Welcome to Sonoma Valley
Wine country views and cultivated taste shine in this storied California town
When night falls, and the moon blankets Sonoma Valley with its soft white light, a sense of magic whispers through the town, and all feels right in the world. As the hills rise up around Sonoma Valley and the vineyards slumber, a pearly moonstone glow illuminates the countryside. In short, it is mesmerizing. No wonder locals refer to Sonoma Valley as the Valley of the Moon.
Dramatic beauty aside, Sonoma Valley is legendary as the birthplace of American wine, not to mention the state of California. This is where the bear flag ascended for the first time, and the town has rightfully been lauded ever since. The climate is absolutely perfect for growing grapes, as though the gods themselves hand-picked the proper elements for this brand of alchemy.
Sonoma Valley might also be the origin of luxury. Sporting world-class golf resorts, Michelin chefs, acclaimed wineries, and some of the world’s most exquisite estates, Sonoma Valley rules the world of grandeur with a steady hand and flawless style.
What to Love:
- World-class wine and vineyards
- Exquisite estates with stunning views
- Culinary excellence and Michelin bistros
Local Lifestyle
Sonoma Valley indulges its residents with the very best of everything. But while lavish in its offerings, Sonoma Valley retains a refined atmosphere. The air here is breezy and elegant in an easy, effortless way. Denizens of this posh spot follow suit — people here know how to live but also how to gaze at that Sonoma moon and feel a deep sense of gratitude.
You will often find residents of Sonoma Valley soaking up the cultural scene, tasting the season’s most exciting varietals, or sharing a meal by candlelight at one of the area’s top bistros. Mostly, though, you’ll find them embracing the little moments that, in a setting this sublime, can feel like magic.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Sonoma Valley and haute cuisine are inextricably linked. With a coveted climate and agricultural excellence at their fingertips, chefs have carte blanche to create the stuff of epicurean dreams. The Girl and the Fig is one such example. This darling bistro deftly handles the nuanced flavors of French country cuisine with aplomb, and locals have been singing its praises for 25 years.
Dining at El Dorado Kitchen is a favorite local pastime. The stone courtyard takes alfresco dining to new heights, while the fireplace-adorned lounge is a cozy spot for cocktails. Built in the 1870s, The Swiss Hotel provides guests with a glimpse of historic Sonoma Valley. Terraces and wood-beamed ceilings evoke old-world charm, and the menu perfectly fuses Italian and New American cuisine. Groceries have been a high-end experience at Sonoma Market, a town institution, for over 50 years. Here you will find artisan cheese, local wine, and farm-to-market ingredients supplied by the bounty of Sonoma Valley’s local farms.
Things to Do
Of all the things to do in Sonoma Valley, the most obvious choice is also a dynamite one. Wine tasting is a must here, and Corner 103 is a lovely place to start. In fact, this sophisticated spot was named the top wine-tasting room in the country and proved its reputation with every sip.
The stately entrance to the Sonoma Plaza is as iconic as the town itself and marks the site of the community’s most beloved events. Here you can find both an old-fashioned Fourth of July picnic and the glittering Sonoma International Film Festival, not to mention architectural beauty. Sonoma Mission Inn is just the place for an indulgent spa treatment, a weekend getaway, or a round at the prestigious Sonoma Golf Club.
