When Is the Best Time to Visit Sonoma Wineries?

Sonoma Valley welcomes visitors year-round, but each season brings something a little different to the experience. Whether it’s your first time or you know your way around a tasting room, planning your Sonoma wineries tour around the seasons can shape the kind of trip you’ll have.

Spring: Fresh Growth and Mild Weather

(March–May)
Spring marks the start of the growing season, with bud break kicking off in early March. Vines shake off their winter rest, and the valley transforms from quiet and bare to alive with new growth seemingly overnight.

Why Spring Works:
Expect mild weather, colorful wildflowers, and less-crowded tasting rooms. It’s a great time to learn about winemaking up close, and the slower pace means the wineries can spend more time with you.

Summer: Energy, Events, and Long Days

(June–August)
Summer is the beginning of peak season in Sonoma—both for vineyard activity and for tourism. The vines are full and green, and the valley is buzzing. 

What to Know:
It’s busier, yes, but full of life. Many wineries host outdoor events, and some extend their tasting hours. With longer days, you can linger into the evening. You may even catch veraison—when the grapes begin turning from green to gold or red. Just be sure to book your Sonoma wineries tour early.

Fall: Harvest Time Magic

(September–November)
Ask around and many will say fall is the ultimate time to visit. Harvest typically runs from late August through October, when grapes reach their peak and winemaking kicks into high gear.

Why It’s Special:
You might see crews picking grapes or smell fermentation in the air. The valley is beautiful—golden light, ripe fruit on the vine, and cooler evenings, perfect for sipping red wines outdoors.

Winter: Quiet Beauty and Cozy Tastings

(December–February)
Winter is Sonoma’s quietest season—but that’s part of the charm. With fewer visitors, there’s more space to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Why Go in Winter:
Smaller tour groups, mellow tasting rooms, and a raw, peaceful vineyard landscape. It’s also when new vintages are released, and cooler temps pair perfectly with Sonoma’s bold reds. And yes, it's often more budget-friendly this time of year.

Other Tips for Planning Your Visit

Weekdays vs. Weekends:
If your schedule allows, aim for Tuesday through Thursday. Weekends are busier (and often have events), but weekdays tend to offer a more relaxed pace.

Small Group Perks:
Joining a small-group Sonoma wineries tour—like those offered by Platypus Wine Tours—takes you to lesser-known wineries with expert guides who bring the experience to life. Transportation is included, along with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic vineyard setting.

Seasonal Events:
Keep an eye out for local happenings. Barrel tastings, festivals, fall harvest parties, and holiday open houses are just a few examples that can add something extra to your visit.

So… When Is the Best Time to Visit?

It depends on what you’re after:

• Spring for mild weather and a slower pace
  
  

• Summer for lively vineyards and longer days
  
  

• Fall for harvest action and golden photo ops
  
  

• Winter for personal, more affordable experiences
  
  

No matter when you go, a well-planned Sonoma wineries tour offers a chance to slow down, taste something new, and meet the people behind the wine. Each season has something to offer—you really can’t go wrong.