Windsor
A charming small town in the heart of Russian River Valley wine country—where craft beverages, family-friendly community, and the warmth of Sonoma County all come together on the Town Green.
Northern Sonoma County • Russian River Valley • Est. 1855
Small Town, Big Heart
Windsor is an incorporated town in Sonoma County, California, situated in the Russian River Valley about 9 miles north of Santa Rosa and 63 miles north of San Francisco. With a population of approximately 26,000, Windsor blends the best of Wine Country living with genuine small-town character.
The land now occupied by Windsor was originally home to the Southern Pomo people, who called the area Tsoliikawai—meaning “blackbird field”—a name that referenced the redwing blackbirds found throughout the valley. European settlers first arrived in 1851, and in 1855, Englishman Hiram Lewis, a Pony Express rider who became the town's first postmaster, named the community “Windsor” because its pastoral beauty reminded him of the grounds surrounding Windsor Castle in his native England.
After a century of agriculture—grapes, apples, hops, and livestock—Windsor was officially incorporated as a town on July 1, 1992. Today, visitors and residents alike are drawn to its walkable downtown, bustling Town Green, world-class craft beverages, and over 50 wineries within five miles of town.
What Makes Windsor Special
Craft Beverage Capital
Windsor's Beverage District features world-renowned Russian River Brewing Company, plus craft distilleries, cideries, and tasting rooms. From Pliny the Elder to small-batch spirits, this town takes its drinks seriously.
Wine Country Gateway
Nestled in the Russian River Valley with over 50 wineries within five miles, Windsor is surrounded by some of Sonoma County's finest vineyards. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel thrive in the region's maritime-influenced climate.
Town Green Living
The 4.5-acre Windsor Town Green is the heart of the community—hosting weekly concerts, farmers markets, movie nights, and over 30 annual events from the Windsor Days Parade to the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic.
The Windsor Town Green
Opened in 2001, the Windsor Town Green is a 4.5-acre pedestrian-friendly park and gathering place at the center of downtown. Designed with New Urbanist principles, it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and community spaces.
Three historical eras are represented in the Green's design: an oak grove honoring natural history and Native American culture, a plum orchard recognizing the town's agricultural heritage, and an open gathering area representing the present-day community. Throughout the year, the Green hosts free summer concerts, the Windsor Certified Farmers Market on Sundays, outdoor movie nights, and seasonal festivals.
The SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) train station sits adjacent to the Town Green, connecting Windsor to Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and communities throughout Marin County.
Breweries, Distilleries & Tasting Rooms
Windsor's thriving Beverage District is home to award-winning breweries, small-batch distilleries, artisan cideries, and dozens of wine tasting rooms.
Russian River Brewing Company
One of the most acclaimed craft breweries in the world, Russian River Brewing's 85,000 sq. ft. Windsor campus features a 195-seat brewpub, beer garden, tasting room, and self-guided tours. Famous for Pliny the Elder and the annual Pliny the Younger release.
Sonoma Brothers Distilling
Founded by twin brothers Brandon and Chris Matthies, this Windsor craft distillery brings handcrafted spirits to a region known for wine. Located in the Beverage District's Artisan Alley.
Tilted Shed Ciderworks
Windsor's first cidery and one of the oldest in Sonoma County, Tilted Shed is a true mom-and-pop operation founded by Scott Heath and Ellen Cavalli in 2011. All their ciders feature freshly picked local apples.
Wineries & Vineyards
Windsor sits at the gateway to the Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, and Alexander Valley wine regions. From estate wineries with rolling vineyard views to intimate downtown tasting rooms, world-class wine is never far away.
Bricoleur Vineyards
A breathtaking 40-acre Russian River Valley estate featuring award-winning wine and food pairings, rose gardens, fruit orchards, a fishing pond, and bocce courts. A complete Wine Country experience.
7394 Starr Road, Windsor
La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard
A beautiful tasting room and property where guests can enjoy Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and seasonal food pairings in a welcoming Russian River Valley setting.
Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards
Featuring 710 acres of sustainable vineyards, lakeside pavilions, and a Forever Wild nature preserve, Notre Vue produces premium wines from the Russian River and Chalk Hill AVAs.
11010 Estate Lane, Windsor
History & Heritage
Windsor's story stretches back thousands of years. The Southern Pomo people inhabited this land for generations, building dwellings of willow and bunchgrass and using the area's abundant natural resources. The town's historical markers on the Town Green commemorate this deep indigenous heritage.
European settlers arrived in 1851, and by the mid-1850s Windsor had a post office, general store, hotel, and the beginnings of a community. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad reached town in 1872, connecting Windsor to the Bay Area and fueling growth. Agriculture drove the economy—grapes, apples, hops, prunes, and livestock defined life in the valley for decades.
During World War II, the Army Air Forces built a training base in southern Windsor—now the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. A camp for German prisoners of war operated west of downtown from 1943 until 1946. The area boomed in the 1980s as families moved north from Santa Rosa, and Windsor incorporated as a town in 1992, embracing its identity as a family-friendly gateway to Wine Country.
Parks & Outdoor Adventures
Windsor is surrounded by parks, trails, and natural beauty. From oak-studded foothills to the Russian River, outdoor recreation is a way of life here.
Foothill Regional Park
A 211-acre wilderness park in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains on Windsor's eastern edge. Features thick oak woodlands, rolling hillsides, ridge-top views of northern Sonoma County, three fishing ponds, and nearly 7 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Located just minutes from town, Shiloh Ranch offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking through rolling Sonoma County hills. A favorite among outdoor enthusiasts seeking challenging terrain and panoramic views.
Bike-Friendly Community
Windsor was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists in 2015 as one of the best bike-friendly towns in California. Bike lanes and accessible routes weave through town, connecting downtown to parks, wineries, and the surrounding countryside.
Community & Annual Events
Windsor hosts over 30 annual events that bring the community together on the Town Green and beyond. From music and food to ballooning and endurance sports, there is always something happening.
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
A beloved annual tradition, the Balloon Classic fills Windsor's skies with colorful hot air balloons every June. The event draws visitors from across the region for an unforgettable spectacle.
Free Concert Series
Since 2001, Windsor has hosted free weekly concerts on the Town Green during summer. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music under the Sonoma County sky—a cherished local tradition for over two decades.
Ironman Vineman Triathlon
Windsor is home to the Ironman Vineman triathlon, the oldest iron-distance event in the continental United States, dating back to 1990. Athletes from around the world come to compete through Wine Country's stunning landscape.
Other community highlights include the Windsor Days Parade, Cinco de Mayo Festival, Earth Day and Wellness Festival, the Windsor Certified Farmers Market (Sundays on the Town Green), and the Community Art and Flower Show. Windsor's family-friendly spirit keeps people connected year-round.
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