The Difference Between Sonoma City, Sonoma County, & Sonoma Valley

When planning a trip to California wine country, it’s important to craft the perfect itinerary. There’s so much to see and experience — and so much phenomenal wine to taste — that you’ll want to make the most of your time. That means you’ll want to be intentional about planning activities and stops that are close to each other in order to minimize travel time throughout the day — but if you aren’t familiar with the area, it can be a bit confusing. Your research will lead you to Sonoma City, Sonoma County, and Sonoma Valley — but are they all the same place?

If you hear an area referred to as "Sonoma," you're going to want to dig a little deeper. There are distinct differences between Sonoma City, Sonoma County, and Sonoma Valley, but once you take the time to understand the differences, you'll be able to plan your wine tasting adventure with ease.

Sonoma City, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley: What’s the Difference?

When someone refers to "Sonoma," are they referring to the city, the valley, or the county?

Great question — it depends.

If you're speaking with someone who isn't intensely familiar with the area, there's a chance they're misspeaking and referring to any of the three. But as wine experts and locals alike will tell you, there are important differences between the various areas.

Sonoma City

The city of Sonoma is located within Sonoma County, one small portion of a truly beautiful region. With a total population of roughly 11,000 residents, this small but mighty city is known to be the heart of Sonoma County, famed for its historic buildings and small-town charm. Want to feel as though you've stepped into a wine country Hallmark movie? Sonoma City is the perfect spot for you.

Our Favorite Sonoma City Spots

It’s impossible to visit the city of Sonoma without experiencing the iconic Sonoma Plaza. This central plaza — the oldest plaza in California — is rich in history, and is a true must-see attraction. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering the cobblestone walkways, taking in the adobe storefronts and exploring all that the area has to offer.

Here at Pangloss Cellars, we're a bit biased when it comes to our love for the Sonoma Plaza, as we're lucky enough to call the area home. Our tasting lounge is open daily for reservations, and we hope that you'll stop by during your Sonoma Plaza adventures.

While you're here, we're happy to recommend some of the best dining and shopping in the area, so feel free to ask us about our favorite spots when you stop by our tasting lounge. The Tuesday Night Market at the Sonoma Plaza is not to be missed, running every Tuesday from April-October. It’s the “it” place to be for enjoying live music, wine, delicious bites and produce from local farms.

We recommend exploring some of the amazing historic sites right on Sonoma Plaza, including Sonoma State Historic Park, home to the Sonoma Mission and the Sonoma Barracks, which were once the command post of the California Republic.

Intrepid travelers should also check out Sonoma Adventures. Hop on a Segway and enjoy a unique valley tour, or join friends for a bike ride to several wineries with a friendly local guide, complete with a delicious lunch. For anyone looking for a unique way to experience Sonoma, these Bike and Segway tours let you discover many of the city's hidden gems.

Sonoma County

Sonoma County is the overarching county within which both Sonoma City and Sonoma Valley are located. This large county spans 1,575 square miles, and has a total population of over 480,000 people. Many cities that are famous for their wine are located within Sonoma County, including Healdsburg, Sebastopol, and Windsor. The county features stunning mountain ranges, the iconic Russian River, and over 75 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline along the Sonoma coast.

Our Favorite Sonoma County Spots

There are many reasons to visit Sonoma County, but the greatest draw of all is obviously the world-class wine tasting. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir and beyond, you'll have the opportunity to taste California history for yourself. Here are a few of our favorite wineries to visit during your time in Sonoma County:

• Three Sticks Wines - This Sonoma winery is known for their estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their tasting room is in a historic adobe building just steps away from the Sonoma Plaza.
• MacRostie Winery – Nestled in the Russian River Valley just outside of the town of Healdsburg, a tasting at MacRostie includes breathtaking views from their chic tasting room and patio lounges. It’s an ideal location to relax and take in the beauty of wine country.
• Sangiacomo Family Wines – The Sangiacomo family are third-generation farmers in the Sonoma Valley and boast an array of sustainably-farmed, estate grown wines. For an authentic estate experience, a tasting at their Home Ranch is not to be missed.

Sonoma Valley

If you want to visit the true heartbeat of Sonoma wine, go to the Sonoma Valley. This 17-mile stretch of land is located between breathtaking mountains in the southern end of Sonoma County, just 45 miles north of San Francisco. Sonoma Valley also refers to a specific wine appellation (AVA).

Our Favorite Sonoma Valley Spots

There are few places in the world more breathtaking than Sonoma Valley. From rolling hills to beautiful vistas, you'll want to take in all of the sights for yourself. Sonoma Valley stretches from Santa Rosa to the San Pablo Bay, and in this stunning landscape where so many of the world's best wine grapes are grown, you'll find a wide array of places to visit.

Be sure to explore some of the Sonoma Valley's best nature excursions while you're in the region. Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen is home to iconic California redwoods and beautiful wildflowers, while Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood is an ideal place to visit if you want to observe birds and wildlife native to the area.

Another great way to spend a day in Sonoma Valley? The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, which takes guests on a ride through the gorgeous vineyards of the valley and allows them to visit several of the area's finest wineries. These tours take off from the Sonoma Plaza, so you'll have a centrally located spot to begin and end your excursion.

Sonoma vs. Napa: Where Should I Go?

For visitors seeking a world-class wine tasting experience, there's nowhere better to visit than Northern California wine country. But is it better to visit Napa or Sonoma?

The ideal option would always be to visit both — after all, who doesn't want to spend a little extra time exploring the finest tasting rooms and vineyards in the country? However, if you have to choose between the two, it primarily comes down to your personal style or preference.

Napa is stereotypically thought of as the premier location for high-end wine tasting. It's a beautiful area, with Michelin star restaurants, elite cultural experiences, and sought-after shopping, in addition to the abundance of wineries and vineyards. If you're looking for luxury, you'll undoubtedly find it in Napa.

Sonoma, on the other hand, has a more relaxed, welcoming openness that's unlike anywhere else in California wine country. While the dining experiences can be equally exceptional, the region is also celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and, of course, world-class wine. Sonoma has a small-town charm that brings visitors back again and again.

You can't go wrong visiting either area. Both are worth experiencing at least once, but if you ask us? The unparalleled natural beauty and unforgettable tasting rooms of Sonoma win every time in our book.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Sonoma Wine Country

Are you ready for a visit rich in history, sightseeing, and some of the best wine in the world? Here are a few of the most frequent questions we receive to help you as you plan your trip.

What kind of historic buildings and sites can you find in Sonoma City?

The Sonoma Mission San Francisco Solano at Sonoma State Historic Park is one of the most popular historic buildings in the area, located just a few blocks from Sonoma Plaza. Nearby, your admission from the park will also allow you to visit General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo's home, a historic property that you can explore at your own pace.

Where should I go for wine tasting in Sonoma Plaza?

Pangloss Cellars is the best spot in Sonoma Plaza for world-class wine tasting. Explore the best of Pangloss wines through one of the winery's daily tasting experiences, available by reservation only.

How much time should I allow for my trip to California wine country?

The beauty of visiting the Sonoma region is that there is always something to do, whether you're here two days or two weeks. You can easily plan a quick weekend trip to Sonoma and experience incredible restaurants, beautiful vistas, and world-class wines all just a short drive away at any given moment, or you can settle in for a longer visit and have time to more deeply explore the area.