Best Times To Visit

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).

The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel

Sonoma Trashion Fashion Show

The key to dressing for weather changes in Sonoma Valley is to bring different layers. Dress styles are casual to “dressy” casual.

In early spring plan on bringing warm sweaters as well as a warm jacket to choose from. Since rain is still a possibility it would be helpful to bring an umbrella and a rain jacket or parka. Later in spring, a sweater or light jacket or both will be handy to have.

Summer time calls for a light sweater or jacket or both for foggy mornings or cool evenings. Early fall is similar to summer. Late fall returns to the sweaters and jacket and umbrella time.

Winter can be cool and stormy so a warm coat or jacket suitable for rain will be needed on cold days and nights to wear over other layers of clothes.

For men, a neck tie is rarely if ever needed.