Just an hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, world-class wines, culinary excellence, and artistic innovation. Spanning over one million acres, our region features majestic coastal redwood forests, winding rivers, gentle valleys, and stunning Pacific coastlines. With more than 425 wineries and 60,000 acres of vineyards, Sonoma County is celebrated not only for exceptional wines and culinary excellence, but also for the warm hospitality and genuine, welcoming spirit of our people. The vibrant artisan and maker communities further enhance our charm, making for a destination rich in heritage, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Discover the wealth of unique stories waiting to be shared in Sonoma County with these curated thought starters, crafted for our friends in the media.
Sonoma County’s Nighttime Glow: Suki Waters’ Bioluminescent Kayak Tours
Suki Waters, founder of Watertreks Ecotours, is aptly named for her career. Based in Jenner-by-the-Sea, she leads guided kayaking trips exploring the Russian River’s meeting point with the Pacific Ocean. Waters’ deep-rooted connection to the region spans generations—her great-great-grandmother was a member of the Kashia Pomo; the Native American tribe whose land encompasses the river’s mouth. Bioluminescence along the Sonoma County coastline is as mesmerizing as the Aurora Borealis in the Arctic. This seasonal phenomenon, especially prominent in the Russian River Estuary, occurs from June to October, with the most vibrant displays on moonless nights. The glow comes from dinoflagellates, tiny organisms that light up when disturbed by predators or wave action. From June to November, Watertreks offers bioluminescent night paddles in the Pacific. With Suki’s expert guidance, each stroke reveals a glowing trail, illuminating marine life while providing insight into Sonoma County’s unique ecosystems.
Inclusive Travel in Sonoma County: Wineries, Parks, and More
Sonoma County offers an inclusive environment for travelers with disabilities, making it a top destination for accessible adventures. Many wineries, including Simi Winery, feature ADA-compliant tasting rooms, with accessible restrooms and outdoor areas. The region’s parks, such as Doran Regional Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, offer wheelchair-friendly trails. Visitors can also explore the wildlife at Safari West aboard an accessible safari vehicle. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa offers accessible accommodations, and Sonoma Plaza features wide, paved sidewalks for easy navigation. ADA-compliant facilities throughout Sonoma County ensure that all visitors can enjoy its scenic beauty and unique experiences.
Ancient Healing Meets Modern Luxury
Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Sonoma Wine Country offers a unique Cedar Enzyme Bath, the only one of its kind in North America. Rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, the treatment immerses the body in a warm blend of ground cedar, rice bran, and living enzymes that enhance metabolism. Popularized during the 1972 Sapporo Olympics for recovery, this practice was introduced to the U.S. by Osmosis founder Michael Stusser, who discovered it in Japan during the 1980s. The bath provides numerous benefits, including improved circulation, pain relief, detoxification, and radiant skin, while promoting relaxation and holistic wellness.
Solar Punk Farms: Where Regenerative Agriculture Meets Queer Activism
Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville exemplifies sustainability, community, and ecological stewardship. Led by husbands Nick Schwanz and Spencer Scott and a collective of LGBTQ+ farmers, the farm integrates permaculture, agroforestry, and biodiversity to create a regenerative ecosystem. A hub for queer activism and sustainable agriculture, it offers workshops, events, and hands-on experiences to promote environmental awareness and social equity. Solar Punk Farms demonstrates how sustainable living can thrive in an inclusive and welcoming environment by blending renewable energy and resilience with community engagement.
How Women Pioneers Helped Shape Sonoma County's Craft Beer Legacy
In 1976, the New Albion Brewing Company was founded in Sonoma County by Jack McAuliffe, Suzy Stern, and Jane Zimmerman, becoming America’s first modern microbrewery. While McAuliffe is often credited as the sole founder, Stern and Zimmerman played vital roles in the brewery's creation and operations. Stern was particularly key in funding and contributing to the brewing and sales processes. Their collective efforts laid the foundation for the craft beer movement, inspiring countless microbreweries. Today, Sonoma County is recognized as a craft beer epicenter, with innovative breweries like the Russian River Brewing Company contributing to our reputation.
Sonoma County’s Wellness Retreats Blend Cannabis with Nature and Relaxation
Sonoma County is home to award-winning cannabis farms and transformative wellness retreats. Experiences range from yoga and meditation sessions infused with cannabis to nature walks and spa treatments enhanced by CBD and cannabis therapeutics. Visitors are invited to explore local cannabis farms and engage with knowledgeable cultivators and industry experts to learn about sustainable growing practices, innovative extraction methods, and the latest developments in cannabis research.
LOVE Wine: A Fusion of Art and Winemaking That Uplifts Marginalized Voices
When visual artist Alexandra Grant founded grantLOVE in 2008, her goal was to provide artists—who have long been undervalued in American culture—with essential support, including materials, production costs, and direct stipends to sustain their work. From the outset, Grant envisioned collaborating with a woman-led vineyard and like-minded visual artists to explore how best to nurture curiosity and creativity. That vision found its perfect match in J Vineyards’ Estate Director and Head Winemaker, Nicole Hitchcock, who ascended the ranks of the Gallo family of wineries to become a leading figure in the wine industry. Together, Grant and Hitchcock created LOVE Wine, a series of limited-edition bottlings, each featuring a label designed by a woman-identified artist. For the inaugural release, a brut cuvée whose blend was carefully selected by both Grant and Hitchcock, the label was designed by Genevieve Gaignard, a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores themes of class, race, and cultural identity. In a time of global uncertainty and social fragmentation, the collaboration between Grant, Hitchcock, and Gaignard offers a meaningful convergence of art and wine in Sonoma County—one that amplifies and uplifts the voices of marginalized female-identified artists.
Redwoods, Wine, and a Luxe Retreat: Road Trip to AutoCamp Russian River
Imagine waking up in a sleek, fully appointed Airstream, surrounded by towering coastal redwoods, with the earthy aroma of redwood needles in the air and the promise of world-class wine and cuisine just minutes away. Welcome to AutoCamp Russian River—where the nostalgia of the open road meets modern luxury in the heart of Sonoma County. This isn’t just glamping; it’s a design-forward escape where iconic Airstream suites offer a boutique hotel experience in a stunning natural setting. Each custom-designed trailer features spa-inspired bathrooms, plush beds, and private outdoor fire pits—perfect for unwinding with a glass of Pinot Noir from a nearby vineyard. Beyond the campsite, Sonoma County is a paradise for food and wine lovers. Spend your days indulging in farm-to-table dining, sipping your way through 425+ legendary wineries, or discovering Guerneville’s vibrant culinary scene. And for those who crave adventure, the Russian River is just steps away, ideal for kayaking, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of Sonoma Wine Country.
