The name Sonoma may
be a Mayakmah word for town, noma.
Many know Sonoma as one of the nation's
premier wine growing regions. Like its neighbor, Napa, weekends are
especially busy as the Bay Area crowd escapes the city to enjoy wine
tasting, fine dining, spa treatments, golf and
cultural activities in the rural setting.
You don't have to love wine to enjoy
Sonoma's charm, however. Its architecture and history are well worth the
visit, as well. From the beautiful Town Square shopping region with
Sebastiani Theatre Building constructed in 1933 to the grounds Sonoma
State Historic Park with Mission San Francisco Solano built as the
northernmost and final mission under the direction of Padre Junipero Serra
in 1823, Sonoma is steeped in California history.
A monument located in Town Square contains
a life size sculpture of a man raising a flag in the air. Inscribed on the
monument are these words: This monument was erected by the natives sons of the Golden West and the State of California to commemorate the raising of the Bear Flag on this spot June 14, 1846 by the Bear Flag Party and their declaration of the freedom of California from Mexican rule on July 9, 1846. The Bear Flag was hauled down and the American Flag here raised in its place by Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere U.S.A. who was sent to Sonoma from San Francisco by Commander John B. Montgomery of the U.S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth" following the raising of the American Flag at Monterey July 7, 1846 by Commodore John Drake Sloat.
Sonoma was once the Sonoma County seat but no longer holds that
honor.
For those who want to taste
the wine, Sonoma County has over 40 wineries that include names such as
Kenwood, Ravenswood, Sebastiani, Domaine Carneros and Chateau St. Jean. To
accompany the great wines, chefs concoct fabulous meals with a variety of
ethnic spices and flavors. Restaurants include Mexican, Italian,
Thai, Himalayan, French and most feature flavors that will not be found
elsewhere, courtesy of world class chefs.
Located 45 minutes north of
San Francisco, Sonoma enjoys warmer, sunnier climate and cool nights,
especially in the winter. Flights into Oakland Airport or San Francisco
Airport with shuttle service or car rental are a great way to get to wine
region. If driving, don't miss the beautiful countryside and coastline of
Sonoma County. It is approximately an hour to 90 minutes west of Sonoma
but well worth a day trip when visiting.
For more information
about Sonoma County:
Sonoma County Tourism
Bureau
420 Aviation Blvd., Ste 106
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-539-7282
www.sonomacounty.com
