A Sonoma Wine Country Escape Around the Big Game
When the biggest football weekend of the year brings visitors to Northern California, Sonoma Valley offers a refined alternative to the city crowds. Located just 75 miles north of Santa Clara (about a 90-minute drive), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is an ideal home base for travelers looking to pair the excitement of the Big Game with the relaxed luxury of Sonoma Wine Country.
Whether you’re arriving early to ease into the weekend or staying afterward to unwind, Sonoma delivers world-class wine, dining, wellness, and natural beauty — all at a slower, more intentional pace.
An Easy Drive From Santa Clara to Sonoma Valley
Getting from the stadium to Sonoma Valley is straightforward and scenic. The drive north trades freeways for vineyard-lined roads, rolling hills, and charming towns that immediately set the tone for a Wine Country escape.
Driving distance:
Santa Clara to Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Approximately 75 miles | 1.5 hours, depending on traffic
Unlike staying in the city, Sonoma allows you to spread out, breathe, and truly experience Northern California beyond the game-day energy.
What to Do in Sonoma Wine Country Before or After the Big Game
Wine Tasting in Sonoma Valley
Sonoma is known for its diverse microclimates and approachable wine culture. From iconic wineries to intimate, family-owned estates, Sonoma Valley wine tasting is relaxed, educational, and deeply rooted in place. Guests staying at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa are minutes from celebrated tasting rooms and within easy reach of neighboring regions like Carneros and Russian River Valley.
Private tastings, seated experiences, and curated wine tours make it easy to explore without feeling rushed.
Dining in Sonoma: Farm-Driven and Flavor-Focused
Sonoma’s culinary scene reflects the region’s agricultural richness. Restaurants emphasize seasonal ingredients, local purveyors, and thoughtful preparation. Whether it’s a multi-course dinner or a casual lunch near Sonoma Plaza, dining here feels connected to the land — unpretentious, yet refined.
Many visitors find Sonoma’s food scene more intimate and less formal than Napa, while still delivering exceptional quality.
Relax and Recharge at Sonoma’s Geothermal Spa
After the excitement of the Big Game, Sonoma is the perfect place to reset. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is home to historic geothermal mineral pools, naturally heated from deep beneath the earth. The mineral-rich waters are ideal for muscle recovery, stress relief, and deep relaxation.
Spa treatments, private cabanas, and tranquil gardens make it easy to slow down and linger — exactly what a post-game getaway should feel like.
Explore Sonoma Beyond the Vineyards
Wine may be the star, but Sonoma offers much more. Take a stroll around Sonoma Plaza, explore local art galleries, hike nearby trails, or enjoy a leisurely morning coffee with vineyard views. The region’s charm lies in its balance — things to do without the pressure to do everything.
Sonoma is about savoring moments, not packing schedules.
Fly Out With Ease From Sonoma County Airport
For travelers heading home, convenience continues. Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) is located just 30 minutes from Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa and offers nonstop flights to several major West Coast cities.
Flying out of Sonoma County Airport means shorter lines, easier parking, and a calm departure — the perfect ending to a Wine Country stay.
Turn the Big Game Into a Sonoma Wine Country Getaway
Rather than limiting your trip to game day alone, extend the experience by making Sonoma Valley your base. With its central location, scenic beauty, and restorative pace, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers an elevated way to experience Northern California before or after the Big Game.
Trade crowds for vineyards, noise for mineral pools, and tight timelines for open roads — and discover why Sonoma is best enjoyed when you give it time.
