Sonoma California
Morning mist lingers on a vineyard near Forestville
Fresh produce on display at the Green String Farm Store in Petaluma
Wine cellar nestled into the hillside of a vineyard in Kenwood
Boats docked at a marina on Bodega Bay
Historic buildings line streets in the eclectic Sonoma Plaza district
Gazing at towering redwoods, some of the tallest and oldest in the world
Statue of Charlie Brown outside the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa
Fast track action year-round at Sonoma Raceway
- Major Airports:
- Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County (STS)
- Oakland (OAK)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- States:
- California
An incredible wine country and so much more to savor
Famous Wineries
Wine enthusiasts already know about Sonoma County's famed wineries and nearly 20 distinct wine-growing areas encompassed within 405,000 hectares. Vintners produce a stunning array of wines. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find that wine tasting in Sonoma is a casual, friendly affair, often with the winemaker pouring for visitors. Sonoma County produces some of the world’s best wines. Top wines include pinot noir, chardonnay, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc.
Eat Fresh
Whether grown locally on family farms or harvested fresh from the sea, Sonoma County's eateries embrace an eat-fresh philosophy that offers visitors a true taste of wine country. Venture out to discover a food lover's paradise: More than 500 restaurants ranging from Michelin- and Zagat-rated to casual wine country cuisine use freshly harvested, locally grown produce. Don’t forget the farmers' markets; there is one open every day during season in Sonoma County.
Beer and Cider
Discover Sonoma County’s other famous beverages: beer, cider and spirits. Sonoma County now has more than 30 operating breweries, cider houses and distilleries. Ciders make use of local apples, historically one of the crops that first made this region famous. Craft distillers roll out vodka, gin and whiskeys and offer tastings. In fact, some of the top beers in the USA are brewed in Sonoma County. Maps are available that show the locations of tasting rooms.
Explore Nature
Sonoma County is one of California’s most diverse natural destinations. More than 60 regional and state parks beckon travelers to hike through redwood forests, paddle along the coast, cycle scenic roads and discover California history. Perhaps you will simply just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Enjoy the Arts
With 120-plus performing arts companies, more than 30 performing arts venues, 80 museums and galleries, and more than 27,000 artists of every discipline, there’s plenty of arts and culture to explore.
Catch a live performance at a local pub or one of the area’s top venues, including: the world-renowned concert hall at Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus; headliners’ favorite North Bay venue, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts; and the Transcendence Theatre Company’s award-winning Broadway Under the Stars at Jack London State Park.
Only in Sonoma
The Charles M. Schulz Museum celebrates all things Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. Visit to learn more about the amazing artist and storyteller in this comprehensive facility.
Safari West is an African-style adventure in the heart of wine country. Explore the Sonoma Serengeti alongside romping herds of exotic wildlife or relax in a luxury safari tent under the gaze of a graceful giraffe.
Fast and furious action at Sonoma Raceway’s road course includes NASCAR, IndyCar and motorcycle racing. Those wanting to experience racing on a more personal level can suit up and jump in a real race car at a driving school at the track.
Fun Fact
Six percent of all the wine produced in California comes from Sonoma County.