Sonoma County Tourism

We are incredibly proud to unveil a bold new asset in Sonoma County Tourism’s destination marketing toolkit: a 30-second commercial that captures the spirit of THIS IS WINE COUNTRY like never before. ? Concepted, written, directed, and edited in-house by our exceptionally talented Creative Services Manager, A.J. Ruiz, this video distills the beauty, diversity, and emotional resonance of Sonoma County into a compelling, high-impact format designed to drive awareness and inspire travel. ? This commercial isn’t just beautiful—it’s purposeful. ? It reflects our core brand pillars: nature, connection, meaning, and originality. It supports our ongoing strategy to position Sonoma County as a leading destination for values-aligned, experience-seeking travelers. And it provides our marketing and sales teams with a dynamic visual tool to use across campaigns, digital platforms, and trade outreach. ? From sunrise hikes in the redwoods to sunset toasts by the sea, this video invites viewers to feel the magic—and book the journey. ? Huge kudos to our Creative Services Manager for turning vision into story and to Vegar Abelsnes for his cinematographic brilliance across five shoots. ? More than just a commercial, this is a powerful reminder of why life truly opens up in Sonoma County. ? #ThisIsWineCountry #SonomaCounty #LifeOpensUp #TeamSCT #CreativeExcellence #DestinationMarketing #ExperienceTravel #TourismStrategy

Voting is now open!?More than 125 outstanding nominations have been submitted, and it’s time to vote for the most deserving finalists in each category of the Sonoma County Tourism 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards. ? From rising stars to hospitality heroes, sustainable standouts to powerhouse partnerships, this is your chance to help spotlight the best of the best. ? Spend a few minutes reviewing each finalist’s bio and submit your vote. This is a meaningful way to acknowledge those who go above and beyond to enhance the Sonoma County experience. ? Voting is open through Friday, April 18, at 5pm. Cast your vote now: https://lnkd.in/gTNHyz2s ? Winners will be announced on May 7 at the 5th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards. Early bird tickets and sponsorships are now available: https://lnkd.in/gMHeSuM7 ? #StarsOfTheIndustry #TourismExcellence #CelebrateHospitality #LifeOpensUp #ThisIsWineCountry #SOI2025

Spring has officially arrived in Sonoma County—and with it comes a fresh wave of opportunities for tourism professionals, partners, and businesses.?As festivals return, trails become busy, and culinary experiences abound, Sonoma County welcomes travelers with renewed energy and purpose.? ? This season also marks the launch of Sonoma County Tourism’s #WineCountryForAllOfUs initiative and #SonomaCountySignatureExperiences, designed to drive deeper engagement, inclusivity, and sustainable growth for our destination and partners. ? Discover the latest developments, upcoming trends, and influences shaping the visitor experience in Spring 2025: https://lnkd.in/gsg6uxkz ? #SonomaCounty #ThisIsWineCountry #SustainableTravel #DestinationMarketing #LifeOpensUp #TourismLeadership #Spring2025

Sonoma County lodging partners share their insights on what giving back means to them and their guests through Kind Traveler's Every Stay Gives Back program. It's an honor to share their voices and grow this movement alongside Sonoma County Tourism, Visit California, and beyond. Special thank you to writer Kristin Conard for the thoughtful interviews that brought these stories to life ?

At Sonoma County Tourism (SCT), we saw an opportunity to turn our Sonoma County App Experience Giveaway into a powerful engagement tool—boosting app downloads, audience growth, and visitor interaction. ? Using Simpleview (a Granicus company) and Visit Widget, we crafted a smart messaging strategy with push notifications, social media, and email marketing, leading to increased opt-ins and deeper connections with travelers. ? How did we do it? SCT’s Morgan Miles shares the strategy, results, and key takeaways in this Q&A with Simpleview. Read the full interview below! ? #SonomaCounty #LifeOpensUp #DestinationMarketing #TourismStrategy #DigitalEngagement #ThisIsWineCountry

A New Chapter in Sonoma County Tourism: Signature Experiences ? Sonoma County Tourism is thrilled to announce the launch of Sonoma County Signature Experiences, a groundbreaking collection of immersive, hands-on adventures that redefine what it means to experience Wine Country. ? Today’s travelers seek deeper connections, and we’re making it happen. Through curated, locally led experiences, visitors can explore Sonoma County beyond the vineyards, engaging with the people, landscapes, and traditions that make this place truly special. ? From foraging along the rugged coast and zip-lining through ancient redwoods to kayaking the historic waterways of the Petaluma River and going behind the scenes with a winemaker to experience the artistry of crafting Pinot Noir, these experiences invite guests to step into the heart of Sonoma County. ? This program is a true collaboration between Sonoma County Tourism, local partners, and Veneto Collaboratory, designed to create immersive, story-driven experiences that deepen visitor engagement. SCT provided strategic direction, our partners contributed their expertise and storytelling, and Veneto Collaboratory guided the experience design process, ensuring that each offering authentically reflects Sonoma County’s people, landscapes, and traditions. ? This partnership enhances the visitor experience and creates value for local businesses, bolstering the region’s status as a leader in experiential and sustainable tourism. It’s more than just a program—it’s a fresh approach to showcasing Sonoma County’s richness and diversity. Which experience are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments! ? Learn more & book: https://lnkd.in/gAdqFfuA ? #SonomaCounty #WineCountryForAllOfUs #SignatureExperiences #TravelDeeper #ThisIsWineCountry

Sonoma County Tourism?(SCT) is on the hunt for a bold, creative, and strategic agency (or agencies) to help drive its marketing and communications programs. We’re not just looking for a vendor—we’re looking for partners who thrive on fresh ideas, relish a challenge, and can craft campaigns that go beyond traditional tourism storytelling.? ? Whether your expertise lies in brand creative or PR (or both!), this is an opportunity to shape the future of tourism in Sonoma County. ? Interested? Submit your proposals by April 25, 2025. Review the full RFP details here:?https://lnkd.in/gQhWMQ8w ? #SonomaCounty #DestinationMarketing #LifeOpensUp #WineCountryForAllOfUs #ThisIsWineCountry #TourismMarketing

On Thursday, March 6, Sonoma County Tourism’s sales and events community gathered at Hanson of Sonoma Distillery for an evening of engaging conversation, hand-crafted spirits, and meaningful connections. ? Guests were treated to a caviar and vodka pairing, mocktail tastings, and a decadent truffle and vodka pairing while touring Hanson’s stunning event spaces. The evening included a behind-the-scenes education from proprietor @ScottHanson and his four children, who collectively created and run the distillery, bringing a true family-driven passion to every bottle. ? A thoughtfully curated menu by Bloom Carneros paired perfectly with handcrafted cocktails, setting the stage for a dynamic evening of networking with industry professionals, including: - Caterers & Restaurants - Destination Management Companies (DMCs) - Event Equipment & Décor Providers - Hotels & Meeting Venues - Meeting Entertainment Specialists - Wineries ? Thank you to everyone who attended and to Jonny Westom, Damien Keller, Stacey Turner-Bruckert, and Lauren Kilcullen from SCT Destination Sales & Travel Trade for bringing the community together. Hanson of Sonoma created an incredible setting for collaboration and inspiration! ? Looking forward to the next opportunity to connect and showcase the best of Sonoma County’s meetings and events scene. ? #MeetInSonoma #SonomaCounty #LifeOpensUp #EpicEvents #Networking #ThisIsWineCountry

Last week, Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) partnered with Sonoma County Winegrowers for three standout events in Chicago, strengthening connections with media, meeting planners, and wine lovers in a key market. ? Introducing "Wine Country for All of Us": On February 28, SCT President and CEO Claudia Vecchio, Frank F., Torie Clancy, Chris Vomvolakis, and Steve Lee hosted a media luncheon at City Winery, introducing SCT’s "Wine Country for All of Us" initiative and highlighting Sonoma County’s inclusive, welcoming travel experiences. Karissa Kruse, President of Sonoma County Winegrowers, joined the discussion, offering insight into the region’s sustainability leadership. ? Building Relationships with Meeting & Group Travel Planners: That afternoon, SCT connected with Midwest-based meeting planners, reinforcing Sonoma County’s appeal for corporate retreats and group travel. Both gatherings opened with a mindfulness meditation led by Jenny Harrow-Keeler, MA of EcoWisdom Wellness, bringing a touch of Sonoma serenity to Chicago. Judy Groverman Walker of JGW Events produced the events.? ? Sonoma County Shines at Grand Sonoma Wine Tasting: On Saturday, March 1, SCT joined Sonoma County Winegrowers for the #GrandSonomaWineTasting, where over 400 guests explored wines from 40+ Sonoma County wineries, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region. The SCT team shared insider insights on Sonoma County’s diverse experiences—from its world-class wineries and farm-to-table dining to its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming communities—reinforcing its appeal as a premier travel destination. ? Gratitude & Growth: A huge thank you to Sonoma County Winegrowers and all partners who made these events successful. We’re expanding Sonoma County’s presence in key markets and inspiring more visitors to experience Wine Country for All of Us. #SonomaCounty #Chicago #SonomaInTheCity #LifeOpensUp #ThisIsWineCountry #WineCountryForAllOfUs

At?Sonoma County Tourism, we know that the heart of what makes Sonoma County so special isn’t just our breathtaking landscapes, award-winning wineries, and welcoming communities—it’s the people behind it all. ? Today, on?#EmployeeAppreciationDay, we want to recognize the incredible individuals who work tirelessly to champion this extraordinary destination. Whether crafting memorable visitor experiences, collaborating with our valued partners, or sharing the best of Wine Country with the world, our team’s passion, dedication, and expertise shine through in everything they do. ? To our partners, thank you for working alongside us to elevate and preserve the magic of Sonoma County. To the visitors who explore, taste, and experience all that our region has to offer, we appreciate you. And to our amazing SCT team, thank you for your unwavering commitment to ensuring that Sonoma County remains a place of inspiration, adventure, and connection for all. ? Cheers!? ? #EmployeeAppreciationDay #Grateful #SonomaCounty #LifeOpensUp #ThisIsWineCountry