Accessed via Highway 12, a mere 45 miles from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, the laid-back town of Sonoma anchors the Sonoma County wine region. Sonoma played a significant role in California’s early history. In 1846, American settlers, or Anglos, revolted against Mexican control of California and declared Sonoma the capital of the "Bear Flag Republic," so named for the grizzly bear painted upon the flag that the settlers raised over Sonoma. The town’s reign as capital of the Republic lasted only 25 days, ending when the United States military invaded California. The Bear Flag was replaced with the stars and stripes of the US flag, but California’s current state flag, with a grizzly adorning its center, bears a resemblance to the one of the Republic.

Sonoma’s 9,000+ residents enjoy pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, with the rugged Pacific coastline to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains to the east. Sonoma may not receive as much publicity as some of the cities in nearby Napa Valley, but it’s not for a lack of wineries. Sonoma is home to many renowned vintners—including Buena Vista Winery, Fallenleaf Vineyards, and Moondance Cellars, to name a few—with dozens more wineries found in nearby Sonoma County communities such as Glen Ellen and Santa Rosa.