As winter settles in, Sonoma County’s landscape transforms into a wonderland with open skies and now dormant vineyards draped in dew-covered vines. Sonoma County wineries invite cozy indoor tastings, where visitors can savor world-class wines and experience the craftsmanship and taste the story in each bottle. Seasonal festivals celebrate the bounty of the land, offering farm-to-table dining with fresh, local ingredients that highlight Sonoma’s rich agricultural heritage. With a slight nip in the air, it’s the perfect time to bundle up and explore Sonoma County’s charming small towns, each with its own distinct character and welcoming locals. After a day of discovery, visitors can unwind by a crackling fire, sipping a glass of wine while enjoying the peaceful landscape. Winter in Sonoma County is a time to embrace the season’s beauty, immerse oneself in festive celebrations, and experience the tranquility of a destination where Life Opens Up.
New in Restaurants
Songbird Parlour
Located in Glen Ellen’s historic Jack London Village, Songbird Parlour is a woman-owned, Victorian-style lounge and restaurant that promises to be a shining star in Sonoma Valley’s culinary scene. With a menu celebrating hyper-local ingredients from nearby farms, it offers a true taste of the region. The carefully curated wine list features standout vintages from local wineries, reflecting Sonoma Valley’s rich viticultural heritage. Beyond dining, Songbird Parlour aims to be a cultural hub, hosting events like comedy shows and live music nights. Committed to sustainability, the restaurant sources ingredients responsibly and has earned the Slow Food Snail of Approval, engaging with community initiatives to preserve the area’s history and environment.
Enclos Restaurant
Chef Brian Limoges has launched Enclos, an intimate fine-dining restaurant in Sonoma, with a terroir-driven menu inspired by the local landscape. Set in a restored Victorian home linked to Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards, the 12-table venue offers a blend of cuisine and private wine experiences. Limoges, a veteran of Michelin-starred kitchens, focuses on storytelling through food and hospitality while maintaining a connection to nature. The restaurant, now open, elevates Sonoma’s outstanding culinary scene with Michelin Star aspirations.
Soft Medicine Sanctuary
Soft Medicine Sanctuary in Sebastopol is a new community hub that blends holistic wellness, culinary arts, and connection. Spanning 12,000 sq ft, it offers an immersive experience centered on health and mindful living. The Sanctuary’s café menu emphasizes local, organic cuisine, sourcing ingredients from farms within 200 miles of Sonoma County. Guests can enjoy vegetarian dishes such as grain bowls, tacos, burritos, and seasonal charcuterie featuring the region’s best produce. In addition to its culinary offerings, Soft Medicine features an herbal elixir lounge inspired by Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and European folk medicine. The space also includes yoga studios, dance areas, and an event venue, supporting physical, mental, and social well-being.
Cock Robin
Cock Robin, a reimagined midwestern treasure, has found a home in The Barlow in Sebastopol. Inspired by the legendary Chicago burger joint, this revival offers a fresh twist on classic American comfort food. Famous for its “One in a Million” malted milkshakes, square-scooped ice cream cones, and signature steak burgers, Cock Robin blends nostalgia with modern flair, creating new traditions for patrons to cherish. Originally established in Illinois in 1931, Cock Robin has journeyed west under new ownership, infusing its history with a contemporary, locally inspired Sonoma County menu. Highlights include nostalgic favorites: beloved American classics with a fresh, local spin, modern creations: innovative takes on traditional dishes for today’s palates and family-friendly vibes: a warm, inviting space for all to enjoy.
Slow Co. Pizza
Slow Co. Pizza is a new, family- and friend-run artisan pizzeria that celebrates the rich bounty of Sonoma County. The menu is rooted in seasonality and inspired by a close partnership with the local farming community. Owners Dane and Martha Baratta describe their vision as “an artisan pizzeria serving all the essentials: pizza, salads, soft serve, wine, and beer.” At the heart of their craft is a slow fermentation process for naturally-leavened pizza dough—true to the name “Slow Co.”—a tribute to the idea that the best things in life take time to cultivate.
New in Wineries
Overshine Wine Company
Located on the former Armida Winery hillside property in Dry Creek Valley, Overshine Wine Company has opened its doors. The tasting room and facility feature a retro charm, with a distinctive Quonset hut design and playful touches like record players spinning vinyl for a nostalgic experience. The winery is the brainchild of Sonoma County winegrower and former Google executive David Drummond, whose portfolio celebrates classic varietals from the region. Overshine’s focus is on Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, as well as grapes from its Il Campo vineyard. A unique feature of Overshine’s operation is the involvement of rising star winemaker and new general manager, Sam Bilbro. Bilbro will be sourcing grapes from Drummond’s Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley for his Italian-style Idlewild brand, which Drummond recently acquired. Bilbro will also craft wines for Drummond’s new Comunità brand, which focuses on Italian-style wines.
Mascarin Family Wines
Though 32 Winds Wine is still a hidden gem, the boutique winery is rooted in a deep family legacy. Owned by third-generation vineyard manager Ed Mascarin and his daughter Mia Mascarin-Oven, the winery recently launched the **Mascarin** label. The collection includes three distinctive wines: a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Sebastopol’s Dalya Estate, a complex Pinot Noir from Moonshine Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, and a unique Red Field Blend from the family’s Angelo Vineyard near Healdsburg, featuring Rhône and Loire varieties. Set on a picturesque estate with sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley, 32 Winds offers a tranquil, authentic wine experience that reflects the Mascarin family’s dedication to terroir-driven, small-lot wines.
Truett Hurst Winery and VML Wine
This March, Phil Hurst reclaimed the Truett Hurst and VML brands he founded in 2008, after selling them a decade later to Washington-based Precept Wine Co. While he wasn’t able to buy back the original 24-acre Dry Creek Road estate, Hurst, alongside new partner Ken Wilson of the Wilson Wines portfolio, recently opened a new tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. You can’t miss it—just look for the giant red Adirondack chair out front, a nod to the iconic chairs that once adorned the original Truett Hurst property. Inside, the tasting room offers a selection of wines from both the Truett Hurst and VML labels.
Comstock Wines
The Comstock family, known for their elegant tasting room at their estate winery in Healdsburg, has expanded with a second location just 2.9 miles away. Situated in Bacchus Landing, a vibrant collective of boutique wineries near downtown Healdsburg, the new space offers a more relaxed, casual vibe for wine lovers looking for an impromptu experience without straying too far from town. “Our goal is to create a laid-back atmosphere,” says general manager Kelly Comstock Ferris. In addition to wine tastings, guests can enjoy bottle service, bocce ball, and a selection of classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Battleship. Bring your dog, unwind, and savor the wines at your own pace.
Stressed Vines Cellars
Stressing a vine by withholding water is a good thing, as it helps increase concentrated fruit flavors. But founder and vintner Rob Barney wants guests to relax at the tasting room he opened steps from the Healdsburg Plaza. Barney began making wine in 2016, sourcing from a variety of vineyards across Sonoma and Napa counties for his signature Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Pinot Noir.
Obsidian Wine Co.
The recently opened Obsidian Base Camp tasting room in Sonoma highlights a unique approach to wine tasting and visitor experience. The nature-inspired space with soothing tones and Japanese design elements offers a variety of wines sourced from the surrounding vineyards, emphasizing Obsidian Wine Co.’s commitment to sustainable practices. Though set about 50 feet from Sonoma Square, Base Camp feels far away from city life. The building’s glass walls open to a lush Zen Garden filled with native plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy curated tasting flights, guided by knowledgeable staff who share insights into the winemaking process. Obsidian Base Camp aims to create memorable experiences that celebrate the art of winemaking in Sonoma Valley.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Jordan Vineyard & Winery, a certified sustainable Sonoma County producer of French-inspired Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the Alexander Valley, has unveiled several redesigned spaces by San Francisco-based Maria Khouri Interiors. The renovations include the dining room, restrooms, and the alfresco Jordan Terrace, as well as a new Chef’s Table for intimate tastings and events. These enhancements are part of a seven-year plan by owner John Jordan to elevate the 1,200-acre estate and its hospitality offerings. With Khouri’s innovative design, the revamped areas provide an elegant and functional backdrop for memorable dining experiences.
New in Events and Experiences
Wine Road’s Winter Wineland
Winter Wineland celebrates the rich winemaking heritage of Sonoma County. Attendees can explore a variety of wineries across Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and other areas, enjoying premium wine tastings often paired with small bites. The event offers opportunities to meet winemakers, learn about their craft, and participate in exclusive experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and barrel tastings. Known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Winter Wineland provides a chance to savor scenic Sonoma County vineyards and intimate gatherings during the winter season. Tickets include access to participating wineries and a commemorative wine glass, with attendees encouraged to plan routes in advance to make the most of the event. It’s an ideal occasion for wine enthusiasts seeking to discover Sonoma County’s offerings in a relaxed and festive setting. January 18 – 19 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Russian River Rail Bikes
Russian River Rail Bikes offers pedal-powered rail bike tours featuring 11 rail bikes and a scenic six-mile round trip in Cloverdale. This innovative program invites visitors to pedal along the scenic tracks, providing a unique opportunity to engage with northern Sonoma County’s natural beauty while learning about the railroad’s history. The rail bikes, which are designed for two to four passengers, traverse the line, allowing riders to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Russian River region. Russian River Rail Bikes, managed by the Golden Gate Railroad Museum offers a recreational activity that is both environmentally friendly and family oriented. As the railway has been non-operational for passenger trains for several years, this new venture is a step towards revitalizing interest in the scenic, historic route.
New in Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is now offering Las Vegas residents direct flight service to Sonoma Wine Country. Alaska guests collecting cabs or procuring pinots can take advantage of Alaska’s Wine Flies Free program, which helps avoid costly shipping fees by offering each Mileage Plan member the ability to check an entire case — up to 12 bottles of wine — for free. Service on this route operates once daily. The Santa Rosa route is served by an Embraer 175 aircraft.
For the Good of the Cause
Pond Farm Pottery
California State Parks and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods celebrated the designation of Pond Farm Pottery in Austin Creek State Recreation Area, near Guerneville, as a National Historic Landmark during a plaque dedication ceremony on October 26. Located next to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Pond Farm Pottery shares a common entrance with the park. Officially designated by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland on December 11, 2023, Pond Farm Pottery is now California State Parks’ 30th National Historic Landmark and its first new designation since 1999. This recognition is the result of a nearly seven-year collaboration among California State Parks, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, and the National Park Service’s National Historic Landmarks Program.
Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program
Ten distinguished winegrape growers and wineries from Sonoma County have been honored with the prestigious Founders’ Award from the Fish Friendly Farming Certification program for their sustained commitment to environmental stewardship. These recipients, each having maintained certification for over 20 years, include Constellation Brands, Dutton Ranch Corp., Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Peter Michael Winery, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management, Ridge Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars, Treasury Wine Estates, and Vino Farms.
The Fish Friendly Farming program offers vital third-party certification, recognizing the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that support growers in protecting and enhancing the local environment, waterways, and wildlife habitats.
In addition, the program is also celebrating a new group of growers who have shown exceptional dedication to sustainability through their BMP implementation. This group, recognized with the “Next Wave of Sustainability” award, includes Enterprise Vineyard Management Company, Foley Family Wines, Jordan Vineyards and Winery, La Prenda Vineyard Management Company, and Serres Ranch Wine. These recipients, while newer to the program, are making significant strides in advancing sustainable farming practices as outlined in their Farm Plans.
New Accolades
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay was named the #1 Hotel in the World in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. A staggering 575,048 votes were received in the 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
- The global benchmark for gastronomy, La Liste.com has unveiled its Top 1000 ranking of the World’s Best Restaurants for 2025. Healdsburg’s SingleThread has been named La Liste’s #1 restaurant in America.
- Esquire Magazine has included Sea Ranch Lodge and Dawn Ranch in its 3rd annual 41 Best New Hotels in North America and Europe 2024
- The editors of Sunset Magazine included Dawn Ranch on the short list of 2024 Top Wine Country Hotels.
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has earned a 4-Key designation from Green Key Global, recognizing its strong commitment to sustainability through comprehensive programs engaging employees, guests, and the community, resulting in measurable achievements in sustainable tourism.
- The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Healdsburg as one of their Best Cities in the US in 2024.
- La Crema has been named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in recognition of its consistent excellence and innovation in winemaking. La Crema’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and its long-standing tradition of crafting wines that reflect the character of the land have played a key role in its success.
- Tom Klein, proprietor of Rodney Strong Vineyards, has been awarded the prestigious Wine Enthusiast 2024 American Wine Legend. As the driving force behind Rodney Strong Vineyards, Klein’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in Sonoma County has elevated the brand to global recognition.
- Healdsburg was named one of the “Top 10 Best Christmas Towns” in a Reader’s Choice Awards article from Newsweek. Additionally, digital travel publication The Travel named Healdsburg the coziest California town in the winter in this article.
- The Sonoma County cities of Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Windsor were included in financial website, WalletHub’s Best Small Cities in America (2024). WalletHub looked at 1,318 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 and compared data in each city across five categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life and safety.
- Bitter Girl Bitters earned the #3 spot on USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 Best Craft Mixer Brand. Owner and Penngrove resident Erin Elizabeth Hines uses many ingredients from her own Sonoma County garden to create Bitter Girl Bitters. She grows her own pears, hops, roses, lavender, mint, walnuts, pomegranates, prickly pears, among others. Her garden is organic, using chickens, ducks, and composting to fertilize.
- Yelp recently released its list of “Top 100 Places to Eat in the Bay Area, according to Yelp Elites.” Among the best bay eats are Sonoma Pizza Company in Forestville, the girl & the fig in Sonoma Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa.
- Mental health organization Mission Connection named Sebastopol as one of the top ‘Zen’ cities in America in a recent blog post. The bohemian city, a longtime agricultural hub in Sonoma County, is largely known for embracing art, culture and sustainable living. Spas, health stores, plant-based restaurants, art galleries and more.
- Jean-Charles Boisset, owner of Sonoma County’s Deloach Vineyards and Buena Vista Winery will receive Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Person of the Year award. The award honors individuals that make outstanding contributions to the wine industry.
- Mixbook has named The Farmer’s Wife in The Barlow in Sebastopol one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the U.S. Mixbook spotlighted The Farmer’s Wife for its seasonally crafted meals using organic, locally grown ingredients.
- Condé Nast Traveler has included Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley as one of their top picks for “The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2025.”
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism is the region’s destination stewardship organization. Inspiring travel to the region through a variety of sales and marketing programs aimed at consumers, meeting and event planners, the travel trade, and media, the organization strives to ensure responsible tourism helps create a robust economy for the Sonoma County region. For more information visit sonomacounty.com.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
