Springtime in Sonoma County signals a clear shift. Days grow longer. Vineyards begin to bud. Valleys turn lush green. Rivers and creeks flow full. Cities and towns feel brighter and more open. Farm stands reopen with the season’s first harvests. Outdoor tables are set again. Mustard plants and wildflowers line vineyard rows and coastal hillsides. Hiking trails invite longer walks. Wineries open their patios, and relaxed tastings return to the center of the experience. After winter’s rest, fresh life appears everywhere, from Gualala in the north to Carneros in the south. In Sonoma County, spring brings nature and community into focus as Life Opens Up.
New in Hotels
Preferred Hotels & Resorts have recognized Vinarosa Resort & Spa as part of its global collection of independent luxury hotels. The designation indicates that the property meets Preferred’s rigorous quality and service standards and now participates in the organization’s international marketing, reservation, and travel advisor network. For Vinarosa, this recognition enhances its position as a top-tier Sonoma County Wine Country resort and places the property among a global group of vetted luxury destinations known for exceptional service, amenities, and an authentic sense of place.
New in Wineries
Skipstone Estate Winery has opened its new estate facility in Alexander Valley, marking a significant addition to Sonoma County’s wine tourism scene and strengthening the region’s leadership in sustainable hospitality. The LEED Platinum-certified winery now welcomes visitors for the first time with immersive, estate-focused experiences that showcase its architectural design and commitment to environmental stewardship. Built with sustainability as a core principle, the estate integrates organic farming, low-impact operations, and advanced green building techniques to create a thoughtful, place-based visitor experience. Aimed at eco-conscious travelers and discerning wine enthusiasts, Skipstone sets a high standard for responsible wine tourism while delivering the quality and authenticity for which Sonoma County is known.
A new tasting room by winemaker Martha Stoumen has opened just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza, marking the first permanent public space for a winery that has built a loyal following through pop-ups and events. The intimate venue reflects Stoumen’s creative approach to natural winemaking, featuring a warm interior designed to highlight sensory elements like texture, lighting, and sound. The space offers inviting seating areas with redwood trim, cork paneling, burlap accents, and copper tabletops built to age and develop character over time. Unlike many tasting rooms that close before dinner, this location stays open late and accepts reservations until 9 p.m. on weekend evenings, offering a relaxed setting for evening wine tasting.
Harper’s Rest Winery has opened on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. The 36-acre estate in Healdsburg’s Middle Reach features vineyards planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with a tasting room and a natural garden setting. It takes its name from 1850s hop farmer Reuben Harper, who once worked the land. Harper’s Rest also includes the 18-acre Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills, supporting a terroir-driven portfolio of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown using regenerative organic practices. Winemaker Vance Rose focuses on minimal-intervention techniques to showcase site expression.
Café Aquatica in Jenner on the Sonoma Coast is becoming an even bigger culinary and wine destination with new features that make it timely for travel coverage. The waterfront café, famous for its scenic views where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean and its expanded menu since 2018 under owner Rachel Kulinski, will open an adjacent retail space called Jenner Outpost this spring. Inside that space, acclaimed sommelier and winemaker Patrick Cappiello will launch Outpost Cellar, a 1,000-bottle wine bar and Monte Rio Cellars tasting room showcasing wines from California drawn from his extensive personal cellar. Café Aquatica was recently named one of Sonoma Wine Country’s top 25 restaurants by San Francisco Chronicle critics, adding editorial credibility to its appeal.
New in Restaurants
Graton Resort & Casino will open the next phase of its $1 billion expansion this spring, unveiling a new culinary and entertainment hub in Sonoma County that coincides with a major upgrade to its gaming experience. The resort is adding a series of original dining venues led by chefs Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar, including a 28,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant called AYA, a lively sports bar with elevated comfort food, and a dedicated artisanal doughnut and dessert shop. The expansion also features a new 144,000-square-foot non-smoking gaming floor with modern amenities, positioning Graton as a chef-driven dining destination that highlights Sonoma County wine and local ingredients while creating hundreds of jobs. Additional food, nightlife, and hospitality offerings, including a new hotel tower with over 200 rooms and an adults-only pool, are scheduled to open later in 2026 and 2027.
A new culinary concept is set to debut this spring in Occidental, as the former Hazel restaurant space is reimagined as Bohemian Bistro under chef James Millar, in partnership with Acme Burger founders Todd and Erica Kniess. The project marks an unexpected evolution for the fast-casual restaurateurs, who are moving toward a more refined, white-tablecloth style while continuing to expand their popular burger brand elsewhere in Sonoma County. Led by Millar and his wife, the bistro will feature prix-fixe menus based on French techniques with global influences, along with a more casual midweek locals’ night. The opening reflects a broader regional trend of classically trained chefs exploring more flexible dining options while revitalizing iconic West County spaces.
A longtime Santa Rosa landmark is preparing for a new chapter. The historic Villa restaurant, a hilltop dining destination overlooking Annadel State Park, is being restored and will reopen as The Junction, a casual, family-friendly eatery focused on craft beer, cocktails, and upscale pizza. The 64-year-old property, which has been vacant for three years, is being revitalized by restaurateurs Liz and Dez Fiedler and partner Jeff Krupman. Renovations include expanded glass walls to highlight the sweeping views, a 4,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden with a stage for live music and refreshed indoor spaces. The new concept aims to create a vibrant community gathering place while honoring the site’s long history as a beloved Sonoma County dining destination.
The restaurant at Farmhouse Inn in Forestville is shifting away from its previous Michelin-starred tasting menu format toward a more approachable, upscale à la carte concept. Now led by new chef Julio Aguilera, the refreshed direction emphasizes seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes signaling a move toward a more relaxed yet still refined dining experience in West Sonoma County.
Healdsburg Bar & Grill begins a new chapter with renowned chef Charlie Palmer, combining the comfort of local favorites with upscale cuisine and drinks. Palmer teamed up with owner Danya Richter to update the menu, bar selections, and décor while keeping classic dishes like the HBG burger and fried chicken. New offerings feature Palmer’s signature dishes such as beef bourguignon and duck confit, along with inventive cocktails and a brighter, more welcoming interior. The revamped HBG continues to prioritize affordability and community, inviting families and longtime regulars to enjoy meals and gatherings in downtown Healdsburg.
Galvan’s Beer Garden has opened as a lively new destination for game-day fun and casual outdoor dining. Started by brothers Omar and Ivan Galvan following their success with three popular taco trucks, the beer garden features communal picnic tables, large-screen TVs, and a relaxed layout designed for fans to gather and enjoy sports events year-round. Located in the former Jaded Toad space, the family-friendly venue also offers Monday-night cornhole and additional programming, making it a welcoming hangout for both sports fans and visitors to Sonoma County.
The former French Garden restaurant space in Sebastopol is set to reopen this spring as Mansoor, introducing a new concept focused on interactive, tableside dining. Previously home to the French Garden and later Gravenstein Grill, the property is being reimagined by developer and restaurateur Matt Sadati as a “flambé house,” where dishes are finished with fire in front of guests. The menu will feature theatrical preparations, blending classic techniques with a modern, experiential approach. Led by chef Zack Ghidotti, the reopening demonstrates ongoing reinvestment in West County dining, bringing a distinctive, experience-driven concept to one of Sebastopol’s longstanding restaurant locations.
New in Experiences
Wheel the World – Accessible Travel
Sonoma County Tourism has launched a region-wide partnership with Wheel the World, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to accessibility and inclusive hospitality. Through the collaboration, Sonoma County has been designated a “Destination Verified” location, with more than 70 lodging, attraction, and experience partners already vetted through Wheel the World’s rigorous, data-driven assessment process. The initiative provides travelers with clear, reliable accessibility information, supported by new planning tools and a dedicated accessibility platform on sonomacounty.com, allowing visitors to make informed decisions with confidence. As part of the broader “Wine Country for All of Us” initiative, the launch reinforces Sonoma County’s position as a welcoming, navigable destination for travelers of all abilities, while setting a foundation for continued expansion of verified partners and accessible experiences across our region.
Transcendence Theatre Company is a nonprofit based in Sonoma County, known for outdoor musical theatre performances that combine Wine Country settings with top Broadway talent. The annual Broadway Under the Stars series takes place at the Field of Dreams near Sonoma Plaza and consistently features high-caliber singers, dancers, and musicians from New York City. These performers regularly appear on Broadway and national tours, offering vocal power, choreography, and stage presence rarely seen outside major theater hubs. In 2026, Transcendence plans a milestone fifteenth summer season focused on high-energy musical revues instead of traditional book musicals, held over multiple summer weekends. Each production blends live orchestration, large ensemble numbers, and polished staging with a pre-show picnic featuring local food and Sonoma County wines. Beyond the performances, Transcendence supports arts education through youth camps, apprenticeships, and community programs, reinforcing its role as a cultural leader and attracting visitors seeking world-class entertainment in Sonoma County.
The Analog Reunion, a boutique music and community gathering, will take place May 15 to 17, 2026, in Healdsburg, marking the next chapter of the festival formerly known as Cosmico. Held mainly at Wildhaven Sonoma along the Russian River, the three-day event combines live music with wellness programming, artisan markets, and immersive outdoor experiences designed to spark creativity and genuine connections. Daytime activities include Wine Camp with independent winemakers, the White Sage Market featuring artisan and vintage goods, Kids Camp creative activities, wellness options such as sauna and nature-based restoration, and on-site glamping accommodations. The weekend wraps up with a special Sunday performance in a secret natural setting near Healdsburg.
Running Fence at 50, a major exhibition, will be hosted by the Museum of Sonoma County (MoSC) from June through November 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s monumental environmental artwork Running Fence. The original installation stretched over 24 miles across Sonoma County landscapes before vanishing into the Pacific Ocean, becoming one of the most recognizable large-scale art projects worldwide. At MoSC, visitors will experience digital and sound installations that recreate the fence, view historic artifacts like fabric panels, engineering plans, and worker gear, and watch a video featuring local historian Gaye LeBaron. The exhibition will also showcase photographs by project photographer Wolfgang Volz and stories from ranchers, volunteers, workers, and local officials who helped make the installation happen. This highlights the collaboration and community effort behind this iconic chapter in Sonoma County’s cultural history.
Friday Night Flights is a Friday evening wine program in Sonoma Valley that runs from early summer through August. Participating wineries stay open later than usual, typically into the early evening, and offer casual tastings or wine by the glass without the need for tickets or reservations. The program encourages visitors to slow down and extend their evening by pairing winery visits with dinner at nearby restaurants, many of which waive or reduce corkage fees for bottles purchased from participating wineries the same night. Organized by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with local tourism and wine groups, Friday Night Flights emphasizes the Valley’s community spirit, supports local businesses, and provides both locals and visitors an easy, low-pressure way to enjoy Sonoma Valley wine and food beyond regular tasting room hours.
A new Latino-focused monthly market is launching in Sonoma County, creating a platform for local businesses, artists, and food vendors while celebrating our region’s cultural diversity. Known as Mercado Rosa, the open-air event will bring together artisans, chefs, and performers in a community-centered setting at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Designed to uplift Latino entrepreneurs and creatives, organizers emphasize the market’s role in fostering connection, supporting small businesses, and showcasing authentic cultural experiences, with plans for recurring events that invite both residents and visitors to engage with Sonoma County’s rich and evolving cultural landscape.
New in Airlines
Southwest Airlines will expand service at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) this fall with a new nonstop route to Austin, Texas. Nonstop service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) begins on Saturday, Oct. 3, and operates seasonally with flights only on Saturdays. The new Austin route is the second market Southwest has added at Sonoma County Airport before launching its initial service there. The Dallas-based airline previously announced plans to increase its Saturday-only nonstop flights to Denver to five days a week, starting Aug. 26.
Accolades
- The Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa has earned a place on the 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America list for Romantic Proposals.
- Slow Food Sonoma County recognized 21 businesses with its 2026 Snail of Approval for promoting food that is good, clean, and fair. The honorees include farms, producers, restaurants, and markets that support the land, workers, and local communities across Sonoma County. Notable mentions include Ambix Spirits, The Beet Restaurant & Wine Shop, Fishetarian Fish Market, Little Saint Farm and Restaurant, The Redwood, Valley Bar + Bottle, and Valley Swim Club.
- Global travel booking site, Skyscanner, recently named the Sonoma Coast among its top destinations for solo travelers.
- Travel + Leisure has declared Sonoma County the best place in the country to see whales. The magazine states there is “no better place” in the U.S. for whale watching than the stretch of coastline from Bodega Bay to Gualala.
- WorldAtlas named Healdsburg as the friendliest small town in California, highlighting its welcoming vineyards, lively jazz festivals, charming 19th-century inns, art scene, unique lodging options, and wine tasting experiences.
- Time Magazine has included California’s Highway in its list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2026. Sonoma County features 56 miles of Highway 1, one of California’s most scenic coastal drives, where the rugged, cliffside route offers dramatic ocean views, secluded beaches, and charming seaside communities.
- Two Sonoma County producers emerged with top honors at the 2026 California Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. McEvoy Ranch and Gold Ridge Organic Farms collected a slate of awards, including the competition’s most coveted distinctions: Best of Show and Best of California.
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