THE SONOMA PLAZA, WHERE CALIFORNIA HISTORY MEETS WINE COUNTRY

History Alive on the Square

Today, Sonoma’s layered past is immediately visible around the square. While City Hall anchors the center, the surrounding landmarks tell the story of the frontier. Look to the northeast corner, and you will find Mission San Francisco Solano, the last Spanish mission founded in California on July 4, 1823. The church visitors see today was rebuilt between 1911 and 1913 after the property was acquired by the Historic Landmarks League.

Directly across from the Mission stands the Sonoma Barracks, which once served as a Mexican military outpost and housed its cannon arsenal. A short distance away is the former home of Lieutenant Colonel Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the commander general of Northern Alta California's frontier forces and the man who founded the town of Sonoma. For a rich, in-depth perspective, visitors can take one of the historic tours encompassing the Mission, the Barracks, and Vallejo's residence—a perfect break from wine tasting.

Ultimately, the plaza maintains its historic layout while successfully serving as the vibrant hub of modern wine country. Today Sonoma embraces its heritage while thriving in the present, with our daily activities of wine bars, coffee shops, and community gatherings. This seamless blend extends to a distinctive local tradition: the permissibility of enjoying wine directly in the public square. Visitors are encouraged to adopt this custom—purchase a bottle from one of the surrounding tasting rooms, assemble a picnic from a local market, and relax on the grass. This slow, leisurely practice is considered a quintessential Sonoma experience, especially as the sun sets.
During the summer months, the Tuesday Night Farmers Market extends this authentic experience and transforms the plaza, bringing together local farmers, artisans, musicians, and food vendors under the oak trees.