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Sonoma Valley

Delightfully laid-back, unapologetic and fun-loving, the Sonoma Valley, or Valley of the Moon as it's sometimes called, is bordered to the east by the Mayacamas and to the west by the Sonoma Mountain Range. Here in the fertile valley wine makers ply their craft, foodies flock to amazing restaurants, and there are plenty of adventures to be had in the 13,000 acres of parkland.

Easily accessed from San Francisco, most journeys in the area start in the town of Sonoma itself, with its gorgeous town square, fun tasting rooms and excellent eateries.

Heading up valley, you pass through the tiny village of Glen Ellen, which has a handful of small eateries and access to the valley's best natural area at Jack London State Park and then on to the gorgeous wineries and roadside attractions of the Kenwood area.

Explore Sonoma Valley

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Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
California's oldest family-run winery looks like a castle but has a down-to-earth vibe. Founded in 1858 by a Bavarian immigrant, its signatures are…
S
Sonoma Plaza
This is the largest plaza in California, and the veritable center for politics, love and community in the Sonoma Valley. Smack in the center of the plaza,…
S
St Francis Winery & Vineyards
The vineyards are scenic and all, but the real reason to visit St Francis is the much-lauded food-pairing experience. The mouthwatering, multicourse…
J
Jack London State Historic Park
Napa has Robert Louis Stevenson, but Sonoma has Jack London. This 1400-acre park frames that author's last years; don't miss the excellent on-site museum…
C
Cornerstone Sonoma
This roadside Wine Country marketplace showcases 25 walk-through (in some cases edible) gardens, along with a bunch of innovative and adorable shops, wine…
V
Vallejo's Home
A half-mile northwest of the plaza, this lovely historical estate, also known as Lachryma Montis (Latin for ‘Tears of the Mountain’), was built in the…
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Bartholomew Park
The top near-town outdoors destination is 375-acre Bartholomew Park, off Castle Rd, where you can picnic beneath giant oaks and hike 2 miles of trails,…
S
Scribe
With Scribe, a new generation has found its place in Wine Country. Bantering groups of bespectacled, high-waisted-jeans-wearing millennials frequent this…
S
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
There are 30 miles of fantastic hiking – when it's not blazingly hot. On clear days, Bald Mountain has drop-dead views to the sea, while the Brushy Peaks…

G
Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
California's oldest family-run winery looks like a castle but has a down-to-earth vibe. Founded in 1858 by a Bavarian immigrant, its signatures are…
S
Sonoma Plaza
This is the largest plaza in California, and the veritable center for politics, love and community in the Sonoma Valley. Smack in the center of the plaza,…
S
St Francis Winery & Vineyards
The vineyards are scenic and all, but the real reason to visit St Francis is the much-lauded food-pairing experience. The mouthwatering, multicourse…
J
Jack London State Historic Park
Napa has Robert Louis Stevenson, but Sonoma has Jack London. This 1400-acre park frames that author's last years; don't miss the excellent on-site museum…
C
Cornerstone Sonoma
This roadside Wine Country marketplace showcases 25 walk-through (in some cases edible) gardens, along with a bunch of innovative and adorable shops, wine…
V
Vallejo's Home
A half-mile northwest of the plaza, this lovely historical estate, also known as Lachryma Montis (Latin for ‘Tears of the Mountain’), was built in the…
B
Bartholomew Park
The top near-town outdoors destination is 375-acre Bartholomew Park, off Castle Rd, where you can picnic beneath giant oaks and hike 2 miles of trails,…
S
Scribe
With Scribe, a new generation has found its place in Wine Country. Bantering groups of bespectacled, high-waisted-jeans-wearing millennials frequent this…
S
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
There are 30 miles of fantastic hiking – when it's not blazingly hot. On clear days, Bald Mountain has drop-dead views to the sea, while the Brushy Peaks…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sonoma Valley.

See
Gundlach-Bundschu Winery
California's oldest family-run winery looks like a castle but has a down-to-earth vibe. Founded in 1858 by a Bavarian immigrant, its signatures are…
See
Sonoma Plaza
This is the largest plaza in California, and the veritable center for politics, love and community in the Sonoma Valley. Smack in the center of the plaza,…
See
St Francis Winery & Vineyards
The vineyards are scenic and all, but the real reason to visit St Francis is the much-lauded food-pairing experience. The mouthwatering, multicourse…
See
Jack London State Historic Park
Napa has Robert Louis Stevenson, but Sonoma has Jack London. This 1400-acre park frames that author's last years; don't miss the excellent on-site museum…
See
Cornerstone Sonoma
This roadside Wine Country marketplace showcases 25 walk-through (in some cases edible) gardens, along with a bunch of innovative and adorable shops, wine…
See
Vallejo's Home
A half-mile northwest of the plaza, this lovely historical estate, also known as Lachryma Montis (Latin for ‘Tears of the Mountain’), was built in the…
See
Bartholomew Park
The top near-town outdoors destination is 375-acre Bartholomew Park, off Castle Rd, where you can picnic beneath giant oaks and hike 2 miles of trails,…
See
Scribe
With Scribe, a new generation has found its place in Wine Country. Bantering groups of bespectacled, high-waisted-jeans-wearing millennials frequent this…
See
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
There are 30 miles of fantastic hiking – when it's not blazingly hot. On clear days, Bald Mountain has drop-dead views to the sea, while the Brushy Peaks…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Sonoma Valley

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