Sonoma is a historic city located in northern California, and is the center of the renowned Sonoma Valley winemaking region. It is a cultural center with many art galleries and colonial-era buildings, such as the Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma Plaza, and Sonoma Barracks, which once served the Mexican military. The historic center of town is also home to a popular weekly farmer’s market.
The city center features a beautiful plaza with the state’s largest plaza. The city hall, built in 1906-08, features four identical facades facing the plaza. A bear flag monument honors the moment of revolution in Sonoma’s history. And for the history buff, the historic Rancho Petaluma Adobe is a great place to visit. The town also hosts a weekly farmers market on Tuesdays from April to October.
The Sonoma Valley is renowned for its wine, but many of the vineyards are also known for their other products, including craft distilleries, artisanal foods, and live music. Sunset Magazine recently completed an outdoor test kitchen and gardens in Sonoma Valley, and there are too many to mention them all. Whether you plan to drink wine, enjoy art, or simply taste the wines, the Sonoma Valley is sure to please.
When visiting Sonoma Valley, you’ll find many fun activities to keep you busy. The Sonoma Valley’s climate is Mediterranean, meaning temperatures rarely dip below freezing during the winter. Despite its cool climate, the Sonoma Valley is home to many artists, as well as famous wineries. Hiking, fishing, golfing, and gardening are just a few of the activities you can take part in while you’re here.
Guerneville is an idyllic destination for San Franciscans and other holidaymakers, and is particularly popular with LGBT travelers. The Russian River runs through the town, and it’s a ripe outdoor playground. A float downstream is one of the best things to do in Sonoma County. The town’s charming main street is lined with eclectic shops. In addition to wine tasting, Guerneville’s restaurants and bars have award-winning cuisine.
The Fountaingrove District is another place worth visiting in Sonoma County. This appellation is the oldest in California and is home to some of the most famous grapes in the world. It’s home to pinot noir, merlot, and gewurztraminer. The winery is an easy bike ride away, and offers picnicking, hiking, and concerts. There’s even an 1800-barrel tour. Typical bottles of wine cost anywhere from $20 to $50.
While Sonoma is famous for its wine, it’s also an area rich in history. Sonoma County includes 18 AVAs. Sonoma is the birthplace of California’s wine industry and “wine country” cuisine. Sonoma’s diverse environment is home to starry-eyed bohemians and urban chic. There’s something for everyone in Sonoma. And it’s all surrounded by gorgeous scenery.