Sonoma and Napa Valley are neighbors, making up one of the world’s most famous wine regions. Napa is known for its luxury and popularity, while Sonoma is more laid-back and less commercialized. So I’ve rounded up the best Sonoma vacation home rentals for your next wine country getaway.
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There are many hotels in Sonoma, but vacation homes will give you amenities that a hotel won’t – full kitchens, an office space, private yards, pools, and room for your whole crew.
Pro Tip: booking vacation homes is one of my top ways to save money on a California trip.
Here are the dreamiest Sonoma vacation home rentals!
Modern Farmhouse
Sonoma
8 guests 3 bedrooms 4 beds 2 baths
Can you picture you and your girlfriends here?! You’ll be drinking wine on the patio, lounging in the hammock, stargazing in the hot tub, and walking to Sonoma Square and some of the best shops and restaurants in the area.
Villa Nel Bosco
8 guests 3 bedrooms 5 beds 2.5 baths
Transport yourself to Italy at this Tuscan-inspired estate in the heart of wine country. Inside, the home has old-world furniture, high ceilings, European decor, and luxurious bedrooms. Outside, you’ll have vineyard views, manicured gardens, a fire pit, pool, hot tub, and al fresco dining.
House On Broadway
8 guests bedrooms 4 beds 2.5 baths
Can you picture yourself and your girlfriends here?! You’ll be drinking wine on the patio, swimming in the pool, and walking to Sonoma Square and some of the best shops, wine bars, and restaurants in the area.
Country Cottage
2 guests bedroom bed bath
If you want a romantic getaway, then this cottage is for you. There’s a grape vine-covered arbor and patio and two acres of yard and orchards. You’ll also be close to Sonoma Square and Buena Vista and Gundlach Bundschu, two of the oldest wineries in California.
Hillside Retreat
10 guests 5 bedrooms 5 beds 5 baths
Perched on a hill in the Mission Highlands area, this dreamy home gives you incredible sunset views, luxury amenities, and an outdoor space you’ll never want to leave. There’s a pool, hot tub, outdoor lounging and dining areas, a barbecue, media room, gas fireplace, and fold-away glass walls to connect the indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Cottage and Casita on a Vineyard
6 guests 3 bedrooms 3 beds 2 baths
This home gives you the most Insta-perfect, iconic Sonoma experience by letting you stay on a working vineyard. The property has a cottage that sleeps four, an outdoor living and dining area, and a casita that sleeps two. Your small furry friends can stay with you here, and you’ll be on a quiet, oak-lined country road that is perfect for walks, runs, and bike rides.
Modern Home
12 guests bedrooms beds baths
Modern meets classic California ranch on this half-acre property with a Palm Springs-inspired pool and hot tub. You’ll have a fire pit, loungers, bocce ball court, ping-pong table, and a fabulous outdoor dining area underneath a gazebo.
Wine Country Classic
14 guests bedrooms beds 5 baths
This European-inspired villa is full of old-world charm. There’s a veranda overlooking family-owned vineyards, multiple terraces, a gourmet kitchen, Italian furnishings, a pool, al fresco dining, and a guest cottage. The property also has a grove of olive trees, rustic stone walls, live oaks, fruit trees, and beautiful landscaping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a home in Sonoma?
The average nightly rate of a rental home in Sonoma is around $200 per night. Vacation home rental prices are highest during the summer and fall (harvest season), and the lowest vacation home rental prices are in the winter.
Can you Uber to Sonoma?
Unless you have a designated driver in your group, you’re not going to want to drive to and from wine tastings. I recommend hiring a driver who can guide you around the region to some of the best wineries, sights, and viewpoints.
You can also use UBER, Lyft, and taxis. Many of the larger hotels and resorts in the region also provide shuttle services around the area.
Is it better to stay in Napa or Sonoma?
Napa Valley and Sonoma are both incredible destinations, and they will each give you very different experiences.
Napa is usually more popular, expensive, and crowded than Sonoma, and Napa has a sophisticated “vibe.” If you’re a foodie wanting high-end culinary experiences, then Napa is for you.
Sonoma is traditionally less-visited and less expensive with a “chiller” vibe than Napa Valley. Both regions have great outdoor activities, and I highly recommend visiting both of these places!
What is the best time of year to visit Sonoma?
Sonoma is a year-round destination because the region doesn’t experience seasonal closures. August – October is the peak season for Sonoma because of the harvesting season. These months have the perfect weather, and you can participate in harvest dinners, balls, and grape smashing. But crowds and prices are at their peak in these months, so book well in advance.
November – February is Sonoma’s low season because the weather is in the high 50s to low 30s (14-0ºC). But if you want to experience Sonoma on a budget, then it’s worth packing your warm layers to come in these months. Accommodation rates are at their lowest, there won’t be many other travelers, and wineries offer deals and discounts.
March – May is the region’s shoulder season. Crowds and prices won’t be at their highest yet, and the temperatures will be rising. The Spring wildflowers will be blooming, and the (still cool) temperatures are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
June – July brings long summer days with equal chances of sun and rain (these are the region’s wettest months). Tourist numbers and prices will rise during these months, so visit during the weekdays to avoid some of the crowds and peak costs.
How far apart are Napa and Sonoma?
The city of Napa and the city of Sonoma are only 14 miles apart. But these two wine regions are both larger than most people realize, so I recommend visiting each region separately to cut down on your driving time.
Can you walk between wineries in Sonoma?
A few wineries are within walking distance of each other in Sonoma. But most wineries require you to drive (or bike) between them.
How many days should you spend in Sonoma?
Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore Sonoma. This will give you plenty of time to visit wineries for tastings, enjoy the food scene, and do some outdoor activities.
Can you wear jeans to a winery?
Yes, you can wear jeans to a winery as long as they’re not grungy jeans. You don’t have to wear fancy clothes to wineries, but your clothes should be event-appropriate.
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This article about Sonoma vacation Home rentals is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about Sonoma vacation home rentals are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.