Golf

On the few acres of land in the Carneros [1] region where vines don’t grow, you can find a few great golf courses to help you pass the time. Between Kenwood and Santa Rosa, check out the Bennett Valley Golf Club (3300 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707/528-3673, www.bvgolf.org [2], $26–47). This 18-hole medium-length par 72 course provides challenging play for beginners and intermediates, and some fun for advanced golfers too.

Practically next door, play a round at one of two 18-hole courses at the Oakmont Golf Club (7025 Oakmont Dr., Santa Rosa, 707/539-0415, www.oakmontgc.com [3], $32–64). The Oakmont East course offers executive-length, par 63 play—perfect for a shorter or slightly easier game. Oakmont West is a little bit bigger and more challenging, coming in at regulation length and par 72.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Sonoma Mission Inn, you can access the Sonoma Golf Club (17700 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707/939-4100, www.sonomagolfclub.com [4]). This private 18-hole, par 72 course offers tee times only to guests of Sonoma Mission Inn or its spa. On the other hand, the public Los Arroyos Golf Club (5000 Stage Gulch Rd., 707/938-8835) is open to all comers. Great for newer players, Los Arroyos offers nine holes, par 29, and good fun for golfers.