Travel Guide Sonoma

The town was founded in 1823, around the square and the San Francisco Solano de Sonoma mission. Of the entire valley, it is the only mission on the Camino Real founded under Mexican rule. It is also the last of California's 21 missions. In the 1840s, American pioneers settled in Sonoma, attracted by the abundant land available. But General Vallejo's Mexican government refused to grant them the right of ownership. Tension mounted, the Americans rose up and, in June 1846, the Bear Flag Revolt took place: the Americans rebelled against the Mexican government's stranglehold and declared the independence of the Republic of California. The bear flag was hoisted in Sonoma's town square. But the Republic lasted just 25 days before being incorporated into the United States. The Bear Flag became the emblem of the State of California in 1911, as a tribute to the rebels. To the northeast of the Plaza, you'll find a commemorative plaque recalling this piece of history.Today, Sonoma is a town of some 10,000 inhabitants, where it's pleasant to stroll from store to restaurant and discover wineries with wine tasting rooms, of which there are many here! Sonoma is also a great place to eat, with some of the valley's finest wines.A word of warning. It is permitted to open a bottle of wine on the Plaza, whereas it is forbidden elsewhere in the U.S. (it's best not to risk it). Enjoy this freedom, but be careful not to drink and drive - the local police are tough, and it could cost you a lot of money and trouble. A good idea is to take an organized tour or a day-drive service to enjoy the wine route.