Kenwood

Kenwood, California is best known for its peaceful Wine Country vibe at the north end of Sonoma Valley, near top wineries, wide open spaces, and the Mayacamas Mountains. Home to about 1,000 residents, it’s a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Sonoma County’s busier towns and cities. Nearby Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and its hiking trails, mountain views and Robert Ferguson Observatory add an outdoorsy edge, while the romantic Kenwood Inn & Spa and locally owned businesses like Swede’s Feeds and the Palooza Brewery & Gastropub give the village its easygoing, unpretentious charm.

Yes, Kenwood is at the northern end of Sonoma Valley, in eastern Sonoma County.  Sonoma Valley (also called “Valley of the Moon”) runs north-south for 17 miles along Highway 12 (Sonoma Highway), parallel to the Mayacamas Mountains. Kenwood itself sits within the Sonoma Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), known for warm days and cool evenings that help produce sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay,  as well as other wines.

Kenwood, California is home to several notable wineries known for historic estates, scenic vineyard settings, and high-quality Sonoma Valley wines. Highlights include Landmark Vineyards, known for premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Kunde Family Winery for estate-grown wines and panoramic views, and Chateau St. Jean for its elegant French chateau and gardens. Visitors will also find distinctive experiences at Ledson Winery & Vineyards and VJB Cellars, as well as boutique producer B. Wise Vineyards, where small-lot tastings include Moon Mountain estate-grown reds.

Kenwood is a year-round destination, but late spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are especially popular. Spring brings mild weather, green hills, and fewer crowds, while fall is harvest season, with warm days, cool evenings, and lively vineyard activity. Summer offers sunny days and events but sees higher visitation, and winter is quieter and more relaxed, with cooler temperatures, occasional rain, and better values at hotels and tasting rooms.

Kenwood enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate year-round. Spring is cool to pleasantly warm, with green hillsides and occasional rain giving way to sunnier days. Summer is warm and dry, with hot afternoons and cooler mornings and evenings. Fall brings some of the area’s best weather, featuring warm days, crisp nights, and little rainfall. Winter is the coolest and wettest season, with daytime temperatures remaining moderate and rainfall nourishing the vineyards before the growing season begins.