Have you heard of Cornerstone Sonoma?

Let’s say you’re in or staying in Petaluma and you have a desire to do a little shopping and a little winetasting and whatever else you find to do – but you don’t want to drive too far – like an hour’s away.

I’ve got a great tidbit for you on where to go and what to do and what to drink all within 5 miles of each other and less than 15 minutes from the southern end of Petaluma starting at Fraites Road. Heading out east on Fraites Road, you will be meandering through the vineyards and rolling green hills of south Sonoma County – this is the Carneros region of wine. Once you reach the four way stop sign, where the Carneros Deli is located, head straight and when you see the white picket fence flying off into the air on your left - 1/4 mile down from the stop sign – hang a left and park at the entrance to CornerStone Sonoma.

CornerStone is a great place to wander and have lunch before taking in the four wineries situated just 5 minutes or less from their driveway. CornerStone is a collection of interesting garden shops, art gallery, salvage and antique stores, boutique wineries and a casual Argentinian “steak” restaurant/cafe. In the 9 acres CornerStone covers you’ll also find several small private landscaped areas to enjoy – all unique – and designed by architectural landscapers – very whimsical and lovely.

Once you’re done with eating and shopping, you’re ready for Gloria Ferrer Caves and Winery right across the street from CornerStone. This winery is well known for its sparkling wine and their Spanish roots. Heading south on Hwy 121 – or Arnold Road – down from Gloria Ferrer is Jacuzzi Family Wineries, which has complimentary tasting daily, across from Jacuzzi is Cline Cellars and lastly is Viansa Winery and Marketplace. So you’ll not only be surrounded by the rolling green vineyards of the Carneros region but you’ll experience shopping and winetasting in a 5 square mile area. Oh, oh, oh, when you’re heading back to Petaluma the way you came, just past CornerStone is a little shack of a place called Angelo’s Smoke House – stop by to taste and buy some of the best beef jerky in the county. Plus he smokes just about every meat and he’s got a deli, so you won’t go home hungry after this adventure.

CornerStone Sonoma, www.cornerstonegardens.com, 23570 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121) Sonoma

Angelo’s Smoke House, www.angelossmokehouse.com, 23400 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121) Sonoma

Gloria Ferrer, www.gloriaferrer.com, 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma

Jacuzzi Family Wineries, www.jacuzziwines.com, 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma

Cline Cellars, www.clinecellars.com, 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma

Viansa Winery & Marketplace, www.viansa.com, 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma

Front Entrance with big blue chair.

The courtyard of the collective shops.