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The peak season for wine country tourism in Northern California generally falls from June to September, when grapes are growing on the vines and the sun shines virtually every single day. Bear in mind that summertime visitors are likely to encounter higher room rates and heavier traffic around the valley, and daytime temperatures can get uncomfortably warm, especially in August and September.

In many ways, spring and late fall are the most pleasant times to visit, with generally mild (though sometimes rainy) weather and less competition for space in restaurants and tasting rooms. Autumn brings a magnificent display of fall color to the vineyards, typically peaking sometime in late October or early November, and springtime visitors will find the valley dressed in the brilliant green hues of new growth, with rows of yellow mustard flowers blooming among the grape vines.

Winter is a good time to look for appealing discounts on wine country lodging, particularly on weekdays when demand is lowest. There's a good chance of cold, rainy conditions at this time of year, but even a soggy day in the Sonoma Valley has its pleasures, and winter days can be gloriously clear and balmy in between the blustery storm systems that blow in off the Pacific.