About Kenwood


Kenwood is a small unincorporated town located in what is known as the Valley of the Moon just 10 miles northwest of the town of Sonoma. Although it is not a large place, it provides visitors with a variety of ways to enjoy Sonoma County’s liquid pleasures and natural beauty. In March, the town attracts crowds with its Heart of Sonoma Valley Annual Barrel Tasting event. Visitors, however, do not have to wait for March to enjoy the multitude of vineyards and wineries dotting the hills surrounding Kenwood. The town’s central wine country location makes it easy to explore the area through a tour or independently.

The nearby Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a must for any Kenwood visitor. There are 25 miles of trails that lead through the diverse forest to a stunning 25-foot waterfall and up to the summit of Bald Mountain. Other area parks include Annadel State Park and Hood Mountain Regional Park. For a more sedate outdoors experience, Kenwood’s Alder Park and Kenwood Plaza Park are wonderful picnic spots.



Kenwood Facts


Just south of the county seat of Santa Rosa, the Sonoma Valley town of Kenwood is a treat for outdoor lovers as well as wine aficionados. Guests can hike or horseback ride in pristine state parks, enjoy annual festivals, and even climb to the top of a mountain to view San Francisco in the distance.

The residents of what is now called Kenwood had difficulty deciding on a name for the town. They went through Rohrerville, Los Guilicos and South Los Guilicos before an 1895 vote officially determined that the town would be called Kenwood. The town is home to the annual World Pillow Fighting Championships held every 4th of July.

Location / Terrain:

The terrain of Kenwood is characterized by coastal foothills, lakes and wineries.

Population: 1028


Driving Time/Directions

Kenwood Map:

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Kenwood Zip Code:

95452

Kenwood Elevation:

423 feet

Kenwood Resources


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Best For:

Kenwood is a beautiful little town from which wine lovers will enjoy touring the area’s vineyards and wineries. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless challenge and entertainment exploring the nearby state parks. Families will appreciate the relaxing parks located in town, which provide lots of space for the kids to burn off energy running around.

Upcoming Events In Kenwood


New Wine Release Party
Open House
Sonoma Lavender Food & Wine Festival
2012 Sonoma Valley Crush
29th Annual Holiday Open House
Sonoma Lavender Festival

Kenwood's Annual Events


Heart of Sonoma Valley 15th Annual Barrel Tasting
World Pillow Fighting Championships

Top Picks for Kenwood


Alder Park
Kenwood Plaza Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Specials near Kenwood


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Kenwood California Information

The unincorporated town of Kenwood, California is located on Highway 12, just 10 miles northwest of the town of Sonoma and a few miles south of Santa Rosa. Kenwood is easily accessible from San Francisco or Oakland and many commuters choose to live here and travel to either city for work.

Located in the coastal foothills and sometimes referred to as The Valley of the Moon, Kenwood is surrounded not only by Sonoma County's wonderful wineries but also by plenty of parks and lakes, making it a good location from which to explore many of Sonoma's outdoor playgrounds.

If you're looking for some fresh air, head to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. This lovely park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. Twenty-five miles of trails run through the chaparral and oak woodland, suitable for hiking or horseback riding. A Horseback Riding concession is available during the spring, summer, and fall.

In the winter, after the rains, visitors are treated to a magnificent 25-foot waterfall, and when the weather's clear, guests can climb the 2,729-foot summit of Bald Mountain.

The non-profit Valley of the Moon Observatory Association provides year-round astronomy education and interpretation programs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Kids love the opportunity to peer through the telescopes!

Other Kenwood activities might include a stop at Kenwood Plaza Park, a five acre grassy area that's perfect for a picnic. Two-acre Alder Park is also a nice location for some down time.

Each March, Kenwood participates in the Heart of Sonoma Valley Barrel Tasting event, attracting many visitors to the little town. But if you want to participate in a truly quirky Sonoma County event, check out the Kenwood 4th of July celebrations and World Pillow Fighting Championships, a one-of-a-kind experience that's a sight to behold!

Though the town is small, Kenwood lodgings provide a number of options, mostly B&Bs and small inns, but vacation rentals are also available. You'll even find a few Kenwood restaurants in town but if you're looking for a larger selection, head to Santa Rosa.


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