Is Sonoma cool climate?

SONOMA COAST The appellation is known for its heavy rains and cool climate, comparable to many parts of Sonoma County. Not far from the Pacific, there is more than twice the annual rainfall of its inland neighbors but can still be warm enough to ripen wine grapes because most vineyards are above the fog line.



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Coastal Weather Temperate year-round, the weather on the Sonoma Coast follows a pattern of maritime fog in the morning which gives way to California sunshine around noon. When inland valleys heat up, the coast remains cool. The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

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Cooler Climates, Thanks to Miles of Shoreline (Fun fact, the winning Chardonnay was made from Sonoma County grapes!) Napa is also six to eight degrees warmer than Sonoma County, depending on the month. While this could be a perk for some, it might be a detriment for others.

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Compared to Napa, Sonoma is considered the more affordable wine destination. Reasonably priced wines abound, tasting room fees won't leave you with sticker shock, and even hotel accommodations and restaurants can be considerably more affordable in Sonoma than Napa.

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Sonoma Tastings Are More Affordable (On Average) A basic tasting experience will set you back $25, $30, maybe $40 on this side of the divide. In Napa, expect to pay $35 or $40 to start, and likely more at well-known wineries. Overnight accommodations tend to be more affordable in Sonoma as well.

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During an average summer there are many days when fog maintains a band of cold air all along the coastline and cold breezes blow a fog bank in through the Petaluma gap northward toward Santa Rosa, and northwestward toward Sebastopol. It also moves around Sonoma Mountain, not quite reaching Glen Ellen.

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Though the weather may be cool with the occasional mist, rain or fog, the mild temperatures bring people to experience such great events as Winter Wineland; Olive Season; Cloverdale Citrus Fair and Parade; and California's Artisan Cheese Festival.

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(KRON) — A preliminary magnitude 3.8 earthquake shook Sonoma County around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the USGS. The quake struck a few miles northwest of The Geysers, a geothermal field that spans around 30 square miles.

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The closest airport and shuttle service to Sonoma County are the county's own Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), in Santa Rosa, with daily flights on three major carriers; and the Groome Transportation, which runs between Sonoma County and the San Francisco and Oakland airports.

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One major difference between Napa Valley and Sonoma is the dining options. Napa has two top Michelin Star rated restaurants and a plethora of other upscale dining options. Sonoma also has excellent restaurant choices, but tends to be a little more relaxed, which also means a little friendlier on the wallet.

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