SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
Population: 10,000
Lodging in Sonoma
» Your stay at one of our Wine Country Inns includes a Free Wine Tasting Passport for Two - click for details.
Hidden Oak Inn
Brief History:
Sonoma is the closest wine region to San Francisco, just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The name Sonoma is said to mean “Valley of the Moon”. Cradled between the Mayacamas and the Sonoma Mountain ranges, Sonoma Valley encompasses a rolling patchwork of vineyards, quaint farms and 13,000 acres of scenic parkland. In the center of town, the eight-acre Sonoma Plaza is a National Historic Landmark strewn with sprawling shade trees and bordered by carefully preserved adobe buildings, shops, galleries and restaurants.
Four outstanding features of our town:
- The Sonoma Plaza is the largest town square of its kind (8 acres) and is a National Historic Landmark.
- Our mission, Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, is the last of the 21 mission chain. One of many well preserved adobe buildings in the city.
- General Vallejo was taken captive during the Bear Flag revolt in 1846 ending Mexican rule. This lasted for 26 days until the US flag was raised. California became our 31st state in 1850. All this happened in Sonoma.
- We have 2 of the oldest wineries in California.
What distinguishes our town from other towns in the California Wine Country:
Sonoma offers a warmer climate in the summer from the coastal towns, averaging 29 inches of rainfall per year; it is one of the driest areas in Sonoma County. The Mayacamas and Sonoma mountain ranges on either side isolate the Valley, allowing in just enough coastal fog to cool the vineyards on summer nights.
Our town’s best kept secret:
Our Tuesday night Farmers Market draws the locals to the town square for an evening of music, picnicking, wine, and of course the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers and local artisans.
Our recommendation for the best way to spend a day in Sonoma:
Ask your innkeeper to borrow a picnic basket and where to rent bicycles. Head to Sonoma Plaza to the Cheese Factory to fill your basket – pick up a wine map at the Visitors Bureau - head out to Gundlach Bundschu for wine tasting and cave tour, then to Bartholomew Park winery for wine tasting, picnic by the gazebo or creek, and if you are up for it a hike up above the winery. Stop back by the Plaza for self guided tour of Mission and Barracks, and maybe a little more wine tasting at one of the Plaza wineries. If you want to shop, do it before 6pm, as our shops close early.
Newsworthy happenings in our town + famous citizens:
Sonoma has been the backdrop for several movies, catalogs & magazine articles. We have several yearly events that bring the famous to town: in April, our Sonoma International Film Festival brings many famous actors; in May, Sonoma Jazz+ brings several awesome musicians; in June, NASCAR drivers can be seen dining; and in October, the Charles Schwab Golf Championship brings the senior tour to our little town.
Etc.
Sonoma is located 45 miles northeast of San Francisco on Highway 12 in Sonoma County. Elevation is 70 feet; latitude 38° 17' north; longitude 122° 27' west. A 45 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and a 20 minute drive to Napa. |
SONOMA - SONOMA COUNTY
