Raise a Glass for New Flights to Wine Country
July 14, 2026
Alaska Airlines recently announced new daily flights to Sonoma County/Santa Rosa (STS) beginning Nov. 1. This is in addition to nonstop flights offered to the city on American Airlines. With the new, convenient service, flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport make it easier than ever to plan that perfect getaway to California wine country.
Sonoma County is home to more than 400 wineries. It offers everything from intimate tastings to sprawling vineyard estates. Areas like Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley are known for exceptional pinot noir, chardonnay, and zinfandel. Sonoma offers a relaxed, approachable wine country experience that’s ideal for both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
Sonoma County also offers many charming towns. The area’s largest city, Santa Rosa, is known for its lively downtown, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It also offers a number of museums, numerous art galleries, performing arts venues and wildlife experiences such as Safari West where visitors can enjoy an African trek. Fun fact: Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic, was a local resident. The Charles M. Schultz Museum is dedicated to his life and career, and there is also an ice rink called Snoopy’s Home Ice where you can lace up some skates and glide across the ice channeling your inner Olympian. Don’t miss the gift shop where you can pick up Peanuts memorabilia.
But the area has more than just wine. It offers outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Visitors can hike among towering redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, kayak along the Russian River, or head west to the coastline for dramatic ocean views in Sonoma Coast. Bodega Bay offers an amazingly beautiful coastline.
Local farmers markets, artisan cheese producers, farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning restaurants make it easy to find quality dining. Sonoma is truly a place for foodies.
Whether you’re a couple, a family or a solo traveler, there is something for everything and new nonstop flights make it more accessible than ever. From vineyard-covered hills to coastal cliffs and charming towns, Sonoma County offers beauty, relaxation and adventure all within a quick 2.5-hour flight from Phoenix.
Learn more about things to do in the area by visiting sonomacounty.com and start planning your trip today.
