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First there were the Pomo and Miwok Indians, then the Spanish, who established the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma in the early 1800's.
Next, the Mexican government took over from Spain, sending General Vallejo. Then, some independent American settlers battled it out with the Mexicans at the famous Bear Flag Revolt. California was an independent entity for 26 whole days before the U.S. government took charge and made it the 31st state in the union.
The town is built around an 8 acre central plaza. There are lots of tall, shady trees, grass, a playground and small duck pond. Some of the historical buildings around or near the plaza include the mission, Vallejo's family estate, the Barracks, the Depot Park Museum, the Bear Flag Monument, the Salvador Vallejo Adobe and the Vasquez House.
To get more Sonoma wine tasting information, visit the Visitor Center at Cornerstone, 23570 Arnold Drive. Also, you can find the Sonoma Valley Visitor's Bureau in downtown Sonoma at 453 1st Street E. on the plaza.
From April to October, there is a Farmer's Market on the plaza in front of City Hall from 5:30 until dusk.
Getting hungry? This town has some fine restaurants to complement the Sonoma wine tasting experience. Some of the most popular local dining choices include The Girl & The Fig, Maya, Carneros, The General's Daughter and the Harmony Club, to name just a few.
The Mission was the last of 21 Franciscan missions which Father Junipero Serra founded in California. The City Hall is in a gorgeous stone building, which was built in 1908. It was featured as a courthouse in the television show "Falcon Crest".
The Vasquez House has a museum and is the headquarters for the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation. The Depot Park Museum is a re-creation of the old San Francisco North Pacific Railway depot.
Buena Vista Winery is one of the first wineries in the state. It was founded in the mid 1800's by Count Haraszthy of Hungary. He and General Vallejo were competitive vintners, helping to advance the wine industry of the time. The old stone winery buildings are still open daily.
How about a Sonoma wine tasting picnic? Not to be missed is the Sonoma Cheese Factory where you can sample fabulous cheeses and buy some snacks for a picnic at one of the local wineries, or under the trees on the plaza itself. Sonoma plaza also has a children's playground and a duck pond.
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art bears a variety of art works by artists near and far. They are open Wed-Sunday, and are located at 551 Broadway. The Arts Guild shows works of over fifty local artists in their gallery on East Napa Street.
If you want to bicycle around the area, you can find road and mountain bikes for rent at 20093 Broadway. If you prefer horses, horseback riding is offered by Triple Creek Horse Outfit. Call 933-1600 for information. There are trails at Jack London State Park and Sugarloaf State Park.
Sonoma Vineyard Walks offers a way to go wine tasting by foot.
Super Sightseeing Tours -- offers various San Francisco tours, including ones out to wine country
Train Town is a great place to take the little ones. There is a miniature train which travels past miniature settings and waterfalls. It even makes a stop at a little petting zoo. There is also a carousel, some old train cars for exploring and other rides. Train Town is located at 20264 Broadway.
Check out this video about Safari West, a place to see wild animals in Sonoma wine country!
Leave the Sonoma Wine Tasting page to explore Sonoma Wineries.
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