More than 7 million visitors — and hundreds of journalists — can't be wrong: Sonoma County is a fantastic place to visit.
Positive travel stories are being published all around the globe, touting Sonoma County's genuine Wine Country experience — more than 425 friendly wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, miles of Pacific coastline, 40 spas, rivers to kayak or float down, redwood forests to explore, boutiques and galleries that entice, and hiking and biking trails that meander over oak-covered hills.
Press Coverage of Sonoma County
Viral Travel Trend Has Vacationers Flocking to Hot Spots Where Water Glows in the Dark
Bioluminescent kayak tours are a growing travel trend, letting adventurers paddle through glowing waters. This phenomenon occurs when plankton emits light, illuminating each movement. Guided tours across the U.S., including Sonoma’s coastline, offer this unique experience.
Traveling After a Disaster
In a segment broadcast to a nationwide audience, Jeff Morris shares insights from a Visit West Hollywood perspective, while Sonoma County Tourism CEO Claudia Vecchio highlights the parallels between the wildfires in Sonoma County and Los Angeles. She underscores the vital role of travel and tourism in supporting the region's recovery efforts.
The Sonoma County portion of the segment begins at 1:44.
What Should You Do if Your Hotel Is Under Construction?
Freelance travel journalist Molly O’Brien explores the potential challenges travelers may encounter when checking into hotels undergoing renovations. These construction projects can affect key amenities such as pools, restaurants, and fitness centers, potentially disrupting the overall guest experience. To provide deeper insight into how hotels navigate these situations and manage guest expectations.
Best Places to Travel for Whale Watching Season
After our pitch to Patrick Clarke, Senior Editor at TravelPulse, he highlighted Sonoma County in his roundup of the world's top destinations for experiencing the annual Pacific gray whale migration. He focused on the coastline in Bodega Bay during late winter and spring, also featuring our partners at Sonoma Coast State Park and recognizing Bodega Head as a premier whale-watching spot.
Going Places: Give the Gift of Travel Experience
In an article for the Long Island Press, Karen Rubin, Travel Features editor, highlights the importance of enhancing travel experiences by prearranging unique activities. She suggests options like dining, spa treatments, cultural events, museum visits, cooking classes, hot-air balloon rides, rock climbing, walking tours, and bike rentals. Along with her stories, Rubin also recommends gifting a wine club membership
Going Places: Wine-Tasting Exemplifies Art, Nature & Neighborhood in Sonoma, California
In another article for the Long Island Press, Karen highlights the experience of wine tasting in Sonoma County, emphasizing the blend of art, nature, and community.
Beyond Dry January: Year-Round Non-Alcoholic Delights in California
Non-alcoholic options are no longer limited to Dry January—they've become a year-round staple at Sonoma County bars and restaurants. From creative mocktails to full alcohol-free menus, the Healdsburg Mocktail Trail featuring Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen, Little Saint, Spoonbar, Goodnights Prime Steak + Spirits, Bravas Bar de Tapas, The Rooftop at Harmon Guesthouse, and Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar featuring creative alcohol-free alternatives and an inclusive drinking experience.
California's Coastline for All: Accessible Beach Experiences
Many beaches along the Sonoma coastline, such as Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Dunes, Doran Regional Park, and Gualala Point Regional Park, have been designed with accessibility in mind. These features ensure that visitors of all abilities can experience the stunning coastal scenery. Features such as paved pathways, wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, and designated parking spaces make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to navigate the shoreline.
California Dreaming: Lose Yourself in Redwood Forests and Vineyard Vistas in Sonoma County
Olive is a stylish, UK-based monthly food magazine catering to passionate food lovers. It features expertly tested recipes, restaurant recommendations, and travel inspiration. Over time, it has evolved into a digital-first brand, staying ahead of culinary trends while continuing to provide high-quality content. We’re thrilled to share that London-based freelance journalist Laura Millar has included Sonoma Wine Country in her roundup of the Top 10 Worldwide Walking Destinations
10 Unique Walking Holidays for Food Lovers
Olive is a stylish, UK-based monthly food magazine catering to passionate food lovers. It features expertly tested recipes, restaurant recommendations, and travel inspiration. Over time, it has evolved into a digital-first brand, staying ahead of culinary trends while continuing to provide high-quality content. We’re thrilled to share that London-based freelance journalist Laura Millar has included Sonoma Wine Country in her roundup of the Top 10 Worldwide Walking Destinations
23 Exciting Places to Visit in California in Winter
Julie Falconer, a professional travel blogger based in London, divides her time between the US and the UK. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Julie in the past, including hosting her and enjoying a deskside visit at The Barlow last year. In her recent post, she highlights Sonoma County as a top winter destination in California.
The Best Places to Go in North America & the Caribbean in 2025
In their 2025 Best Places to Go in North America list, the editors of Condé Nast Traveler describe the Alexander Valley as the place where a new wine region is taking shape—the Pocket Peak AVA—beckoning visitors with its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons, rivaling the finest anywhere. Pair these exceptional wines with gastronomic delights, from Michelin-starred dining experiences to charming family-style feasts.
19 Essential Wineries & Tasting Rooms to Visit in Sonoma County
This article highlights Sonoma County’s relaxed vibe and varied wine offerings. It contrasts our region’s more laid-back atmosphere with the bustling Napa Valley, focusing on Sonoma County’s unique wine culture, scenic tasting rooms, and diverse selections of wines. The piece emphasizes Sonoma County’s appeal for visitors seeking both exceptional wine and a tranquil experience, with less commercialized, more intimate experiences compared to our neighbors to the east.
Culinary Experiences: Elevated Luxury Travel
Travel Weekly, tailored for U.S. travel agents, tour operators, and corporate travel executives, stands as the premier B2B news resource driving the travel industry. In response to freelance journalist Wendy Helfenbaum’s call for pitches on luxury culinary experiences, she accepted our submissions featuring the mushroom foraging experience offered by our partners at Forage, along with cheesemaking classes hosted by the Epicurean Connection.
Sonoma County Giveaway
Thanks to our strong relationship with travel journalist and TV destination expert Emily Kaufman, Sonoma County was recently featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show! Celebrity host Kelly Clarkson offered an exclusive travel giveaway that includes wine tasting, hiking through the redwoods, beachcombing, hot air ballooning, ziplining, spa treatments, and a stay at The Vintners Resort.
Fall Into the Season Week: Fall Foliage Road Trips with Jacqui Gifford
We are thrilled that Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure, showcased Sonoma County in her "Fall Foliage Road Trips" segment on ABC’s Live with Kelly and Mark. During the segment, Jacqui highlighted our wonderful partners at Sonoma Botanical Garden and The Farmhouse Inn. In addition to reaching a national television audience, the feature captivated over 144,000 viewers in the California market, showcasing the beauty and charm of Sonoma County in the fall.
The World in Clay: How a Love of Art Helped a Creative Movement Grow
In the fourth installment of his series on Sonoma County, reporter John Bartell explores the rich history and vibrant art scene at Pond Farm Workshops, now located within the Austin Creek State Recreation Area. This segment highlights various artistic expressions and illustrates the connections among creators.
Unique Wine Tasting Adventures
San Francisco Freelance journalist Daniela Garrido recently appeared on KRON 4’s “Live! In the Bay program to share about her visit to Northern California Wine Country and unique wine tasting experiences to enjoy during the fall harvest.
Culinary Delights in Napa and Sonoma
We recently hosted freelance journalist Jenny Peters for this quick turnaround story highlighting fall getaways to Northern California Wine Country. This story also appeared in the popular Escapes Travel Adventure section of the Los Angeles Times, and well as their digital magazine.
22 Most Romantic Getaways in California
We hosted freelance journalist Sharael Kolberg who included her visit to Sonoma County in her story about the 22 Most Romantic Getaways in California.
From 'The Birds' to Giant Redwoods, Why Bodega Bay is a Great Getaway
We recently welcomed freelance journalist Dan Fellner to Sonoma County. Writing for the Arizona Republic newspaper, the largest newspaper in the state. This story is about why Sonoma County is a great getaway for residents of Arizona.
Wino’s Guide to the 20 Best Wineries in California
Fodor's Travel highlights some of California's finest wineries and tasting rooms. Carrie emphasizes the diverse experiences available, ranging from stunning landscapes to innovative winemaking practices. Among the featured wineries, those in Sonoma County stand out for their relaxed atmosphere and commitment to organic and sustainable methods. The article also showcases unique tasting experiences and beautiful outdoor spaces, solidifying Sonoma County's status as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts.
California Road Trip
Stating for the record it’s one of her all-time favorite places to visit, freelance journalist recently spent her milestone birthday in Sonoma County. Finding inspiration and story ideas galore
Trendy California Gift Shops
November’s ‘Small Business’ Saturday (the last Saturday of the month) is a day to support small businesses and the local economy by shopping at independent stores. Our pitch to Visit California in support of Small Business Saturday was included in the media inspiration Story Ideas section of their website.
Flavours of Sonoma
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of hosting UK-based journalist Baldwin Ho, who consistently delivers exceptional content. In his latest story, he explores the diverse culinary scene in Sonoma County, highlighting a variety of food and drink options for visitors.
Sonoma Travel Guide
The Travel section of U.S. News & World Report is a trusted resource for planning vacations. It includes rankings, detailed travel guides, and transparent methodologies for evaluations. These guides are designed to help readers meticulously plan their trips by offering insights into top destinations, including recommendations on when to visit and what to do. Covering premier vacation spots worldwide, they provide comprehensive information essential for trip planning. For 2024, collaborating with editors of U.S. News & World Report, they ranked Sonoma County #2 in Best Wine Vacations globally.
The 15 Best Luxury Hotels in California
Based on our pitch, Kathryn Romeyn, a freelance travel and wellness journalist who regularly contributes to AFAR, presents an exclusive guide to the 15 best luxury hotels in California. From world-class culinary experiences and stunning beachfront retreats to charming city hideaways, Kathryn's article highlights the crème de la crème of California’s high-end accommodations. Among her top picks are two (!) of our award-winning Sonoma County partners: Healdsburg’s SingleThread and Forestville’s The Farmhouse.
This Is California's Coolest Beach — and It's in the Middle of the Forest
Freelance journalist Stacey Leasca used our pitch to craft an engaging summertime story with a captivating, attention-grabbing title about Johnson's Beach, along the Russian River in Guerneville. The article features our partners at Johnson’s Beach who have been welcoming visitors to Sonoma County for over 100 years. This article also appeared on MSN where it received an additional 15 million unique views.
10 West Coast Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime
Following our pitch, freelance journalist Garrick Ramirez, writing for Condé Nast Traveler, featured Sonoma County in his latest article spotlighting the best road trips on the West Coast of the United States. In his write-up, Garrick highlights some of the Sonoma County’s standout experiences.
Embrace a Luxury Gay Getaway in Guerneville, California
Following our pitch, Joey Amato, publisher of Pride Journeys, authored this article about a luxury weekend getaway in Guerneville. His piece captures the essence of Guerneville, offering readers a taste of the exquisite experiences and serene beauty that define the West County.
13 Spooky Places to Go for Halloween in the USA
We collaborated with freelance journalist and blogger Tamara Gruber, providing suggestions for her Halloween article highlighting “13 Spooky Places to Visit for Halloween in the USA.” Naturally, Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic horror film The Birds, filmed mainly in Sonoma County and Bodega Bay’s Hitchcock Film Festival, come to mind. Tamara included our partners at The Inn at the Tides and The Lodge at Bodega Bay in her round up.
Luxury Under Canvas
Following our pitch, Nick Walton, publisher of Jetsetter Magazine, featured Safari West in his article about glamping and luxury accommodations under canvas around the world.
Travel Tuesday: A River Runs Through It
We recently hosted Dallas-based journalist Steven Lindsey for Out in the Vineyard’s Gay Wine Weekend. In his article, Stephen highlights the allure and charm of the Russian River region. The piece emphasizes the area’s picturesque landscapes, renowned wineries, and abundant outdoor activities, making it a prime destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
TODAY.com EXCLUSIVE: TIME reveals the 2024 World’s Greatest Places to visit
TIME has revealed its annual list of the World's Greatest Places, and NBC’s TODAY.com recently published an exclusive preview. The 2024 list highlights 100 destinations to consider for your next vacation. In April, we hosted New York-based freelance journalist Kelsy Chauvin, who explored Sonoma County. During her visit, Kelsy was so impressed by Mine + Farm in Guerneville that she nominated it for TIME magazine's World's Greatest Places for 2024. Owners and managing partners Suzanne Szostak and Bryce Skolfield were delighted when they received word last month that Mine + Farm was included on the prestigious list.
Sonoma’s Undiscovered Gems You Don’t Want to Miss
We hosted freelance travel and lifestyle journalist Maxine Albert who authored "Sonoma’s Undiscovered Gems You Don’t Want to Miss." Maxine highlights Sea Ranch Lodge, Coast Kitchen, and Timber Cove Resort, that all which offer unique experiences. The piece emphasizes the charm of the Sonoma Coast’s hidden treasure.
California’s Indigenous Artists and Entrepreneurs
In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 14 and Native American Heritage Month in November, we reached out to Visit California to spotlight Corine Pearce, a renowned Sonoma County Native American artist from the Wappo and Kashia Band of Pomo tribes. Pearce is celebrated for her mastery of traditional techniques combined with innovative, eco-conscious designs.
Go On Safari, But Watch Out for the Slobbering Giraffes
We collaborated with John Bartell host of ABC10 TV’s Sacramento’s ‘Bartell’s Backroads’ for the first in a series of segments focusing on Sonoma County. The show focuses on exploring unique and often overlooked destinations, attractions, and stories throughout California. The series has become popular for its engaging storytelling and its ability to showcase some of the lesser-known aspects of California's landscape, culture, and history. In this segment John features our two and four-legged partners at Safari West.
Destination Dupes
Travel expert Pamela Holt’s segment on ‘Destination Dupes’ that includes Sonoma County continues to engage viewers across the United States. Most recently Pamela introduced the segment on KRON4, the Nexstar Media Group television station broadcasting Live! In the Bay from San Francisco. The segment includes our partners at Ferrari Carano Vineyards, Azari Winery Jacuzzi Winery, Trattoria Roma, and Canetti Roadhouse. The Sonoma County portion begins at the 4m 15s mark
Must Haves – Perfect Pairings (stylish accessories to elevate the wine-drinking experience)
Writing for Global Traveler offers unique content catering to the lifestyle and travel interests of premium travelers who fly all over the world for business and pleasure. We pitched freelance travel, food and lifestyle journalist Brandon Schultz on Sonoma Champagne Sabreswhich resulted in the placement in the ‘Must Haves’ section of the magazine.
California Dreamin’
As a result of the Sonoma County segment of the recent Visit California – Play in the Bay press trip we helped organize, Toronto Sun photojournalist Ernest Doroszuk penned an excellent article titled "California Dreamin’.” Ernest mentions our partners at Flamingo Resort & Spa, Paradise Ridge Winery, The Barlow, Region, Golden State Cider, Rewind Arcade, Fern Bar, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and Fishetarian Fish Market. Congratulations on this international coverage!
