Just an hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, world-class wines, culinary excellence, and artistic innovation. Spanning over one million acres, our region features majestic coastal redwood forests, winding rivers, gentle valleys, and stunning Pacific coastlines. With more than 425 wineries and 60,000 acres of vineyards, Sonoma County is celebrated not only for exceptional wines and culinary excellence, but also for the warm hospitality and genuine, welcoming spirit of our people. The vibrant artisan and maker communities further enhance our charm, making for a destination rich in heritage, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Discover the wealth of unique stories waiting to be shared in Sonoma County with these curated thought starters, crafted for our friends in the media.
Saddle Up for "Cowboy Core": Exploring Sonoma County’s Western Heritage on Horseback
Trend: Cowboy Core
Sonoma County offers a stylish spin on the “Cowboy Core” aesthetic trending on social media. Journalists can explore the region’s authentic dude ranches, horseback wine tastings, historic barns-turned-boutique stays, and cowboy couture shops in places like Sebastopol and Geyserville. And what’s more cowboy than sleeping in a tent around a campfire and grilling your food over the fire at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping? Add in a stop at a Sonoma County rodeo, and you’ve got a story that’s both nostalgic, relevant and ready to be told.
48 Hours in Wine Country: The Art of the Sonoma County Microvacation
Trend: Microvacations / Short Escapes
With scenic drives, luxurious spas, and farm-to-table cuisine all within a 90-minute drive from San Francisco and the Central Valley, Sonoma County is a dream destination for microvacationers. This piece could follow a curated a 2-day itinerary designed to maximize wellness, wine, and outdoor adventure, all without taking PTO. Focus on ease, accessibility, and high reward in a short time.
Widening the Welcome: Sonoma County’s Push Toward Inclusive Travel
Trend: Inclusivity & Representation in Travel
Sonoma County is taking real steps to make its tourism landscape more inclusive. This story could spotlight Black-owned wineries and restaurants, Latinx leaders, LGBTQ+-friendly lodging, and cultural tours designed with diverse travelers in mind. Explore how local businesses are working with organizations like the Wheel the World to make Sonoma County wine country truly welcoming for everyone.
Tasting Notes for All: Exploring Sonoma’s Accessible Wine Country
Trend: Accessibility in Travel
With ADA-compliant vineyards, accessible trails through redwoods, and sensory-friendly tasting experiences, Sonoma County is making wine country inclusive for travelers with disabilities. This piece could follow a traveler’s journey navigating the region with mobility or sensory accommodations and highlight businesses doing it right.
Glamping Goes Gourmet: Sonoma’s Luxe Outdoor Stays for Nature-First Travelers
Trend: Sustainable Glamping / Immersion in Nature
Tap into the rising desire for nature-based luxury by profiling Sonoma’s elevated glamping offerings—from vineyard safari tents and airstream retreats to off-grid cabins with chef-prepped meals. Add in eco-friendly initiatives and outdoor spa services, and your story has got the perfect mix of laid-back luxury, self-care, and environmental consciousness.
Sip Sustainably: Sonoma’s Eco-Conscious Wineries Leading the Green Wave
Trend: Eco-Travel
Many Sonoma wineries are pioneering sustainable farming practices, solar-powered production, and biodynamic methods. This story could guide readers through a “green wine trail” featuring tastings with a purpose, where visitors leave a lighter footprint while enjoying world-class vintages.
The New Wine Country for Gen Z: Low-ABV, Experiential, and TikTok-Worthy
Trend: Next-Gen Travel / Gen Z Preferences
Sonoma County is redefining the wine country experience for younger travelers. Think kombucha breweries, low-alcohol experiences, picnic-style food trucks, vineyard yoga, and content-worthy backdrops. This story speaks to the "cool, casual, and conscious" crowd seeking vibe-driven experiences over tradition.
Trail Meets Table: The Ultimate Hike-to-Farmstand Adventure in Sonoma County
Trend: Foodie Adventure Travel
Pairing Sonoma County’s scenic hikes with farmstand picnics and post-trail wine flights is a growing way to blend fitness with indulgence. Follow a few day-trip routes where trails lead to artisanal cheese shops, organic produce stands, and family-run wineries—perfect for journalists that are hungry for more than just scenery.