18 Jun 2025
Summer in Sonoma County ushers in a season of abundance and celebration. It's the height of the growing season—vineyards thrive, farmers' markets overflow with fresh produce, and a vibrant lineup of outdoor events brings the community together in spirited, sun-soaked gatherings. The energy is both lively and relaxed, as locals and visitors alike savor long, warm days and cool evenings. There's a joyful rhythm to it all: wine tastings under the open sky, leisurely picnics, scenic hikes, and Sonoma County Signature Experiences. Outdoor dining flourishes, with farm-to-table meals that showcase Sonoma County's rich agricultural heritage. Summer also invites deeper connection with nature—whether it's a peaceful stroll through green, vineyard-laced hills, a refreshing swim in the Russian River, or watching the sun dip in the western sky.
In every moment, Sonoma County embodies the spirit of Wine Country for All of Us—welcoming, inclusive, accessible, and full of life.
New in Hotels
A planned 83-room luxury hotel will bring a new level of hospitality to the Barlow district in Sebastopol, offering a wide range of upscale amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. Highlights of the development include a rooftop pool and café bar with expansive views, a full-service spa offering wellness and beauty treatments, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving locally inspired cuisine and beverages. The project also features boutique retail spaces for curated shopping experiences, flexible meeting and event rooms suited for corporate gatherings, weddings, and retreats, as well as a covered outdoor lounge area designed for year-round use and special programming. Designed in alignment with the City of Sebastopol's goals to invigorate the area and promote sustainable tourism, the project is currently awaiting final approval from the Sebastopol City Council. If approved, construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with the hotel slated to open by 2027.
Flamingo Resort & Spa has joined the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This marks a new chapter for the 10-acre resort, blending its retro-glam charm and community roots with Hilton's global reach and rewards. Under the ownership of Palm House Hospitality and management by Pyramid Global Hospitality, the Flamingo will continue to offer its signature blend of easygoing luxury, now enhanced with Hilton Honors perks and Tapestry's unique boutique-style flair.
New in Wine
Set on a wooded hillside along Wohler Road near Healdsburg, Auteur Russian River is a new destination that blends modern design with agrarian roots. Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and built by Earthtone Construction, the space feels connected to the Russian River Valley landscape, offering panoramic views, a redwood and steel hearth, and a covered terrace overlooking vineyards and coastal forests. Guests are invited into immersive wine and culinary experiences that showcase Auteur's expressive, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Auteur aspires to serve as a cultural hub, collaborating with local organizations, authors, and artisans to foster community and celebrate creativity in every form.
La Crema and J Vineyards Join Forces with Bay Area's First WNBA Team
Two Sonoma County wineries, La Crema and J Vineyards & Winery, have teamed up with the Golden State Valkyries, the Bay Area's first WNBA team. Amid industry headwinds like declining sales and shifting consumer habits, the partnership offers a timely opportunity to engage a new generation of wine drinkers. In April, La Crema was named the Official Wine Partner of both the WNBA and USA Basketball Women's National Team — the league's first official winery deal, part of a multiyear agreement. That same announcement named Kendall-Jackson Wines, also a Jackson Family Wines brand, as the NBA's official wine partner. This year, La Crema deepened its support of women's basketball by becoming the Official Wine Partner of the Golden State Valkyries. Meanwhile, in May, J Vineyards joined the team's inaugural season as the Official Sparkling Wine Partner. Known for championing women through initiatives like its “Shifting the Lens” culinary series and the recent launch of LOVE Wine — a collaboration with the nonprofit grantLOVE project supporting arts education and women in the arts — the Valkyries partnership is a natural extension of the winery's mission.
New in Restaurants
The former Fig Café in Glen Ellen has blossomed into a new dining destination: Poppy. Paying homage to classic French cuisine with a distinctly Californian flair, Poppy offers a warm, communal experience through its family-style, four-course prix fixe dinners served Wednesday through Friday. Each evening features a single, thoughtfully prepared entrée, with wine included in the set price. The menu is designed with value in mind; everything is included to create an effortless, elegant meal. Meanwhile, the interior of the beloved former café is undergoing a complete transformation. From the layout and color palette to textures and ambiance, every detail is being reimagined to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Chef Jacob Harth, previously of Portland's acclaimed Erizo, has opened Bistro Lagniappe at the former Molti Amici space in Healdsburg. Harth, who gained attention for a pop-up of his seafood concept Winnie's with SingleThread alum David Sisler, brings his sustainable seafood expertise to the new bistro. The restaurant occupies a historic space previously home to Campo Fina, featuring a large wood-fired oven and a popular outdoor patio with a bocce court.
Farmhouse Sonoma is a fresh addition to Sonoma Valley's dining scene, deeply rooted in family, culture, and a lifelong passion for food and community. Housed in the former Palms Grill, an iconic spot at the corner of Verano Avenue and Sonoma Highway 12, in Sonoma, the space has been thoughtfully reimagined under the ownership of restaurateur Pemba Sherpa. The exterior exudes charm with white picket fencing, whimsical chicken accents, and a rooster weathervane perched on the roof. Inside, the restaurant has undergone a stunning transformation, blending airy farmhouse aesthetics with contemporary flair. Known for his celebrated Nepalese restaurants, including Taste of the Himalayas, Sherpa ventures into new culinary territory with Farmhouse Sonoma, presenting an American-Mediterranean menu. At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Sonam Sherpa, whose unique journey began as a Buddhist monk in the Himalayas and now brings soulful depth to the dishes he creates.
Steve DeCosse, owner of Acre Pizza and founder of Acre Coffee (now Avid Coffee), has partnered with chef Ian Marks to open a family-friendly pasta restaurant at The Barlow in Sebastopol. Designed to evoke the charm of a Roman trattoria, the cozy indoor-outdoor space features a relaxed patio ideal for people watching and a welcoming dining room with full table service. DeCosse and Marks have crafted a small, sustainable menu, with most of the pasta made fresh in-house each morning. The new trattoria is affordable and accessible with plenty of heart and soul.
Flying Ace Kitchen & Taproom, the newest addition to the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), is quickly earning a reputation for its distinctive ambiance and elevated dining experience. Conveniently located in the airport's terminal outside of security, the restaurant is accessible to both travelers and the general public. The redesigned interior exudes modern sophistication, with dark wood finishes that evoke the cozy elegance of a wine cave. A standout feature is the back wall, where illuminated letters spelling “SONOMA” are nestled in lush faux greenery making it an irresistible backdrop for social media enthusiasts eager to showcase their visit to Sonoma County Wine Country. One of Flying Ace's hidden gems is its revamped patio. Once rustic, the outdoor space now boasts a shaded pergola, comfortable lounge areas, and bar seating that offers a front-row view of the runway, ideal for relaxing or plane spotting. With its sleek design, elevated menu, and prime people-watching spot, Flying Ace Kitchen & Taproom is set to become a go-to destination in Sonoma County's culinary scene.
New in Experiences
The Barlow Happy Hour Crawl is a new, one-of-a-kind guided experience that invites guests to explore the vibrant food and drink scene within The Barlow marketplace in Sebastopol. Designed to showcase the best local flavors and talents, this curated crawl leads participants through six hand-picked stops, each offering a unique taste of what makes The Barlow so special. From craft cocktails and small-batch brews to artisanal bites and seasonal delicacies, the tour is a dynamic celebration of Sonoma County's culinary creativity. While the lineup of stops may vary nightly based on availability and fresh offerings, guests can expect to visit standout spots such as Wm Cofield for beer and cheese pairings, Kosho for expertly crafted daiquiris, Osito Style Tacos for bold flavors and drink pairings, and Pax Wines for a refined tasting experience. Other possible highlights include Rewind, where beer flights meet retro gaming fun; Fern Bar, featuring signature cocktails on Thursdays. With no two tours exactly alike, the Barlow Happy Hour Crawl promises a fresh and flavorful adventure every time.
Paradise Ridge Winery – Return to Paradise Sculpture Exhibition
Paradise Ridge Winery and the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation are proud to present Return to Paradise — a sculpture exhibition honoring the thirty-year legacy of Walter Byck and Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars, whose visionary leadership and deep commitment to community engagement through art have shaped the cultural landscape of Paradise Ridge. Curated by Jeff Nathanson, former director of the Museum of Sonoma County, the exhibition will feature works by more than a dozen local artists — each with a rich history of exhibiting at Paradise Ridge. Return to Paradise celebrates the enduring impact of Walter and Marijke's dedication to supporting local artists and championing sculpture in Sonoma County. For many artists, this exhibition marks a meaningful return to a site integral to their creative journey. Featured artists with installations elsewhere on the property include David Best, Bryan Tedrick, Gale Wagner, and Laura Kimpton, whose iconic LOVE sculpture remains a visitor favorite. The exhibition will be installed in Marijke's Grove, the winery's renowned outdoor sculpture garden, which has showcased the work of hundreds of sculptors since its inception in 1996. Return to Paradise will be a semi-permanent exhibition, with plans to grow over the next three years to include even more artists. A robust schedule of artist talks, guided tours, and public programming is also planned for the coming months.
New Map Leads Fans to Sonoma County's Peanuts Statues
A new interactive online map is now available to guide fans of Charles “Sparky” Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters to nearly 100 statues scattered throughout Sonoma County. After seven months of research, cataloging, photography, and geo-tagging, Visit Santa Rosa — a program of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber — has unveiled the map as a tribute to Schulz's enduring cultural legacy. Sonoma County, Schulz's longtime home, proudly showcases his influence through these character statues located in parks, plazas, and public spaces. In addition to mapping the statues, the guide includes photographs, and several “bonus” stops for dedicated Peanuts enthusiasts. Schulz moved his family to Sonoma County in 1958, settling first in Sebastopol and later Santa Rosa, where he died in 2000, after writing and drawing the "Peanuts" comic strip for nearly 50 years.
Transcendence Theatre Company, a nonprofit professional company based in Sonoma County, has delivered Broadway-caliber performances in both outdoor and indoor venues since its founding in 2008. The company gained national acclaim with its Broadway Under the Stars summer series, launched in 2011. In early 2024, the Sonoma City Council approved Fazio Field at the Field of Dreams complex in downtown Sonoma as the company's primary performance venue, marking a new chapter with its debut season that summer. The 2025 season will feature a dynamic lineup, including Broadway's Best Night Ever (June), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (August), and Ladies of Broadway (September). Transcendence Theatre Company's relocation to the Field of Dreams has transformed a logistical challenge into a vibrant new opportunity. The company continues to produce accessible, high-impact theatrical experiences while deepening its cultural and artistic ties to the Sonoma County community. Performances at Fazio Field offer more than just entertainment—they deliver the magic of Broadway under the stars.
Beyond the Vine: Unique Tasting Opportunities in Healdsburg
Healdsburg is known for its world-class wines, but there's a tapestry of flavors waiting beyond the vineyard. For travelers in search of variety, Healdsburg features a diverse menu of immersive tasting experiences that complement Sonoma County's renowned culinary artistry. These include a bespoke iced tea tasting at MacRostie Winery, Olive Oil tasting at Trattore Farms, Honey and Mead tasting at La Ruche, and a blind steak tasting at Journeyman Meat Co.
New in Cannabis
Sonoma County has welcomed its first licensed cannabis consumption lounge, marking a major milestone for the region's cannabis industry. Located in Cotati, the Mercy Wellness Lounge debuted with a celebratory atmosphere featuring live music and a stylish, club-like ambiance. This pioneering venue is the first in the county to take advantage of California's 2024 law (CA Assembly Bill 1775), which allows dispensaries to offer on-site consumption, serve hot food and non-alcoholic beverages, and host live events. Spanning 9,500 square feet, the lounge offers an immersive, alcohol-free social space adorned with chandeliers, velvet sofas, and a state-of-the-art sound system. Plans are also underway for a 6,000-square-foot outdoor patio. Designed as a welcoming and inclusive environment, the lounge caters to those who prefer a cannabis-friendly alternative to traditional nightlife. Staff are trained to monitor consumption responsibly, while guests are encouraged to use ride-sharing or public transit for a safe experience.
Recent Accolades
- Newsweek's panelists and contributors selected 10 top zip lines across the U.S., with readers voting for the best. Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Occidental claimed the #1 spot nationwide.
- The Spectacular Spyglass Treehouse in Occidental has earned the title of California's most wish-listed Airbnb, part of the vacation rental platform's roundup of top-trending stays in each U.S. state.
- Readers of USA Today's 10Best have voted Healdsburg as the #3 on their list of 10 Best Small Towns in the West.
- USA Today's 10 Best Readers have voted Gourmet Food & Wine Tours of Sonoma the #1 Food Tour in the U.S. for 2025
- Travel + Leisure recently released a list of the best places in California to go glamping. Of the 24 destinations spanning the golden state, four picks are located in Sonoma County. They include Sonoma Treehouse Adventures, Wildhaven Sonoma, Autocamp Russian River, and The River Electric.
- The winners of the first-ever Best of California's State Parks poll have been announced, with Sonoma Coast State Park taking the top spot for Best Dog-Friendly Adventures.
- USA Today 10Best recently released a roundup of the “10 best small towns in the West.” The Sonoma County town of Healdsburg clinched the #3 spot on the 2025 list.
- The San Francisco Chronicle has named their top 23 Sonoma County Wineries for 2025 in what they call “America's most dynamic wine region.”
- In the recent 10Best list of best U.S. glamping spots, Santa Rosa's Safari West came out on top. A group of USA Today 10Best editors and readers curated the selection of glamping resorts.
- Sonoma County's Country Summer Music Festival earned the #3 spot in the 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards for Best Outdoor Music Festival.
- SingleThread was named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, coming in at #80 on this year's extended list.
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism is the region's destination stewardship organization. Inspiring travel to the region through a variety of sales and marketing programs aimed at consumers, meeting and event planners, the travel trade, and media, the organization strives to ensure responsible tourism helps create a robust economy for the Sonoma County region. For more information visit sonomacounty.com.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
