Best Country Clubs in Sonoma

Country clubs play a meaningful role in the lifestyle that draws so many people to Sonoma County. With a mix of golf, recreation, dining, and strong community culture, these clubs appeal to both long-time residents and those exploring Sonoma, CA real estate. This article highlights the best country clubs in Sonoma, outlining each club’s character and amenities to help you decide which option aligns with your goals, whether you’re focused on championship golf, family-friendly activities, or a refined wine-country environment.

Santa Rosa, California, is home to Mayacama Golf Club, an exclusive private club well known throughout Wine Country. The property includes an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus, known for creating challenging layouts that appeal to serious golfers. The setting incorporates the rolling terrain typical of the region, and the course is recognized for its consistency and thoughtful design.

Beyond golf, Mayacama integrates its wine-country location into the member experience. The club operates an extensive wine program that includes tastings, member events, and curated selections from top producers. Additional amenities include tennis, a fitness center, a pool, and dining venues designed for both casual and formal use. Housing options also exist within the community, connecting private-club living with residential ownership.

For residents or buyers seeking a private environment with strong amenities and a focus on golf and wine, Mayacama stands out as one of the most notable options in Sonoma County.

Located along Arnold Drive in Sonoma, Sonoma Golf Club is one of the most recognized clubs in the area. The course traces its roots to the 1920s and was designed by Sam Whiting, who is known for his work on several courses across California. The layout reflects more traditional golf-course design, with established trees, wide fairways, and subtle greens.

Membership includes access to golf, clubhouse dining, tennis, pickleball, and social programming. Many members appreciate the club’s connection to the surrounding community and its relationship with the nearby Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, which often provides benefits such as preferred rates or access to select amenities.

Sonoma Golf Club appeals to those looking for a classic club experience with reliable recreation options and a relaxed environment suited to both year-round residents and second-home owners.

Spanning 1,200 scenic acres in the eastern hills of Napa, this historic landmark features two PGA Championship courses redesigned by Hall of Famer Johnny Miller to wind through ancient oaks and water crossings. Members of The Club at Silverado enjoy a high-performance lifestyle that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, ten plexi-pave tennis courts, and a vibrant social calendar of wine tastings and mansion-lawn concerts.

The membership experience is further elevated by the newly reimagined Silverado Ballroom and the exclusive Vintner’s Court, a private dining enclave reserved strictly for the club's inner circle. Residents often take advantage of the "Music on the Mansion Lawn" series, which brings eight premier concerts to the estate each year, fostering a lively neighborhood atmosphere that seamlessly blends the resort’s storied past with modern Napa luxury.

Tucked away on a private 250-acre estate in St. Helena, Meadowood offers an ultra-exclusive, club-like experience defined by its serene mountain ridges and wooded canyons. The club’s comprehensive complex features three distinct swimming pools, five immaculately maintained tennis courts, and a newly renovated golf course, all supported by a world-class "Wine Center" where members engage in immersive explorations of the region's finest viticulture.

The award-winning, all-suite Meadowood Spa serves as a cornerstone of the estate, featuring unique "Tree House" bath experiences and garden sanctuaries designed by notable architect Howard Backen. Members benefit from a deeply personalized level of service, including preferred access to the Estate Host team and the Forum restaurant, which showcases a seasonal "tide-to-table" menu sourced directly from the property’s own 2.5-acre organic garden.

Choosing among the best country clubs in Sonoma often depends on how you plan to use the membership and how it fits your lifestyle. A few factors to consider include:

If golf is a primary focus, course design, pace of play, teaching facilities, and tournament programming may be at the top of your list. Mayacama, for example, caters to dedicated golfers with a nationally recognized course. Sonoma Golf Club offers a traditional layout suited for those who value history and consistency.

Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club and The Fountaingrove Club provide a broader set of amenities such as swimming, fitness, and racquet sports. Households seeking variety in their recreational activities often value this type of offering.

Each club has its own membership culture. Sonoma Golf Club has ties to the local community, while Mayacama has a more private environment with curated wine and culinary programming. Social calendars, events, and member engagement can influence your experience as much as physical facilities.

Proximity to your home can greatly affect how often you use the club. Those living closer to Santa Rosa may find Fountaingrove or Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club more convenient, while residents in Sonoma may prefer Sonoma Golf Club for easy access.

Some clubs are integrated with residential communities or are significant lifestyle components for buyers exploring Sonoma, CA real estate. Understanding how club membership enhances daily life can help you make informed decisions about long-term value, both personally and financially.

Caroline began her real estate career after achieving strong results as an account executive working with major corporations, including Xerox and United States Surgical. Drawing on decades of living in the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country, she uses her deep understanding of the region to represent estate homes, vineyard properties, and land with a high level of expertise.

Over the past 20 years, she has earned recognition locally, nationally, and internationally, with features in respected publications such as the Wall Street Journal. Her achievements include setting multiple sales records in Sonoma County, including representing a $35 million transaction—the highest residential sale ever recorded in the county—and securing the top residential sale in Sonoma in 2023 at $14.75 million.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Sonoma, CA real estate market, contact Caroline Sebastiani today.

_{*Header photo Courtesy of Caroline Sebastiani}