Ahh… California wine country. Although I’ve lived in Oregon since I was two, I couldn’t resist writing a series about Sonoma County. It’s February — the month of LOVE — and I like to believe Oregon and California wines coexist beautifully, supporting one another along the diverse and stunning West Coast.
In fact, one of Oregon’s finest Syrahs even includes grapes from California.
In the spirit of love and wine industry camaraderie, I’m excited to share a four-part series on California Wine Country: Sonoma County.
It all began with a celebration…
Twenty years ago this past November my husband and I started dating. Two decades, five cities, four states, two houses, six apartments, three dogs, a few breaks, one wonderful wedding, two amazing kids, and a whole lot of wine later, wine country felt like the perfect place to celebrate.
We’ve enjoyed Washington wine country for my husband’s 40th birthday and frequently explore Oregon’s wineries, but California wine country was new to us. With a rough route planned—helped by recommendations from The Wine Road and friends—we set off to discover Sonoma.
Getting to Sonoma
Alaska Airlines offers direct flights into Santa Rosa/Sonoma County (STS) from several major cities. You can fly into San Francisco, but if you have the option to fly into Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, I highly recommend it — it saves time. Bonus: when you depart from STS, many carriers allow you to check a case of wine per passenger free of charge.
Renting a Car
If you stay in Sonoma town, note that a one-way cab from STS to Sonoma can cost around $100. Our tip: rent a car at the airport. Choosing an economy or compact car can save a lot. We enjoyed a friendly cab driver on our arrival, but it still cost us about $100.
Getting around Sonoma County
What surprised us most was how long travel takes between destinations. Vineyards and towns are spread out, and many roads pass through small towns with lower speed limits, so distances take longer to cover than you might expect. A rental car is essential in Sonoma; public transportation is limited. Hiring a driver is another safe and enjoyable option for wine tasting, especially for special occasions.
Thanks to STI Drive, we had a complimentary Mitsubishi Lancer, which was comfortable for the two of us without kids or pets.
Sonoma Hotels
I spent months researching accommodations, checking reviews, websites, and social media to narrow down choices. We ultimately selected the Inn at Sonoma, part of the Four Sisters Inns collection.
Inn at Sonoma
630 Broadway Street, Sonoma, California 95476
888-568-9818 | [email protected]
Rates: $200 – $395 per night
Highlights: fresh cookies in the lobby each afternoon, a daily wine & cheese hour, free guest parking, a hot tub, many rooms with balconies and fireplaces, and a hot buffet breakfast. The hotel is within walking distance of Sonoma’s town square, yet tucked off the main street for relative quiet. Staff were pleasant and respectful of our privacy.
Another option is the El Dorado Hotel:
El Dorado Hotel
405 First Street West, Sonoma, California 95476
707-996-3030 | [email protected]
Located right on the main street around the town square, El Dorado places you in the heart of the action with easy walking access to restaurants and shops. Rooms can be lovely but may be noisy depending on your room location and the time of year. The hotel’s restaurant is excellent; I’ll share a review of our dinner there in a later post.
About Sonoma County
Sonoma and Napa offer different experiences. Napa often feels more polished and expensive, while Sonoma keeps a more casual, down-to-earth vibe. Remember: vineyards are farms. Wine is a product of hard work, science, and nature, tended by farmers who care deeply for the land. Sonoma still feels very homegrown and agricultural.
Sonoma is a tapestry of vineyards across gently rolling hills, dotted with livestock, old farming equipment beside modern trucks, massive oak trees, and architectural nods to European styles. A large casino opened near town before our visit, but Sonoma’s enduring charm is its agricultural roots.
Sonoma delivers breathtaking moments in unexpected places.
The town center hosts the main square with most restaurants and shops, but the approach into town reveals a mix of modest and middle-class neighborhoods. Sonoma feels small, cozy, and comforting — like a favorite sweater you return to again and again.
People in Sonoma tend to smile as they stroll, often arm in arm. The pace is gentle, and that warmth makes it an ideal place to spend time with your partner, especially when celebrating milestones.
What to Wear in Sonoma Wine Country
Unless you’re attending a wedding or formal event, leave formalwear at home. T-shirts or blouses, sweaters, and jeans will carry you from casual tastings and vineyard tours to dinner. Casual dresses are fine for evenings, and men can wear nice shirts with jeans or slacks — ties aren’t necessary. Days can be warm while nights grow chilly, so dress in layers and bring a light coat year-round. Pack a variety of shoes and avoid open-toed footwear for vineyard tours, where the ground can be muddy. In short: classy casual with a West Coast feel.
The Wine Road
If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma and want more information, check out The Wine Road for maps and resources. They provide helpful materials to map out tastings and routes throughout the region.