Sonoma County Creates Holiday Magic

Sonoma County, California is well known amongst queer travelers, especially wine lovers and bears who frequent the area annually for Lazy Bear Week during the summer. However, what most people don’t know is that a whole new world opens up to travelers during the colder months.

Here is a rundown of the best venues and events to spend your time at in Sonoma this holiday and winter season. While you’re at check out our queer guide to Guerneville which sits in the heart of the region to make your excursion the best it can be.

Be Merry: Festive Sips in Wine Country

With fall harvest complete, winemakers have more time to linger in tasting rooms – especially mid-week – giving visitors a greater chance of striking up a conversation with vintners and the like. While wine tasting invites visitors to savor the moment any time of year, it’s particularly special when wineries are decked out for the holidays. Here are just a few perfect for winter sipping:

• Barber Cellars benefits from its location within the historic Hotel Petaluma’s art deco lobby. The hotel’s grand Christmas tree and holiday dressing invite visitors to slow down and savor a glass or two. Afterward, visitors can meander downtown Petaluma for holiday shopping at local boutiques and specialty shops.
  
  
• Sip Bricoleur Vineyards’ sparkling wine while shopping local artisans at its annual Holiday Market in Windsor. The entrance fees benefit local families in need with gifts, food, and more, so attendees can feel extra good about supporting local makers and community members.
  
  
• Lambert Bridge Winery’s rustic ambiance adjacent to giant Redwood pines near Healdsburg sets the holiday scene from the moment visitors arrive. A step inside reveals a vaulted, wood-ceiling tasting room complete with a large stone fireplace and redwood-beam mantle fully dressed in holiday decor. Visitors can cozy up with a robust red and stay awhile.
  
  
• Ledson Winery and Vineyards outside Kenwood is a castle-style winery that executes majesty, especially during the holidays. The Ledson Winery, known as “The Castle” in Sonoma County, is an architectural showpiece. The 16,000-square-foot French Normandy structure features sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces, cathedral-style windows, coffered ceilings, and several tasting bars. During the holidays, glittering holiday décor adorns each room of the Ledson Winery. It shimmers beautifully with Christmas trees, ribbons, garlands, and thousands of twinkling lights.

Be Well: Get a Head Start on New Year’s Resolutions

Visitors don’t need to wait for the new year to become their best selves. Whether the goal is to eat clean, commune with nature, or reconnect with loved ones, Sonoma County’s intentional itineraries help visitors travel with purpose. Led by wellness experts, these carefully curated guides are designed to transform well-being into actually being well.

For visitors looking to learn a new skill in the coming year, Dawn Ranch Resort and Fender are partnering to offer guests the Redondo Player, Malibu Player, and Newporter Player instruments either in the room or on loan for the Guerneville resort’s communal campfire jam sessions and singalongs. The collaboration aims to foster creativity and encourage a sense of community through music and the arts. Guests will receive complimentary access to Fender Play, Fender’s online learning platform for beginners and experienced players alike.

Be Together: Seasonal Events in Sonoma County

The most rewarding travel experiences are those that help visitors reconnect – with friends, with loved ones, and, during this time of the year, the holiday spirit. There’s no shortage of events for visitors to reconnect this winter:

• Nov. 19: Visitors can join locals in getting into the holiday spirit at the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza. The historic plaza sparkles in holiday lights alongside food vendors, wine, beer, music, and more.
  
  
• Nov. 25: Travelers can cap off Black Friday at Winter Lights in Santa Rosa. The event includes the annual tree lighting and the official opening of Skating on the Square. The city’s skating rink uses sustainable, synthetic “ice” that requires no water, energy, or carbon emissions.
  
  
• Nov 25-26: Celebrate the advent of Christmas with Glögg, cookies, and Scandinavian decor at West Wines. $30 Tasting includes four wines, glögg, plus sweet treats (Club Members $15). Traditional gifts such as Swedish Tomte, other holiday items, and special wine offers will be available for sale. Reservations encouraged.
  
  
• Dec. 10: Brightly lit and decorated boats bring holiday cheer at the Petaluma Lighted Boat Parade along the Petaluma River.
  
  
• Jan. 14-15: Wine enthusiasts restock their collections after the holidays at the Winter Wineland. Approximately 50 wineries are expected to participate. 
  
  
• Feb. 23: Fresh, sustainably-sourced crab paired with local wine. Need anyone say more? The 33rd Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest in Santa Rosa benefits the region’s next generation of land stewards, including local 4H, FFA, Young Farmers & Ranchers chapters, and more.
  
  
• Full list of events here.

Be Responsible: Travel this Winter 

While enjoying perks and benefits that will positively contribute to the experience, visiting during the low season contribute to the development and well-being of local communities.

•  Visit Boon Hotel + Spa Monday through Thursday for a midweek getaway and save. Book two nights and get 25% off the second night with the promo code boonfall25. Book three nights and get the third night free with the promo code: thirdnightfree. Get 25% off all spa treatments Monday through Thursday. Day spa guests get two hours of pool + hot tub time plus access to the poolside bar and beach cruiser bikes. Plan your pampering today! 
  
  
• Make your quick trip to The Stavrand feel like a relaxing extended vacation. Extend your weekend and ease into the week with a day off (or a work-from-here Monday) and enjoy a substantial discount on this additional night. This offer is available most weekends when arriving on a Thursday or Friday. 
  
  
• Dawn Ranch is offering a Weekday Getaway Special: save up to 25% on their most flexible rate. 
  
  
• See more  Special Deals. 

Click here for more information on Sonoma County and to help you plan your LGBTQ+ winter getaway.