more sunset.JPG 
19:59:22 W. Sonoma, CA
Tuesday, 6.05.22

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Wine. Nature. Hospitality. 

[ About ]

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OE Tours & Hospitality by Robert O’Shaughnessy creates experiences for adventurers, epicureans and those who crave the discoveries along the road less travelled.

Offering customized experiences including wine tastings and tours, brewery tours, hikes, canoe and kayak adventures, and private hospitality including catered meals in unique settings. The approach is to highlight the regions, people, and culture that make Sonoma county so delicious. Our tours and experiences are created in the spirit of revealing the many delights of this unique part of our beautiful world.

⤷ Experiences
A scenic landscape in West Sonoma with a large green field, small yellow flowers, and sparse trees under a pastel-colored sky with hues of pink, purple, and blue.
A scenic mountain view in the northern corner of Sonoma County with large clouds in the sky, a statue of a mermaid holding a trident, and a tanning bed in the foreground. 
[ OPPORTUNITIES ]
A cheese and cracker platter with glasses of white and red wine on a wooden board outside, with a vineyard in the background.

Wine Tour & Tasting

Wine

The coastal breeze, morning fog, summer sun, and winter rain all have a role in making the wines of Sonoma county among the best in the world. Also making the wine so well loved? People like YOU.

And right out the gate, we’ll admit a tiny little bias: the wines of west Sonoma are extra special. As any oenophile will tell you, the Sonoma coast appellation has earned a special shout-out. Regardless of taste and palette, we’re here to curate a wine tasting experience to remember. From humble family-run vineyards that just happen to produce some of the world’s best wines to luxury estates who win awards the world over, Sonoma has it all.

Your wine tour can be as simple as having a knowledgeable designated driver or a meticulously planning group experience with tastings, food, and insider recommendations. From iconic wineries to off-the-beaten-path natural wine purveyors, we’ll build a day around your style, region, budget, and mood. Or, you can just sip your way through Sonoma with the loosest of agendas.

If you want amazing wine without the stress of planning - or driving - we’ll make it happen.

⤷ Wine Tour Info
A glass of red wine on a table with candles and a vintage mirror in a rustic, cozy restaurant interior with exposed brick and textured walls.
Shelf filled with various bottles of wine organized by type and label, with dark and light-colored wines visible.
A hand holding a glass of white wine with a seascape background showing rocks, water, and distant land at sunset.
A woman with sunglasses and a white beanie in the Jenner estuary wearing a life jacket and paddling a kayak in a body of water with green hills and a clear blue sky in the background.

Guided Canoe and Kayaking Adventures

Canoe & Kayak

The contours of the Russian River frame the experience of West Sonoma. For the highly swimmable waters from Forestville through Monte Rio to the breathtaking estuary as the river meets the pacific in Jenner, the river gives an ever-changing splendor.

You choose launch-points in Forestville, Guerneville, or Jenner. Your planner and guide takes care of reservations, timing, and path. For some, the river is a lazy afternoon with a six pack and dear friends. For others, a tranquil commune with eagles and osprey, otters and seals. Which are you? Want to find out?

Packages of 2, 4, and 6 hours are available. The very adventurous can also choose an overnight trip from Guerneville to Jenner (with camping in Duncan’s Mills). Picnics are available.

⤷ Canoe and Kayak Info
Colorful kayaks and paddle boats lined up along the rocky shoreline in Jenner by a calm body of water with a hillside and trees in the background.
The Russian River flowing through a forested valley with tall pine trees on the right and lush greenery on the left under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
The tranquil Russian River surrounded by dense evergreen trees with a wooden dock extending into the water.
An old fire road, now a hiking path, winding through grassy fields with a large plume of fog and a bright sunsetin the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Easy to Moderate West Sonoma Hikes

Guided Hikes

Let’s take a walk.

We’re happy to take you anywhere but the itineraries we especially love are west of 101. The hikes here are generally half day excursions and can include a picnic and be combined with other tours such as a morning hike and afternoon paddle.

Some favorite hikes:

Islands in the Sky

A hike of about 4.5 miles, of which 1.5 miles is a pretty strenuous uphill. The effort is rewarded with incredible views of open space in all directions. Note the trailhead is near local roadhouse tavern The Blue Heron, where wings and beers can be enjoyed to compensate for those calories you just burned.

Armstrong Woods

A leisurely stroll through old-growth redwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old.

Goat Rock

Goat Rock State Park, just south of Jenner, is where the Russian River meets the Pacific. You’ll likely see seals and otters, maybe even whales if the timing is just right. There is a “boardwalk” path alongside epic cliffs that make for some spectacular beauty. Difficulty: Easy

Jenner Headlands

Just north of the town of Jenner is one of the area’s newest parks, the Jenner headlands. Climb a fire trail for amazing views of the coast. Many rare species can be seen here including mountain lion, bobcat, peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Pairs will with a visit to Goat Rock State Park.

Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park

The Monte Rio Redwoods preserve is a growing network of trails that include fire roads and single track trails .A popular hike here is the 2.5 mile Redwoods Trail and River Mountain trail. The hike combines forest and vista, alongside mountain streams.

⤷ Guided Hikes Info
Three people standing inside a hollowed-out old-growth redwood tree trunk in a dense forest with tall trees and greenery.
A person hiking uphill along the pacific coast in Goat Rock State Park along a rocky cliffside with the Pacific Ocean visible in the background under a blue sky.
A scenic coastal landscape with grassy foreground, purple wildflowers, sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and ocean waves under a partly cloudy sky.
Long outdoor dining table set with floral centerpieces, glassware, plates, napkins, and cutlery, surrounded by wooden chairs in a wooded outdoor setting.

Catered Experiences | Chef Pre-Prepared In-Home Meals | Picnics

Chef-Curated Experiences

Private dinners. Picnic lunches. A stocked vacation rental. We connect you with a local chef and create flexible experiences throughout Sonoma county

Core offerings include in-home (and secret venue) catering, prepared meals delivered to your house or vacation rental, and picnic menus designed for wine tours, beach days, hikes, or relaxed afternoons with a view. Meal options stretch from practical to lux, depending on the occasion, group size, and budget.

You’ll choose from a variety of price points and options. The goal is simple: fresh, thoughtful food without the hassle, tailored to set and setting. Menus are fully customized. Craving steak? No problem. Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also lovingly offered. The idea is tailoring a menu to the occasion.

⤷ Catering and Hospitality
Chef David Karlin hosting a food and wine event wearing sunglasses and a black T-shirt with a geometric design, standing outdoors during sunset in a wooded area with tall pine trees.
People clinking glasses of red wine at a gathering.
Food from Chef David Karlin featuring skewers with grilled vegetables, including yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, cherry peppers, onions, and black olives, placed next to a side of leafy green salad on a white plate.

Curated Experiences

Putting together truly unique experiences based on your interests is probably our favorite mission around here. We’ll have a few conversations, swap a few emails, get to know likes, dislikes, budget, interests, and we’ll put something together, just for you.

Some ideas to kick around include:

Mezcal Tasting at the Taverna: What is the taverna? Do you want to find out? Tasting experiences are available. You probably have questions? Happy to answer them.

Pool Party: Maybe you’d like to have a pool party, or just splash around with a loved one? We have options.

Redwoods and Backroads: How about a day that’s a little bit of everything? A redwoods stroll on a backcountry road known to few and loved by all who know it, then a drive west on perhaps the most beautiful ridge line in Sonoma county and out to the sea. A picnic, this one with possible whale sightings. And finish it off with a remote coastal wine tasting. Sound delicious?

Fine Wine and Dive Bars: How about starting with some of the regions finest wines, then grabbing some beers & wings at an off-the-beaten-path roadhouse tavern? This is a tour of playful contrasts for those who appreciate the spectrum of west Sonoma’s offerings, without pretentiousness.

Hidden Supper: A late-afternoon scenic drive to an unknown and unpublished destination, with private chef dinner.

Cannabis Tour: A private cannabis farm and wine-country experience includes driver, farm visit, and a picnic. Workshops and i(through a partner) infused dining experiences can also be included. The cannabis trips are designed to be relaxed (obviously), fun, and in compliance with local laws.

Art, Architecture & Landscape: Beauty is truth and truth, beauty – am I right? (If you get the reference, this tour is for you.) This experience is for the design-minded (and Rob, your host, is one.) Distinctive homes, gardens, galleries, storied towns, and beautiful landscapes with a bit of history thrown in.

LGBTQ+: At the bottom of the list but certainly not last, we offer a bunch of experiences for the gays, lesbians, trans, and sexual non-conformists out there. More info on LGBTQ+ on the page for LGBTQ SONOMA COUNTY EXPERIENCES.

The suggestions are starting points for conversation. Let’s discuss.

⤷ Customized Experiences
An outdoor hot tub surrounded by redwood trees, with wooden house siding in the background, and patio chairs in a forested area.

Where to lay your head

Lodging

Sonoma County has something for every style of travel. From the super luxurious (hello Single Thread Inn) to all sorts of home rentals to glamping and tent camping.

Your purveyor of experiences detailed here, Robert, owns and hosts at Lichenwood, which you can book via Airbnb. Use the contact page to enquire about Lichenwood or other lodging options and experiences you are not going to find online.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, or already have one and want to enhance your time in Sonoma county, reach out.

⤷ Lodging Information
Outdoor pool and hot tub with mountain view, lounge chairs, a swimming pool, and a fountain amidst lush greenery and hilly landscape.
A camping scene in a forest with tall trees, a blue and white tent, camping chairs, and a small fire pit with logs, all surrounded by green foliage and sunlight filtering through the trees.
What looks to be a small wooden shed is actually a secret bar, which is surrounded by dense green foliage and trees.

We are dedicated to sharing the joy, abundance, and fog-shrouded mystery of Sonoma county.

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⤷ Contact

Your Host

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Rob O’Shaughnessy

Rob O’Shaughnessy has lived in West Sonoma County since 2012.

Rob has a marketing and events background and has been hosting curated experiences in west county for years and now is putting a website to the name.

⤷ Contact Rob 
[ TESTIMONIALS ]

"BEST DAY EVER."

John, New York

[ FAQ ]

Common Questions

  • Yes! We can happily and safely get groups of up to 4 around in a BMW X3. Transportation in Sonoma County for larger groups can also be arranged. Advance notice is required.

  • All kinds of groups and people are welcome. Tours can be planned for couples, small groups, birthdays, parties, reunions. Just ask!

  • The roads less travelled are the specialty. From hikes to swim spots to uncrowded wineries to venues and spaces you can’t find anywhere online… Just ask.

  • The sweet spot is customized experiences so prices vary. You can submit a request or we can have a conversation. We will ask for a 25% deposit to secure the date and the balance is due 7 days before the experience.

  • Yes, we can help with travel arrangements to Sonoma County. We can direct you to vacation rental listings, hotels, camping spots, you name it. We can also advise on planes, trains, and automobiles to Sonoma County and coordination pick-ups and drop-offs.

  • We try to keep it friendly and flexible. Typically the deposit is non-refundable. The balance is refundable up to 24 hours prior to the experience, less costs such as food.

  • We know people! If you’d like to arrange a private pool party, we’ll send you photos and location information and can also coordinate a food and beverage program for your day at the pool.

  • These experiences are highly customizable to taste and budget. Everything is built around your interests, pace, budget, comfort level, and occasion. This is a core part of the value we provide.

  • You can know a lot, or basically nothing. Serious wine lovers will appreciate the knowledge and access provided while casual wine lovers can learn more on a beautiful and fun day in wine country.

  • You bet. Some people want social and celebrations, others want privacy away from the eyes of strangers. Experiences are shaped accordingly, including for VIPs or just those who prefer a bit of privacy.

  • We confess to a bias for west Sonoma county but we can put together adventures anywhere in Sonoma, Napa or Mendocino counties.

  • Of course! And if you just need a ride, we can help.

  • We’re gay owned and operated. But all are welcome without discrimination, bias, or judgment. We do offer customized LGBTQ adventures and we call that out, but we’re happy to help out anybody so long as they are kind, respectful, and don’t plan on breaking any laws. 

[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]

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