Mike Hedley and Nancy Blankinship created HBSonoma based on the belief that people come before profit and success only comes from service. They’ve proved it to us. We recommend them highly.
Most lodging establishments in Sonoma Valley have a two night minimum stay requirement for weekends. B&B’s and Vacation Rentals typically have a minimum stay requirement of two or more nights throughout the week. It never hurts to ask for an exception.
Pet friendly lodging is scarce in Sonoma, although Service Animals are always welcome. We’ll be updating this section with more information as soon as we complete our research. Thanks for your patience. Read More
There are way too many fun things to do in Sonoma to list in one place. We’ve summarized some of the highlights below. You are welcome to explore our Events Calendar section for more. Have fun!
The wine grape autumn harvest, also known as the “Crush” (think pressed grapes), usually gets underway in mid-August, and continues until as late as the end of October. It is most certainly a popular time to visit Sonoma Valley. The weather is wonderful, the vineyards and wineries are buzzing with activity, and fresh local produce is pouring into the farmers markets and restaurants. This period is also highlighted by two of the premier wine country events, the Sonoma Valley Vintage Festival and the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.
The winter season, loosely defined as November to February, is one of the better kept secrets in California Wine Country. Resorts, Inns, and B&B’s put on their best show and offer great packages. Wineries also get in the holiday mood with numerous Wine Release Parties and Holiday Celebrations. Sonoma Plaza puts on its own magic with it’s Holidays in Sonoma celebration.
Springtime in Sonoma is simply gorgeous and brings out the best everywhere. The Sonoma International Film Festival, gets the season started and Signature Sonoma wraps it up with a big bang.
Summer activities get a nice start with Gay Wine Weekend in early June. And our new favorite thing to do in Sonoma is Transcendence Theatre’s “Broadway Under the Star”, which gets underway in Glen Ellen’s Jack London State Park in late June and continues through August. Sonoma’s July 4 Celebration is our Editor’s Pick for the most fun thing to do with kids (tied with the Plaza Duck Pond and Traintown).
If want to escape the world of corporate hotels, this is a good place to start. Twenty locally owned and operated B&B’s, Inns, and Vacation Rentals have banded together to promote their unique properties and travel style. Many of these proprietors can and will provide you the inside track on small wineries. Use the Web site availability calendar to quickly determine what’s available for your dates.
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) comprises hundreds of member wineries and grape growers who work together to promote awareness of the Sonoma Valley and its extraordinary wines and grapes, its incomparable climate, and its richly diverse terrain and terroir.
The Visitor’s Bureau has two locations and bundles of helpful information. The main location is on the Plaza in a classic building that used to be the public library.
To order a Free Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau Guide, call the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at 866-996-1090.The second location is located on the Highway coming into town, at Cornerstone Gardens, and has staff and volunteers on hand to help with information needs.
| August 2025 | ||
| There are no national holidays in August. | ||
|
Broadway Under the Stars
|
June-Sept., 2025 |
Transcendence Theatre’s “Broadway Under The Stars” is a series of concerts featuring professional Broadway and Hollywood performers in the majestic open-air winery ruins in Jack London State Park. Magical in every way! More info. |
|
Sonoma City Party
|
TBD 2025 |
Each year the city of Sonoma puts on a down-home party that brings the locals out in droves for dancing in the streets, food, drink, and live music. Don’t miss it! More info. |
Red and White Ball |
TBD 2025 | A fundraiser for local schools, the Sonoma Red and White Ball is a hugely popular, and colorful, dinner and dance party held on the Plaza. The theme is fun, not necessarily formal. Don your favorite Red and White attire and dance the night away. More info. |
| Art Walk
|
First Thursday of the month | Stroll around the plaza, popping into local galleries and businesses to chat with artists, listen to music, and take in the latest on the Sonoma art scene. First Thursday of each month through December except July. More info. |
|
Tuesday Evening Farmers Market
|
Tuesdays |
Centrally located in the Town Square, Tuesday evenings, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, May through October. The weekly events doubles as an unofficial weekly town picnic. Food, crafts, nonprofit booths, local produce, seasonal flowers, and live music. More Info. |
|
Friday Morning Farmers Market
|
Fridays |
Open Fridays 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, year ’round, in the Arnold Field parking lot, just one block north of Sonoma Plaza. Fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, cheeses, and arts and crafts. More Info. |
o Groups of 6 or more adults should make advance appointments
o Visiting more than four wineries in a day is going to be exhausting
o Avoid limo style vehicles if you want to see the sights from the road
o Wineries w/ tasting fees – check visitor centers, hotels, etc for 2 for 1 coupons
o Wineries w/out tasting fees – it is a courtesy to buy at least one bottle of wine
o Picnicking is welcome at many wineries, provided you buy picnic wine on-site
o Visa Signature Card holders get reduced fees and discounts at some wineries
o Best wine shipping rates can often be obtained at the winery
Copyright © 2020 BestinSonoma.com, Sonoma, CA. 95476. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy
