Winter (December through February) in Sonoma County translates to rolling green hills and pastures, as well as the happy yellow color of wild mustard blooms in dormant vineyards. Since it isn't peak season, Sonoma wineries may offer behind-the-scenes tours, or you may discover your tasting room attendant is the winemaker.

Sonoma County's more than 50 miles of Pacific coastline is in season. Fishing fleets in Bodega Bay are active with Dungeness crab season. Plus, the whales are migrating and there are several overlooks to see them.

Though the weather may be cool with the occasional mist, rain or fog, the mild temperatures bring people to experience such great events as Winter Wineland; Olive Season; Cloverdale Citrus Fair and Parade; and California’s Artisan Cheese Festival.

Featured Trip Ideas

Winter scenery at Luther Burbank in Sebastopol CA
Outdoor Activities

Lush greenery, foggy coastlines, seasonal harvests and unique wildlife sightings – Sonoma County in winter is a place where visitors…

Girls Getaway in Sonoma County
Food & Wine

Winter might be considered the off-season for many of the world’s hottest travel destinations, but a Wine Country visit between…

Menorah lit up
Restaurants

Sonoma County will celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with a variety of traditional — and not so traditional —…

Food & Wine

Sonoma County is known for its delicious, fresh, farm-to-table food, which includes many unique dishes that are special to the…

Events & Festivals

Often referred to as Chinese New Year in the United States, the Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration of…

Food & Wine

Winter is a magical time in Sonoma County, with so much to do yet generally less crowds, mild temperatures, and…

Activities

Detoxing is not exactly synonymous with Wine Country. In fact, most people think the opposite – great food and wine…

Holidays

Nothing tugs at a Swede’s gastronomic heart strings like glögg at a winter gathering. Just the thought of this Nordic…

Events & Festivals

Time to shop at Sonoma County’s many wonderful holiday craft fairs! Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, Sonoma’s artisans sell…

Sonoma Coast State Park Bodega Coast
Beaches

Late fall through winter is considered off-season at the Sonoma Coast, but we consider them ideal times to visit our…

See What’s Happening

Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp