Car-Free Wine Country: Discover Windsor, California by Ferry & SMART Train
Imagine trading your car keys for a ferry ticket and a train ride. That’s exactly what we did on a weekend escape to Windsor, California – a hidden gem in Sonoma Wine Country, just over an hour north of San Francisco. No traffic, no tolls, no parking headaches – just scenic views, good food, friendly locals, and plenty of wine.
This guide shares exactly how to do Windsor car-free, where to eat, what to explore, and the best spots to sip and relax.
Getting to Windsor the SMART Way
The newly extended SMART Train now connects directly to Windsor, and The Hampton Windsor hotel is celebrating with a creative sail and rail lodging package called, “Windsor: The SMART Way.”
Here’s how the trip unfolds:
Step 1: Ferry from SF to Larkspur
Hop aboard a San Francisco Bay Ferry at the Ferry Building. In 40 minutes, you’ll glide across the Bay to Larkspur, with views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges along the way.
Step 2: Shuttle to SMART Train
From the Larkspur ferry terminal, a short shuttle takes you to the modern SMART Train.
Step 3: Train ride into Windsor
The relaxing train ride is smooth and takes just over an hour. The scenery shifts from marshes and hills to vineyards as you roll into Sonoma Wine Country. FYI… Youth (18 and under) and Seniors (65 and over) ride the train for free.
Ferry and train schedules are well-coordinated, so transfers are seamless. We loved skipping Bay Area traffic completely.
Exploring Windsor’s Town Green
Arriving in Windsor, we walked a few short blocks to the charming Town Green, a downtown park surrounded by cafes, shops, and tasting rooms. In the summer, the Town Green comes alive, hosting outdoor movies and concerts.
Highlights include:
- Cravings – a whimsical shop brimming with candies, ice cream, and fun specialty gifts. We felt like kids in a candy store!
- Something Special – a boutique for art, jewelry, and unique gifts, perfect for picking up one-of-a-kind finds.
- KIN Windsor – a local favorite restaurant for American comfort food (don’t miss the fried pickles). Other popular Windsor restaurants include Sweet T’s, Himalayan, Tomi Thai Restaurant, KC’s American Kitchen, and Grata Italian Eatery.
- Oliver’s Market – a short walk from the Town Green, this not-to-be-missed upscale grocery features local Sonoma wines, a deli, cafe and bakery, gourmet meats, sushi, artisanal cheeses, and even a family-friendly taproom.
Where to Stay: The Hampton Windsor (a Hilton Hotel)
The Hampton Windsor is just minutes from the Town Green. The area is filled with a charming mix of tasting rooms, breweries, coffee shops, boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and lively bars, all within walking distance. Scenic walking and biking trails are also nearby, making it easy to explore without a car.
“Windsor: The SMART Way” hotel package includes VIP perks on lodging, local wineries, breweries, bike tours, and wellness treatments, making it a fun and well-rounded Sonoma getaway.
Why The Hampton Windsor is a great stay:
- Spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, plush comfy beds, walk-in showers, large flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges and microwave, fitness room, and pool views.
- Resort-style heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
- Complimentary hot buffet breakfast offered daily in the hotel’s large dining area, located just off the main lobby (eggs, sausages, bacon, potatoes, bagels, fresh fruit, muffins, oatmeal, coffee, tea, juices… and yes, Javier’s fresh waffles).
- Pet-friendly rooms: the ferry, SMART train, and many of Windsor’s tasting rooms are also pet-friendly.
After a hot afternoon, the pool was the perfect spot to cool down, while the evening hot tub sessions made for a relaxing nightcap.
Relax & Recharge: SoCo Reflexology
After exploring downtown Windsor, we indulged in a 60-minute Foot Reflexology & Massage at SoCo Reflexology, conveniently located just steps from the hotel. We were warmly greeted by owners, husband and wife team, Michael and Helen. Michael explained reflexology as “a global model built to maximize results internally through trigger points all over the body, the largest accumulation being in the feet.”
For our treatment, casual loose-fitting clothing was recommended, (we were in shorts and t-shirts). Jason and Tom (our therapists) were excellent – intuitive, skilled, and attentive to areas that needed extra focus. The reflexology massage far exceeded our expectations, starting with a hot-water soak for our feet, then working through our face, scalp, shoulders, arms, lower legs, and feet, followed by a towel-covered body treatment. The hour melted away, leaving us both feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated.
SoCo also offers Deep Tissue Body Massage, Aromatherapy, Cupping, and Hot Stone treatments. There’s nothing like a little pampering to round out a Wine Country getaway! Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Where to Eat & Drink in Windsor
Food in Windsor leans casual, creative, and seriously tasty. Here are our top picks:
Lunch: KIN Windsor
KIN Windsor is located opposite the Town Green. As it was a warm, sunny afternoon, we opted for a table on their shaded patio and enjoyed a relaxing lunch.
If you like pickles, we recommend starting with the addictive “Frickles”, one of the restaurant’s specialties. Crispy tempura and panko-crusted dill pickles are fried to a golden perfection and served with a creamy house-made ranch dressing. So good! Try their fresh salads or comfort classics. I ordered the Roasted Beet Salad and Barry had the Caesar Salad topped with salmon – both were delicious.
First Night Dinner: PizzaLeah
We’d heard rave reviews about PizzaLeah and after dining there, we completely understood the hype. Dining al fresco, we ordered owner Leah’s favorite: the Roo’s Pie, thin-crust topped with mushrooms, fennel, and fresh herbs.
The casual style restaurant offers a selection of Signature and Specialty Pies, including two award-winning pizzas, Square Pan Pies, garlic knots, calzones, and Uncle Frank’s meatballs. We’re definitely coming back again to try the garlic knots and the other pizzas.
Drinks: Barrel Brothers Brewing Kitchen & Cocktails
If you’re a beer enthusiast, stop by Barrel Brothers Brewing Kitchen & Cocktails, located across from the pizzeria and near Oliver’s Market. Their self-pour tap wall has an impressive 39 taps, featuring craft beers, non-alcoholic brews, cocktails, and local wines.
Second Night Dinner: Sweet T’s Restaurant & Bar
Dinner at Sweet T’s was an absolute delight! Located a short walk from our hotel, the award-winning restaurant offers Southern BBQ classics. For our entrees, we ordered Blackened Catfish served with mac & cheese and collard greens in a smoky tomato broth, and dry-rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs with fries and creamed corn. Each dish was flavorful and cooked to perfection. For dessert, we indulged in a half slice (and it’s a BIG half slice!) of Mississippi Mud Pie (mocha ice cream, Oreo cookie crust, Ghirardelli chocolate sauce, pecans, chocolate chips, and whipped cream) and a piece of Key Lime Pie. Both were decadent and unforgettable.
Sweet T’s lively atmosphere makes it one of Windsor’s hottest dinner spots.
Exploring Windsor: Ace It Bike Tours
Windsor is bike-friendly, with scenic trails and nearby wineries. If you’re up for an adventure, Ace It Bike Tours (located opposite the train station) offers several Guided Tours, ranging from 4-7 miles each way and lasting 4 – 4 1/2 hours. It’s a great way to combine exercise, fresh air, and Wine Country charm.
We rented bikes instead, giving us the freedom to ride at our own pace. I chose a hybrid non-electric bike while Barry went with an e-bike for an extra boost. Rentals come fully-equipped with everything you need, from helmets to locks, so no extra accessories are required. Freida, the owner, was welcoming and helpful, making sure we were comfortable on our bikes and even sending us off with bottled water to keep us hydrated on our journey.
Tips for biking around Windsor:
- Dress in layers (mornings can be cool, afternoons warm).
- Bring sunscreen, water, and a visor or hat.
- Closed-toe shoes are best for comfort and safety.
We cycled about 3.5 miles to Notre Vue Winery & Vineyards, passing vineyards, olive groves, and country roads. The winery’s tree-lined entry road was especially scenic. The Russian River Valley that we cycled through is renowned for its Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. As we got closer to the winery, the ride became more challenging, with a long gravel road leading to the estate. The final approach brought us to a fork in the road, left up a steep hill to the Tasting Terrace (where we had our tasting) or right toward the more secluded Lakeside Pavilion.
Wine-Tasting at Notre Vue Estate & Winery
Spanning 710 acres across Russian River and Chalk Hill appellations, Notre Vue Estate & Winery, which produces ultra-premium wines, is one of the most scenic in Sonoma Wine Country. Thanks to its diverse terroir, Notre Vue is able to cultivate 16 different grape varietals – including classic European varieties that are rarely grown in Sonoma County. Today, grapes from the estate are featured in some of the most distinguished wines produced in both Sonoma and Napa Valley.
Terrace Tasting
Our wine-tasting at The Terrace was nothing short of spectacular. Hosted by Jen and Zach, the expansive outdoor deck featured panoramic vineyard views of the Russian River Valley. The deck is outfitted with comfy cushioned couches and chairs, shaded by big red umbrellas, creating a comfortable, stylish space to sip and savor the wines. And the eclectic playlist added to the relaxed yet vibrant ambiance.
Jen’s deep knowledge and personal touch made our wine-tasting experience truly memorable. We sampled six different wines, beginning with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, followed by a refreshing Chardonnay, a delicate Pinot Noir Rosé, and an elegant Pinot Noir. Moving into the reds, we enjoyed a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, a smooth Cabernet Franc, and finished up with a delightful Malbec – our favorite of the day. Wines were paired with a gourmet box lunch of fresh deli sandwiches, potato salad, fruit salad, and a yummy dessert.
Lakeside Pavilion Tastings
Savor wine-tasting with a side of nature and birdwatching in a beautiful secluding lakeside setting.
Sunset Happy Hour Tastings and Special Events
Enjoy pizza, wine-tasting, a laid-back evening vibe, and golden-hour vineyard views. Special events are also held at the winery throughout the year.
Weddings & Private Events
Looking for a truly unforgettable venue? Notre Vue Estate offers a breathtaking setting for Weddings and Private Events. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the winery provides an idyllic backdrop you won’t soon forget. Contact the winery for details on how to bring your special event to life.
Reservations are required, Thursday–Monday from 11 am–3 pm. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at both The Terrace and the Lakeside Pavilion. The estate also has 17 miles of private hiking and biking trails for adventurous guests. Note: Harvest Season runs from late August through November, so now is the perfect time to plan a visit.
Final Morning in Windsor
After another hearty Hampton Windsor breakfast, we boarded the SMART Train back to Larkspur and the ferry to San Francisco. The return trip was just as beautiful – Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline glittering in the sunshine. It’s amazing that even after all these years living in the Bay Area, we never tire of the stunning views.
Why Windsor Should Be Your Next Getaway
- Easy & Car-Free: From SF, the Larkspur Ferry + SMART train combo makes Windsor stress-free.
- Great Food & Wine: From KIN Windsor to Sweet T’s, every meal impressed.
- Local Charm: Friendly locals, Town Green events, and unique shops.
- Relaxation: SoCo Reflexology and The Hampton Windsor pool and hot tub make downtime just as enjoyable as the adventures.
- Adventure: Bike tours, scenic hiking and biking trails, winery visits, and regional parks nearby.
If you’re craving a fun, affordable, and car-free Wine Country escape, put Windsor CA at the top of your list.
Thanks for visiting Alana and Barry! We look forward to hosting you again, cheers!
What an amazing wine-tasting! Thanks again for a memorable afternoon. Look forward to visiting Notre Vue Winery again.