EP. 13 | Sonoma County, CA: Wine Tasting, Redwoods, Wellness
Sonoma County is known for world-class wine, but you can also hike in the Redwoods, float down the Russian River, get a relaxing spa treatment, or visit a California mission.
Guest: Birgitt Vaughan, Director of Public Relations, Sonoma County Tourism
Must-Dos:
1. Explore the Redwoods at https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-to-armstrong-redwoods-state-natural-reserve/.
2. Visit the https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-wine-tasting-sonoma-plaza/ the largest town square in California and home to the last Spanish-Mexican mission.
3. Experience the Sonoma Coast from Bodega Bay to Jenner. Drive. Hike at https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/definitive-guide-exploring-bodega-head/fresh seafood at https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/lunch-bodega-bay/ or https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/fishetarian-fish-market/.
4. Tour World-Class Wineries. Sonoma County boasts over 425 wineries, including https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/buena-vista-winery-2/https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/iron-horse-vineyards/https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/sonoma-county-wine-tasting-road-trip-itinerary/
5. Go on Safari and behind the scenes at https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/behind-the-scenes-at-safari-west/a slice of Africa in Wine Country at this 400-acre wildlife preserve, home to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and more.
6. Visit the https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/explore-snoopy-and-peanuts-sonoma-county-2-day-itinerary/dedicated to the creator of the Peanuts comic strip.
7, Stroll through https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/48-hours-healdsburg-california/ https://www.sonomamag.com/singlethread-named-among-best-restaurants-in-the-world/ restaurant focusing on hyperlocal ingredients, farm biodiversity, energy efficiency, and staff well-being.
8. Explore the “https://www.srcity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3103,” a new temporary public art exhibition designed to transform Downtown Santa Rosa and Historic Railroad Square into an open-air gallery.
What’s New in Sonoma County:
1. You don't have to drink to enjoy Sonoma County. https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/beyond-the-bottle-sonoma-county-winery-experiences-without-the-alcohol/ From hot air ballooning to bike riding, from petting animals to tasting olive oil, from walking among the tallest trees to enjoying the most beloved cartoonist characters.
2. https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/sonoma-county-signature-experiences/ is a collection of curated, bookable experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour at https://safariwest.com/plan-your-experience/wild-experiences/?utm_source=chatgpt.com, https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/taste-of-coastal-foraging/“https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/the-remarkable-redwoods/,” and “https://www.sonomacounty.com/experiences/secrets-of-sonoma/.”
3. Become https://stewardscr.org/events/2026-u-c-california-naturalist-certification-winter-spring/ and a steward of the Sonoma Coast and Redwoods!
4. Sonoma County offers the perfect backdrop for memory-rich getaways that blend old-fashioned charm with modern comforts. Take a https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/dream-drives-perfect-day-trips-experience-spring/ along scenic Highway 1, stay at https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/4-historic-sonoma-county-hotels-check-summer/, https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/summer-family-road-trip-sonoma-county/, and https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/how-re-create-childhood-trip-sonoma-county-adult/
5. Sonoma County may be world-famous for its wines, but it’s also a popular https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/perfect-2-day-itinerary-focus-wellness/
6. https://www.sonomacounty.com/events/include the https://sonomafb.org/crab-feed/, the https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/biggest-and-best-annual-sonoma-county-festivals/, the https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/what-petaluma-famous/, https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/guide-film-festivals-sonoma-county/, https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/summer-concerts-and-music-festivals-wine-country/, and https://www.sonomacounty.com/events/healdsburg-jazz-winter-festival/.
7. In 2026, Taste of Sonoma will evolve into an expanded https://sonomawine.com/pour-explore/tasting series produced by Sonoma County Vintners.
8. Sonoma County’s natural diversity — from redwood groves to coastal bluff trails to estuaries — means you can return again and again and still explore new landscapes.
9. Add festivals and events, new gastronomy, retreat experiences, and retail opportunities, and you will always be surprised and amazed by the community that makes a visit to Sonoma County so special.
To learn more, visit https://www.sonomacounty.com/
