Sonoma

 

Framed by the Sonoma and Mayacamas Mountain ranges, Sonoma is a friendly and historic city at the heart of the renowned Sonoma Valley winemaking region. It also functions as the economic hub for the surrounding rural valley. Sonoma is the closest wine region to San Francisco and a popular tourist destination home to unparalleled beauty, a state park, art galleries, and the enduring colonial-era Sonoma Valley. Residents appreciate the friendly, small-town vibe and the amazing climate, which makes for optimal wine grape-growing. With its rich cultural heritage and prominent place in California history, Sonoma is a beautiful place to live in and to visit.

Sonoma County is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country. It’s less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco, and residents enjoy unmatched access to world-class culture, culinary destinations, and wine. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with lush vineyards, rolling hillsides, and mountains everywhere you turn. It’s also got all the classic charms of a small town area, with welcoming and friendly people and an appealing rustic sensibility. Families appreciate the numerous excellent nearby schools and opportunities for job growth, while retirees couldn’t pick a better place to settle down and relax during their twilight years.

Centered in the heart of the Sonoma Valley Wine Country, the Sonoma Golf Club provides an exceptional premium golf experience on a stunning vintage course. With more than 90 years under its belt, the club prides itself on enduring to become a classic from the Golden Age of golf course architecture. The club was even the backdrop for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in the past. Additional amenities include tennis courts, spa treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor dining, a wine cellar, a pool, and a fitness center.

 

St. Francis Winery and Vineyards produces award-winning wine collections and has been producing high-quality wines from the world-renowned Sonoma Valley for more than 50 years. They are best known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and their Zinfandels. On Sonoma Highway in nearby Kenwood is the Chateau St. Jean Winery, a beautiful spot, originally founded in 1973, boasting award-winning wines. St. Jean’s is the ultimate Wine Country getaway and a popular wedding venue.

 

In the Valley of the Moon, you will discover a diverse geothermal springs sanctuary on the border of Sonoma Creek among a canopy of large oaks and rolling hills. Mortons Warm Springs Resorts is an idyllic location ideal for recreation, meetings, special events, and corporate retreats.

Explore the Sonoma Valley by bike with Sonoma Valley Bike Tours. Plan a guided tour with friends to travel to some of the area’s best local wineries or enjoy a great lunch and snap photographs of the incredible scenery. Bike tours are a unique way to experience this beautiful region.

 

At the center of Sonoma is the historic Sonoma Plaza, the largest in California, that was originally laid out by the city’s founder in 1835. Today it is surrounded by numerous preserved historical buildings, including the Mission San Francisco Solano. It serves as the town’s main social and community gathering place regularly hosts fun events, celebrations, and the weekly Sonoma Farmers Market on Tuesdays during the summer.

 

Families love Sonoma TrainTown, a tourist railroad and amusement park that features a quarter-scale railroad on four miles of track. Each trip lasts approximately 20 minutes and takes guests through Lakeview, a miniature town and petting zoo. There are also other amusement rides available, such as a carousel, a small mine train coaster, and a ferris wheel.

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District serves Sonoma County and is home to eleven schools, including five elementary, two middle, two high, and two K-8 charter schools, such as the Sonoma Charter School.