Sonoma Hills Farm

FIRST FARMERS | Sonoma County’s rich agricultural history began in the early 1800s with the arrival of Russian farmers in the north county, but a boom occurred in the middle of the century thanks to the Gold Rush. Many pioneers traveling to California in search of gold discovered the area’s fertile farmland instead. With nearly 300,000 new residents in Northern California, the demand for food and drink skyrocketed. Wheat, apples, pears, cherries, and prunes took to the land well and flourished. Thirsty gold miners fueled Sonoma’s growing ranks of vineyards and wineries.