19 Sep 2025
With the arrival of autumn, Sonoma County is beginning to glow with brilliant oranges, golden yellows, and moody ambers as our region moves to the rhythm of the seasonal harvest. Crisp mornings carry the scent of crushed grapes and falling leaves, while vineyard crews work under soft sunlight. From Healdsburg to the Sonoma Coast, vines blush with ripe fruit, welcoming visitors to taste the results of hands-on care. In this season, Sonoma County Wine Country becomes more than a place; it's a shared experience rooted in community, hospitality, and connection.
The fall season brings celebrations that reflect the spirit behind the vines. Fireside dinners, winemaker hikes, and Sonoma County Signature Experiences offer intimate ways to connect with the land. Set against a landscape dressed in vivid foliage, these gatherings showcase local bounty grounded in our deep agricultural heritage. This is Sonoma County Wine County at harvest: vibrant, inclusive, and unmistakably “for all of us.”
New in Hotels
Vinarosa Resort & Spa (formerly Vintners Resort) has unveiled a $15+ million transformation, ushering in a new chapter of Wine Country elegance. The reimagined resort offers laid-back luxury, blending upscale comfort with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Highlights include thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites; a spacious new lobby with a wine and coffee bar and expanded retail offerings; refreshed meeting and event spaces; and resort pool that complements the indulgent spa and wellness program, which features locally sourced, organic products. A revitalized culinary program is led by Executive Chef Sergio Howland, who brings a new vision rooted in the estate's 92-acres of vineyards, gardens, and orchards. Guests can enjoy a new farm-to-table menu and immersive chef-led experiences such as vineyard tours and picnics, culinary gardening and cooking classes, estate farmers markets, and wine blending and tastings.
Caesars Republic Sonoma County
The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, has broken ground on a landmark project that will transform River Rock Casino in Geyserville into Caesars Republic Sonoma County, a premier resort destination set to debut in summer 2027. The expansive new development will feature a 100-room luxury hotel complete with a spa, pool, and fitness center. Guests will enjoy an array of elevated dining experiences, including a signature steakhouse, upscale café, fireside bar, sports bar, and a dedicated wine bar with an outdoor deck offering sweeping views of the Alexander Valley, the acclaimed Northern Sonoma County wine region celebrated for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.
Dawn Ranch has introduced The Rover's Recharge; the world's first sleep wellness program designed specifically for dogs. This unique package highlights the resort's philosophy that rejuvenation should be shared by all members of the family, including four-legged companions. The Rover's Recharge is offered as a bookable add-on for a two-night stay. Each guest cabin is transformed into a calming space for dogs and includes a Pendleton Mountain-plaid pet bed, ElleVet Sciences Calm & Comfort Chews to encourage relaxation, a Thunderworks calming scent mist for aromatherapy, a dog-safe weighted blanket to promote a sense of security, and curated Spotify playlists accessible by QR code that are scientifically crafted to soothe pets. This program reflects Dawn Ranch's broader commitment to wellness, where human guests already enjoy spa treatments, creative workshops, outdoor experiences, and chef-driven dining in a peaceful setting of redwood groves, orchards, and meadows. By providing thoughtful comforts for dogs, the retreat is redefining pet-friendly travel and recognizing that when pets rest well, the overall experience is more enjoyable for both animals and their owners.
New in Wine
Ted Seghesio, a fourth-generation winemaker from the historic Sonoma County winemaking family, has launched Solo Nostro with his wife, Dana, bringing their legacy of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. The brand's first tasting room has opened at Bacchus Landing, a collaborative space also home to Dot Wines and Smith Story Wine Cellars. Solo Nostro, meaning “ours alone” in Italian, represents both a personal rebirth for Ted and a new chapter the couple proudly calls their own.
Montagne Russe Winery & Record Lounge
Montagne Russe Winery & Record Lounge has opened its doors in downtown Petaluma. Founded in 2015 by Kevin Bersofsky, who began crafting small-lot Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah in his garage, the winery takes its name from the French term for “roller coaster,” a nod to the highs and lows of winemaking. After flourishing in the Healdsburg area, Montagne Russe now brings its unique concept to Petaluma with a new tasting room that doubles as a record store. The space blends the sophistication of AVA-focused, handcrafted wines with the nostalgic charm of vinyl, offering more than 4,000 records for sale. Playful yet refined, Montagne Russe creates a multi-sensory experience where wine and music come together in perfect harmony.
Former Google executive David Drummond is reshaping Sonoma County's wine scene with The Overshine Collective, a collaborative group that now includes Martha Stoumen Wines, Reeve Wines, and BloodRoot Wines. Rather than traditional acquisitions, Drummond's model gives founders equity and creative freedom, while consolidating backend operations like finance and distribution to boost efficiency and allow greater focus on winemaking. The collective builds on prior investments including Idlewild Wines, Armida Winery (rebranded as Overshine Wines), Comunità, and the Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, now planted with rare Italian varietals led by winemaker Sam Bilbro. As consolidation grows across the industry, Drummond's approach preserves brand identity while promoting shared resources, collaboration, and expanded reach. The collective also aims to increase impact among underrepresented communities without compromising authenticity or control.
The San Francisco Giants have teamed up with Sonoma County Winegrowers to launch an exclusive Giants Wine Club, a first-of-its-kind wine membership in Major League Baseball. Selections are handpicked by Evan Goldstein, MLB's first-ever Master Sommelier, who brings extraordinary expertise and a flair for pairing wine culture with baseball tradition. This innovative fan experience underscores the Giants' enduring connection to Sonoma County Wine Country and their reputation for creative, elevated programming in Northern California.
New in Restaurants
Bijou, meaning “jewel” in French, is the latest venture from the team behind Petaluma's Table Culture Provisions, chefs Stéphane Saint Louis and Steven Vargas with Marta Saint Louis. It offers a more approachable take on their Michelin-recommended cuisine in downtown Petaluma. The space blends modern comfort with community charm, featuring whitewashed walls, a concrete bar, minimalist tables, and exposed brick under warm metal-frame chandeliers—what Saint Louis calls his “jewel box for the community.” The seasonally rotating à la carte menu marries French technique with Sonoma ingredients, from duck-stuffed caramelle and truffle-topped croque monsieur to rib-eye with peppercorn sauce and Japanese sea bream with pistachio-caper sauce. Otello Tiano's cocktail program offers inventive originals, French-inspired classics, and a California-focused wine list. Balancing elevated technique with a warm, welcoming spirit, Bijou delivers refined hospitality, French-inspired flavors, and creative drinks, making it a polished yet inviting addition to Petaluma's dining scene.
Waterhawk Lake Club, the new lakeside venture from the team behind Petaluma's popular Brewsters Beer Garden, has opened in Rohnert Park. The refreshed venue features expansive views of Roberts Lake, luxe outdoor picnic seating, a fully redesigned interior, and a full bar led by beverage director Cappy Sorentino serving craft cocktails alongside approachable reimagined American classics. Owners Mike Goebel, Ben Hetzel and Sorentino have brought Brewsters' welcoming, communal ethos to this larger indoor-outdoor setting, making Waterhawk feel like an inviting summer hangout rather than an exclusive club.
Chef David Baeli and his wife Elise have opened The Burrow, a welcoming, family‑oriented café. Designed by parents for parents, the cozy spot features a thoughtfully curated chef‑driven menu for adults—including smash burgers, grilled salmon, duck‑fat potatoes and seasonal salads—and a separate “kid‑tested” menu (buttered noodles, mac & cheese, chicken tenders and more), plus an outdoor play area stocked with toys and books to keep little ones engaged. With a rotating array of craft beers from independently certified Sonoma County breweries, an approachable wine list and desserts like ice‑cream floats and almond‑flour cakes, The Burrow delivers elevated dining just off Healdsburg's town square.
Levant, a homestyle Middle Eastern restaurant, has opened in Petaluma's Theater District, offering flavors from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine prepared in generous, family‑style portions. Created by Arafat “Art” Herzallah of San Francisco's Freekah—alongside local partners Saheer Kassis and Issa Musalla—the menu features cold mezze like hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush and muhamarra served with warm pita, hot bitesize dishes such as fried halloumi, falafel and cauliflower, and hearty entrees including kufta, lahme and the signature Jordanian mansaf with lamb, saffron rice and jameed. The intimate 1,700 sq ft space features warm, rustic decor, and service is enriched by Herzallah's wife, who shares family stories and plant‑based options.
After a five-year hiatus, the beloved Jimtown Store in Alexander Valley has reopened under the new name Jimtown & Then Sum, helmed by Michelle Wood, chef‑owner of the acclaimed dim sum catering company Dim Sum and Then Sum. While the rustic charm of the circa‑1893 building remains largely untouched, weathered plank walls, wood floors, shaded porch, Wood has infused the space with her signature Chinese‑American flavors. The revamped menu now blends traditional Jimtown staples like sandwiches, salads, breakfast pastries, coffee and deli items with dumplings, bao buns, spring rolls and poke bowls, debuting three weeks into operations after initial challenges integrating the labor-intensive dim sum menu. With roots as a classic highway pit stop for cyclists, locals, and visitors, the rejuvenated Jimtown now marries nostalgic charm with bold new flavors.
Salt & Sea, a new concept from Chef Jake Rand of Sushi Kosho, has joined the culinary scene at The Barlow in Sebastopol. Specializing in Hawaiian-style poke bowls, the eatery serves up marinated raw fish over seasoned rice with fresh, vibrant toppings like avocado, seaweed, and Maui onions. Rounding out the menu are inventive offerings such as spicy tuna nachos, Japanese-style finger sandwiches, bubble tea, and tropical fruit drinks. With its island-inspired flavors and light, satisfying fare, Salt & Sea adds a bold and refreshing twist to The Barlow's expanding food lineup.
Longtime Sonoma County restaurateur Jim Goff has brought fresh energy back to the Windsor Golf Club with the grand reopening of the lakeside dining spot under a new name, Jimmy's Lakeside Café. Goff, who ran Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Sushi Bar at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport from 2007 to 2022, is known for his mix of comfort classics, creative sushi, steaks, solid drink offerings, and broad appeal. At Jimmy's Lakeside Café, he intends to carry forward that philosophy: approachable dishes using fresh local ingredients, with a polished yet casual vibe that resonates with both tourists and golfers. Goff is also putting renewed emphasis on the venue's standout feature, its lakeside patio, pairing “views, hospitality, and the connection to golf and wine country” with plans for live music, tastings, and event-driven menus.
New in Experiences
FieldNotes at SingleThread Farms
FieldNotes is SingleThread Farms' annual farm summit, a full day celebration of culinary artistry, agricultural connection, and community gathering at their Dry Creek Valley farm. The day begins with a welcome beverage and access to a makers' marketplace. Guests can select up to two hands-on workshops such as donabe cooking and dashi demonstrations with Chef Kyle Connaughton, floral design with Head Farmer Katina Connaughton, or a “Garden to Glass” cocktail session with Scott Beattie. Lunch will be a family-style meal sponsored by YETI and prepared by Chef Darryl Bell of Stateline Road Smokehouse. In the afternoon, journalist Guy Raz will moderate a panel discussion on agriculture, hospitality, and sustainability featuring voices from the culinary and farming world. The evening program begins with a champagne reception, oyster station, and seasonal canapés in the gardens. Guests will then enjoy a six-course collaborative dinner. Chef Kyle Connaughton will cook alongside Chef Matthew Kammerer of Harbor House Inn, and Chefs Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar. The menu will highlight late summer and early fall ingredients from Northern California. A portion of ticket proceeds will support Sonoma Family Meal, and on-site fundraising will help strengthen the local food economy | Saturday, October 18 | 9:00 am and 6:00 pm | Healdsburg
Collectors Lunch at Lynmar Estate
Lynmar Estate has introduced a new wellness-driven experience that blends beauty, nourishment, and science-based principles of longevity. Launching with an early fall menu, the Collectors Lunch is a four-course, open-air wine country dining experience inspired by the world's Blue Zones; regions where people enjoy the longest, healthiest lives. Beyond clean food and natural movement, these communities thrive on social connection, which research links to reduced inflammation, lower risk of chronic disease, and longer lifespan. Set in Lynmar's heirloom gardens overlooking Quail Hill Vineyard, the experience is designed to cultivate that same sense of connection through shared meals, hyper-local anti-inflammatory ingredients, and thoughtful wine pairings. Estate Chef David Frakes brings intention to every dish, while proprietor Anisya Fritz describes the lunch as “an act of love… for ourselves and those we care about.” This curated experience is offered Thursday to Sunday through November.
New in Airlines
Nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) returns this fall, with Alaska Airlines launching the seasonal route on October 26. The new flight connects the warmth of the desert with the laid-back luxury of Sonoma Wine Country, offering travelers a seamless journey between two beloved destinations. Alaska Airlines will operate the route with the Embraer 175, a comfortable, modern aircraft featuring 76 spacious seats, all either window or aisle, with no middle seats.
Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) has announced that Southwest Airlines will begin service on April 7, 2026. The airline will launch with new nonstop routes to San Diego, Burbank, Las Vegas, and Denver, further expanding travel options for Sonoma County bound passengers. San Diego and Las Vegas flights will operate daily, including two San Diego roundtrips on peak days, while service to Denver and Burbank will be available on high-demand travel days. With this addition, travelers will gain convenient connections to Southwest's national network, including popular eastbound destinations, through North America's fourth-largest airline.
For the Good of the Cause
Sonoma County Animal Services Dog Day Out program offers a unique opportunity for both volunteers and shelter dogs. Designed to give dogs a break from the kennel environment, the program pairs volunteers with medium to large dogs for day-long adventures, allowing them to explore the outdoors, local parks, or even dog-friendly Sonoma County wineries and tasting rooms. Volunteers are provided with all the essentials, leash, harness, water, toys, and an “Adopt Me” vest, so they can focus on giving the dogs attention, exercise, and socialization. Beyond the joy of spending time with a four-legged friend, these outings provide shelter staff with valuable insights into each dog's personality, helping improve adoption matches. Dog Day Out not only enriches the lives of shelter dogs but also offers volunteers a meaningful way to enjoy the beauty of Sonoma County while making a tangible difference in a dog's life. Visit our dog-friendly Sonoma County page here.
Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
West Sonoma County just got greener. 1,517 acres of redwood forest and salmon streams are now protected, quadrupling Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. The addition closes a major gap between existing parks and preserves, connecting a vast expanse of contiguous wildlife corridors. This means a more connected habitat for wildlife and a healthier future for Sonoma County's remarkable landscape.
Recent Accolades
- Newsweek Magazine has named Transcendence Theatre Company the #2 Outdoor Theater in the U.S.
- Scott Street Gin, Griffo Distillery's flagship spirit, was named America's Greatest London Dry Gin 2025 at the American Distilling Institute's International Spirits Competition. Griffo's Espresso Martini Premium Cocktail, a pre-mixed marriage of vodka and Equator Coffee, also received Best of Class and Best Ready to Serve cocktail.
- Sonoma's Enclos emerged as Sonoma County's standout at the 2025 Michelin Guide awards, earning an impressive two stars in its very first year of eligibility. Opened in late 2024, the restaurant bypassed the usual one-star steppingstone and vaulted directly to two-star status, a rare and remarkable achievement in the Michelin world. Even more notably, Enclos became the first restaurant in the town of Sonoma to receive a Michelin star of any kind.
- Nick Peyton, co-owner and maître d' of Geyserville's Cyrus, received a Michelin Service Award for excellence in hospitality. Cyrus maintained its one-star status for 2025. The service award honors individuals who are “professional, engaging and passionate about making guests feel welcome and comfortable,” according to Michelin.
- Healdsburg's SingleThread retained their coveted three-star ratings (and green star sustainability award) in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
- Sonoma Hills Farm earned a full set of awards; Gold, Silver and Bronze at the 2025 California Cannabis Awards led by their popular Pink Jesus Hash Holes taking the top spot in the Infused Solventless Pre-Roll category.
- CNN named Petaluma as one of "America's Best Towns to Visit 2025".
- Travel + Leisure has named Penngrove one of the 10 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S.
- Farmhouse Sonoma owner Pemba Sherpa is the recipient of the Sonoma County American Dream Award.
- Farmhouse Inn has been named #8 in the Top Inns in the Continental U.S. category of Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards.
- Sonoma County has made a strong presence in the 2025 Hipcamp Awards. Bodega's Salmon Creek Ranch earned two titles: Best Treehouse and Best Hipcamp in California. Also honored in the Best in Every U.S. State category, Finley Camp, near Occidental.
- Food review site Mashed has named Petaluma as a “must-visit food destination.”
- Buena Vista Winery claimed the #4 spot for America's Best Winery Tours according to USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
- In a recent Newsweek article compiling the 10 best small cities for foodies across the U.S., Healdsburg clinched the No. 2 spot.
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.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
