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.
Digging into the market activity we can see that there are still deals being made, that is good news. The bad news is that there is a lot more competition if you are a seller. At this point it should not come as a shock to say, within the vineyard and winery space, it is a buyer’s market. ... Read more
Real estate is a funny thing. In tight markets with low inventory, the whisper is, everything is for sale… for the right price. Here’s the thing, in bad markets, everything is for sale too… but for different reasons. As we move past the middle of 2024 it is a good time to look at vineyard, […]... Read more
We are looking at a bifurcated wine country real estate market in 2024. A stronger economy along with improving interest rates generally bodes well for real estate. In contrast, the wine industry is struggling.... Read more
Happy August! A cooler than average growing season after major winter rains has been a welcome pattern this summer. I hope you have been soaking it up. On the real estate front the market has several competing variables creating an interesting dynamic to say the least. It is time for the wine country real estate […]... Read more
Before You Take The Plunge In Buying A Vineyard - Ask yourself: why am I buying a vineyard? This may seem like an obvious question but the answer could lead you in numerous directions not yet considered. What’s the driver? Are you looking for lifestyle? Are you looking to create the next super premium Cabernet, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay? Are you going to be hands off or do you want to be out in field getting dirt under your nails? Let's take a quick look at some things you should consider.... Read more
Winter 2023 First things first, Happy 2023! Another year to enjoy this beautiful area we call home. With more than two decades of selling wine country real estate, I am still in awe of our backyard. The dynamic landscape is a constant reminder of the amazing diversity throughout Sonoma and Napa Counties, from the Pacific […]... Read more
The Dream Lives on in Napa / Sonoma and Further Afield – Real Estate Another exciting year is underway as we approach Spring. Let’s take a look at Napa and Sonoma Real Estate 2022. With pruning behind us, we anticipate bud break in the coming months. The cycle continues. Before going any further, I have […]... Read more
Light on the Horizon Dust Settles During the Sonoma and Napa Winter 2021 If there is one thing we have learned over the last several years, it is that wine country is resilient. Wildfires, economic uncertainty, politics and a worldwide pandemic have all conspired to shake our core, especially in 2020. But here we are, […]... Read more
Clearly, we are enduring an unprecedented challenge with Covid-19 health issues and associated economic impact. As a community I am sure we will ultimately arrive at a destination that resembles the wine country that we all know and love.... Read more
No doubt, the last few years have been good in wine country with increasing wine grape and real estate prices. While things are still good in wine country, there have been some changes in the market over the last six months.... Read more
It goes without saying that the vineyard, wine grape and wine industry has an impact on real estate in Napa Valley, Sonoma County and all other wine regions. Be sure to check back often to read current and past wine country real estate and wine industry news. Sourced from industry experts to keep you informed.... Read more
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 […]... Read more
Russian River Valley For the last quarter century, I have had the pleasure of calling Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley home. During that time, I have witnessed the region go from an “under dog” reputation to world-class status. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards are some of the most sought after in California […]... Read more
Throughout the year you can check back here to see any notable publicized vineyard and winery sales in 2024. The various sales and transactions are not only interesting but may also point to trends that can impact real estate in Napa, Sonoma and other wine country regions. This page will be updated throughout the year […]... Read more
Based on the grape crush report it would appear Napa Valley and Sonoma County wine grape prices continue their upward climb as we enter 2024. The one exception is Sonoma County Cabernet which noted a very modest drop from the previous year.... Read more
The Russian River Appellation Neighborhoods are known for growing some of the most sought after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards in the world. ... Read more
Are you considering a move to wine country? Does the image of rolling hills, rows of vineyards in a bucolic setting come to mind? If so, purchasing a home, vineyard, or winery real estate may be your next step. Buying and selling wine country real estate isn't always black and white.... Read more
When moving to wine country, or even after living the area for decades, there will be a time when you need some expert help and wine country resources. Here are links to various experts in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Wine Country Experts – Sonoma and Napa Architects Designers Lenders Legal Advisors Appraisers CPA / Financial […]... Read more
Overall prices remain strong as we move into the 2023 growing season. At this stage, early spring, grape buyers are trying to still discern the size of the upcoming crop.... Read more