Located approximately 46 miles northeast of San Francisco, the historically important city of Sonoma is centered around its beautiful 8-acre plaza dotted with more than 200 trees. Some homes reflect Spanish beginnings, while others are Victorian, redwood contemporary or ranch style. This “Valley of the Moon” is the birthplace of California’s wine industry. Nearby unincorporated communities are Boyes Hot Springs, Eldridge, El Verano, Fetters Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Oakmont, Schellville and Vineburg.

The City of Sonoma marks the northernmost reach of Spain and later Mexico into California. It was here that the Bear Flag Revolt of June 14, 1846 began. The revolt against Mexican rule led to California’s formation of an independent republic. The republic was short-lived, as the United States claimed California for itself in July of 1846 during the war against Mexico. The Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, built in 1823, military barracks and other buildings have been restored, resulting in not just the largest, but also one of the most beautiful town squares in California today. The plaza was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

Today, the Sonoma Valley is home to 36 wineries, including the Buena Vista Winery, the oldest premium winery in California and a state historic landmark. The Valley is blessed with just the right combination of soil, climate and weather to make it one of the finest places on earth to grow wine grapes. Sonoma attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy the fine wineries, restaurants, resorts, spas, festivals and unique shops.

The Sonoma Vintage Theater, a highly regarded community theater, and Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Festival are both located here. Performances are held at the Sonoma Community Center and other locations in town. Sonoma is also home to Train Town, a miniature steam train railroad which includes a small-scale town replica and miniature goats and horses.

There are a number of city and regional parks which provide playgrounds, sports and activities for all ages. The Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building seats more than 700 people and also has meeting rooms available for different community and social functions. The Sonoma Boys and Girls Club offers a wide variety of activities for children.

Academic scores are generally in the 70th percentile, which means they are in the top 30 percent in the state. In 1994, a $27 million bond measure was approved to renovate all the schools, upgrade the wiring to meet today’s high-tech requirements, and also to purchase land to expand the high school.

Distance to San Francisco 46 miles

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