The Best Time To Visit Sonoma, CA: A Guide To Making the Most of Your Trip to Wine Country
Stunning views, one-of-a-kind events, and some of the best wines this world has to offer.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Sonoma County, CA.
But if you’re wondering when the best time to plan your Sonoma trip is, you’ll be happy to know that there are exciting opportunities all year long!
Enjoy this seasonal guide from the team at Trattore Farms and Winery and discover the best time to visit Sonoma, CA, for your unique desires and goals.
Is There a Best Time To Visit Sonoma County?
At Trattore Farms, we answer this question with a resounding, “No!” We believe the best time to visit Sonoma County is all year long, and that you’ll want to return to time and time again — and here are just a few of the reasons why.
Winter
Winters in Sonoma are generally somewhat cool with occasional mist, fog, or rain. Our mild Mediterranean temperatures don’t usually get too cold, even in the dead of winter, so outdoor activities are enjoyable for much of the season.
Mornings can be quite cozy, with coastal fog that creates a dreamily mystical atmosphere. Once the fog burns off, you’ll enjoy our glowing California sunshine that highlights Sonoma’s stunning landscapes.
What To Do in Sonoma in the Winter
- Experience Trattore Farm’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing event on Valentine’s Day Weekend: Picture yourself savoring five meticulously selected wines chosen by winemaker Craig Srehlow, each one a liquid love letter unlike any other. Your wines will be perfectly paired with exquisite artisanal chocolates crafted by Trattore Farms’ talented Chef, Robert Nieto. Each piece of chocolate is a unique story and celebration of creativity waiting to be discovered.
Our dedicated tasting room team will weave a magical atmosphere, delighting you with an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and sweet moments. Come, let love blossom over a glass of wine and a bite of chocolate, creating memories that will linger long after the last sip.
- Go whale watching: Visit Sonoma Coast State Park for a boat excursion to view these magnificent creatures. On weekends, beginning in late winter through Mother’s Day, volunteers are available at Bodega Head to share their knowledge and answer questions about whales and the migration.
- Eat your way through Sonoma County’s Restaurant Week (February 24–March 2, 2025): Your taste buds will thank you as you indulge in special menus and discounts offered by the best local restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample Sonoma County’s diverse culinary scene and savor the unique flavors our local restaurants have to offer. As an added perk, you’ll be helping sustain Sonoma’s local economy by supporting our small businesses.
Spring
With spring comes the beginning of grape-growing season, making it one of the best times to visit the Sonoma Valley. You’ll smell the fragrance of freshly tilled soil as growers begin preparing their vines for the coming season.
The region’s seasonal rains bless the landscape with vivid, green hues, and the breaking of buds signals the start of the growing season. Wildflowers adorn the rolling hills with their stunning display of color and fragrance.
Depending on your location, daily highs are generally in the 60s–70s, with partly cloudy skies that break for afternoon sunshine. Evenings may still drop to the low 40s–50s, so you’ll want to dress in layers for a spring trip.
What To Do in Sonoma in the Spring
- Take a Sonoma Zipline Adventure: Whether you’re a first-time zip liner or are ready for the thrilling heights and sweeping views of a Tree Tops Tour, you’ll have the time of your life zipping through our redwood forests. You can even enjoy their Forest Flight Course at sunset or after dark.
- Indulge in Trattore Farms’ Olive Oil Tasting: Enjoy a curated selection of Trattore Farm and Winery’s olive oils and vinegars, hosed by their knowledgeable staff. All oils are milled on the Trattore Farms estate and produced under the direction of Mary Louise Bucher, Master Miller and owner of Trattore Farms.
- Go wild at Safari West: Immerse yourself in the essence of Africa, the Sonoma Serengeti. Expert guides take you on a motorized adventure among herds of giraffes, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, cape buffalo, and more.
Summer
Clear skies, warm temperatures, and plenty of sunshine make summer one of the best times to visit Sonoma. If you’re ocean-side, you may see an occasional marine layer of fog, but by late morning you’ll be basking in blue skies and warm weather. Depending on your location, temperatures typically range in the 60s–80s during the day and mid-to-high 50s at night. Take full advantage of Sonoma’s sunny summer days by speeding them outside!
What To Do in Sonoma in the Summer
- Indulge in a Farm Flight tasting experience at Trattore Farms: Embark on a tasting adventure showcasing Trattore Farms wines paired with delectable small bites crafted with estate olive oils and culinary vinegars. Their wine and olive oil specialists guide you through the exquisite flavors of the carefully selected flight of four wines and complementary food pairings personally curated by Trattore Farms Tasting Room Manager, Candis Richard.
- Go kayaking in Bodega Bay: Experience something out of the ordinary as you cruise the bay, explore the estuaries, and meet the seals of the lower Russian River on a Bodega Bay kayaking excursion.
- Visit a local farmer’s market and experience the bounty of Sonoma. You’ll find plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, live music, friendly vendors, and good vibes at local markets throughout the region.
Fall
You won’t want to miss fall in Sonoma, the time when harvest is in full swing. This season boasts not only the changing colors of the vineyards but also the harvesting of grapes for wine. Sonoma’s Mediterranean climate experiences temperatures in the 60s–80s depending on your location. You’ll likely want to dress in layers in the evening since nighttime temperatures can drop to the low 50s.
What To Do in Sonoma in the Fall
- Tour a winery: Fall at Trattore Farms is the perfect time to experience their “Get Your Boots Dirty Tour.” You’ll traverse through the estate vineyard, olive mill, and cellar and conclude your tour with a delectable Sonoma wine-tasting experience. Our pet and kid-friendly Sonoma winery delights guests with a view like no other. Explore the grounds with your two-legged or four-legged babies, and finish off with a premium wine and olive oil tasting for the adults, a wood-fired pizza for the kids, or “bark”uterie board for your fur-baby.
- Take a self-guided cheese tour at one of Sonoma’s artisan creameries. Sample artisan goat cheese, yogurt, farmstead cheese, British-style cheese, and other unique varieties that showcase the best Sonoma has to offer.
- Hike Sonoma’s breathtaking trails: From a leisurely stroll to a rigorous climb, Sonoma’s hiking trails offer something for every outdoor enthusiast.
It’s Always the Best Time To Visit Trattore Farms: One of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 25 Wineries of 2024
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley lies Trattore Farms and Winery. Our farm is renowned for offering the best wine tasting in Geyserville and allows visitors to experience a journey through the lush vineyards of one of California’s premier wine regions.
At Trattore Farms, every glass tells a story of tradition, quality, and the vibrant spirit of Dry Creek Valley’s winemaking legacy. You’ll immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Dry Creek Valley as you savor a sampling of our meticulously crafted Rhône wines.
In Sonoma County’s charming town of Geyserville, wineries take center stage — and Trattore Farms stands out as the crown jewel with our stunning 360-degree valley view and a diverse array of award-winning wines and olive oils.
Experience Trattore Farm for yourself — no matter the season.