Glen Ellen is a largely undiscovered gem for many who visit Sonoma County.
Located about ten miles north of Sonoma proper, the small town is just over two square miles, anchored by Jack London State Historic Park and the Sonoma Botanical Garden.
But what Glen Ellen lacks in size it makes up for with plenty to do in close proximity. Our modern guide breaks down the hamlet’s best wineries, restaurants, and stays for a weekend that’s just slightly off the beaten path.
What to Do in Glen Ellen
(Courtesy of Sonoma Botanical Garden)
Jack London State Historic Park
Famous author Jack London—who wrote books such as The Call of the Wild and White Fang—was born on Jan. 12th, 1876, and Jack London State Historic Park, the site of his former personal residence, is the host of several celebrations throughout 2026 marking the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Still to come is a fundraising gala on September 19th, and a quarterly speaker series will explore the late author’s legacy through November. Of course, you can also visit the state park and explore its terrain. The property is filled with winding trails—including a section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail—across pristine hillsides bursting with redwoods, madrones, Douglas firs, and black oaks. There are many historic stop-offs including the ruins of his former residence, his gravesite, and the House of Happy Walls Museum. // 2400 London Ranch Rd., parks.ca.gov
Sonoma Botanical Garden
The Sonoma Botanical Garden is the other main attraction within Glen Ellen town limits. Sprawling over 67 acres, the garden features one of the largest collections of scientifically documented, wild-sourced Asian plants in North America and Europe. The wonderland of fresh florals and woodland favorites also boasts California native species. Stop by through September 16th to enjoy Acoustic Sunsets, featuring live music in the gardens until 8pm on Wednesdays. // 12841 Sonoma Hwy., sonomabg.org
Wine Tasting in Glen Ellen
The tasting room at Laurel Glen
(Courtesy of Laurel Glen Vineyard)
Glen Ellen is, at its core, a part of Wine Country, and the local bounty doesn’t pale in comparison to its more famous neighbors. The region turns out cool-weather varietals like pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as hot-climate giants like cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. The small hamlet is home to more than a dozen wineries, many of which are located along Arnold Drive near Jack London State Park—making it easy to go from one to the next.
Benziger Family Winery
Benziger Family Winery is a storied estate rooted in biodynamic farming techniques. Not only do they turn out a library of impressive and sippable vinos, but the property offers educational tours about their sustainable and organic farming practices. Roll through the hilly expanse on a tractor tram, learning all about the property’s practices before returning to the tasting room for a lineup of four wines. // 1883 London Ranch Rd., benziger.com
Laurel Glen Vineyard
Laurel Glen Vineyard is a quaint tasting room with an impressive collection of wines dating back more than ten years. The ability to taste not just new vintages but to compare, side-by-side, notable wines that have been aging in the bottle longer than some of us have been legally able to drink is a special experience. The tasting room feels like a home, with multiple seating options to help you get comfortable, and it's ideally located in a small suite surrounded by some of Glen Ellen’s other best gems. // 13750 Arnold Dr., laurelglen.com
Dane Cellars
Have you ever had a tasting inside a wine tank before? Dane Cellars’ tasting room is built into one: an intimate setting with room for up to six. Reserve a spot there or on the patio or in the winemaker’s office. Its location is special enough, but private tastings with winemaker Bart Hansen—who also owns the winery and has a long history with vintners like Kenwood Vineyards—take it over the top. You’ll enjoy sipping through his portfolio of reds, whites, and rosés while being regaled with tales of how they came to be. // The Tank, 14300 Arnold Dr., danecellars.com
Additional Winery Picks
Other options include stop-offs at Mayo Family Winery (1301 Arnold Dr., #9446), which serves notable sparkling wines and offers food pairings; the rustic, barn-style tasting room at Eric Ross Winery (14300 Arnold Dr.); and Schermeister Winery (14301 Arnold Dr., Studio 28), which focuses on native fermentation. Talisman Wine’s (13652 Arnold Dr.) inviting tasting room is dedicated to single-vineyard pinot noirs sustainably made and organically farmed from properties across Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino.
Where to Eat in Glen Ellen
Braised lamb shank at Songbird Parlour
(Jesse Cudworth)
Glen Ellen’s location in the rolling Sonoma hills feels like you’re outside the hustle and bustle of Wine Country without losing the amenities that make these places special. The agricultural haven propels the farm-to-fork movement with standout, one-off restaurants.
Poppy
Girl and The Fig, which once occupied Glen Ellen, has moved to Sonoma. But the masterminds behind the French eatery put Poppy in its place. Opened in late 2025, the menu is another French masterpiece offering a full menu of favorites as well as weeknight family meals with entrees such as rack of lamb, steak frites, and cassoulet. On any given day, you can dive into French-style gnocchi, steak au poivre with wagyu beef, and escargot. One of the authentic experiences is the service de pain, which starts with a baguette with cultured butter before adding optional accoutrements like bone marrow, shaved Parisian ham, duck liver, and pâté. // 13690 Arnold Dr., poppyglenellen.com
Les Pascals Patisserie
Les Pascals Patisserie is another French gem in Glen Ellen. The café is just steps from the Laurel Glen tasting room and is owned by a husband-and-wife team, both named Pascal. Stop off for a coffee and pastry to start your day like the Parisians do, or dine on a croque-monsieur and quiche for lunch. There’s also an array of goodies to take home with you, but beware: items sell out so earlier visits are best. // 13758 Arnold Dr., lespascalspatisserie.com
Songbird Parlour
Songbird Parlour is Glen Ellen’s other newer restaurant, opened in late 2024 by Laura Kerschner, who also runs the Goodness Gracious catering company. What started as an event space has since transformed into a destination fine-dining restaurant with a menu focused on seasonality, using ingredients grown just outside the restaurant’s doors in the expansive Sonoma Valley region. This dedication to farm-to-fork service means menu items may change on a whim but often include hand-rolled ricotta and lemon gnudi, pan-roasted salmon with forbidden rice, and hot honey fried chicken. The menu is eclectic and thoughtful, served for dinner from 5pm to 9pm, Wednesday through Sunday. // 14301 Arnold Dr., Ste. 3, songbirdparlour.com
Where to Stay in Glen Ellen
A guest room at the Victorian-meets-ryokan Gaige House
(Courtesy of Gaige House)
Gaige House
A stay at Gaige House is unlike any other, thanks to an interesting combination of Victorian-style architecture and Japanese ryokan elements. While there is plenty to do outside of the hotel, you may find it hard to peel yourself away from the immense amenities, including a gourmet breakfast, daily wine and cheese receptions, a 40-foot heated pool, and creekside meditation spaces. // 13540 Arnold Dr., thegaigehouse.com
Olea Hotel
Seek out serenity with an adults-only escape at Olea Hotel. The boutique inn offers quiet four-star accommodations surrounded by towering oak and olive trees. In-room extras include heated floors and large soaking tubs for the ultimate relaxation between hosted on-site wine tastings and two-course breakfasts served daily. // 5131 Warm Springs Rd., oleahotel.com
Glen Ellen Inn
At Glen Ellen Inn, romantic “secret” cottages feel like private oases perched alongside Calabasas Creek. When you’re not recharging in your room, nose-deep in a two-person jacuzzi tub, take advantage of the on-site martini bar before walking to nearby tasting rooms and restaurants. // 13670 Arnold Dr., glenelleninn.com
