This Independence Day, celebrate the bounty of Sonoma County by serving up these local treats. Click through the gallery above to discover Sonoma County foods and drinks that are a must for any 4th of July party.
10 Delicious Sonoma-Made Foods & Drinks for Your 4th of July Party
This 4th of July, celebrate the bounty of Sonoma County by serving up these local treats - from delicious meats to cool beer, cider and wine.
The Meat: Bud's Custom Meats, Penngrove
Bud's has been butchering local beef, poultry and game since 1975. It's the go-to place in the County when you want perfectly marinated tri-tip, freshly prepared ribs, lamb and chicken fryers. Impress (or shock) your party guests with ground elk burgers, wild boar chops, and buffalo rib-eyes. Call ahead for special requests and pop by their Penngrove shop for an overwhelming selection of fresh and frozen meats. (Photo: Ernesto Andrade, CC BY ND 2.0)
The Rub: J. Christopher Co.
This savory rub, created by Santa Rosa-based J. Christopher Co., is a melting pot just like America. It's inspired by the spice markets of Israel, Tennessee BBQ and the freshness of California cuisine. The sumac and paprika-based blend is Kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Rub it on your tri-tip and ribs, sprinkle it on veggies, and use it in Bloody Mary's on the 5th of July for a hair of the dog. Pick it up at grocery stores throughout the area or online.
The Sausage: Sonoma County Meat Co., Santa Rosa
With over 50 types of sausage, Sonoma County Meat Co. is the spot for grill-worthy dogs. The traditional-style butcher shop makes them daily using house recipes, without nitrates or nitrites. They offer a selection of sausages at their shop and has more unique flavors by order, so call ahead if something strikes your fancy from their list online. Must-haves for your grill include classic hot dogs, chili lime, Hawaiian BBQ, and any and all Italians. (Photo: kmrphotography)
The Wings: Victorian Farmstead, Sebastopol
Get the party started with local, sustainably raised chicken wings from Sebastopol's Victorian Farmstead. They offer party wings in 1 and 2 lb. packs and whole wings in 1 lb. packs for grilling, frying or baking. Their butcher shop, located at the Sebastopol Community Market, is open daily, and Sonomans can purchase wings and other chicken bits at the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market on Friday. Looking for a hot sauce for your wings? We've got that on the next slide....
The Sauce: Sonoma Hot Sauce
Your taste buds will thank you when you drench your chicken wings in Sonoma Hot Sauce. The daughter and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Healdsburg resident Deb Rock creates her fermented hot sauce using organic peppers grown on Petaluma Hill Road and all local ingredients. After fermenting for 101 days, she sells the vinegar-based hot sauce in 5 oz. bottles at Darling Farms in Penngrove, the Forestville Farmers Market every Tuesday night, online, and by delivery throughout Sonoma County.
The Beer - Sonoma Springs Kölsch
The City of Sonoma’s only brewery, Sonoma Springs Brewing Co. released their first canned beers in March, including their Kölsch, one of their core beers. Using malted barley sourced directly from Köln, Germany, this beer is light, dry and has a touch of grassiness on the end. Fans of European pilsners will approve. At 5.2% ABV, it's a perfect session beer for your party.
The Wine - Red Car 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Red Car’s Rosé of Pinot Noir is the new world’s own Provençal Rosé. It’s consistently tasty each vintage, and 2016 is no exception. It's a bouquet of delish due to its balanced acid and classic Provençal-style attributes: it’s dry, crisp, and fresh tasting with a touch of strawberry and cherry. An all occasion wine, this it your best pick for 4th of July. Even better: it comes in a magnum and is available at stores throughout the County.
The Cider - Golden State Cider
This locally crafted, Sebastopol-brewed canned cider will be a great addition to your your cooler for the 4th. No concentrates, no water added, and always gluten free, Golden State produces five types of ciders all 6.9% ABV. Our festive favorites are the Mighty Dry, their flagship, off-dry cider, and the Bay Brut, a bone-dry, unfiltered cider. Both are available by keg, too. Sold in grocery stores throughout the County.
The Ice Cream - Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream, Sonoma
Sweet Scoops is the American dream: a family dreams about settling in small town, finds ice cream store for sale on internet, saves up money, moves to small town, and operates a successful ice cream shop. Sweet Scoops makes mouthwatering ice cream and vegan treats with unique and classic flavors. Head to Sonoma and grab pints of Pinot Razz Chip using local Pinot Noir, salted caramel, or old school vanilla to go and you'll have happy partygoers no matter what age.
The Pie - Kozlowski Farms Gravenstein Apple Pecan Top Pie
Kozlowski Farms' pies are a staple of Sonoma County family holidays and their apple pie, made with estate organic Gravenstein apples, is sure to be one at your 4th of July party - if it isn't already. The Kozlowski family has been baking pies using fruit from their Sebastopol farm since 1952; today you can purchase their pies at their farm store, online, or at your local grocer. Pick it up frozen and pop it in the oven for that fresh baked, All-American apple pie goodness on a hot 4th of July day.