Our colleagues in the media are invited to step beyond the ordinary and learn more about these Sonoma County experiences waiting to be told.
Our destination is not just scenic; it's a vibrant community of artisans crafting masterpieces of pottery, textiles, and woodworking. Engage with these creators and weave yourself into our cultural tapestry. Find solace, and the story behind the story, in our holistic wellness offerings, from serene yoga retreats to invigorating spa treatments.
With a myriad of artisanal craftsmen and unique adventures waiting to be discovered, we offer these curated story ideas for the summer of 2024.
More Than (Just) Wine Country
Nestled among some of California’s oldest and most esteemed vineyards, Sonoma County's 30 cities, towns, and villages present an array of unique experiences.
Set out on explorations along mist-covered pathways and indulge in delectable seafood in oceanside sanctuaries such as Bodega Bay and Jenner. Explore the richness of the land at multigenerational family farms or wineries, then indulge in the culinary artistry of skilled chefs showcasing local bounty in Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Healdsburg.
Amidst towering coastal redwoods, the spirited communities of Guerneville, Forestville, and Occidental exude charm and warmth imbued by the rejuvenating the Russian River.
Santa Rosa, the county's largest city, features art, culture, and culinary delights. Meanwhile, the town of Sonoma features farm-to-table eateries, inviting tasting rooms, and Spanish Colonial architecture surrounding its historic plaza. Healdsburg, boasting haute shopping and epicurean excellence, stands as a premier destination in Wine Country.
No matter where your Sonoma County journey leads, you'll discover fresh adventures, as Life Opens Up.
60,000 Acres of Vineyards
Sonoma County is the largest producer of wine in Northern California. Encompassing nearly 60,000 acres of sustainably grown vineyards, Sonoma County boasts upwards of 425 sommelier-approved wineries. Choose from small, family-run establishments or internationally heralded wine houses, like Kendall-Jackson and Gloria Ferrer Wines.
The wine industry in Sonoma County dates to the mid-1800s. Since then, the area has become one of the world's premier eco-friendly wine destinations. Wineries like Jordan Vineyard & Winery and the LEED Platinum-certified Silver Oak Cellars — both in Healdsburg — and Sonoma's Hamel Family Wines are a few of the producers paving the way.
Explore other aspects of our storied wine history by visiting wine castles, like Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood and Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. Or see what happens below the vineyards by booking a tour of an underground wine cave. Some offer sit-down tastings, guided walks, and the opportunity to try straight-from-the-barrel vinos.
More Sonoma Sips
While Sonoma County is known as Wine Country, our options for premium beverages extend far beyond the vineyard.
Craft Beers
Whether you’re a lager lover or an IPA fan, with more than 30 craft breweries and brewpubs, you’re guaranteed to find a brew (or 10!) to suit your liking in Sonoma County. Plan to visit Russian River Brewing Company which is highly regarded in the craft beer community for its dedication to quality, innovation, and excellence in brewing, and explore other craft breweries including Old Caz, Fogbelt Brewing Company, HenHouse Brewing, and Parliament Brewing Company.
Crisp Ciders
If you’re an avid apple eater, a trip to one or more of our local cider houses is in order. Sonoma County’s heirloom apple, the Gravenstein, is commonly grown in area orchards and featured in many local ciders. Golden State Cider, located at The Barlow in Sebastopol, one of the destination’s best-known cideries, has 16 rotating taps that pour fresh-pressed ciders made with 100% West Coast apples.
Sensational Spirits
Sonoma County boasts more than a dozen artisan distilleries crafting everything from fruit-infused vodkas to organic, non-GMO gins and whiskeys. See which locally made Fleur Savage chocolates pair best with small-batch spirits at Petaluma’s Griffo Distillery. Or see how the liquor flows from barrel to bottle with a tasting tour of Sonoma Brothers in Windsor, known for their Apple Brandy made with local Gravensteins.
Relax and Renew
In Sonoma County, you’ll discover many opportunities to pause, reflect and create moments of mindfulness.
Discover the story behind the story with treatments made with locally made products, like goat’s milk, olive oil and, of course, wine. Or try something different, like hiking in the redwoods, guided yoga at various local vineyards, and healing soaks at Sonoma County’s three geothermal mineral springs.
For a pause with lasting effects, check in to one of the area’s superb hotels with onsite spas, like Gaige House, a Glen Ellen property known for their Japanese-style Zen Suites, or The Lodge at Bodega Bay, where you can enjoy coastal-inspired massages while looking out at the Pacific Ocean.
Discover the benefits of mindful movement while exploring Sonoma County’s inspiring natural wonders. Soothe your soul with a calm kayaking excursion. Improve your mental fitness on a long hike, free of phones and other distractions. And get a fresh perspective by cycling through small towns with winding routes.
No matter how you choose to unplug and reconnect, Sonoma County is the perfect place to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Farm to Fork Started in Sonoma County
Famed for its produce and purveyors, Sonoma County is a land of plenty and a locavore’s delight.
Sonoma County’s gifted chefs take the concept of “farm-to-table” seriously, building their menus around organically grown vegetables, sustainable meats, freshly caught crab, and an abundance of handcrafted creations — from golden olive oils to tart Gravenstein apples, fragrant lavender, fruity jams and much more. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet adventure, a seafood feast with water views or eclectic cultural eats from a local food truck, you’ll enjoy memorable meals in Sonoma County.
Our culinary scene doesn’t stop at restaurants. Food lovers can spend a day learning from a farmer on the Sonoma County Farm Trails, tasting dairy delights on the California Cheese Trail in Sonoma County, or perusing the colorful displays at year-round farmers markets. Even our wineries have gotten in on the fun, with food and wine pairings that feature ingredients grown in onsite gardens.
Mother Nature Does Her Best Work Here
From lakes and beaches to redwood forests, rivers and 60-plus parks, Sonoma County is a treasure trove of outdoor splendor.
Stunning mountain and valley view’s reward mountain bikers while road cyclists find themselves flanked by rolling vineyards. Paths carpeted with the crunchy needles of ancient redwoods provide the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll, and hikes along wildflower-strewn ocean bluffs offer glimpses of soaring seabirds and sunning harbor seals on the way down to tidepools.
Take to the water for whale-watching tours, fishing charters and kayaking excursions. Saddle up for a horseback tour through grassy meadows, rugged ranchlands, and coastal dunes. Or explore “Sonoma’s Serengeti” at Safari West Wildlife Preserve, home to more than 900 animals. (Insider tip: Extend your visit with an overnight stay in their luxe glamping tents) At the end of the day, gaze at star-dappled night skies from your campsite nestled within a forest or along the coastline.
Senses to Delight Beyond Taste
Sonoma County’s natural beauty has inspired countless creatives, past and present. With thousands of resident artists, more than 20 performing arts companies and major venues hosting national and regional concerts, Wine Country is fertile ground for culture. Hunt for one-of-a-kind artisan treasures in hubs like Healdsburg and Santa Rosa. Discover one of California’s oldest continually operating artists’ cooperatives, the Arts Guild of Sonoma. And be sure to pay a visit to the Peanuts crew at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
Writer Jack London was drawn to Sonoma County, and it’s easy to see why when you visit his former home at Jack London State Historic Park. Explore other aspects of the region’s history and culture at the Museum of Sonoma County, the California Indian Museum & Cultural Center and San Francisco Solano, one of California’s 21 Spanish missions.
Media Tip
The lush landscapes of Sonoma County are a perfect canvas for public art. Get outside and discover gems like the sculpture garden at Paradise Ridge Winery, the plentiful murals of Petaluma, and Sebastopol’s Florence Avenue, where every front yard displays a work of large-scale recycled art by Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent.
