The Chill Season Is the Sweet Spot: Winter in Sonoma Wine Country

Winter in Wine Country
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If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to explore Sonoma wineries, consider this your sign. While summer gets all the hype, winter and early spring (January through March) quietly steal the show. Think fewer crowds, cozy tastings, vibrant green vineyards, and a slower pace that lets you truly soak in wine country magic. From unforgettable wine tasting experiences to outdoor adventures and seasonal deals, winter in Sonoma might just be your new favorite tradition.

Here’s why now is the best time to plan your Sonoma getaway.

Sonoma County: More Than Just Wine (Yes, Really)

Let’s get one thing straight—Sonoma County is so much more than wine (though we do that exceptionally well). With over 400 Sonoma wineries to explore, there’s no shortage of incredible tasting rooms, hidden gems, and award-winning producers to discover. But wine country here goes far beyond the glass.

This is where outdoor adventurers, food lovers, and curious explorers thrive. Between tastings, you can wander redwood forests, bike vineyard-lined backroads, visit local breweries and cheese producers, or head west to the rugged Sonoma Coast for ocean views and fresh seafood.

And just to clear up a common mix-up: Sonoma and Napa are not the same. Sonoma offers a more laid-back, wide-open, and delightfully unexpected experience—perfect for those who like their wine country with a side of adventure and authenticity.

Even better? Sonoma is incredibly easy to get to. We’re just one hour north of San Francisco, close to major airports, including the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa.

Pro tip: If you fly Alaska Airlines, you can ship wine home for free—which makes visiting Sonoma wineries me suddenly very convenient.

Fewer Crowds, More Hospitality

Hospitality is at the heart of Sonoma County all year long—but winter is when it truly shines. With fewer visitors in the tasting rooms, experiences feel more personal, relaxed, and unhurried.

This is the season where wine educators have more time to connect, share stories, and guide you through thoughtful, one-on-one wine tastings. No rushing, no packed bars—just great wine, genuine conversation, and space to slow down and savor the moment. If you’ve ever wanted to really learn about the wines you’re tasting, winter is your time.

Winter Scenery You’ll Fall in Love With

Sonoma is beautiful year-round, but winter and early spring bring a special kind of magic. The hills turn vibrant green, vineyards glow after rainfall, and rainbows make surprise appearances between tastings.

This is also mustard season, when bright yellow flowers blanket the vineyards, creating postcard-worthy views. Cover crops add texture and color to the landscape, and by March, bud break begins—marking the official start of a new growing season in wine country. It’s quiet, fresh, and full of promise.

Seasonal Deals Worth Sipping On

Hyatt Regency Sonoma Benefit

Winter in Sonoma also comes with some of the best values of the year. From hotel accommodations to winery offerings, this is the season for special perks and insider experiences.

One highlight is Sonoma Sips (February 15 – March 15), when participating wineries offer exclusive tasting experiences and promotions designed to encourage exploration across the county. Pair that with reduced hotel rates and winter-only winery deals, and your wine country getaway suddenly feels even sweeter.

Pro tip: Join the St. Francis Wine Club and receive discounted Lodging & Entertainment benefits! 

Why St. Francis Winery Is a Must-Visit Destination

When it comes to Sonoma wineries, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards stands out as a premier destination—especially during the winter months. With a wide range of experiences available year-round, there’s truly something for everyone (yes, even your dog).

Winter highlights include:

Secrets of Sonoma | Culinary Wine Pairings of Self-Discovery – An immersive outdoor culinary experience featuring thoughtfully paired wines and a mezze-style spread of seasonal, sustainably inspired bites. A journey where flavor, science, and storytelling come together.

Wine & Food Pairing – Our signature, premier five-course fine-dining experience, hosted indoors and curated to showcase the harmony between cuisine and wine.

Artisan Flight – Discover one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated tasting experiences, featuring a curated selection of winery-exclusive bold reds and crisp whites.

Pro tip: Join the St. Francis Wine Club to enjoy complimentary tastings for you and your guests.

Tower Tasting – A relaxed, social tasting experience ideal for groups, with optional food pairings available to elevate each sip.

Vineyard Adventure – Perfect for guests eager to explore beyond the tasting room, this self-guided experience offers an up-close look at our Wild Oak Estate Vineyard and the land behind the wines.

St. Francis is also dog- and family-friendly (select experiences), making it an easy choice for groups with varied interests. Whether you’re searching for the best winery to visit this winter or simply Googling “wineries near me,” this is a stop you won’t want to miss.

Plan Your Winter Escape to Sonoma

From fewer crowds and beautiful scenery to unforgettable wine tasting experiences and seasonal deals, January through March is an unbeatable time to explore Sonoma wine country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, winter offers a more relaxed, more personal way to experience everything Sonoma has to offer.

So go ahead—start planning your visit. Wine country is waiting, and winter might just be its best-kept secret.

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