Late summer in Sonoma County brings warm afternoons and golden light; the first leaves begin to change color, signaling the signs of harvest. Our wineries prepare for crush while farmstands brim with heirloom tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, peppers, melons, apples, and fresh-cut flowers. Across our valleys, redwood forests, small towns, and rugged coastline, the season offers an easy rhythm shaped by outdoor dining, coastal escapes, cultural events, and long afternoons in the sun. From new restaurants and tasting room experiences to live music, seasonal festivals, and adventures stretching from coast to vineyard, Sonoma County invites travelers to savor summer’s final stretch. New openings and harvest events offer fresh reasons to explore Sonoma County as our destination gradually transitions toward autumn.
New at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Southwest Airlines: STS – AUS
Beginning October 3, 2026, Southwest Airlines will launch seasonal Saturday nonstop service between Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The new route expands Southwest’s growing presence in Sonoma County and gives travelers from Central Texas a more direct path into Northern California wine country. For Sonoma County visitors, the flight adds convenient access to Santa Rosa, renowned wine regions, the Sonoma Coast, redwood forests, acclaimed dining, and small-town experiences throughout our destination.
Southwest Airlines: STS – DEN
Southwest Airlines will expand nonstop service between Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport and Denver International Airport (DEN) to daily flights beginning March 11, 2027. The route will ramp up beforehand, operating five days a week in August and September 2026, with near-daily service during the Thanksgiving and winter holiday periods. The expanded schedule will strengthen Sonoma County’s connection to Southwest’s Denver network and destinations across the country.
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport has introduced California’s first Metropolis drive-in, drive-out airport parking system. After a one-time registration, travelers enter and exit without collecting a ticket or visiting a payment kiosk. The system recognizes registered vehicles, processes payments automatically, and sends digital receipts.
New in Restaurants
The team behind the girl & the fig has opened Dead Letter, a modern Sonoma County Wine Country restaurant in a historic former post office on Sonoma Plaza. Led by restaurateurs Sondra Bernstein and John Toulze and executive chef Jeremy Zimmerman, the 65-seat restaurant introduces an evolving Northern California menu centered on seasonal ingredients, seafood and charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables. A globally focused wine list emphasizes fresh, lower-alcohol selections, while postal-inspired cocktails nod to the building’s history. Original stone walls, contemporary artwork and an immersive digital gallery create a polished setting for fall and harvest-season dining in downtown Sonoma.
Capriciano Osteria is a new Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa by chef-owner Baki Bekci. The restaurant combines the warmth of a neighborhood osteria with Bekci’s fine-dining experience. Bekci grew up in his family’s restaurant in Fethiye, a coastal city in southwestern Turkey. He later worked in Four Seasons kitchens in Istanbul, Los Angeles and Calistoga. He also founded Mezzeluna in Cotati. The restaurant features a cozy dining room framed by two large fireplaces and an expansive outdoor terrace suited to group gatherings and private events. The menu centers on handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, seafood and familiar Italian classics prepared with premium ingredients from Sonoma County farms and producers.
Mei Mei, a Chinese-style food hall and grocery is planned for the former Quail & Condor space in Healdsburg. The new concept comes from Sean Quan and Jenny Phan, the husband-and-wife team behind Bazaar Sonoma, whose Forestville restaurant closed following a 2025 fire. While developing a permanent home, the couple has introduced Mei Mei’s menu through pop-ups at Session Climbing, Lo & Behold, Tisza Bistro, and Marla Bakery. This new concept highlights the owners’ resilience and their continued contribution to Sonoma County’s evolving culinary scene.
Graton Station has brought coffee and pastries to the heart of tiny Graton, transforming the town’s old firehouse into a community café and cultural hub for West Sonoma County. Created by local chefs and community builders, the project will eventually expand into a full café and bakery serving breakfast and lunch, house-made breads and pastries, food preservation projects and community gatherings. The culinary team brings experience from acclaimed Sonoma County establishments including SingleThread, Troubadour Bread & Bistro, Quail & Condor and Maison Porcella.
Bonnie Bagels & Co. has opened in downtown Sebastopol, serving traditional East Coast-style bagels with crisp exteriors and chewy centers. Each bagel is kettle-boiled and baked on-site, with flavors ranging from salt, sesame and everything to cheddar jalapeño and Asiago. The menu also features house-made schmears, breakfast sandwiches, open-faced lox and salad bagels, espresso drinks, gluten-free bagels and vegan cream cheese. Owner Michael Sousa, who grew up near Boston, opened the café with executive chef Greg Kalergis following more than a year of planning.
Dolce Rosa Café opened in Santa Rosa’s Rincon Valley, bringing a playful mix of brunch, Italian-inspired dishes and specialty espresso drinks to Sonoma Highway. Owners Josie Ortega and Martin Chaparro, the couple behind Chila-killer Café in Rohnert Park, prepare much of the menu from scratch. Highlights include tiramisu ricotta pancakes, pesto and prosciutto eggs Benedict, eggs in purgatory, house-made focaccia avocado toast and customizable pastas with Bolognese or tomato-burrata sauce. Pistachio appears throughout the menu, including a latte made with house-made pistachio syrup, pistachio cream and crushed nuts. The café also serves burgers and sandwiches in a cozy dining room with a covered patio.
New in Wineries
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery is celebrating 40 years in Sonoma County, marking four decades since Marimar Torres planted the first Chardonnay vines at Don Miguel Vineyard in Green Valley of the Russian River Valley in 1986. Many of the original vines remain productive today. Torres later added Pinot Noir using high-density European planting techniques, helping establish the estate’s focus on cool-climate varieties. Today, Marimar Estate farms 70 acres across vineyards in the Russian River Valley and West Sonoma Coast AVAs, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Albariño, Godello, and Tempranillo exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Certified sustainable since 2017 and powered by solar energy, the family-owned winery is entering its next chapter under General Manager Cristina Torres while continuing its emphasis on sustainability, quality, and multigenerational stewardship.
After more than two decades of producing limited-production estate wines, Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery has opened La Maison, its first public tasting room, located minutes from Sonoma Plaza. The appointment-only destination brings Stone Edge Farm’s Moon Mountain District wines, regenerative farming philosophy and hospitality together in a residential-style setting featuring indoor tasting spaces, a vineyard-view patio and gardens connected to the winery’s culinary program. La Maison also strengthens the connection between Stone Edge Farm and Enclos, Chef Brian Limoges’ nearby restaurant, which earned three Michelin Stars and a Michelin Green Star in 2026. A dedicated Enclos Lounge food-and-wine experience has been announced, pairing Stone Edge Farm wines with small plates inspired by Limoges’ cooking. The property’s expanding gardens and farm will also supply produce to Enclos, creating a direct link between vineyard, farm, winery and restaurant.
Siren’s Cellar has opened behind Jenner Outpost, bringing a relaxed new wine bar to the Russian River estuary. Overseen by acclaimed sommelier and Monte Rio Cellars winemaker Patrick Cappiello, the coastal hideaway highlights natural wines, small producers, and bottles shaped by place. It also serves as the first dedicated tasting room for Monte Rio Cellars. Guests pair sparkling, white, skin-contact, rosé, and red wines with regional cheeses, charcuterie, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, and shareable boards featuring products from Sonoma County.
New in Experiences
Downtown Petaluma has a new destination for locally made wine, spirits and culinary treats. Taste Petaluma brings together four concepts from Mike and Lorraine Barber: Barber Cellars, Petaluma Cheese Shop, Barber Lee Spirits and Nightcap Dessert Bar, all under one roof at the Barber Lee Spirits distillery on Washington Street. The collective offers Sonoma County wines by the glass and in flights, craft cocktails featuring Barber Lee spirits, artisan cheeses, locally made chocolates and desserts. Guests can mix and match their experience in a relaxed, industrial-chic lounge designed for lingering into the evening. The concept consolidates the Barbers’ longtime Petaluma businesses into a single gathering place celebrating the region’s wine, craft spirits and artisan food producers.
Gold Ridge Organic Farms is opening Heritage Apple Press, a 20,000-square-foot organic apple-processing facility in Santa Rosa, in time for the 2026 harvest season. Designed to support small and family-owned farms throughout Sonoma County and Northern California, the facility will process up to 80 tons of fruit per day for fresh-packed apples, juice, cider, vinegar and custom pressing. The new operation will provide growers with a vital local processing resource while helping preserve Sonoma County’s historic apple industry and heritage varieties such as the Gravenstein.
Lori Austin Gallery at the Fairmont
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has debuted the Lori Austin Gallery at the Fairmont, a new pop-up fine art gallery. Curated by acclaimed Sonoma County gallerist Lori Austin, the gallery will feature an ever-evolving collection of contemporary paintings by exceptional regional artists. The thoughtfully curated space is designed to provide visitors with an engaging cultural experience that reflects the creativity, beauty, and spirit of Sonoma County Wine Country. The partnership reflects Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa’s ongoing commitment to supporting local artists while enriching the guest experience through meaningful cultural programming.
Sonoma Zipline Adventures is expanding with Redwood Aerial Adventure, a 40,000-square-foot ropes and challenge course anticipated to open in spring 2027. Set across a forested hillside, the attraction will feature 17 aerial challenges, four sky bridges, four traverse elements, and four routes offering different difficulty levels. Participants will navigate above a creek and redwood valley using a continuous safety system, with the most advanced route ending in a rappel to the forest floor. A separate netted play zone with four challenges will give younger children their own treetop experience. Designed for families, corporate retreats, and educational groups, the expansion adds a new way to experience Sonoma County’s redwood landscape through outdoor recreation, problem-solving, and team building.
New in Cowboy Core Travel Trend
Spur Saloon has opened bringing a lively new country-western bar and music venue to Windsor. Created by the owners of nearby Grata Italian Eatery, the casual saloon pairs rustic Western character with what chef-owner Eric Foster calls an “upscale Yellowstone lodge” aesthetic. Live country music, dancing, line-dancing events, and karaoke add a new nightlife experience to Windsor’s growing dining and entertainment scene.
Grapevine Dance brings Cowboy Core energy to venues across Sonoma County with country line-dancing lessons and social dance events designed for every experience level. Beginners and seasoned dancers learn popular routines in welcoming settings ranging from the historic Washoe House in Petaluma to Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove and Sonoma Community Center. With events pairing easy-to-follow instructions with country music, food, and drinks, Grapevine Dance gives visitors an approachable way to pull on their boots and experience Sonoma County’s growing Western nightlife scene.
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma offers a distinct Sonoma County Wine Country take on the Cowboy Core trend, leading guided horseback rides through the 17,000-acre Lake Sonoma Recreation Area. The Ranch welcomes first-time and experienced riders on trails overlooking Lake Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley, and the rugged Rockpile wine region. Available experiences range from relaxed scenic outings to private rides and excursions featuring a picnic lunch followed by local wine or beer, pairing Western adventure with the flavors and landscapes of Sonoma County.
Western style meets Sonoma County craftsmanship at The Hattery of Sonoma County, a working hat factory, showroom and museum in Santa Rosa. Owner Jennifer Webley began collecting vintage hats as a teenager and later opened Portobello Hats in 2011. After eight years creating one-of-a-kind hats, she partnered with her daughter, Elizabeth, to establish The Hattery and revive Shady Brady, a Western hat brand whose inventory included 14,000 straw hats, 150 molds and antique hat presses. Today, the mother-daughter-owned business produces Shady Brady hats and offers bespoke designs, workshops, alterations and repairs alongside more than 40 hat brands. Its private vintage collection includes European felt hats, designer pieces, and a bowler once worn by Liberace. As Cowboy Core shapes fashion and travel, The Hattery offers visitors an authentic connection to Western heritage, traditional millinery and a personalized keepsake from Sonoma County.
Blanton’s Boot & Hat has opened in downtown Petaluma, bringing an elevated Western shopping experience to the city’s historic commercial district. The locally owned boutique features premium cowboy boots, custom hats, Western apparel, leather goods, and accessories in a polished setting that blends authentic ranch culture with contemporary style. Blanton’s gives travelers a stylish place to embrace the Cowboy Core trend while exploring Petaluma’s longstanding agricultural and equestrian heritage.
Cowboy Core gets a refined Wine Country interpretation at Large Leather on Sonoma Plaza. The locally owned shop has handcrafted fine leather goods for more than 45 years, including belts, handbags, wallets, backpacks, and watchbands. Visitors choose from belts in a wide range of colors, widths and materials, from classic cowhide and bison to ostrich, lizard and alligator. Interchangeable buckles include solid brass, nickel-plated and sterling silver designs from respected Western silversmiths. Each piece combines enduring craftsmanship with the rugged, individual style driving the Cowboy Core travel trend.
Cowboy Core has deep roots at Bosworth & Son General Merchandise in Geyserville. Founded in 1911 and now operated by the third and fourth generations of the Bosworth family, the old-time mercantile carries Western wear for men, women and children. Visitors browse Stetson, Resistol, Dorfman and Atwood hats, along with Wrangler jeans, Panhandle Slim shirts and Western-inspired gifts. The store also provides custom hat shaping, cleaning, and restoration. Part working store and part local history museum, Bosworth & Son offers an authentic connection to northern Sonoma County’s ranching heritage and the enduring style behind the Cowboy Core travel trend.
New in Accolades
- Enclos Sonoma rose from two Michelin stars to three, making it the only restaurant to earn that distinction at the 2026 Bay Area Michelin Guide awards. The restaurant first entered the guide with two stars in 2025, only six months after opening, and has now joined the Michelin Guide’s highest tier. Troubadour also received significant recognition, earning its first Michelin star. SingleThread retained its three-star rating and Green Star for environmental sustainability and stewardship, while Cyrus maintained its one-star rating.
- The Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selections, which recognize restaurants offering high-quality cuisine at more accessible prices, included El Molino Central, Valley Bar + Bottle, Glen Ellen Star, Khom Loi, Ramen Gaijin, and Stockhome.
- The San Francisco Chronicle has named Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County on their list of Top 10 Bay Area Museums.
- Robb Report has named Domaine de la Rivière’s 2021 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay among the 50 Greatest California Chardonnays of the 21st Century.
- AYA at Graton Resort & Casino has been honored for its wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards. The rooftop restaurant received the Best of Award of Excellence just two months after opening its doors. AYA is recognized among 4,012 winners from 87 countries and is one of 666 new winners named this year.
- Healdsburg’s Mascarin Family Wines was named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top Wineries in Sonoma County for 2026.
- Andys Beeline Rooftop at Appellation Healdsburg earned the #4 Hotel Bar in the U.S. in USA TODAY 10Best’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) is the official organization responsible for destination stewardship in California’s Sonoma County. Committed to cultivating a vibrant economy through inclusivity, sustainability, and community connections, SCT promotes the area as a welcoming destination for all. Learn more about the organization’s innovative efforts to support the local economy responsibly at sonomacounty.com/partners/about-sonoma-county-tourism/.
For additional details or media inquiries, please contact:
Birgitt Vaughan or Chris Vomvolakis
Sonoma County Tourism
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com