Page 92 - 2015 Travel Guide to California

SONOMA VALLEY
Fine food, superb wine and loads of history
SUNSET OVER A VINEYARD in
Sonoma Valley, above; picnic on
Sonoma’s plaza, below.
THE 17-MILE-LONG Sonoma Valley holds
much that today’s travelers are seeking: a
“real” down-home wine country with world-
class accommodations and restaurants.
“The Valley of the Moon,” as it is often
called, lies within vast Sonoma County, just
45 minutes north of San Francisco. Acres of
rolling farmlands and well-tended vineyards
include the towns of Sonoma, Glen Ellen and
Kenwood. There are more than 13,000 acres
of parkland and more than 40 wineries,
many of which are organic and biodynamic.
In fact, the area is a leader in sustainable
travel and ecotourism, including “green”
activities such as hiking, biking and horse-
back riding.
In the heart of it all is the town of Sonoma’s
shady eight-acre plaza surrounded by
acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, wine
tasting rooms and food shops, such as the
culinary store Williams-Sonoma, which
returned to its original location in 2014.
Among the historic sites is Mission San Fran-
cisco Solano de Sonoma, which dates from
1823 and was the last in the string of California
missions constructed by Franciscan friars.
A combination of Mediterranean climate,
ideal soil and geography makes Sonoma
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B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
Valley one of the finest wine producing
regions in the world. Two wineries within a
short distance of the plaza are among the
oldest in California: Buena Vista, founded by
a Hungarian count, Agostin Haraszthy, who
planted grapes in the valley in 1851; and Sebas-
tiani, the oldest continuous family-run
winery in Sonoma Valley. Both offer tours that
trace the roots of Sonoma’s wine industry.
The idyllic town has garnered many acco-
lades, including one of the “friendliest” cities
in America by Condé Nast Traveler; a “Bicycle-
Friendly Community” by the League of
American Bicyclists; and America’s first
“Slow Food” city, recognizing its wine, food
and sustainable “slow” lifestyle.
The charming town of Glen Ellen six miles
north was once home to renowned writers MFK
Fisher and Jack London, whose forested ranch
makes up Jack London State Historic Park.
The valley’s events calendar is packed year
round with a bustling Tuesday night farmers
market, Cinco de Mayo festivities, outdoor
summer concerts and NASCAR weekends.
Sonoma Valley is also proud to welcome
LGBT travelers with TAG-approved lodging
and an annual Gay Wine Weekend. For trip
planning, see sonomavalley.com.
GARY C. TOGNONI/SONOMA VALLEY CVB; DOUGLAS THOMPSON/SONOMA VALLEY CVB