Spring in Sonoma County doesn’t shout for attention—it quietly wins you over. March through May brings budding vineyards, wildflowers along backroads, and a sense that the region is stretching awake after winter. Crowds are lighter than summer, tastings feel more personal, and the pace is relaxed but energized—making spring the sweet spot for an authentic Wine Country experience.

While fall harvest gets the headlines, locals know spring is when Sonoma truly shines. Winemakers have more time to connect, restaurants lean into peak seasonal produce, and the landscape feels especially alive. Here’s how to do spring in Sonoma County right.

Spring Weather in Sonoma County

Spring weather in Sonoma is refreshingly mild, with daytime highs generally ranging from the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit. Mornings and evenings can still feel cool—especially near the coast or along the Russian River—and occasional spring showers keep everything vibrantly green.

When deciding what to wear, layers are your best friend. Think light jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes for vineyard walks. On sunnier days, patios fill quickly, and outdoor tastings become the main event. Even when there is a bit of rain, rolling hills glow bright green, vineyards begin bud break, and mustard flowers delight, creating a visual payoff worth planning around.

Photo Op Tip: When vibrant yellow mustard blooms in February and March, vineyard views are at their most iconic.

Planning Tips: How to Do Spring Right

Spring in Sonoma rewards travelers who keep things flexible while making a few key reservations ahead of time.

Slow Down and Explore

Instead of racing between wineries, pick one or two regions per day—Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Dry Creek, or Sonoma Valley—and let the day unfold. Tastings feel more conversational, and many wineries offer seasonal vineyard walks or outdoor experiences that aren’t always available in the busy season.

Book the “Must-Dos”

While spring is calmer than summer, weekends can still fill up quickly—especially Easter, Memorial Day, and during popular culinary and wine events. Reserve any high-priority tastings, restaurants, or spa treatments in advance, then leave space for spontaneity.

Dress for Variety

Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and breezy evenings are typical… along with the occasional rain shower. Comfortable layers, sunglasses, and shoes you don’t mind wearing on gravel or grass will keep you happy from vineyard to dinner table.

Things to Do in Spring

Taste Wine Outdoors

Spring is when Sonoma’s outdoor tastings truly come alive. Patios reopen, gardens bloom, and vineyard views feel front and center. Cooler-climate regions like the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley are especially beautiful this time of year, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay taking the spotlight.

Get Outside

With green hills and mild temperatures, spring is ideal for outdoor activities, whether hiking, biking, and scenic drives. Coastal trails, redwood forests, and vineyard paths are always enjoyable before summer heat sets in. A drive through West County or along the coast feels cinematic, especially after winter rains.

Eat Seasonally

Spring produce shows up everywhere—from asparagus and artichokes to fresh greens and early berries. Farm-to-table restaurants and farmers markets are particularly rewarding this time of year, and wine pairings tend to feel lighter and more playful.

Visit Small Towns

Sonoma County’s many small towns, like Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Forestville, and Occidental, all feel especially inviting in spring, when crowds are thinner and locals have more time to chat. This is a great season for browsing shops, tasting rooms, and bakeries without the rush.

Wellness and Reset Time

Spring has a natural “reset” energy, making it a great time for spa visits, yoga retreats, and slower mornings. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub surrounded by vineyards or booking a massage after a long tasting day, Sonoma’s wellness scene feels particularly aligned with the season.

Spring Events in Sonoma County

Spring brings a steady—but not overwhelming—calendar of events. Look for wine-release weekends, farmers market openings, live music, and vineyard experiences tied to bud break and the early growing season. Easter and Mother’s Day often feature special menus and tastings, while May ushers in a more social, outdoor-focused energy across the county.

Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay in Sonoma in spring, look for places with patios, gardens, walkable locations, or scenic surroundings—somewhere that feels just as good at golden hour as it does in the quiet of morning.

From boutique inns to countryside retreats and spa-forward resorts, Sonoma offers spring-ready stays for every pace. Here are a few of our favorites: 

• Ledson Hotel
• Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn
• Gaige House
• Timber Cove Resort
• Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
• Kenwood Inn & Spa