Sonoma County Tourisms CEO, Claudia Vecchio, gave Travel Bulletin a Sonoma summary.
The county, up the coast from San Francisco, is famed for its exports: iconic wine and cheese, and all the unique experiences, from tours to hand-on factory visits, that stem from its bustling agricultural industry.
"Sonoma County’s charm grows from its unique microclimates that make great ground for winemaking and cheesemaking, and immersing yourself in that experience.
"We have a lot of cheesemakers; a lot of farms do a lot of different types of cheese, and we actually have a cheese trail that people can take from Sonoma County Down into Miranda County, which is the county right between us and San Francisco.
"The wider experience of Sonoma County is much like it was in the 1970s, a very organic and holistic opportunity to learn about an agro-destination rather than just a stop on a tasting tour. It's about immersion."
Clients looking for more than a tipple can immerse in outdoor adventure, with Claudia elaborating: "We have ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, and biking; you have to be a little on the adventurous side; it's very much like Tuscany with winding wine roads and trails that cyclists love."
On the destination’s sustainable strategy, Claudia was quick to admit the county is the benefactor of its suppliers: "We really stood on the shoulders of our winemakers and determined that we are going to be a responsible, sustainable destination. We’ve stopped counting the numbers of travellers; it’s about the responsible travellers and ensuring everyone who comes is going to protect and preserve our environment."
And what one guarantee awaits those responsible travellers visiting? Claudia has a simple answer: “You cannot come to Sonoma County without enjoying yourself.”
