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Location/Region
Sonoma
Valley, gateway to Northern California’s Wine Country, is located just
45 miles northeast of San Francisco in the southern section of Sonoma
County. Approximately a one-hour drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge,
the valley is home to the historic City of Sonoma and the communities of
Glen Ellen, and Kenwood. A prime grape growing region it offers a rare
blend of renowned wineries and unique historic sites reminiscent of the
Old West. Today many of the world's finest wineries make this region
their home.
Geographical Description
Sonoma Valley is approximately 18 miles long with
hundreds of acres of vineyards nestled between the Sonoma Mountain Range
on the west and The Macayamas Range on the east. The Macayamas Range
forms the boundary between Sonoma and Napa counties.
Climate
Expect moderate temperatures year-round ranging from
highs of 50-60 degrees in the coolest months to 80-90 degrees in the
warmer summer months. Rain is scarce during most of the year except for
the winter months. Basically, Sonoma Valley has periods of rain in the
late fall, during the winter and into early spring. Then, no rainfall
until the following late fall. Usually, there is very low humidity in
the summer and you will notice a wide temperature range on a daily
basis. Even though the summer daytime temperatures may be high for
instance, the nights will cool down substantially due to the Pacific
Coast fog moving inland.
Population
The City of Sonoma has a population close to 9,200 and
the valley population is estimated at 25,000.
Area History
The town of Sonoma began in 1823 when Father Jose
Altimira declared Sonoma Valley as the best site he had seen for a new
mission. Everything he was looking for was here: fertile land, mineral
springs, creeks, abundant game and adobe soil for building materials.
Growth centered around the Sonoma Plaza, a unique downtown square
developed by General Vallejo and famous as the site of the Bear Flag
Revolt in 1846 resulting in the short lived Bear Flag Republic that
later became the state of California. Today, the eight- acre Plaza is
rimmed with preserved historic structures recalling the history of the
area. California's wine industry was born in Sonoma Valley over 100
years ago when Count Haraszthy planted the first European grapes in
1857. The oldest premium winery in California still exists offering
visitors daily guided tours.
Cultural Information
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Sonoma Valley is stepped in the
historic flavor of an old west mission town and is known for
gracious hospitality as well as wines. A charmingly rural yet
elegant destination, the area offers a sought after life style
usually found in more urban settings. The Sonoma Plaza graces
the center of the town providing a popular gathering place for
picnics to festivals appealing to all ages. Excellent
restaurants, shops, and galleries surround the Plaza along with
the California Sonoma State Historic Park. The arts thrive as
Sonoma is home to an abundance of talented artists. From the
visual arts, to literary readings to Shakespeare productions in
the vineyards, the area is alive with creativity.
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Plaza Festival |
Current Info
A new Sonoma Museum of Arts presents special art shows
and music events and the Sonoma Community Center offers many popular
classes, musical and theatrical events. Film festivals include the
Sonoma Valley Film Festival in the spring and the Wine Country Film
festival in the summer. New in 2005, is the Sonoma Jazz + festival.
What to See and Do
Stroll around the Plaza and visit the historic sites
including the Sonoma Mission, the Barracks, and the Toscano Hotel. Other
parks of interest include Jack London Historic Park in Glen Ellen and
Sugarloaf Park in Kenwood. Taste wines at wine shops on the Plaza, drive
through the beautiful valley vineyards to discover many family owned
wineries or take a wine tasting tour. Rent bicycles for a leisurely ride
around town or take in a trilling racing event at Infineon. Get up in
the air on a bi-plane or take the kids to ride on a scale train or visit
the old train cars and museum at the Depot Park. Enjoy fresh produce and
music at the Farmers Markets. Join the local community at annual
festivals including the Olive Festival in the winter months, Salute to
the Arts in the summer and the Vintage Festival in the fall. Enjoy a
relaxing massage or spa service at a hotel spa or day spa.
Plaza Historical Sites
Tips on visiting
Dress is country casual and bringing layers (even in
the summer) can be very helpful due to the variety of temperatures in
Sonoma’s micro-climate. Wineries are open-year round and most wineries
offer shipping services and wine clubs. If you plan on shipping wine to
your home state, first find out if your state allows for direct shipment
of wine from California. If you plan a summer visit be sure to make
lodging reservations well in advance especially for weekends and most
importantly for festival weekend celebrations. Visit during the winter
months or during the week for your best lodging values.
Area Trivia and Interesting or Little known facts
In 1947,Chuck Williams began his hardware shop in a
small storefront right off the Plaza to later become filled with
cookware for sale and hence the giant retailer Williams-Sonoma was born.
Jack London coined the name for Sonoma Valley: “Valley of the Moon” and
spent his final days here at his Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen. Sugarloaf
State Park in Kenwood is home to the Robert Ferguson Observatory with
scheduled events for viewing the stars.
Information and photos submitted
by:
Best in
Sonoma.com
The Insiders Guide to the
Sonoma Valley Wine Country
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