Sonoma Valley
Valley of the Moon · Sonoma Mountain · Bennett Valley · Moon Mountain
10Wineries
Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel Chardonnay Pinot Noir Gewürztraminer Merlot
Why This Region Matters
California's Oldest Wineries
Buena Vista (1857) and Gundlach Bundschu (1858) are the oldest continuously family-owned wineries in California, both in the Sonoma Valley.
Biodynamic Pioneer
Benziger Family Winery on Sonoma Mountain was one of California's first certified biodynamic estates, a genuine leader in sustainable wine growing.
Historic Sonoma Plaza
The only Spanish Colonial-era plaza in California. The Mission, the Barracks, and Sonoma City Hall surround a park that serves as the town's living room.
Babydoll Sheep & Redwoods
Gun-Bun's famous miniature babydoll sheep roam organically between the vine rows, and their donkey bar is one of wine country's great outdoor drinking spots.
Climate & Terroir
A warm inland valley sheltered from the Pacific by the Sonoma Mountains to the west. Morning fog burns off by mid-morning, leaving long warm afternoons perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. Cooler mountain sites on Sonoma Mountain add tension and structure.
Towns to Explore
🏘 Town of Sonoma
Historic plaza, California's oldest family wineries, Scribe, Larson, Buena Vista, Gundlach Bundschu
Explore →
🏘 Glen Ellen & Kenwood
Jack London country, Benziger, Imagery, Chateau St. Jean, relaxed Valley of the Moon vibe
Explore →
Wineries in This Region
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Abbot's Passage Winery & Mercantile
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Abbots Passage Winery
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Amapola Creek Lounge
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Amapola Creek Wines
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Anaba Wines
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Annadel Estate Winery
📍 Santa Rosa
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Arrowood Vineyards Winery
📍 Glen Ellen
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Auteur Wines
📍 Downtown Sonoma
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
B R Cohn Winery
📍 Glen Ellen
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
B Wise Vineyards
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Bartholomew Estate Winery
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Bartholomew Park Winery
📍 Sonoma
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Bedrock Wine Co
📍 Downtown Sonoma
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Beltane Ranch
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Benziger Family
📍 Glen Ellen
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Benziger Family Winery
📍 Glen Ellen
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch
📍 Glen Ellen
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Buena Vista Winery
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Chateau St Jean
📍 Kenwood
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Corner 103
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Cornerstone Sonoma
📍 Sonoma
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Coturri Winery
📍 Sonoma Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Deerfield Ranch Winery
📍 Kenwood
See all 82 Sonoma Valley wineries →
class="vtip">🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
Sonoma Valley is the most historically rich wine region in California. Start at the Sonoma Plaza, park once and walk to multiple tasting rooms. Gundlach Bundschu and Buena Vista are within minutes of each other and are both must-visits. Scribe requires SVS membership but its place on the historic Dresel estate is extraordinary.
More Sonoma Valley Guides
Sonoma Valley Planning Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sonoma Valley known for?
Sonoma Valley, the historic 'Valley of the Moon,' is one of California's oldest wine districts, known for Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay grown between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountains.
What towns anchor Sonoma Valley?
The town of Sonoma with its historic plaza sits at the south end, with Glen Ellen and Kenwood further up the valley.
Why is Sonoma Valley historically important?
California's commercial wine industry has deep roots here, with Buena Vista, founded in 1857, among the state's oldest wineries and the mission at Sonoma marking early winegrowing in the region.
When is the best time to visit Sonoma Valley?
Fall harvest is vibrant and warm, spring is lush and quiet, and the compact valley makes it easy to visit several wineries in a relaxed day.