No food sales for picnickers; the estate winery sells bottles and recyclable tumblers to enjoy in the park (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Grazing boards come only with a seated tasting.
Groups
Picnic areas are first-come, first-served for small parties. Groups of 10 or more must reserve in advance by phone, (707) 938-2244, and groups over 10 usually can't be accommodated at peak times; buses need prior permission. Parking lots can fill up, and the main gate may close when they do.
Dogs
Dog-friendly; dogs must be leashed at all times on park grounds and trails (not allowed in the winery's barrel room).
Kids
Kids are welcome everywhere except the 21+ winery tasting areas; the lawns are a popular place for children to play.
Hours
Park entry and trail gates 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; park closes 6 p.m.; winery tasting and bottle sales 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Season
Open year-round except New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas (the winery lists additional holiday closures).
House rules
Alcohol: Wine bought from the on-site Bartholomew Estate Winery may be enjoyed with a picnic in the park, and the winery sells bottles and recyclable plastic tumblers for that purpose. The park rules don't list alcohol among prohibited items, but they also don't say whether outside bottles are welcome, so ask first. Outside food is not allowed in the winery's tasting areas (Oak Knoll, Eucalyptus Grove, Courtyard Patio, Gallery), which are 21+. Other rules: no smoking, barbecues or fires; dogs on leash at all times; no bikes on hiking trails; no commercial use without the foundation's consent. The winery parking lot is for winery guests, including people buying wine for a picnic.
What the picnic area is like
Three picnic areas on a 375-acre estate of vineyards, gardens and forest just east of downtown Sonoma: the Castle Lawn grounds near a gazebo, Antonia's Picnic Grounds beside the winery, and tables behind the Haraszthy Villa under redwoods (including an accessible table and ramp). Vineyards surround you, and more than 3 miles of trails pass a duck pond and windmill on the way to a view of the bay.
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About Bartholomew Park
A privately owned estate park that's open to the public, run by the nonprofit Bartholomew Foundation, and one of the prettiest free picnic spots near Sonoma, with lawns, redwoods and vineyard views minutes from the Plaza. The on-site winery that funds the park sells bottles and tumblers for picnickers, though the rules don't say whether you can bring your own wine.
Free entry and parking; picnic areas open to all
Three picnic grounds: Castle Lawn, Antonia's, and behind the villa
Estate winery sells bottles and tumblers to enjoy in the park
No barbecues, fires or smoking
Leashed dogs welcome; groups of 10+ must call ahead
Bring your own foodNo purchase neededNo reservationDogs OK
A historic winery set inside Bartholomew Park, a 375-acre private preserve on Sonoma's east side with free parking, oak-shaded picnic tables and about three miles of hiking trails. It is one of the few Sonoma Valley spots where you can picnic without buying anything, and wine to go is sold for the park.
Buy food on sitePurchase requiredNo reservationDogs OK
One of California's oldest wineries (founded 1858), still run by the founding family, with a relaxed, music-loving vibe and a big estate on the east edge of town. Picnicking is on the winery's terms: it sells picnic baskets and snacks but no longer allows outside food.
Bring your own foodNo reservationWine allowedDogs OK
A relaxed neighborhood park a short walk from the Plaza, with bocce and petanque courts, a playground and public restrooms next to the picnic tables. It's the downtown option for dog owners, since leashed dogs are welcome here but banned from the Plaza, and the same 11:30 a.m.-to-sunset drinking window applies.
A buzzy, Instagram-famous estate run by the Mariani family in a restored hacienda. Its Knoll Picnic is one of the most photographed picnics in Sonoma — but only club members can book it.
Yes — Bartholomew Park has picnic areas open to the public. No reservation is needed for the picnic area. Fee: Free entry and parking.
Can you bring your own food to Bartholomew Park?▾
Yes. Outside food is allowed at Bartholomew Park.
Do you need a reservation to picnic at Bartholomew Park?▾
No reservation is needed to use the picnic area. Picnic areas are first-come, first-served for small parties. Groups of 10 or more must reserve in advance by phone, (707) 938-2244, and groups over 10 usually can't be accommodated at peak times; buses need prior permission. Parking lots can fill up, and the main gate may close when they do.
Is there a fee to picnic at Bartholomew Park?▾
Free entry and parking.
Are dogs allowed at Bartholomew Park?▾
Dog-friendly; dogs must be leashed at all times on park grounds and trails (not allowed in the winery's barrel room).
Is Bartholomew Park good for kids?▾
Kids are welcome everywhere except the 21+ winery tasting areas; the lawns are a popular place for children to play.
Sources & accuracy
We last checked this listing in September 2026 (freshest source: Park rules page updated July 2026; winery visit page updated Sept 2026). Policies change — especially for groups and holidays — so confirm with Bartholomew Park before you go. How we verify.
Picnic rules at a glance
What the picnic area is like
About Bartholomew Park
Make a day of it
Pick up picnic food nearby
More picnic spots nearby
Frequently asked questions
Sources & accuracy