Beyond our renowned wineries and farm to table cuisine, visitors are immersing themselves in our beautiful landscapes, connecting with our local artisans and makers, and rejuvenating themselves through our holistic approach to wellbeing. With so many artisan-makers and unexpected activities to experience, we invite visitors to explore more about Sonoma County and “Discover Your &.”

Spring Harvest in Sonoma County

Agriculture is a year-round endeavor in Sonoma County. Even during the winter months, there are harvests that contribute to the overall health and productivity of the land and people. From soil-to-spoon created dishes and sustainably produced wines, Sonoma County is the destination to extend your stay beyond simply just tasting wine, to foraging seaweed, sampling freshly pressed olive oil or Dungeness crab, and more. Experiences that celebrate our rich agricultural roots of winter produce include the Cloverdale Citrus FairSonoma County Crab & Wine FestPigs & Pinot, and the California Artisan Cheese Festival.

Did you know that food is medicine? In early winter Sonoma County eagerly awaits the special first taste of olio nuovo (new olive oil) from harvest. It is immediately after harvesting that new oils are at their absolute freshest, spiciest, highest polyphenol levels, and even more brilliantly hued. The sediments in olio nuovo—fresh from the press—have not yet had the time to settle, nor the flavors to mellow in the bottle. In other words, there is just a short window during which to taste these oils at their most potent, raw, and unfiltered finest. At Gold Ridge Organic Farms located in the rolling hills of Sebastopol, founder Brooke Hazen and his crew farm 88 acres of organic apples, olives, citrus, and medicinal herbs. Their award-winning olive oils are milled on site within hours of harvest for highest medicinal quality, maximum freshness, and best flavors.

The annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair features everything you love about a small town! Enjoy live music by local bands, a carnival with thrilling rides and games, a Friendly Farm Petting Zoo, and agricultural 4-H shows. Culinary demonstrations featuring local chefs and wine tastings showcase our region’s bounty, while art and photo exhibits highlight community talents. Special events include a parade, cabaret performances, talent shows, and a Citrus Fair Queen pageant - all in a quaint, friendly small wine country town atmosphere.

Dungeness Crab season typically runs from November through June off the Sonoma County coastline, and winter is the season locals go wild for crustaceans and “get crabby.” Crab festivals pop up, families go crabbing off the end of Bodega Bay piers or on crabbing boats. Visitors can enjoy the seafood bounty at the Sonoma County Crab & Wine Fest. This annual event is the premier Crab and Wine event of the North Bay Area. Enjoy the pairing of award-winning wines with gourmet hors d’oeuvres prepared by local chefs. Attendees can dine on fresh Sonoma Coast crab and accompaniments, then join the fun at one of the area’s finest live auctions. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s agricultural education activities.

Pigs & Pinot is a celebratory weekend that offers a series of intimate dining experiences and educational events hosted by acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer. A cast of Sommeliers, iconic Sonoma County winemakers, and renown celebrity chefs will showcase some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noirs with perfect pork pairings with a lineup that includes Pigs & Pinot, Tournament of the Pig, Ultimate Pinot Smackdown, Dry Creek Kitchen’s Gala Dinner, and a new Gala at The Matheson hosted by Chef/Owner Dustin Valette.

The California Artisan Cheese Festival consists of a marketplacetoursseminars, and a cheese crawl. One thing people who haven’t attended may not realize is that it’s an agricultural event. It’s an authentic, intimate, up-close-and-personal experience with Sonoma County farmers and producers. More often than not, it’s the cheesemakers behind the table themselves, so for the media it’s an opportunity to meet the cheesemakers. The marketplace is more like a farmer’s market atmosphere. But it’s also an educational event. The goal is to introduce visitors to new and different products and things that pair with cheese.

Dry Tripping in Sonoma Wine Country

From creative mocktails to inventive alcohol-free concoctions, Sonoma County is home to a burgeoning scene of expert mixologists and crafters. Exploring Sonoma County with non-alcoholic options allows visitors to savor the picturesque landscapes and renowned culinary offerings without the pressure to imbibe, meaning a relaxed and inclusive experience for all.

Sonoma Valley-based winemaker Georgos Zanganas produces a 0.0 per cent sparkling Sonoma Soft Seltzer made from de-alcoholized, premium California wine, while Lagunitas Taproom in Petaluma crafts its own alcohol-free beers. The plant-based restaurant Little Saint, dedicated to climate justice and animal welfare, offers a wine list that is also peppered with zero-proof cocktails, beers, and wines.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy an endorphin rush in Sonoma County. From zip-lining between towering redwood trees to kayaking down the Russian River or whale watching from the headlands of Bodega Bay, where film director and screenwriter Alfred Hitchcock shot “The Birds” movie.

Transformational Vacations: Wellbeing is a Lifestyle in Sonoma County

We are more connected than ever through social media and technology, but still starving for more connections. In today's fast-paced world, where individuals increasingly prioritize their well-being and endeavor to strike a delicate work-life balance, many still overlook the importance of utilizing their hard-earned vacation days. For those seeking refuge, Sonoma County beckons with a seamless fusion of nature's splendor, offering an idyllic sanctuary for the art of relaxation. Here, a promise unfolds to revitalize the mind, body, and soul.

Sonoma County provides a spectrum of experiences, inviting visitors to partake in activities such as forest bathing, stargazing, and engaging in wellness and creativity workshops. The array of offerings caters to those yearning for a midweek or weekend dedicated to self-care, relaxation, rejuvenation, connection, and holistic well-being. The possibilities are abundant, providing a haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in a retreat that embraces the essence of mindful living.

Spa treatments at the Farmhouse Inn feature herbs grown on the property in their Herbal Bath designed to energize or provide calm, while the Moon Milk Bath leans on the earth's seasonal cycles to provide a soothing, calming effect on the body. The Lodge at Bodega Bay offers a variety of seaweed to replenish skin in the Sea Enzyme Facial. Enjoy adding your own twist at the herbal gift making and herbal remedies for Winter wellness workshops at Wind & Rye or the California School of Herbal Studies.

In essence, Sonoma County provides a harmonious blend of natural beauty, wellness offerings, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a truly transformative and rejuvenating vacation.

Learn Firsthand Where Sonoma County Food Comes From

Despite the consistent mild Mediterranean climate year-round, Sonoma County boasts a myriad of microclimates influenced by the coastal fog drifting inland and sunny days that warm the stretches further inland. This unique combination of weather and topography renders Sonoma an optimal region for cultivating a diverse array of produce, contributing significantly to its status as an agricultural superstar.

Explore the expansive Sonoma Coast on a seaweed foraging adventure with Strong Arm Farms owner, Heidi Herrmann on the Sonoma Coast or seek mushroom foraging in coastal Sonoma County with resident expert and chef, Patrick Hamilton. Go a step farther with local nonprofit Farm to Pantry, and glean spring produce that will be distributed to locals in need.

Beginning in April, try your hand at a U-Pick at EARTHSeed Farm. Founder and farm manager Pandora Thomas and her team at EARTHseed Farm practice permaculture stewardship, an ecological design system that incorporates indigenous wisdom to elevate ecosystem health while meeting human needs. During the U-pick program, media can pick their own fruits and berries, and stewards walk them through the farm, educating them on permaculture design while showing off the ripest produce.

Get to Know Sonoma County Locals

Visiting Sonoma County this time of year allows for a more intimate experience, personalized experiences, unhurried itineraries, and a chance to explore the county's varied cultural, culinary, and outdoor attractions. Experiences where you meet the locals and luminaries like chef/owner Ari Weiswasser at Glen Ellen Star’s Neighborhood Night or the local chefs of TOWN (short for “Traveling Off-Season for Wine Night), a dinner series presented by Flambeaux Wine and The Harris Gallery Wine that features an interactive themed dinner experience highlighting seasonally driven culinary artistry and carefully pairing it with some of the best wines Sonoma County has to offer.

Sonoma County Women-Owned Brands Available at Sonoma County Women-Owned Store

Fiat Luxe is an artisanal felted soap and textile design company located in the heart of Sonoma County. Owner and artist Nancy Rosenthal’s inspiration stems from her lifelong love for nature’s beauty. Nancy creates beauty with layers of color, texture, and fiber using only the highest quality materials. A favorite is Fiat Luxe Felted Soap Felted Soap – A classic lavender handmade soap that contains fine lavender essential oil that is wrapped in domestic wool to create a soap and washcloth all-in-one. Sheeps wool has natural anti-fungal properties and will retain its freshness if excess water is squeezed out between uses. The wool acts as a wicking agent, soaking in the lather of the soap and making it last longer. The felt shrinks along with the soap as you use it. Handmade in small batches in Sonoma County and available at Estuary in Petaluma.

Also lovingly crafted is a new body oil that has been hand crafted by Rose at 8 Days Botanical and Farms in Sonoma County for Estuary. The owners of Estuary and 8 Days worked together to create the perfect scent to uplift your mood and bring a moment of joy to your life when you put this oil on your body. The scent is Rose, Geranium with a hint of Patchouli. The Rose and Geranium are sourced from 8 Days farm in Sebastopol, and the base oil is olive oil from McEvoy Ranch, a small, family-owned, women-led, sustainably farmed operation in Petaluma.

More Than Just Dinner - Discover Our Makers and Produce

From baking and herbalism to family classes and culinary workshops, Wind & Rye in Penngrove is a place for memorable experiences in the kitchen. Fostering deep connections with the Sonoma County community, try the wide variety of classes in the Immersive Learning Program at Chef Charlie Palmer’s Crafted at Appellation in Healdsburg. Transform your perception of winter hues by immersing yourself in the world of winter watercolors in a single day intensive art workshop, Palette of the Season, Winter Watercolor at Bees N’ Blooms in Santa Rosa. Explore the art of transforming wool into felt, wrapping and wet felting house-made artisanal soap with a rainbow array of hand dyed wool provided to create unique and functional works of art.

Zen and Thrills: Relaxation or Adrenaline?

Relaxation and adrenaline can coexist through experiences like zipping along a 1,500-foot-long zipline through coastal redwood trees on a Sonoma Zipline Adventure tour in Occidental. Attend a Star Party at Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park near Kenwood, or a Getaway Adventures tours like Russian River Bike and Kayak and Ace It Bike, Brews and Ballooning tour.

A secret and also not a secret; Bodega Bay is well-known for being a hotspot for whale and birdwatching. The annual gray whale migration along Sonoma County's coast peaks during the winter months. On weekends from January through Mother's Day, volunteers from the Whale Watch Public Education Program are at Bodega Head to answer questions and share their knowledge of whales and migration.

Similar to whales, birds have a migration route and Bodega Bay sits directly in their path. Typically, media can spot Albatross, Northern Fulmar, a variety of Shearwaters’, Petrels, Cormorants, Phalaropes, Jaegers, Gulls, Elegant Tern, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Cassin’s Auklet, and dozens more. Experiences can be arranged for guests at Dawn Ranch. Guided tours are offered by Sonoma County birding clubs or you can check out spots on your own. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Where Inspiration Flourishes: Sonoma County’s Vibrant Art Scene

Sonoma County attracts artists of all disciplines, and their works are on display in more than two dozen performing arts companies, a multitude of music and performance venues, and over 100 museums and galleries. The arts offer a plethora of emotional benefits, including the capacity to elevate mood, reduce stress, provide a means of emotional expression, nurture empathy, and offer catharsis. Immersion in and appreciation of the arts in Sonoma County encourages self-reflection, inspires creativity, and fosters a sense of connection with the broader human experience while traveling. Flamingo Resort’s Vintage Space music lounge hosts events from live music and comedy to their popular monthly Sunday Drag Brunch to dance and karaoke parties. Appreciate art sculptures installations from Burning Man with a guided tour of Marijke’s Grove at Paradise Ridge Winery. Unique museum experiences like the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Healdsburg’s Hand Fan Museum, or appreciate the artistry and design of aircraft from a bygone era at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.

The Gift of Sonoma County

Connecting with local communities, delving into indigenous cultures, and immersing oneself in authentic experiences are essential elements for discerning travelers. Engaging in these activities becomes even more enriching when set against the backdrop of the most sustainable wine region, adding an extra layer of joy to the vacation.

A journey to Sonoma County offers a splendid way to commemorate any occasion through genuine experiences. Complemented by options like wine passes, spa days, or complimentary activities such as a tranquil walk through the redwood forests, these engagements create enduring memories that contribute to a truly special trip for loved ones. Furthermore, these experiences play a crucial role in reinvesting in the Sonoma County community.

Supporting local businesses, dining in neighborhood restaurants, and choosing community-focused vacation spots ensures that the funds from purchases contribute directly to the growth of businesses. Notably, 85% of Sonoma County businesses are locally owned, and patronizing them helps sustain and enhance the quality of experiences for both new and returning visitors

Sips and Stories: Your Passport to Creativity and Inspiration

Sonoma County's diverse landscapes, including redwood forests, orchards, vineyards, beaches, and majestic Pacific Coast have inspired writers for over a century. Our destination hosts engaging literary events such as author readings, the annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival in Spring, and the Sonoma County Writers Camp in July. Meet our vibrant writing community that provides numerous opportunities for literary enthusiasts or immerse yourself Sonoma County’s natural settings that fosters an environment where writing inspiration can flourish.

Writers can explore Sonoma County's rich literary heritage, discovering the works of past masters like M.F.K. Fisher and Maya Angelou, as well as contemporary voices like U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón and novelist Emma Cline. The literary tapestry of Sonoma County offers captivating experiences that transcends time and genre, inviting those eager to connect with the written word.

 

To start planning your media trip to Sonoma County contact us at [email protected]