Sonoma Valley
California's oldest commercial wine valley, quieter than Napa over the hill, arranged round a Spanish colonial plaza.
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Vines were planted at the mission here in the 1820s and Agoston Haraszthy founded Buena Vista in 1857, generally counted the first commercial winery in California. The valley runs north from the town of Sonoma between the Mayacamas and Sonoma mountains, cooled by fog drawn up from San Pablo Bay, which suits chardonnay and pinot noir at the southern end and heavier reds further north. Sonoma Plaza, laid out in 1835, is the largest Spanish colonial plaza in the state, with the mission, the barracks and the site of the short-lived Bear Flag Republic on its edges. The valley is less crowded and less expensive than Napa, which locals do not advertise loudly.
What you actually see
- Buena Vista, founded 1857 - counted the first commercial winery in the state.
- Fog off San Pablo Bay - what makes the southern end work.
- Sonoma Plaza of 1835 - the largest Spanish colonial plaza in California.
- A quieter alternative to Napa - over the ridge to the east.
When to go
April to October; harvest is late August into October. A full day.
Honest expectations
Tasting fees have risen sharply and most wineries now require appointments. Driving between tastings is a legal and practical problem - use a driver. Wildfire seasons have closed parts of the valley in recent years. Harvest weekends are busy.
Nearby
Napa Valley is east over the hill; the Russian River is north-west.
What to pack for Sonoma Valley
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
