The Best Time to Visit Sonoma County, Whether You Love Wine or Not
Naturally, Northern California's temperate climate makes the entire calendar a good opportunity to visit Sonoma County. In the spring, everything is green from the winter rain and in bloom. During summer visits, beautiful dinners composed of lush in-season produce on terraces with balmy breezes and late sunsets are commonplace. And hotels have lower nightly rates in the winter, and winemakers—those who are around—will usually have more time to spend with you. 'While it can be chilly in the winter months, there's something lovely about curling up next to a fireplace with a glass of Pinot Noir,' Caskey says. 'And with no crowds, it will feel like you own the place.'
When is the cheapest time to visit Sonoma County?
The cheapest times to visit Sonoma County are the shoulder seasons, as well as the winter offseason. 'Early spring and the weeks after Thanksgiving are the most intimate times to visit,' says Gatto of Wine Country Concierge. 'Winemakers and winery owners have more time to spend with you indoors instead of the bustling summer and fall when their days are full.'
For the most affordable stay, plan to take your trip to Sonoma County during the winter months, from January to March. 'This period typically has the best deals on flights, car rentals, and hotels,' Tillement says. 'The moderate climate still allows for pleasant outdoor activities, including coastal walks and redwood forest explorations.'
If you travel to Sonoma County during the offseason, remember to check restaurant schedules: 'During this time, some places will prune their hours of operations,' Caskey says, because of declined foot traffic. 'However, people actually live in Sonoma town, near Santa Rosa—and Healdsburg—and many great spots are open year-round.
When is peak season in Sonoma County?
When it comes to wine destinations like Sonoma County, the best time to visit is usually harvest season, which means it's also peak season. This is when most oenophile travelers descend on the wineries to get up close and personal with the harvesting process. 'Harvest starts in August with whites and ends in October with reds,' Gatto says. 'Visitors can often see the crush process at wineries, which includes the sorting of grape clusters and the evolution of their juice into wine.'
Given the popularity of visiting during the autumn harvest, it's important to secure your reservations well in advance—winery visits, restaurant tables, hotel rooms, and even private drivers and rental cars (always have a designated driver in your travel group!). Beyond the grape harvest time, summer is also a popular season in Sonoma County, with plenty to see, eat, and do. 'You get perfect weather for outdoor activities and a lively atmosphere with various festivals and events,' Tillement says. Summer is arguably an even better time to visit for travelers who do not drink: 'During pleasant evenings, wineries host outdoor events and amazing culinary experiences.'
Even the bathtubs have striking views of Sonoma County at the Montage Healdsburg (pictured), one of the most luxurious stays in the area.
Christian Horan Photography
When visiting Sonoma County for the first time, where should I go?
Sonoma County is massive, with a land area of about 1,500 square miles, and it has plenty of natural parks, coastlines, and charming towns to explore. And for wine fans: There are 19 officially designated American Viticultural Areas within the Sonoma County Terroir, from Carneros to Alexander Valley (one of Condé Nast Traveler's Best Places to Go in the US in 2025), which means countless wines to taste and discover.
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