Sonoma Valley

Sonoma Valley is in Sonoma County, California, part of the San Francisco Bay Area of the United States. Sonoma Valley is a wine-growing region and is the birthplace of the wine-making industry in California.

Locales
The City of Sonoma, the only incorporated locale in the Sonoma Valley, is near the southern end of the valley. From north to south, the areas of the valley are:


 * , including Boyes Hot Springs and Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente

Understand
Sonoma Valley is an international tourist destination, but, unlike its glitzy and more famous neighbor of Napa Valley, to the east, it is known for its rural landscapes, casual style, and slightly more affordable prices. Historically, Sonoma Valley was called the Valley of the Moon by the Indigenous peoples who resided in the area and lived here for more than 12,000 years prior to contact with Spanish, Mexicans and Americans.

In 1824, the last and northern-most Spanish mission was built in Sonoma. It is maintained today, along with numerous buildings in the area, by California Parks and Recreation, as a state park. In 1846, the Bear Flag Revolution took place, when a small group of Americans took over the region from the Mexican government; the "Bear Flag Republic" ended one month later when the U.S. Government took charge. Members of the revolt, and of the former Mexican government, played a large part in the early governments of California.

In 1857, Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian-American, opened the first winery in California - Buena Vista Winery. The winery is still operating today. This was the birth of the California wine industry as we know it. Today, thousands of people come from around the world to see the historic sites, explore the many parks, drink wine, and dine in Sonoma Valley.

Talk
English is the main language spoken in Sonoma Valley, but more than a quarter of the population is Latino and that percentage is growing; Spanish speakers are plentiful, though the population is primarily monolingual. Sonoma Valley also has one of the largest Nepalese populations outside of Nepal; many Nepalese work in the service industry, primarily at restaurants.

There are a few key terms used by locals that you should note:


 * The Plaza: The City of Sonoma's historic plaza; this is "downtown" Sonoma
 * The Square: another name for The Plaza
 * Slownoma: a nickname for Sonoma

Wine Country Casual
Wine Country Casual is a type of dress code frequently seen for events and parties in Sonoma and Napa Valley. The evolution of the concept formed out of the chilly wine country nights - it can get pretty cold, and nothing is fun about shivering in a cocktail dress amongst Zinfandel vines or in a wine cave. There are two camps for this - people who believe you should dress how you want and others who define it as "relaxed elegance," and a more casual version of what one might wear to a formal office job. Despite these definitions, Sonoma Valley is known for being more laid back fashion-wise than Napa Valley, where you're more likely to see Versace in a vineyard versus some independent organic linen handmade Zen Buddhist designer's styles in the caves at Gloria Ferrer.

Locals are often dressed in mixes of arty pattern linens with chunky jewelry (women) and men often wear Tommy Bahamas and slacks. If you're traveling form out of town, women are suggested to pack light colored, breathable clothing. Wearing flats is generally acceptable - don't wear high heels, or you'll be crying for help when you're stuck with your heals in vineyard mud. For men, light-colored suits are nice: button-up with no tie. But, in the end, as Elaine Yourick from Healdsburg's Circe clothing store says: "Casual means not having to be vigilant about sucking in the stomach, keeping the bust in or straps up."

By plane
Sonoma Valley is served by a number of different airports:


 * San Francisco International Airport is the largest and is 56 miles away. From SFO you'll either rent a car or a limo to take to Sonoma Valley. If you are staying in Santa Rosa, you can take Groome Transportation which can drop you off in Santa Rosa. Avoid a cab - it's over $250 from SFO to Sonoma and it's cheaper just to rent a car for the hour and a half drive.
 * Oakland International Airport is the second busiest hub in the Bay Area. Certain flights from Europe and many from across the United States and Hawaii use OAK. It's little under an 1 1/2 hours from Sonoma Valley. Traveling from this airport you'll either rent a car, a limo, or take Groome Transportation if you're staying in Santa Rosa. Cabs will be super expensive, so best avoid them.
 * Sacramento International Airport is about  1 1/2 hours away from Sonoma Valley. Select international US-based carriers fly here and many regional. To get to Sonoma Valley from SMF you'll have to rent a car.
 * Sonoma County Airport is named after Snoopy creator Charles M. Schulz. It's located about 45 minutes north of Sonoma Valley and is the closest airport. It is served by Alaska Airlines and California based private flights. From here you can stay in Santa Rosa or head directly to the Valley. If staying in Santa Rosa, take a cab - but, you'll most likely need a rental car to get around the area. So rent a car and head to your destination.

By bus
From San Francisco you can take a Greyhound to Santa Rosa. That is the closest stop to Sonoma Valley. From there, you will need to transfer to a Sonoma County Transit bus (the #30) or rent a car. Sonoma is approximately 18 miles south of Santa Rosa.

By car
Having a car is important for controlling your own trip in Sonoma Valley. You can also rent a private car or a limo. But, for your own fun... it's nice to have a car. Highway 121 is the first introduction from the south to Sonoma Valley. Highway 12 is the primarily route that runs through the town of Sonoma and all of the other areas of Sonoma Valley.

Do note, Highway 12 is also called "Sonoma Highway" and Highway 121 is also called "Arnold Drive".


 * From San Francisco
 * Go north over the Golden Gate Bridge (Highway 1) and follow Highway 101 north. Go east on Highway 37. Go north on Highway 121. Go north on Highway 12.


 * From East Bay
 * Go north on 580 towards Point Richmond. From Point Richmond take the Richmond Bridge. Head north on Highway 101. Go east on Highway 47. Go north on Highway 121. Head north on Highway 12.


 * From Santa Rosa
 * Go south on Highway 101. Go south on Highway 12.


 * From Sacramento
 * Go west on Highway 80. Go west on Highway 12. Go north on Highway 29. Go west on Highway 12.

Get around
Having a car is pertinent to Sonoma Valley - for most people. If you are staying in downtown Sonoma you can get around the downtown area without any problem, but, getting out into the country to go wine tasting or go hiking, a car is a good idea.

Public transportation is rather sluggish for visitors, and isn't very impressive to the locals. Bicycling is also welcome, however, mixing drinking with biking is not always the best idea. But, if you are here for a real bike riding experience and you are a hobbyist, Sonoma Valley has excellent biking. If you want a real special treat, rent a car - it's better to have someone else drive you while you drink, then you drink too much.

By car
There are two options for getting around by car in Sonoma Valley: renting your own car and driving yourself, or paying someone to drive you. It's pretty common, and rates vary. Rent a car at the airport, it's cheaper and easier. Check this section to find links about the airports that serve Sonoma Valley, from those websites you can find rental car links.

If you're looking to hire a tour guide or a private car here are some good options:


 * Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, +1-877-946-3876. A refurbished gas powered trolley that travels throughout Sonoma starting at $99/person.

By bicycle
Sonoma Valley's mild climate and beautiful scenery make it great for walking or riding a bike. If you want to rent a bike or take a bike tour, your best bet is to rent in Sonoma:
 * Sonoma Valley Bike Tours 520 Broadway +1-877-308-2453
 * Sonoma Valley Bike Tours 520 Broadway +1-877-308-2453

By bus
Sonoma County Transit connects Sonoma to the surrounding cities and towns in the county. Their website has information about how to purchase passes and taking your bicycle on to buses.

By taxi
If you find yourself stranded at a vineyard after too many tastes of Pinot Noir, it may be handy to have the number of someone who will pick you up. These taxi services primarily serve the town of Sonoma, El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Agua Caliente and Fetters Hot Springs.


 * Sonoma Taxi, +1 707-889-1266. A Sherpa-owned and -operated taxi service.
 * Sonoma Taxi, +1 707-889-1266. A Sherpa-owned and -operated taxi service.

See
Sonoma Valley has a vast array of parks with historical and natural significance. What is listed below is for the areas outside of the cities and towns that are within Sonoma Valley.



Do




Special events

 * October

Wineries
Wine drinking is the primary reason people come from all around the world to Sonoma Valley. For those who don't drink, many wineries often have non-alcoholic cider or other options (call ahead to be sure). Most wineries charge for tastings, but will waive fees if you buy wine. You can pick up tasting passes for free or discounted tastings at hotels and the tourism office in the town square. If you're a Visa Signature credit card holder you can also get free and discounted tastings throughout the area at select wineries.

These wineries are primarily located outside the cities, towns, and villages within Sonoma Valley. Sonoma and Glen Ellen both have tasting rooms located in their downtown areas, as described on their Wikivoyage pages. And of course, this is just a sampling of the wineries and tasting rooms available to you. The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau website has information on other winery options.





Eat
The majority of restaurants are located in Sonoma, Kenwood, Glen Ellen, El Verano and Boyes Hot Springs.

Wine country is plentiful with fresh grown food, artisan cheeses, and other tasty morsels year around. This section is for those who want to "cook on the road," whether camping, renting a house, or perhaps just in the mood for a picnic. Many wineries offer to-go food, generally cheese and meats.

Drink
One of the primary reasons people visit Sonoma Valley is for just that - to drink. Wineries offer the biggest opportunity to imbibe and in Sonoma you can find a lot of wineries open later (i.e. 6-7PM) and wine bars. Most bars are going to be located in Sonoma.

Crime
Sonoma Valley is a rural area with a low crime rate, however, things do happen to the occasional visitors. Visible valuables in cars could lead to a break in, so keep them on you, in your hotel room or well hidden. If you are the victim of a crime call 911 as soon as possible.

Drunk driving
The biggest issue is driving drunk - in a car or on a bike. While there is not a major police presence in Sonoma Valley, cops are always on the look out for drunken visitors and locals alike after wineries close and later in the evening. Don't be the drunk driver - be smart - hire a car or a cab and check to see if your hotel offers a shuttle. Also, be on the look out for drunken drivers - drive cautiously day and night. If you see a drunk driver or have been in an accident dial 911.

Earthquakes
Sonoma Valley is on and near a number of faults. Earthquakes can happen anytime - you won't know it's coming. Check out Shakeout.org for information on what to do in the event of an earthquake for the able and those with disabilities. Be prepared!

Go next

 * Napa Valley - the Disneyland of wine tasting - more glitzy and pricey than Sonoma Valley and home to legendary wineries and restaurants
 * Novato - wealthy town with a suburban feel, good for big box store shopping for necessities and a visit to a nice art museum
 * Petaluma - funky and laidback city just west of Sonoma, known for its arty vibe and beer
 * San Rafael - former Spanish settlement turned commuter town with a beautiful historic mission
 * Santa Rosa - just north of Sonoma Valley, the county seat and home to Snoopy and Luther Burbank