Sonoma County covers a large amount of territory, from the Pacific coast to the edge of Napa and extends from the Carneros region in the upper San Francisco Bay to Cloverdale in the north. It is too large and diverse to try to see it all during a short visit, so we have divided it into parts. This getaway guide focuses on the “Sonoma Valley,” the area around the city of Sonoma, which includes Glen Ellen and Kenwood.
Why should you go
Sonoma is less crowded than Napa Valley, with the wineries more dispersed, friendlier, and generally less pretentious. The Sonoma countryside doesn’t have the sharp “valley” feel that you’ll get in the county next door, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in beautiful scenery. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Merlot grapes grow well in the Sonoma Valley, and Sonoma Chardonnays are often more complex than those grown in Napa.
In Sonoma Valley, you can taste more than just wine. Olive oil, artisan cheese, and local produce are sold in many places, and make great souvenirs.
Best time to visit
Sonoma’s climate is pleasant most of the year, but in the summer it can be busier and hotter. One of the most popular times to visit is the fall, during the harvest, but this is when winemakers are busiest and have less time for their visitors.
Things to do
If you only have one day, spend it in downtown Sonoma. It’s perfect for exploring, with shops and restaurants surrounding a shady plaza lined with cozy benches. Almost every building has a historical plaque on the front and most date from before 1900. You’ll find some wine tasting spots here, so you won’t miss a thing.
Annual events
- Sonoma International Film Festival – late March early April
- Sonoma Wine Country Weekend – Labor Day Weekend – Includes winemaker lunches and dinners, GUSTO Sonoma and a wine auction.
- Sonoma Grape Camp , September – Follow the grapes from vineyard to bottle
- Sonoma Extra Virgin Festival – Celebrating Olive Oil at BR Cohn Winery
Where to stay
Cities in the Sonoma Valley area include Kenwood, Glen Ellen, and the City of Sonoma. On some websites (and especially TripAdvisor), you may need to search for each city separately.
If you are staying in Sonoma, lodging in the town square or within walking distance will be most convenient. However, other places a little further out may offer enough extras to make it worth your while.
The Sonoma Valley is busiest during the summer vacation season (late May to early September) and also during the grape harvest, which can begin in late August and run through October.
- Bed and breakfast inns can be harder to find without spending countless hours visiting their websites.
- Sonoma Valley Vacation Rentals – Rent a large home and invite a group of friends to join you.
- Sonoma Valley Campground – Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has a campground
Get there
Sonoma is 45 miles from San Francisco, 92 miles from San Jose, 68 miles from Sacramento, and 200 miles from Reno, Nevada.
