Our friends in the media are invited to step beyond the ordinary and learn more about these Sonoma County experiences waiting to be told.
Our destination is not just scenic; it's a vibrant community of artisans crafting masterpieces of pottery, textiles, and woodworking. Engage with these creators and weave yourself into our cultural tapestry. Find solace, and the story behind the story, in our holistic wellness offerings, from serene yoga retreats to invigorating spa treatments.
With a myriad of artisanal craftsmen and unique adventures waiting to be discovered, we offer these curated story ideas for Winter 2025.
Taste the Story: Connecting Palate and Passion
Tasting wine in Sonoma County transcends the act of sipping; it is an immersive sensory experience that captivates both the palate and imagination. A winemaker's story significantly enriches the tasting experience. First, it fosters a connection to the land by revealing the vineyard's history, soil, and climate, and terroir, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the wine's nuances. Secondly, the stories shared by winemakers—detailing their seasonal struggles and triumphs—infuse the wine with a sense of artistry and passion. Many Sonoma County winemakers are available to spend time with journalist in late fall and winter months. It is here in these moments that journalists can experience firsthand the genuine warmth, hospitality, craftsmanship, and spirit of the winemakers of Sonoma County.
Ancient Healing Meets Modern Luxury
In Sonoma County’s Wine Country, a destination renown for health, wellness, and rejuvenation Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary offers a remarkable Japanese treatment: the Cedar Enzyme Bath. This practice, rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, involves fermenting fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other natural elements to create healing tonics.
Though the modern version originated in the 1940s in Hokkaido, Japan, it gained global recognition during the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Games, where athletes used it for recovery. Michael Stusser, the founder of Osmosis, discovered its transformative properties in the 1980s while studying in Japan. He later brought this ritual to the U.S., establishing it in Freestone, California, where he continues to honor its cultural roots.
The Cedar Enzyme Bath immerses the body in a fragrant blend of ground cedar and rice bran with living enzymes that boost metabolism. This warm, soothing treatment offers numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, pain relief, detoxification, and radiant skin. Unique to North America, the Cedar Enzyme Bath at Osmosis is a holistic experience that promotes relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness.
Celestial Adventures Await: Discover the Wonders of Sonoma County Night Skies
Sonoma County offers more than just award-wining wine. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is the home of Robert Ferguson Observatory, Northern California’s most active public observatory. It is also the largest observatory in the western United States completely dedicated to public viewing and education. The dark night sky of Sugarloaf Ridge makes it a perfect location for stargazing and the observatory is open to the public on select weekends throughout the year for both night and solar viewing. Per-person fees are charged at the door for night viewing. The Robert Ferguson Observatory is located near the group campground and is surrounded by a protective ring of hills, decreasing the light pollution from nearby cities. This astronomy observatory houses several telescopes.
The observatory also provides Night Sky Classes, learn about the seasonal sky, with telescope observing after class. The Robert Ferguson Observatory is open to the public only on scheduled monthly events. The observatory can be rented for private star parties and other events. Here are the best stargazing locations to get the best adventures in Sonoma County.
Sonoma is a Pet-Friendly City
The Better Cities for Pets program has recognized Sonoma as a pet-friendly city, underscoring its commitment to creating a welcoming community for pets and their owners. This certification reflects Sonoma’s achievement of specific benchmarks across 12 traits that support pet-friendly shelters, parks, and businesses. Notable pet-friendly establishments include HopMonk Tavern, La Salette, and various local wineries, while parks like Bartholomew Park and Jack London Park provide inviting spaces for pets. The Better Cities for Pets program aim to enhance urban areas for pet ownership, equipping cities with resources to cultivate more pet-friendly environments.
Cheers Without the Buzz: Discover Healdsburg's Vibrant Zero Alcohol Scene
Millennials and Gen Z are actively searching our dry/zero alcohol experiences. Lo & Behold Bar & Kitchen in Healdsburg is a popular gastropub known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on seasonal, locally sourced Sonoma County ingredients. The menu features a blend of California cuisine with influences from various culinary traditions, highlighting fresh produce and artisanal products. The bar offers a selection of craft cocktails, mocktail, wines, and local beers, making it a great spot for both dining and socializing. The inviting space often hosts events and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its vibrant ambiance and delicious offerings.
Known in Sonoma County Wine Country as one of the best bars to not drink in, Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, from their house-made Ginger Brew to their Fruity Rumba, made with kiwi, strawberry, lime and seltzer. But they are more than willing to go off the menu and create a custom and unique mocktail from their fresh ingredients.
Zero proof cocktails and dining experiences have risen in popularity so much in 2024 that Healdsburg offers a Mocktail Trail that is getting rave reviews.
From Los Angeles to Serenity: Sonoma County’s Charm Awaits Just an Hour Away
Sonoma County is an ideal escape from the Los Angeles area, with daily non-stop flights from LAX, John Wayne, and Burbank, making travel easy and efficient. The roughly hour-long flight to Sonoma County Airportallows LA residents to plan mid-week getaways or weekend retreats without hassle. Our region’s natural beauty, featuring lush vineyards, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views, offers a serene contrast to urban LA life, providing a peaceful retreat to unwind. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking in Sonoma Coast State Parkand biking along scenic routes, while charming towns like Healdsburg and Sonoma enrich the experience with unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options. Sonoma’s culinary scene emphasizes farm-to-table dining, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that appeal to both foodies and casual diners. In summary, Sonoma County combines easy accessibility, natural beauty, rich wine culture, outdoor adventures, charming towns, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a perfect destination for Los Angelenos looking to escape and rejuvenate.
Solar Punk Farms: Where Regenerative Agriculture Meets Queer Activism
Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville is a groundbreaking initiative that embodies the principles of sustainability, community, and ecological stewardship. As a key player in the solarpunk movement, the farm emphasizes regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and resilience in the face of climate change. By focusing on permaculture practices, it integrates diverse crops, agroforestry, and biodiversity to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. Founded and led by husbands Nick Schwanz and Spencer Scott and along with a collective of LGBTQ+ farmers, Solar Punk Farm not only prioritizes ecological health but also serves as a space for community empowerment. The farm hosts educational workshops, community events, and hands-on experiences that engage visitors in sustainable farming and environmental activism. By fostering connections among community members, it promotes social equity and ecological awareness. Solar Punk Farm is a vital hub for both Sonoma County residents and visitors interested in sustainable agriculture and queer activism, demonstrating how the principles of permaculture and sustainable living can be put into practice in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Condé Nast Traveler Names the Lodge at Bodega Bay Best Hotel in the World
Sonoma County hotels are making waves in the travel industry, recently receiving high praise from the Michelin Guide. In 2024, two exceptional properties in Healdsburg stood out: The Madrona was featured in the “Plus” collection, while SingleThread inn and restaurant achieved the prestigious honor of three Michelin Stars, alongside a green star and three Keys. Each hotel included in the Michelin Guide is recognized for its unique style, exceptional service, and vibrant personality. The accolades continued on October 1st when Conde Nast Traveler readers voted the Lodge at Bodega Bay as the best hotel in the world, surpassing renowned establishments like the Ritz Carlton in Doha and the Four Seasons in Paris. The magazine's 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards revealed that this coastal retreat earned the top spot after more than 575,000 votes were cast, further solidifying Sonoma County's reputation as a premier travel destination.
Our public relations team is here to assist you! We’re eager to discuss additional story ideas and provide you with the information and digital assets you need to achieve your assignment or story goals.
