5 Reasons to Visit Sonoma County in January
“Dry January” is the best time to visit Sonoma county
I recognize that January is synonymous with resolutions, resets, and self-improvement. Despite my snide remarks and satirical social media posts, I respect folks who fulfill the promise of a “Dry January.” Good for you! Nonetheless, sequelae for me in the tasting room are obvious. It’s quiet around here. And while I eat, breathe, and sleep all things “wine country,” Sonoma County is more dynamic than wine alone. Sonoma County is a robust agriculture and artisan community, lovely to visit year-round, whether your Dry January extends beyond January 10th -or not. So here is a quick list of reasons to visit Sonoma County in January.
It’s Not Dry January (except when it is)
I’m not qualified to predict El Nino vs. El Nina winters, but generally, Sonoma County enjoys 25-30 inches of rain annually, mostly between November and April. Very often, it rains in January, except when it doesn’t. Sometimes the morning chill dips below freezing, but temperatures warm with sunrise. Typically, daytime highs are mid 60’s. This is to say, here in Sonoma County, January is a great month to get outside. Hike in Armstrong Woods or Bodega Head. (Just remember Bodega Head is an out and back, not a loop).
hiking in Jenner, CA
I Lied When I Said “It’s Not Dry January”
This morning was not “Dry January” for me. It rained en route to the pool and through the duration of my swim workout. But this morning’s grey haze gave way to radiant blue skies. ‘Just saying it’s not “Dry January” all the time…But when it is, and the morning is clear and dry, consider a hot air balloon ride or even a visit to Doran Beach. Sonoma County is stunningly beautiful. And because January is considered off-season, you may have the entire beach or trail to yourself. Getting lost in nature seems the perfect way to reset for 2024.
morning rain gives way to sunny skies: January 2024
Sonoma Wine County is More than Wine
We are a tourist destination that hosts innumerable, joyful touristy things. We enjoy Michelin restaurants, niche museums, and abundant boutiques. Sonoma County is home to half-marathons, century bike rides, and a rich triathlon culture. Outdoor lovers flock to Sonoma County to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports. We are more than wine. Embrace your inner child and consider skating at the Snoopy ice rink, savoring hot cocoa downtime followed by a stroll through the neighboring Schultz Museum.
Snoopy Ice Rink (cira 2017?)
And every small town, from great pizza in Forestville to bigger-than-your-head cinnamon buns in Duncan Mills to anchovies in Graton, showcases a distinct personality and foodie flair. Wander through antique shops, swipe through stacks of vinyl records, and play wine country flaneur (minus the wine part). Feeling peckish? There is not enough room here to innumerate Sonoma’s deliciousness; eat anything woodfired at Glen Ellen Star; taste every seasonal special at El Molino Centrale. The aspirational “wine country lifestyle” embraces so much more than wine.
wood fired pizza is the best pizza
ever loyal to Bellwether Farms cheese
Wine Tasting is Not Wine Drinking
We expect you to spit.
Actually. This is why we pour you tastes of wine, rather than full glasses. This is why we provide spittoons at every place setting. This is why one intimate, immersive wine experience is always better than speed-drinking your way through six tasting rooms. This is why anyone who pours wine is required to pass a “safe server” exam, so we don’t over serve visibly intoxicated guests. In fact, we don’t want you to get drunk. (Oh no we don’t; we want you to be functional and buy our wine!!!!!).
A spittoon for you! And one for you! And one for you!
Sonoma County abounds with boutique, family-owned wineries that take pride in terroir, superlative agriculture, and presenting wines crafted with care. We want you to love our wines. We want you to remember our wines. We hope you’ll talk about them and share them with friends when your vacation ends. We want you to come away from Sonoma County as ambassadors for our beloved home. This brings me to my final reason why you ought to visit Sonoma County in January: access.
access
January is not harvest. January is not peak tourist season. January is calm. January means you may have an entire tasting room or hospitality staff member or winemaker to yourself. Looking for an unharried, leisurely, behind-the-scenes winery tour? Forget harvest. Visit in January when winemakers have the bandwidth to give you the time of day! Hate crowds? Come visit now. The joke around here is that you may find yourself in a near empty tasting room, with 6 eager staff members pouncing on you at once, vying for your attention, all equally eager to make your day.
in conclusion
While Sonoma County feels interchangeable with “wine county destination,” Sonoma County is so much richer, more diverse, and more dynamic than wine alone. Nature, shopping, dining, and so much beauty awaits. Please come visit Sonoma County in January. We are here to serve you (because we literally have nothing else going on this week).
Making appropriate use of the spittoons