Living in Sonoma County wine country can be like winning the lifestyle lottery. Imagine waking up in a place where world-class Pinot Noir vineyards grace the hillsides, and the only nuisance you will experience is a flock of gobbling turkeys loitering outside your window at their own slow, leisurely pace. But the true beauty of Sonoma County lies not only in its world-class vineyards but also in its proximity to the stunning Sonoma Coast. You get the best of both worlds: a wine country dreamscape and a coastline so rugged and wild, it could make a bald eagle cry.  This is called, going coastal in Sonoma County.

Whale Tales

As Autumn unfolds with some of the best weather of the year, let’s talk about the Sonoma Coast itself. Picture this: you are driving through sun-drenched vineyards, and as the heat starts to go from civilized to stifling, you head west towards the coast. Within an hour, you have gone from sweltering under a summer sun to embracing the cool caress of the coast while watching whales migrate through the blue waters of the Pacific. There is just something about spotting a giant whale while sipping on some chilled Chardonnay. It provides a stark reminder:  We should do this more often.

Heatwave

During a heat wave, the Sonoma Coast becomes your personal air-conditioned paradise. While inland Sonoma might be roasting at 100°F, the coast can be a cool 60°F, often with a refreshing mist to boot. There is no better place to ride out a scorcher than perched atop one of the region’s stunning cliffs, gazing out at the dramatic rock formations and watching the waves crash into them with a satisfying explosion of ocean spray. Throw in the sight of redwood trees towering nearby and the occasional seal sunbathing on a rock, and you’ve pretty much unlocked the Sonoma Coast trifecta.

(Watch the video for a slide show of the beautiful Sonoma Coast!)

Bufanos Obelisk

This time we posted up in Timber Cove and finally learned about the giant totem that is a long time landmark int the area.

“The sculpture is actually inside a 60-foot circular state park, the second smallest state park in California.  Also known as ‘Madonna of Peace’ and ‘The Expanding Universe,’ the 93-foot sculpture dominates the cliff to such a degree that it’s visible far down the highway and from all nearby beaches and bluffs. The work is made of concrete, mosaic tile, redwood, and lead. ” Sonoma County dot com

Shooting Stars

Finally, don’t get me started on the nighttime stargazing. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the stars are on display. On the coast, far from city lights, you can see entire galaxies with the naked eye. There is nothing quite like spotting a shooting star while enjoying your favorite Pinot Noir, listening to the waves crash nearby, taking comfort in staying cool, and knowing that you are less than an hour from home.  Sometimes, heatwaves aren’t so bad especially when going coastal in Sonoma County.

Cheers!

Some additional articles that might be helpful:

Exploring the Cote d Or in Burgundy

Vineyard and Winery Real Estate Update Napa and Sonoma

What’s Past is Prologue in a Bifurcated Real Estate Market

What is a vineyard really worth?  It depends.

Wine Country Real Estate Building Blocks

Looking to Buy A Winery, Start Here

Which AVA came first?

If you are serious about your wine country search, please contact us today.  Last but least, here is link to more local resources.