Four New Ways to Experience Sonoma County Beyond the Tasting Room
September 07, 2026
Wine may remain central to Sonoma County’s identity, but some of the destination’s newest experiences are looking elsewhere, toward food, agriculture, art and the redwoods.
In downtown Petaluma, Taste Petaluma brings four local concepts together under one roof: Barber Cellars, Petaluma Cheese Shop, Barber Lee Spirits and Nightcap Dessert Bar. Guests can move from Sonoma County wines and craft cocktails to artisan cheeses, chocolates and desserts in a relaxed lounge setting. In Santa Rosa, Gold Ridge Organic Farms is opening Heritage Apple Press, a 20,000-square-foot facility designed to process fruit from small and family-owned farms, helping preserve the region’s apple-growing heritage while supporting fresh-packed apples, juice, cider and vinegar.
Art is also becoming part of the resort experience. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has debuted the Lori Austin Gallery at the Fairmont, a rotating pop-up gallery showcasing contemporary work by regional artists. And for travelers who would rather head into the trees, Sonoma Zipline Adventures is expanding with Redwood Aerial Adventure, a 40,000-square-foot ropes and challenge course expected to open in spring 2027, with aerial routes, sky bridges and a separate treetop play area for younger visitors.
The Curated Take: The appeal here is variety. Sonoma County can still be a wine destination, but travelers increasingly want something to do between tastings, whether that means discovering local producers, seeing regional art or climbing into a redwood canopy. These experiences give visitors more reasons to slow down and engage with the place itself.
Photo credit: Sonoma County Tourism
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