60

Sonoma Golf Club at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-939-4100
7,100+ yards; $185

Windsor Golf Club, 1340 19th Hole Dr, Windsor, 707-838-7888,
6,650 yards, par 72; $37-$56

Wineries & Wines

Check out these Sonoma County wineries below and consider adding these some recommended wine choices to your list.

Gundlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St, Sonoma, 707-938-5277
> One of the oldest wineries in Sonoma, the $22.50 2008 Gewürztraminer has aromas of orange blossom, lemon, and spices.

Lambert Bridge Winery, 4085 W. Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, 800-975-0555
> $45 2006 Petite Sirah Dry Creek Valley is a full-bodied and robust wine with flavors of boysenberry jam, cassis, and currant blended with dark chocolate brownie, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Ledson Winery, 7335 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 707-537-3810
> This French Normandy winery known as “The Castle” specializes in small varietal lots but the award-winning $24 2007 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine and worth a try.

Robert Rue Vineyard, 1406 Wood Rd, Fulton, 707-578-1601
>Zinfandels are a must at this appointment-only winery. $32 2006 Wood Road Reserve Zinfandel is an award-winning wine that carries blackberry, plum, and Marionberry flavors.

Stryker Sonoma Winery and Vineyards, 5110 Hwy 128, Geyserville, 707-433-1944
> The focus of this winery’s efforts is on the Cabernet varieties. Try the $48 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard.