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 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
- Sonoma Traintown Railroad (Sonoma)
- "My 2 1/2 year old loves trains, cars, etc. We took him to train town and forked out the 4.75 for 3 tickets as he insisted both mommy and daddy ride with..." more
- Trapeze Pro (Sonoma)
- "A wonderful experience in the most wonderful settings. Trapeze Pro is tucked away in the woods of Sonoma. I have to say that I doubted the instructor..." more
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Sonoma)
- "Writing this review from my room with the free (yes, I said FREE) internet. Granted, it's not wireless, but free internet is something I've come to expect..." more
- Mission San Francisco Solano (Sonoma)
- "#2 on my Oct 2009 Mission trail, visited on the 12th. Another total reconstruction, but very well done, spartan befitting its "remote" northern outpost..." more
- General Vallejo Home (Sonoma)
- "We visited this place, because I saw that it was related to the Sonoma Barracks which we saw. It's a nice self-tour. Felt something weird in the one of the..." 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.
Current Weather and Forecast for Sonoma County
Current weather conditions in Sonoma, CA (95476)
Local Pollen Reports
46°F (Feels like 43°F)
Last update: 12/24/09 9:50 AM PST
Humidity: 66%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 36°F
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.21in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 7mph From: Airport Conditions
Today
Fair
High: 58°F
Low: 34°F
Sunrise: 7:25 AM
Sunset: 4:55 PM
Friday
Dec 25
Mostly Sunny
High: 58°F
Low: 38°F
Sunrise: 7:25 AM
Sunset: 4:55 PM
Saturday
Dec 26
Mostly Sunny
High: 56°F
Low: 41°F
Sunrise: 7:26 AM
Sunset: 4:56 PM
Sunday
Dec 27
Showers
High: 53°F
Low: 38°F
Sunrise: 7:26 AM
Sunset: 4:57 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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byCan't touch Napa Valley!
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.
Posted April 06, 2009
Sonoma, baby, hands down!
Chris says:
Napa is for auto parts
Posted November 14, 2009
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.
Posted July 03, 2009
Sonoma in the News
- Stars, angels can return to Christmas trees in Sonoma County government buildings
- Most county offices are closing Thursday until Jan. 4. Acting Sonoma County Administrator Chris Thomas today rescinded his directive on Monday to remove ...
- Swine flu vaccine available for all
- By Emily Charrier-Botts Christmas came early for officials at Sonoma County Public Health. They learned last week that the national shortage of H1N1 ...
- Sampler: Angels Return But Yule Logs Are Banished
- By MICHELLE QUINN Angels, Stars Return to Sonoma Christmas Trees | After banning angels and stars on Christmas trees in county buildings, a Sonoma County ...
- What's open, closed Christmas, New Year's
- The Sonoma Valley Regional Library will be open until 2 pm Thursday, Dec. 24, and will not re-open until Monday, Jan. 4. Sonoma County Transit will not shut ...
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)
- "I concur. This is definitely the best cheese maker in Sonoma. Go drink some wine then stop here for a cheese tasting then go drink some more wine, play..." more
- Angelo's Wine Country Deli (Sonoma)
- "The best deli lunch we had. My simple prosciutto sandwich was simple fresh and nicely done. The thing i rave about though is their smoked jerky that are all..." more
- Tin Barn Vineyards (Sonoma)
- "I can't say I like or care about wine all that much but the company of 12 friends and a trip to here was great! It is a little hard to find but so enjoyable..." more
- Sonoma Market (Sonoma)
- "If you're in Sonoma and looking for something for lunch, look no further! Their sandwiches are second to none- they use the best ingredients and the end..." more
- Sign of the Bear Kitchenware (Sonoma)
- "If you have the slightest interest in kitchen gadgetry, cookbooks, tableware, unusual cleaning tools, etc., you will love Sign of the Bear right on the..." more
- Sonoma Farmer's Market Tuesday (Sonoma)
- "I agree with Jessie P.: There is no finer place to be than the Plaza on Tuesday Farmer's Market from April to October. Every time I'm down there I am..." more
- The Chocolate Cow (Sonoma)
- "Needed to take a stroll around the square before Thanksgiving goodies were served. To my surprise, the Chocolate Cow was open for business. Decided to have..." more
- Charles Creek Vineyard Tasting Room & Gallery (Sonoma)
- "Some of the best wines we tasted in Sonoma - and the chocolate dessert wine is unique and delicious!! Definitely stop in for a tasting if you're on the square." more
- Cline Cellars (Sonoma)
- "It's beautiful from the outside. We didn't quite make it to winery #6 but it's right across from jacuzzi and at the perfect location on your way out of..." more
- El Dorado Kitchenette (Sonoma)
- "Great Coffee shop! Working in Sonoma for a couple weeks and stopped in for a drink. Service and quality were both great!! I would say this makes the list..." more
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Sonoma Hotel Reviews
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 95476
- The Cottage Inn And Spa (Sonoma)
- "We came up recently for a little Saturday night romance. I ordered champagne and chocolate to be placed in the room on our arrival. When we entered the..." more
- Beltane Ranch (Sonoma)
- "I stayed at Beltane Rance with my family in September 2009. We loved rustic and cozy atmosphere here. the breakfast, waffle with all naturally grown fresh..." more
- The Lodge at Sonoma (Sonoma)
- "My family stayed here over Thanksgiving...I checked it out myself for part of an afternoon and evening...It was lovely! I see Sonoma scenery all the time,..." more
- MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa (Sonoma)
- "I live local and visited the spa for a couple's massage. The staff were all very nice- not snobby and really helpful. We changed into our robes and sandles..." more
- Ramekins (Sonoma)
- "My friend and I just finished a noel d boucher class and it as terrific. Chef Annie was very informative and gave lots of great tips along the way. The..." more
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Sonoma)
- "Writing this review from my room with the free (yes, I said FREE) internet. Granted, it's not wireless, but free internet is something I've come to expect..." more
- Sonoma Creek Inn (Sonoma)
- "I recently had to spend the night up in Sonoma and my clients put me up in the Sonoma Creek Inn. They said it was just down the street from the venue I was..." more
- Inn At Sonoma (Sonoma)
- "A one sentence summary? Inn At Sonoma is a quaint place with little touches of luxury. The rooms are nice and spacious. Each with a private fireplace,..." more
- Vintage Aircraft Company (Sonoma)
- "AS YELP SAYS - WOO HOO! THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS ! I cannot express how much fun this experience was. Chris and crew are all very very nice people. The..." more
- Ledson Hotel & Harmony Lounge (Sonoma)
- "The rooms in this hotel are very luxurious. Lavish bedding, draperies, large oval spa tub that is open to the bedroom side, first class all the way." more
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Great Sonoma County Guides
Getting around Sonoma and beyond
The Wine Lover's Guide to the Wine Country: The Best of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino
Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 12/24/2009) 
The Thomas Guide Napa & Sonoma Counties Street Guide
Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 12/24/2009)
North Bay Trails: Hiking Trails in Marin, Napa & Sonoma Counties
Amazon Price: $14.49 (as of 12/24/2009)
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!
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"!
submit
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- ChineseKitesforKids ChineseKitesforKids May 14, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
- 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.
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- MikeMac MikeMac Apr 6, 2009 @ 12:47 am
- Excellent lens. Tons of good info. Been to Sonoma many time and especially love Sonoma Valley Zinfindels. Thanks.
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- Sep 16, 2008 @ 12:10 am
- 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/
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- Keaka77 Keaka77 Jun 25, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
- 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
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- JennySui JennySui May 14, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
- 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
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- CherylK CherylK May 10, 2008 @ 7:02 am
- 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.
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- kahlbo kahlbo Apr 25, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
- Forget Napa, Sonoma County is the place to go for great wines and lots of wine country fun without the high prices!
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Squidster is a Small Business Web Consultant from Southern California who loves creating Squidoo lenses for your enjoyment. She is prou...
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