Sonoma County is nestled between the marsh-lined shores of San Francisco Bay, the tree-covered mountains of Mendocino, and the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. Settled by a mix of European immigrants, Spanish missionaries, and Mexican soldiers, it serves as a colorful introduction to California's early history.
Once known for its apples, prunes, and rangelands, Sonoma County now is noted for its grapes. The Northern California wine industry was founded here more than a century ago, and, since then, more than 60,000 acres have been planted in the vineyards from the valleys along the Russian River to the hills of the Carneros region.
Sonoma County's soil and climate work well for cultivating some of the best grape varietals in the world. The larger wineries are open daily, year-round, and offer tours and wine sampling in spacious tasting rooms. Some of the smaller wineries require advance notice, but are eager to acquaint visitors with their facilities and vintages.
The town of Sonoma, the birthplace of the county, is located an hour's drive from San Francisco, on Highway 12. Its plaza, laid out by the Mexican General Mariano Vallejo in 1835, is surrounded by the largest collection of Mexican-era adobes north of Monterey, including the Mission San Francisco de Solano, built in 1823. These structures sit side by side with western-style false-front buildings and Italian basalt structures that today house the Toscano Hotel, the Blue Wing Inn, and Sonoma Barracks. Together with the mission, they form Sonoma State Historic Park.
On the west side of town, is Lachryma Montis, the charming, Carpenter Gothic-style house where General Vallejo spent the last 35 years of his life. North Sonoma and about one-mile west of the town of Glen Ellen is the Jack London State Historic Park, established in 1959 to preserve the estate of the world-famous author.
Santa Rosa, the county seat and largest city in Sonoma County, is a convenient spot to establish headquarters for touring neighboring towns, wineries, and other points of interest. It provides a diverse range of accommodations and an extensive choice of restaurants.
The world-renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank selected Sonoma County as the ideal place to conduct his extensive plant-breeding experiments. In Santa Rosa, visitors may tour his greenhouse and modified Greek Revival home, with its original furnishings and memorabilia at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens.
Also in Santa Rosa, Historic Railroad Square is an ever expanding complex of antique stores, gift shops, restaurants, exquisitely refurbished Hotel La Rose, and the Santa Rosa Welcome Center housed in the beautifully restored 1904 train depot.
South of Santa Rosa lies Petaluma, where scenes from American Graffiti, Peggy Sue Got Married. Mumford and Cheaper by the Dozen (just to name a few) were filmed. Take a self-guided walking tou of the 1800s Iron From buildings and Victorian homes, survivors of the 1906 earthquake. On the outskirts of town is California's largest adobe structure, located in the the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, where General Vallejo built his rancho headquarters in 1834.
To the north of Santa Rosa, the city of Healdsburg named for the '49er who founded it, is a top wine-growing region. The Healdsburg Museum contains local history exhibits and artifacts dating back to 1850. including memorabilia from the town's Native American, pioneer, and agricultural past.
Located off Highway 101, north of Healdsburg and Geyserville, is Cloverdale. The Cloverdale Historical Society Museum houses memorabilia, a general store, and a Victorian parlor in a restored 1880 home. Camping and boating are available at nearby Lake Sonoma.
Sonoma County Farm Trails give visitors the opportunity to purchase directly from the county's farms. In the fall, roadside stands carry pumpkins and apples, especially Sonoma's famed juicy, tart Gravensteins. In May and June, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries; mid-summer, field ripened tomatoes and corn are followed by Rome Beauty apples and in November and December, cut-your-own Christmas trees.
The Russian River watershed covers much of Sonoma County as well as portions of Mendocino County to the north and east, and extends south from Cloverdale through rolling hills and fertile valleys. The river passes through redwood and Douglas fir forests and such colorful resort towns as Monte Rio, Guerneville, Duncan Mills, and Forestville, on it's way to the oceanside village of Jenner by Sea.
Two miles north of Guerneville is the 732-acre Armstrong Redwood State Park, which features horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails into Burbank Circle and other major groves.
Located at the end of Highway 12, at the ocean's edges, is Bodega Bay, a working fishing village since it was settled by Spanish explorers in 1775. Ocean-going boats are available for deep-sea-fishing expeditions, and waterfront restaurants serve fresh local seafood. North of Jenner is Fort Ross, a reconstructed fortress established by Russian seal hunters in 1812. Now a state historic park, it features a visitor center that houses interpretive exhibits of tools, arms, and other historic artifacts.
If my Subaru can't get me there,
that's a good reason not to go!