New winter experiences in Sonoma County

In Sonoma County, the pace of life slows down in wintertime as the vines rest.

The slower season leaves room for unhurried conversations, inviting travelers to explore the region at its most reflective.

This is winter in Sonoma County, where “Life Opens Up.”

The Wineries

Sol Rei Wines

Sol Rei Wines, a boutique, women-owned producer known for low-histamine, low-sulfite wines that are lab-tested to be free of detectable pesticides and other residues, has opened a new tasting room in downtown Sonoma. The space is designed as a light, nature-inspired retreat that reflects the brand’s focus on purity, sustainability, and connection to the land. Artistic touches include a mural of local wine grapes and a grapevine embedded in the bar. Founder Katherine Kitzmiller created Sol Rei after a personal health journey led her to prioritize clean, intentional winemaking; the winery has quickly earned national honors for its 2023 vintage wines.

Marietta Cellars

Marietta Cellars has opened its first tasting room in downtown Healdsburg after 47 years as a Sonoma County staple known for its Old Vine Red and other approachable wines. The space, in a former police station near the Healdsburg Plaza, highlights the winery’s small-lot, artisanal selections rather than its widely distributed labels. Designed by co-owner Lisa Steinkamp with a contemporary feel, the tasting room offers flights, glasses, and bottles of single-estate and experimental wines in a relaxed setting.

Wolves Lovers + Thieves

A new tasting room focused exclusively on sparkling wines has opened in Glen Ellen, adding a unique stop for Sonoma County Wine Country travelers. Wolves Lovers + Thieves brings a curated selection of bubbles to Sonoma Valley’s tasting scene, giving visitors a reason to schedule a dedicated sparkling wine stop on their itineraries.

Sonoma County Winegrowers

Sonoma County Winegrowers and Reservoir launched Reservoir Farms, Sonoma, the first on-farm robotics and automation hub for vineyards and the flagship of SCW’s Farm of the Future initiative. The site includes fabrication space, an engineering workshop, and 14 acres of vineyard test blocks where startups and AgTech partners develop and test new tools with grower input. The hub addresses labor shortages, rising costs, and production pressures while supporting job growth and local innovation.

New restaurants

Bubbles & Delights Café

Petaluma’s newest breakfast spot, Bubbles & Delights Café, is drawing attention for its lively take on morning meals. Locals are calling it a “truly unique breakfast place” with a menu of scratch-made classics and bubbly drinks, including mimosas alongside farm-fresh eggs and hearty plates. The cafe opens early for daily breakfast and brunch and adds a fresh, community-oriented voice to Petaluma’s food scene.

Aroma de Cafe

Aroma de Café, located in the heart of Railroad Square, one of Downtown Santa Rosa’s most historic districts, has opened, signaling a fresh chapter in Santa Rosa’s dining scene. Owners Luis Rodriguez and Alejandra Bravo have relocated their well-loved brunch cafe from Fifth Street to the larger Railroad Square location, where they will continue serving Latin and American brunch favorites. The expanded space allows the cafe to grow while staying connected to the neighborhood’s historic character. Adding to its appeal, chef Carlos Mojica of Guiso Latin Fusion has introduced a dinner-only Latin-Italian menu.

Pick’s Roadside

Pick’s Roadside in the far northern Sonoma County town of Cloverdale has reopened with fresh energy while honoring its century-old roots. The drive-in first opened in 1923 and has become a local landmark known for burgers, milkshakes and root beer. After a complete renovation and menu reboot, the reimagined Pick’s features premium Wagyu beef burgers, classic shakes and a curated Sonoma County wine list, blending old-school charm with modern tastes. New owners Anidel Hospitality led the revival to preserve the site’s historic spirit and create a community gathering place with a Sonoma County Wine Country twist. The original neon sign and nostalgic feel remain, drawing longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Porch Kitchen

Longtime caterer and chef Lisa Boisset of The Cook and The Drummer has opened The Porch Kitchen in the former Goatlandia Kitchen space in Sebastopol. The Laguna Parkway restaurant behind The Barlow previously served as the animal rescue’s catering kitchen and, briefly, a vegan cafe. Boisset has revamped the patio into an upscale grab-and-go space that’s quickly gaining buzz as a place to linger and dine.

New flights

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has decided to add more flights between Denver and Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa before its new service even begins. The airline will start flying from Sonoma County to Denver in April 2026, with trips available for sale now. The early expansion will add more departures than originally planned. This move responds to strong demand for nonstop Denver service from inbound and outbound travelers.

New Experiences

Jack London State Historic Park

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen is marking the 150th anniversary of the novelist’s birth with a full year of public programming and special events. Planned events through 2026 include a quarterly speaker series featuring scholars and London’s great-granddaughter, a “Call of the Wild Day” family celebration with art, music, and guided walks, and gala events. The program also introduces new offerings such as an online “Around the World on the Jack London Trail” guide and themed trail challenges to highlight London’s global travels and local legacy. This yearlong initiative aims to blend heritage interpretation with immersive tourism experiences.

New in Wellness

Park Rx- Forest Bathing Walks

Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, continues to gain attention for its proven health and well-being benefits. Originating in Japan, this guided walking practice focuses on slowing down, reducing stress, and engaging the senses. In Sonoma County, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers a recurring Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program, held on the fourth Sunday of each month from March through November.

Elevate Sonoma

A new wellness destination is opening in Sonoma with the launch of Elevate Sonoma, a clinic offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red-light therapy. The facility features hyperbaric sessions that increase oxygen delivery in a pressurized environment to support healing, recovery, and overall well-being, while complementary red-light therapy aims to enhance results. The clinic brings a modern health and recovery option to Sonoma County’s wellness landscape, positioning the region as a lifestyle travel destination for visitors seeking restorative experiences.

For the good of the cause

Russian River Brewing Company

Russian River Brewing Company, the Sonoma County brewery behind Pliny the Elder, the globally acclaimed craft beer, is pairing purpose with production in 2026. The brewery has introduced Russian River 110, a West Coast–style pilsner created to support Russian Riverkeeper, the nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Russian River watershed. A portion of net proceeds from expanded production, and the beer’s first bottled release will fund local conservation efforts.

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