Located about 45 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma, along with Napa, is at the center of Northern California’s wine industry. It was incorporated on September 3, 1883 and is considered by many to be the birthplace of wine-making in California. Original vineyards of Mission San Francisco Solano date back to the late 1700’s.

Economically the city of around 11,000 residents is driven largely by the wine and food industries but is also impacted heavily by tourism and retail. Another huge financial impact to the local economy is the Sonoma International Film Festival that started in 1997. The American film festival takes place each April and is hosted by the Sonoma International Film Society.

In stark contrast to the surrounding wineries, Sonoma is home to Sonoma Raceway, formally known as Infineon Raceway. The 2.52-mile road course and drag strip hosts many events every year including one of only two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses.