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Sonoma County California

Ranked #10,233 in Travel & Places, #258,558 overall

Wine Country and Beyond

Sonoma County is on the northwest coast of California, one of the northernmost parts of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Its population at the 2000 census was 458,614. Its largest city and county seat is Santa Rosa.

Sonoma is the southwestern county of California's Wine Country region, which also includes Napa, Mendocino, and Lake counties. More than 7.4 million tourists visit each year, spending more than $1 billion in 2006.

Aside from the world renowned wineries Sonoma has an abundance of natural beauty to be explored and discovered. Start your visit here and get inspired to take advantage of all that Sonoma County has to offer.

Sonoma Wineries and Vineyards

Things to do and see in Sonoma County

Things to do in Sonoma include generally a visit to the area's fine wineries. Unless you have a lot of time, you won't be able to visit them all. It makes sense to read some reviews of others who have been there before you head into the valley.

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 95476

Trapeze Pro (Sonoma)  
"A fantastic trapeze school in an amazingly beautiful setting. The staff are friendly and very knowledgable. I can't wait to go back!" more
Wine Country Cyclery (Sonoma)  
"These guys are the best, period. They understand that service is an important part of a retail business where customers need reasons not to shop on-line. We..." more
Mission San Francisco Solano (Sonoma)  
"Mission San Francisco Solano is fascinating. It's the last of the missions... and the only one in the United States built under the Mexican government. It's..." more
General Vallejo Home (Sonoma)  
"I love the fact that for the $3.00 a person you can get in to see Vallejo's home, Petaluma Adobe, Solano Mission and the Sonoma Barracks. The house is..." more
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Sonoma)  
"Service is equivalent to the emabssy suites. We have stayed at fancy hotels all over the world, this place is far from. 45 min to get q a bottle of wine..." more
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Cities and Towns in Sonoma County

 

Sonoma County has nine incorporated municipalities: eight cities and the Town of Windsor. In order of estimated population, they are:

  • Santa Rosa,
  • Petaluma,
  • Rohnert Park,
  • Windsor,
  • Healdsburg,
  • Sonoma,
  • Cloverdale,
  • Sebastopol, and
  • Cotati.

Visit to Sonoma Valley

Impressions from the Valley of the Moon

Current Weather and Forecast for Sonoma County

Current weather conditions in Sonoma, CA (95476)

Local Pollen Reports

48°F (Feels like 48°F)

Last update: 5/31/12 1:35 AM PDT

Humidity: 87%
Visibility: 8.0 mi
Dew Point: 45°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.04in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 3mph From: Airport Conditions
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Tonight


Low
Low: 50°F
Sunrise: 5:49 AM
Sunset: 8:26 PM
 

Thursday
May 31 


N/A
High: 88°F
Low: 54°F
Sunrise: 5:48 AM
Sunset: 8:27 PM

Friday
Jun 1 


Sunny
High: 85°F
Low: 54°F
Sunrise: 5:48 AM
Sunset: 8:28 PM

Saturday
Jun 2 


Sunny
High: 81°F
Low: 50°F
Sunrise: 5:48 AM
Sunset: 8:28 PM

Battle of the Wine Countries: Napa vs. Sonoma

The posh vineyards of Napa or the serenity of Sonoma - which do you prefer. Surely, both regions produce world class wines, but which one get's your vote? And why?

Napa or Sonoma, which is better?

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Can't touch Napa Valley!

JoanneOtt says:

I love them both, but would say Napa is my favorite.

MikeMac says:

The two valleys are vrey different so this not a true apples-to-apples comparison. I live in Marin and make it to both on a regualr basis. Both have great wines. Sonoma is more relaxing and I love Sonsoma Zins. Napa is more impressive and more of a true "valley." Napa also has more high-end vineyards and more panache.

Sonoma, baby, hands down!

Steve S says:

Much friendlier than the snooty-snoots in Napa

Barb says:

Sonoma -- far less pretentious

Chris says:

Napa is for auto parts

John Wood says:

Napa is for posers. Full of hype, grotesque displays of wealth and over priced, average wines. Napa was put on the world map because of "The Judgement of Paris", where supposive wines from Napa beat out their French counter parts in blind tastings. What most people don't know is the wine that won was made with Sonoma grapes!

I think that says it all about Napa.

Sonoma is genuine and earnest. People don't take themselves too seriously in Sonoma.

It's more about enjoying yourself and life itself. I feel Sonoma truely epitomizes this simple and pure way of thinking.

 

Sonoma in the News

Construction moves forward for affordable housing in Sonoma County
By Eric Gneckow, Business Journal Staff Reporter SONOMA COUNTY ? Sonoma County is set to add a number of new affordable housing units with last Friday's groundbreaking for Burbank Housing's 66-unit Logan Place in Petaluma, the latest in a number of ...
A Flurry of Flipping
(MCT) ? In an unprecedented effort to buy and flip distressed properties in Sonoma County, a Vacaville company has purchased more than $15 million worth of foreclosed homes across the county in the past six months. Blue Mountain Realty, which acquired ...
3 Sonoma County supervisor seats at stake Tuesday
By GUY KOVNER Three of Sonoma County's five supervisorial seats are at stake on Tuesday, with the race to replace retiring incumbent Valerie Brown shaping up as a geographic tug of war between Santa Rosa and Sonoma Valley. Santa Rosa voters could play ...
Metier Growth Spurs New West Coast Operations Center
HEALDSBURG, CA, Jun 04, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Metier, the global leader in project portfolio management solutions, announced today a new Sonoma County location for their West Coast Operations Center in Healdsburg, California.
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Sonoma County Map

Below, there may or may not be a map of Sonoma County displayed. For reasons beneath me, it won't load properly every now and then.

Sonoma Food and Restaurant Reviews

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 95476

Vella Cheese Co (Sonoma)  
"Mezzo Secco & Toma are our favorites!!! Good selection and very friendly staff. You can try ANY of their cheeses!" more
Westwood Winery (Sonoma)  
"I've spent 5 of the previous 6 years residing reasonably close to both Napa and Sonoma. My wife and I happen to like wine and we've tasted at dozens of..." more
Crushpad (Sonoma)  
"Yes! I am a BIG Fan!" more
Scandia Bakery (Sonoma)  
"I have to recommend the pull apart bread. The only bad thing is they seem to run out. It is so good and everything here is made fresh. The pull apart bread..." more
Picazo Cafe & Deli (Sonoma)  
"Really nice little spot. The staff is friendly, quick, and the food is great! I really enjoy their breakfast burritos. I haven't had a thing from here that..." more
Michoacana Natural Ice Cream (Sonoma)  
"They have new fun flavors and they are create! My two year old is currently loving the sweet corn. The cherry is fresh and delicious. The pine nut is..." more
Scribe Winery (Sonoma)  
"Genuine people, a lovely unpretentious setting, exquisite wines - what more could a girl ask for? If you are over cookie-cutter wineries with tasting rooms..." more
Sonoma Wine Shop (Sonoma)  
"Wonderful wine experience. It was a great wine adventure directed by my "taste" likes and dislikes. I tried wines I'd never heard of and that would never..." more
Epicurean Connection (Sonoma)  
"I can't really add to any of the spot on comments in regards to Sheana's wonderful addition to Sonoma...But, for a week during the Film Fest I was lucky to..." more
Hanzell Vineyards (Sonoma)  
"Signed up for the tour based on Yelp recommendations, not disappointed, Ben was amazing, knowledgable, friendly, a great experience and wonderful wine!" more
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Sonoma - Valley of the Moon

Valley of the Moon

Sonoma Hotel Reviews

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 95476

The Cottage Inn & Spa (Sonoma)  
"Didn't really get to enjoy the facilities since we were busy wine tasting all over the place but it was clean, quiet and themed rooms were cute." more
Beltane Ranch (Sonoma)  
"I recently stayed here after proposing to my fiance. I asked in advance for several considerations from the ranch - cut flowers in the room, arrange a..." more
MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa (Sonoma)  
"I enjoyed the manicured gardens, modern metal artwork, and other whimsical sculpture throughout. Memorial Day Weekend is crowded and a little bit more..." more
Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn (Sonoma)  
"Ask Darla to make the Peach French Toast! You'll think you have died and gone to heaven! It is that good! Overall, a great value for the area. The rooms..." more
Bungalows 313 (Sonoma)  
"My husband and I stayed at this Amazing Bed and Breakfast in Sonoma for our anniversary last weekend , and we had the best time thanks to Lisa, she was a..." more
Vintage Aircraft Company (Sonoma)  
"We got the Spire of the City flight, which took us over wine country, over tiburon and by the Golden Gate. The views were spectacular. The owners were..." more
Wine Country Cyclery (Sonoma)  
"These guys are the best, period. They understand that service is an important part of a retail business where customers need reasons not to shop on-line. We..." more
The Lodge At Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa (Sonoma)  
"My other half surprised me with a Sonoma - Memorial Day Weekend stay here! We stayed May 26-28th. The hotel is beautiful retreat away from city living. Our..." more
Valet of the Moon Wine Tour Services (Sonoma)  
"I went to Napa valley with two of my friends for my birthday. Sharon, our diver, and I started corresponding a full three weeks before the outing to..." more
Ramekins Culinary School & Inn (Sonoma)  
"Whoa Ginger! Last night was my first cooking class and this place knocked it out of the park. I didn't quite know what to expect, I am not much of a..." more
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Great Sonoma County Guides

Getting around Sonoma and beyond

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The Sonoma Business Network

Social networking for Sonoma Businesses

Sonoma.biz is a brand new social networking site connecting Sonoma businesses with each other and the world.

Members can share files, links, images and videos. They can also form sub-groups, chat, debate in a forum, add their blog feeds and write group blogs, make friends, publicize events and generally network in any possible way.

If you would like to connect with other Sonoma businesses please feel warmly invited to join the Sonoma Business Network!

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Sonoma County Businesses

These are all Sonoma-based small businesses that I can personally recommend. I am confident they will provide excellent service to you.
Linda Shea Design
Artist Linda Shea of Sonoma, CA, does custom murals, trompe loeil, wall treatment, faux painting, and wine labels. She also takes tile
commissions for hand painted tile fire places, kitchens and bathrooms and is a color consultant.
Fit 'n' Furry
Premier dog boarding and doggy daycare facility. Also cat boarding. Streaming video so you can check on your baby anytime.
ASK Realty Sonoma Homes
Sonoma County real estate specialist. Properties along Hwy 101 from Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati to Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, to Sebastopol, Graton, Occidental, and Forestville, along the Russian River from Guerneville to Hwy 1 from Jenner to Bodega Bay.
Pegasus Theater
Russian River Theater Company celebrating diversity through socially relevant classic to contemporary plays.
Author Michael Shea
World Fantasy Award winning Author of Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction novels including the Nifft the Lean Trilogy.
Russian River Realty
Professional real estate services for buying, selling and rentals of vacation homes and other properties in Sonoma County including the Russian River, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Forestville, Monte Rio, Duncans Mills, and Jenner.
McQuilkin Piano
The Piano Store of Sonoma County offers new and used Piano Sales,
Restoration, Tuning and Service in Sonoma and Napa County.
The Irish Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA
A Bed and Breakfast in Dry Creek Valley near Healdsburg, Sonoma County CA. Two rooms with private bathrooms at the inn and two cottages. A warm and charming atmosphere for food and wine lovers.
Trio Solea Spanish Guitar Music - Index
North Bay musicians specializing in Flamenco & Latin guitar music, for formal wedding or a casual celebration.
Melano and Associates
We are a network of Organizational Development Consultants specializing in not-for-profit organizations of any size, schools, universities and communities.
NanceNotes House Portraits and Custom Note Cards
NanceNotes specializes in house and architectural portraits, creating original and custom note and holiday cards, with a special interest in Italian scenes, Mexico,San Francisco and Flora still life.

Sonoma Visitor's Guestbook

Thank you for visiting my Sonoma lens today. I'd love to hear your tips, or just say "Hi"!

  • Aug 19, 2011 @ 2:32 am | delete
    Another option for those who own small boats is to set traps or pots in the inner harbor area. On calm days small boats can also be found out beyond the breakwater jetty along Doran Beach. Bodega Head offers protection from the worst sea conditions but a small boat was capsized this year during rough weather. High winds and high seas create dangerous conditions for boating.
    bodega bay rental
  • JoanneOtt Nov 19, 2010 @ 4:43 pm | delete
    I love this area, although it's been awhile since I visited.
  • VolkswagenJetta Oct 12, 2010 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    I would love to come and take a visit to Sonoma County and see all of the great sights and taste all of the delicious food and wine. This really has gotten me excited to get going on a vacation! I need to get planning right away! www.marylandpianomd.com
  • ChineseKitesforKids May 14, 2009 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    I agree with kahlbo! The prices are very reasonable compared to Napa. Great lens. I love Sonoma it's so romantic and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
  • MikeMac Apr 6, 2009 @ 12:47 am | delete
    Excellent lens. Tons of good info. Been to Sonoma many time and especially love Sonoma Valley Zinfindels. Thanks.
  • Sep 16, 2008 @ 12:10 am | delete
    Hi,
    Great lens! I was actually planning to take up a holiday trip with my family and now I hope it would be better to visit great places like Sonoma country.Thanks for providing this valuble info.
    Feel free to check out my blog
    http://fauxpaintingsource.com/
  • Keaka77 Jun 25, 2008 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Sonoma county is a great spot to take your wife. I guarantee you two will have a great time there. Great lens keep up the good work.

    breast enlargement
  • JennySui May 14, 2008 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for this great lens, you deserve 5 out of 5. Please have a look on my site related to Sonoma County Real Estate
  • CherylK May 10, 2008 @ 7:02 am | delete
    Sonoma County is one of my most favorite places on the planet! I go to Bodega Bay every year with three friends for a week or two of relaxation, shopping, touring wineries. Great lens.
  • kahlbo Apr 25, 2008 @ 10:56 pm | delete
    Forget Napa, Sonoma County is the place to go for great wines and lots of wine country fun without the high prices!
  • John Jul 6, 2010 @ 2:35 am | delete
    Sonoma is a Great Place!!

    http://SantaRosa.Ws
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