Gennifer Birnbach A Stylish Escape to Sonoma
Picture rolling vineyards, golden hills, a leisurely lunch and nowhere you need to be until dinner. Welcome to Sonoma Wine Country, where the days are meant to unfold slowly—and your wardrobe should be just as effortless.
For our next Wish You Were Here adventure, we’re heading to Sonoma, California, for a getaway filled with wine tasting, beautiful scenery, local history, great food and a little shopping along the way.
And naturally, we’re bringing Alembika.
First Stop: The Total Look
Begin your Sonoma adventure at The Total Look, located at 450 1st Street East, Suite F, on the historic Sonoma Plaza.
This longtime boutique is rooted in more than 40 years of community and curated style, making it a wonderful place to discover distinctive pieces while exploring the Plaza.
The store is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with private shopping available by appointment. (The Total Look)
What to wear: Think relaxed sophistication—a flowing Alembika top with comfortable pants, an artistic tunic with jeans, or a lightweight layer that can take you from an afternoon of shopping to dinner.
And if you find something you love at The Total Look? Consider it your official Sonoma souvenir.
Sip, Savor & Take in the Vines
No trip to Wine Country would be complete without a winery visit. Buena Vista Winery, California’s oldest premium winery, offers a wonderful combination of wine and history. Visitors can taste wines, explore the historic champagne cellars and learn about the winery’s role in the development of California’s wine industry. (Sonoma County Tourism)
What to wear: This is the perfect occasion for an outfit that feels polished but never fussy. Pair a relaxed Alembika dress with comfortable flats, or style wide-leg pants with a statement top and a lightweight jacket.
After all, your outfit should be as photogenic as the vineyard.
Lunch in the Plaza
Make time for lunch at The Girl & the Fig, a Sonoma favorite known for its seasonal, French-inspired country cooking and focus on local ingredients. The restaurant’s relaxed sophistication feels right at home in Wine Country.
What to wear: Choose an easy Alembika silhouette that lets you sit comfortably through a leisurely meal—and looks just as good when you decide to linger over dessert.
Shop Warm Weather Dresses
This is Wine Country, after all. There is no reason to rush.
A Little Sonoma History
Take a break from the tasting rooms to explore Sonoma State Historic Park, a collection of historic sites surrounding the Plaza. The park includes Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, General Vallejo’s home and other landmarks connected to Sonoma’s fascinating history. Sonoma was also the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt. (Sonoma County Tourism)
What to wear: This is where comfort matters. Try Alembika’s relaxed pants with a soft jersey top and a lightweight cardigan or jacket.
You’ll be comfortable walking between historic sites while still looking pulled together enough to stop for a glass of wine afterward.
Pack These 5 Pieces
Wine Country style is all about versatility. Pack pieces that can move effortlessly from vineyard to lunch to dinner.
1. A Statement Top
Choose an artistic print or distinctive silhouette that instantly makes simple pants feel special.
2. Comfortable Wide-Leg
Perfect for traveling, wine tasting and lingering over a long lunch.
3. A Relaxed Dress
One-and-done dressing for winery visits, dinner or an evening stroll around Sonoma Plaza.
4. A Lightweight Layer
Mornings and evenings can be cooler, making a versatile layer a Wine Country essential.
5. Your Favorite Comfortable Shoes
Because Sonoma is best experienced at an unhurried pace—and you’ll want to explore.
The Wine Country Style Formula
The secret to dressing for Sonoma? Effortless, artistic and comfortable. Think beautiful fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, interesting details and pieces that don’t demand constant attention.
Because the best Wine Country getaway isn’t about seeing how much you can squeeze into one day. It’s about lingering a little longer, discovering something unexpected and enjoying the view.
And perhaps finding the perfect Alembika piece along the way.
Wish You Were Here? Sonoma is waiting. Bring your appetite, your curiosity and a suitcase with just enough room for something new from The Total Look.
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