Sonoma Magazine

10 Kid-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma and Napa

September 2025

By Sarah Stierch

Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at their Kenwood estate. (Landmark Vineyards)

There was a time when kids and Wine Country was not a great pairing. But that is changing. A new breed of family-friendly wineries are welcoming wine-loving parents and their (well-behaved) offspring for some fun in the vineyard — children sipping grape juice while parents relax, wine in hand.

Here are some of the most kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties.

Sonoma County

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

One of Sonoma County’s most famous family-friendly destinations, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has an expansive pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Wine and food is delivered to parents poolside, while kids can play bocce and board games. A museum inside the winery features props from Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula. Reservations required for pool access. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Kids at the Coppola Winery pool — Young friends Macy Carver, 6, left, Kaitlyn Kirk, 7, and Rachel Kirk, 9, all from San Francisco, practice their backflips in the swimming pool at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat, 2017)

Preston Farm & Winery

This cat-friendly winery (leave your dog at home) has gardens, bocce and sheep, in addition to the cats that live on the property. If you’re lucky, your little one can help bottle-feed a lamb. Bring a picnic, pick up one of the winery’s famed Rhône wines, and enjoy the rustic, old-world charm of this west county spot. Don’t miss the farm shop, which sells fresh farm-grown produce. 9282 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3372, prestonfarmandwinery.com

Larson Family Winery

The Larson family has been farming land in the Carneros region for over 120 years. After they started making wine in the 1970s, they turned their farmhouse into a family- and pet-friendly destination. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. Larson Family Winery offers bocce, cornhole and other kid-friendly games and has an expansive lawn that makes for a great location for a game of tag. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Landmark Vineyards

Founded by the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere, Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at its Kenwood and Hop Kiln estates. After rounds of bocce ball at either property, parents can relax with a picnic and wine tasting while the kids play in the grass. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Benziger Family Winery

It’s not just in the name. Benziger Family Winery is truly a family operation; generations of Benzigers have been raised on the property, known for its organic and biodynamic wines. The winery tour is a must for any first-time visitor to Wine Country. Kids and adults love riding the tram through the property while learning about agriculture, as well as biodynamic and organic winemaking practices. Sheep and cows make appearances along the route and the tram even travels into the wine caves. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Cline Family Cellars

Founded in 1982, Cline Cellars is a family-run winery that offers unpretentious tasting experiences in an updated farmhouse, outdoor cabanas and by a pond. Kids will love the property, and parents the wine. Take a guided tour through the estate to the barrel room, where guests can learn about the history of the winery. Or, pack a picnic to enjoy pondside after a self-guided walking tour of the historic ranch, where the family can meet the winery’s resident donkeys and other farm animals. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Buena Vista Winery

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. The historic property offers wine tastings for adults and an educational and interactive experience for kids. Schedule a tour guided by period actors, who will guide your family through the winery, including the old wine caves and the historic Wine Tool Museum, which features a colorful multimedia presentation that feels like a blend between Wine Country and Disneyland. Don’t miss the hedge maze and the giant crocodile. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Napa County

Castello di Amorosa

The closest thing to Disneyland in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a 121,000-square-foot replica of an Italian castle from the Middle Ages. It took 15 years to build and even a bored 15-year-old will be impressed. Book a guided tour, which features everything from gargoyles and knights in shining armor to a dungeon and an opportunity to meet the winery cats. There are also peacocks, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Kids can sip grape juice (included in their $25 general admission ticket) and color their hearts out in their own play area while parents enjoy vino. Please note: Strollers are not allowed inside the winery. 4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, 707-967-6272, castellodiamorosa.com

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards offers yet another family-friendly experience in northern Napa Valley. The winery is only accessible via an aerial tram, which takes visitors 300 feet from the ground to the mountaintop estate. Upon arrival, kids will receive age-appropriate backpacks filled with a drink, snack and game. After a self-guided tour of the winery, parents can enjoy wine tasting overlooking Napa Valley. Please note: Children are welcome at the “Sterling Stroll” and “Tour and Terrace” experiences, but the tasting experiences in the Hilltop areas are strictly 21 and over. 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 800-726-6136, sterlingvineyards.com

The River Club

Founded by two local family-owned wineries, Belong Wine Co. and Paper Planes Wine Co., the newly opened River Club welcomes children and pets (be sure to meet estate dog Peaches on your visit) to its cheery, laid-back tasting room space, nestled on the edge of the Napa River. Parents can sip Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre while taking in expansive river views, as the children play games, read books and color with provided art supplies in the kids’ corner. A kids’ snack pack is also available for purchase. Tastings are just $25 per person, and the next-door River Studio offers equally affordable riverside grub. 101 S. Coombs St., Napa, 707-234-5814, exploretock.com/riverclubnapa

Grace Yarrow and Maci Martell contributed to this article.

15 Best Spots for Avocado Toast in Sonoma County

August 2025

By Shana Bull and Maci Martell

Avocado toast from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)

Call it the most delicious fruit and bread combo, the ultimate hipster food or the reason millennials can’t afford a home — avocado toast has created both frenzy and controversy (even injuries) for years, and it continues to trend.

While this particular pairing may seem pretty basic to some, it can be so much more than just avocado on toast — as over 2 million Instagram pictures will attest to.

To celebrate the trendy toast, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. Each featured Sonoma County spot offers its very own take on this 21st century classic. Pair it with a bottomless mimosa and you’ve got yourself the perfect #brunch shot.

Sunflower Caffe avocado toast — Avocado toast from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)

Sunflower Caffé

The seasonal menu at this Sonoma cafe changes frequently. Thankfully, an avocado toast is always present. The current menu includes a toast with crushed avocado, Sunflower spread, shaved Brussels sprouts, black truffle pecorino and toasted hazelnuts on multigrain bread. Add a poached egg for extra protein. 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com

Baker & Cook

This Sonoma cafe’s avocado toast comes with toasted sesame seeds and tajin on grilled sourdough. Gluten-free bread is available. 18812 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com

El Huerto

This superfood bar serves smoothies, fresh-pressed juice and trendy foods like açaí bowls. The avocado toast offers a little kick, with lime, cotija cheese and cayenne pepper. 19213 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-343-7025, el-huerto-fresh-bites.square.site

Della Fattoria

This downtown cafe and restaurant gets packed on the weekends as people line up for freshly baked bread, breakfast, pastries and desserts. The avocado toast — atop buttered, toasted house bread with a simple drizzle of olive oil — doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, and it doesn’t need to. Della Fattoria believes that simple ingredients, like good bread, speak for themselves. 143 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-0161, dellafattoria.com

Sarmentine

While this popular local bakery has three locations in Sonoma County, brunch is only offered at the Petaluma spot. For its avocado toast (a brunch must), Sarmentine’s seeded sourdough is topped with smashed avocado, goat cheese, sprouts and cherry tomatoes. 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

Caffeine Inc.

Quietly opened last year and already creating a buzz around town, Caffeine Inc. is a dream coffee shop by the Petaluma Marina. The avocado toast on the breakfast menu features Hass avocado, bacon, arugula and a balsamic reduction atop toasted batard. 775 Baywood Drive, Petaluma, Suite 145, 707-774-6016, caffeineinc.net

Brew Coffee and Beer House

This cool and quirky coffee house serves up two styles of avocado toast. Our favorite, the Rainbow, is made with thick slices of Revolution Bread topped with smashed avocado, goat cheese, pickled onions, grated carrots, grape tomatoes, micro greens and a balsamic reduction. It is as colorful as the rainbow flag that welcomes visitors to Brew. 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-303-7372, brewcoffeeandbeer.com

Avocado toast at Brew in Santa Rosa. (Shana Bull)

Magic Mushroom Avocado Toast with seeded wheat toast, Haas avocado, Maitake mushroom, arugula, radish and sherry-miso vinaigrette from the Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa Tuesday, March 28, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Lazeaway Club

Located inside Santa Rosa’s Flamingo Resort & Spa, this poolside eatery serves up innovative Cal-Pacific cuisine — no hotel reservations required. There’s a Magic Mushroom Avocado Toast on both the weekend brunch and early bird breakfast menus. Seeded wheat toast is topped with avocado, arugula, radish, maitake mushrooms and sherry-miso vinaigrette. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-510-4533, lazeawayclub.com

Trail House

This coffee shop and taproom located by Howarth Park has a handful of avocado toast options for their cycling-loving crowd. Go for the Farm Toast, with smashed avocado, bacon bits, sprouts, caramelized onions and a fried egg. Bread options include sourdough, gluten-free or a Wooden Petal pretzel. Pair the toast with a coffee in the morning, a cold craft beer in the afternoon or a mimosa on the weekend. 4036 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-536-9561, incycle.com/pages/retailer/trail-house

John Ash Restaurant

Located at the newly renovated Vinarosa, formerly Vintners Resort, in northern Santa Rosa, this fine dining restaurant has a lovely avocado toast on its regularly changing seasonal menu. Toasted multigrain sourdough is topped with avocado, burrata, arugula, harissa hummus and baby tomatoes. Every bite tastes like a Wine Country summer. 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, vinarosaresort.com/dining/john-ash

Soft Medicine Sanctuary

Soft Medicine is about as organic and vegetarian-friendly as eateries come, but the Ayurvedic cuisine doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. Its Fancy Toast, on sourdough or gluten-free bread, is topped with avocado or pesto (you know which to choose here), sprouts, kraut and olive oil. Pair it with a warming elixir or botanical shot for the full Soft Medicine experience. 186 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-8130, softmedicinesebastopol.com

Altamont General Store

This west county darling uses Camp Meeker-based Birdsong Bread sourdough for its avocado toast, topped with feta, a jammy egg, mixed greens, pickled onion, black garlic aioli and chili pepper water. 3703 Main St., Occidental, 707-874-6053, altamontgeneralstore.com

Costeaux Bakery

At Costeaux’s downtown Healdsburg cafe, chef Jorge Flores whips up a bountiful avocado toast. Housemade seeded sourdough is topped with the required avocado along with pepitas, radishes, ricotta salata, chile flakes, pickled red onion and pea shoots. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com

Acorn Cafe

As one of the best brunch spots in Healdsburg, Acorn Cafe obviously serves a delicious avocado toast among its impressive menu of hearty hotcakes and Benedicts. Smashed avocado, feta, pickled shallots and an Acorn seed mix rests atop Nordic rye. Add a poached egg for an extra $4. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-955-7001, acornhealdsburg.com

Plank Avocado Toast — Plank Coffee serves up avocado toast at its original location in downtown Cloverdale and at its second outpost on Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. (Shana Bull)

Plank Coffee

This locally owned coffee shop serves up avocado toast at its original location in downtown Cloverdale and at its second outpost in Healdsburg. The toast is comprised of Goguette rustic country loaf toasted with za’atar dressing and topped with smashed avocado, English cucumbers, baby greens, micro sprouts, Maldon salt and black sesame seeds. 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6187; 175 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-0572, plankcoffee.com

Nurturing Late-Summer Flowers Helps Sustain Local Pollinators

August 2025

By Nate Seltenrich

Purple Michaelmas daisies (aster amellus) blooms in a garden in summer with a bee collecting pollen or nectar. (Pratchaya.Lee / Shutterstock)

As spring flowers fade into memory, ghosts of another season, what takes their place? Brown grass and weeds? Consider the summer flower.

Given our Mediterranean climate, California’s native pollinators — sweat bees, hover flies, hunting wasps — evolved with a world-class spring wildflower display but relatively scarce dry-season forage. Specialized late-summer bloomers like buckwheat, yarrow, and aster helped sustain these critical insects through fall.

Development, invasive plants, and altered land-management practices have impaired late-summer flower habitat, while the introduction of European honeybees has increased competition for their pollen and nectar. It’s enough of an issue that Sebastopol’s Ellen Sherron, an experienced “beetender” and longtime California native plant expert and evangelist, realized she needed to do something about it.

Aster is a late summer flower — Purple Michaelmas daisies (aster amellus) blooms in a garden in summer with a bee collecting pollen or nectar. (Pratchaya.Lee / Shutterstock)

“During the summer in California, it’s like Wisconsin in February,” Sherron says. “There’s nothing for anybody to eat, it’s just dried-out hills.” So, in 2016 she helped launch Gardening for Bees, a subgroup within the 400-plus-member Sonoma County Beekeepers Association, to promote planting and landscaping practices that support both honeybees and native pollinators — especially in summertime.

The list of late-summer-blooming natives is short, but Gardening for Bees also recommends plants originating elsewhere as long as they’re not invasive. Sherron embraces low-maintenance selections that thrive with limited summer water once established, like borage and “Hot Lips” salvia, which grow on a quarter of her 1-acre property.

Borage grows at Cardona Farms in Petaluma. Photographed on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier) — Borage grows at Cardona Farms in Petaluma on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)

“It’s a wild place, but also a pollinator habitat,” she says. “It’s really important to plant these wild gardens that have something that will carry everybody through the summer. Birds get seeds, too.”

Such a natural and holistic view of residential landscaping is taken a step or two further by practitioners of permaculture, a land-management discipline that accounts for soil communities, water retention, food production, and habitat.

Benefits can accrue to all these areas, and wild late-summer flowers — often considered weeds — can show their true colors if landscapers let things be, says Erik Ohlsen, founder and owner of Permaculture Artisans, a regenerative landscaping company in Sebastopol.

This is true even in herb and vegetable gardens where annuals like kale, cilantro, parsley, fennel, and lettuce serve both birds and beneficial insects if allowed to live out their natural lifecycle.

Queen Anne’s lace is a late-summer flower — The Medlock Ames estate vineyard in Healdsburg received the first Sonoma County Regenerative Organic Certification for practices including no tilling and allowing cover crops, like Queen Anne’s lace, to grow during the summer. Photo taken Thursday, Aug. 12, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

“I’m a huge advocate of allowing plants to go to seed,” Ohlsen says. “This is counter to a lot of modern garden aesthetics around keeping everything clean.”

Outside the garden, in lawns, fields, and other pastoral settings, Ohlsen says it’s OK to let non-native yet naturalized late-summer bloomers — like Queen Anne’s lace, white clover, and Spanish lotus — flower fully through thoughtful weeding and mowing. Such practices also support soil health and animal habitat.

So certainly, consider the summer flower — and see what follows.

Waterhawk Lake Club Serves up Cocktails and Views of Roberts Lake in Rohnert Park

August 2025

By Heather Irwin

The Waterhawk Burger with cheese, iceberg, house sauce and B&B pickles from the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

You don’t need a membership to join the Waterhawk Lake Club, but you might want to bring bird-watching binoculars and a designated driver.

Located on the edge of Roberts Lake in Rohnert Park, the former Bear Republic Brewing has become a destination-worthy restaurant for lazy afternoons of al fresco cocktails, loaded fries and soft-shell crab sandwiches. Or girl’s night cocktails by the firepit. Or family lunches at casual picnic tables.

It’s the something-for-everyone type of restaurant that Rohnert Park has long needed, and finally has.

Opened in late July by the team behind Petaluma’s Brewsters Beer Garden, the space has been refreshed with luxe outdoor picnic tables offering expansive lake views, a fully revamped interior, and a full bar with stunning cocktails from beverage director Cappy Sorentino.

Waterhawk Lake Club bar — Beverage director Cappy Sorentino, left, mixes behind the bar at the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

“Brewsters is more of a traditional beer garden and Waterhawk is more of a lake club. Think Oktoberfest and beer steins versus yacht rock and Aperol spritzes,” said co-owner Mike Goebel.

Like Brewsters, the menu is well-crafted but not overly complicated. Executive chef Justin Deering delivers approachable dockside fare with enough cheffy flexes to make it interesting for foodies. Take his eggplant caponata ($13), a dish years in the making: a smoky puddle of baba ganoush topped with a sweet-sour Sicilian relish of eggplant, onions and capers, served with fluffy focaccia for dipping. It’s a menu favorite.

If you’re dining outdoors, keep an eye out for local fauna, including hawks, ducks, herons and geese.

“Waterhawk is our nod to all the wildlife living on, in and around the lake, particularly all the different bird species,” Goebel said.

The interior has large communal tables for groups or those seeking refuge from the sun, and there are bar seats both indoors and out.

Group tables on the large patio at sunset at the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Group tables on the large patio at sunset at the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)

And yes, for fans of Brewsters’ beloved “Miracle” holiday pop-up, there’s good news: Waterhawk will host its own version, complete with seasonal cocktails and kitchy decor. Perhaps Santa will come by rowboat, led by a team of blue gill.

For that, I’ll definitely need a cocktail.

Best bets

Charred Summer Corn Succotash with corn pudding from The Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Charred Summer Corn Succotash with corn pudding from The Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)

Charred summer corn ($12): Spears of sweet corn are charred, sliced from the cob and tossed with red peppers, arugula and corn purée. Don’t try using a fork and knife (I learned the hard way), just use your hands. A lovely taste of summer.

Loaded fries ($12): Shove off, asada fries — I’ve found my new meat and potato dream. A pile of thin, salty fries is topped with shredded roast pork and a mozzarella fondue. Forks recommended, but not necessary.

Kale salad ($17): Hear me out, because this cruciferous creation is more than just virtuous. Kale is merely the carrier for lemon, garlic, crispy quinoa and a show of shaved Parmesan. This salad might just turn you into a kale lover.

Kale Salad with lemon, garlic, parmesan and crispy quinoa from the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Kale Salad with lemon, garlic, parmesan and crispy quinoa from the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)

Soft-shell crab BLT ($20): This is a whopper of a dish that may need explanation to Dungeness fans, but is a favorite of chef Deering, a Maryland native. A small, whole crab (shell and all) is fried and sandwiched between peppered bacon, Little Gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and a soft bun. This East Coast delicacy is made with crabs that have recently shed their hard shells, making the whole creature soft and meaty. Don’t overthink it. Just eat.

Waterhawk burger ($19): Just a solid burger with the proper condiments — American cheese, bread and butter pickles and iceberg lettuce.

Waterhawk Lake Club pizza — Roasted Mushroom Flatbread with confit garlic, Teleme cheese and arugula from the Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)

Caramelized flatbread ($22): Kind of like a pizza, but without the tomato sauce. The bubbly bread comes in two flavors – pancetta, chives and crème fraîche; or mushrooms and garlic with Teleme cheese.

Valley Ford Creamery soft serve ($8): The best soft serve in Sonoma County, hands down. Get it with olive oil and sea salt — cutting the sweetness and giving it a grassy bite.

Drinks to try

Waterhawk Lake Club cocktails — The Aperol Spritz with mandarin, passion fruit and sparkling wine soda, left, and a Sun-Kissed cocktail with Espolon tequila, mango, lime, yellow chartreuse, tajin and Frie water from Waterhawk Lake Club Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)

The Aperol Spritz ($12): Aperol aperitif with mandarin, passion fruit, sparkling wine and soda water. On the sweet side, but dangerously delicious.

Coconut Mojito ($12): An island twist on the Mojito, with rum, mint syrup, coconut water, coconut liqueur, lime and soda.

Ranch Hand ($12): Patron tequila, with cucumber water, makrut lime and soda. Refreshing, light and able to tame a stallion.

5000 Roberts Lake Road, Rohnert Park, 707-355-4219, thewaterhawk.com

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

Pop-up at New Aroma de Cafe Spot Features Top Healdsburg Chef

August 2025

By Heather Irwin

Tacos de Asada topped with grilled skirt steak, huitlacoche cream and roasted scallions wrapped in a homemade corn tortilla at chef Carlos Mojica’s dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

By day, Aroma de Cafe is a lively breakfast and brunch spot. By night, it transforms into a hidden supper club run by one of Wine Country’s rising culinary stars.

Chef Carlos Mojica of Healdsburg’s buzzy Guiso Latin Fusion has quietly brought his passion for culinary mashups to Santa Rosa — in an unexpected location with an even more unexpected menu.

The pop-up is a collaboration between Mojica and the owners of the recently relocated Aroma de Cafe (not to be confused with nearby A’Roma Roasters Coffee & Tea at 95 Fifth St.).

The bustling brunch business has taken over the former 19Ten, which closed in late 2024. Thanks to a $1 million renovation by its previous owners, the expansive space features soaring ceilings, stylish light fixtures, two dining areas and a renovated bar.

Aroma owners Luis Rodriguez and Alejandra Bravo have put the hollandaise on the Benedict with their wildly Instagrammable floral decor and supersized murals. But come evening, Mojica puts away the toasters and pulls out the kitchen tweezers Tuesday through Sunday.

A fusion-forward menu with family recipes

Braised beef birria and strozzapreti (a hand-twisted pasta) with Parmesan, capers and tart cherry tomatoes at chef Carlos Mojica's dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat) — Braised beef birria and strozzapreti (a hand-twisted pasta) with Parmesan, capers and tart cherry tomatoes. At chef Carlos Mojica’s dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Raised in a Salvadoran household and trained in Italian cuisine, Mojica creates dishes that feel personal and make perfect sense, such as a fusion of braised beef birria and strozzapreti (a hand-twisted pasta) with Parmesan, capers and tart cherry tomatoes ($29). As does a crispy pork carnitas pizza with salsa de tomatillo, queso fresco, roasted corn and pickled onions ($26).

The through line in the story he tells through his food is family — a Latin-style tomato sauce made from his grandmother’s secret recipe, Salvadoran pupusas inspired by his mother’s daily cooking, Mexican butter cookies in a deconstructed tiramisu.

Deconstructed tiramisu at chef Carlos Mojica's dinner pop-up at Aroma cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat) — Deconstructed tiramisu at chef Carlos Mojica’s dinner pop-up at Aroma cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

It’s all a combination of hard work and finesse. One moment, you’ll find Mojica pulling pizzas from the oven. The next, he’s carefully placing tiny edible flowers on the Panzanella Latina ($17), with heirloom tomatoes, queso panela, basil, cilantro leaves and balsamic vinaigrette.

Best bets (though menu items change frequently) include focaccia with fresh herbs and truffled salt ($9), Hola Caesar, with boquerones, spiced croutons and Aleppo chili dust ($17), and tacos de asada, a homemade corn tortilla topped with grilled skirt steak, huitlacoche cream and roasted scallions ($23).

Hola Caesar salad at chef Carlos Mojica's dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat) — Hola Caesar salad at chef Carlos Mojica’s dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Aroma de Cafe cocktails — On the left, the Bellevue Club cocktail with gin, lemon, lemongrass and raspberry hibiscus foam. On the right, the Vamos à la Playa with coconut oil-washed tequila, passion fruit, kiwi, lime and chili salt. At chef Carlos Mojica’s dinner pop-up at Aroma de Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

The elevated cocktail menu includes stunners like Vamos à la Playa ($16) with coconut oil-washed tequila, passion fruit, kiwi, lime and chili salt.

Dinner is served from 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday. Aroma de Cafe is at 115 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-293-9246, aromadecafesr.com

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

13 Favorite Sonoma Wineries for Picnics

August 2025

By Linda Murphy and Maci Martell

Outdoor wine tasting and picnic at Aesthete Winery & Farm in Healdsburg. (Aesthete Winery & Farm)

A-tisket, a-tasket, can you bring your own picnic basket to a Sonoma County winery?

That depends.

Since reservations are required to taste wine at most local wineries, appointments must also be made for picnicking on site. This means winery picnickers will have a formal start and finish time, with appointments generally lasting 90 minutes.

While the time may be limited, the experience is not. Picnicking at Sonoma wineries has become a more focused and engaging experience thanks, backhandedly, to the pandemic. Many producers have upgraded their picnic areas with fashionable seating, umbrellas, views of creeks and rivers and, most notably, by offering lunches and snacks to those who didn’t have time to pack a basket.

Here is a sampling of Sonoma County wineries that welcome picnickers, divided into two groups: those that allow guests to bring their own food to accompany paid-for tastings and those that provide fare to accompany the wines purchased. In all cases, call ahead or visit websites to learn about picnic options and policies, and remember to make reservations.

BYOB — Bring your own basket

Aesthete Winery & Farm

Located at the former Truett Hurst tasting room (which is now downtown), Aesthete offers a Creekside Tasting on tranquil patios along Dry Creek, featuring the familiar Adirondack chairs. Guests can bring their own picnic to enjoy with estate wines, and additional snacks are available for purchase in the tasting room. Each of the nine seating areas can accommodate parties of up to six people. Guests can also reserve a picnic table in a shaded area near the winery’s farm animals — a fun treat for families with children. There are five picnic tables with seating for up to eight per table. Each reservation is for 2 hours. Reserve on Tock. 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-4444, aesthetewines.com

Preston Farm & Winery

In addition to its Rhone-style Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, Preston’s biodynamic farm yields an impressive collection of grains, livestock and fruit trees (including 1,500 olive trees), making it a natural picnic spot. Bring your own picnic provisions (plus supplies and cutlery) or purchase seasonal produce from the farm store to enjoy under the shady walnut trees on the picnic grounds. Guests can reserve a picnic table for up to two hours, available Thursday through Tuesday. A bottle purchase is required for picnic reservations. Reserve on Tock. 9282 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3372, prestonfarmandwinery.com

While you’re there, peruse the farm store for seasonal produce, estate olive oil and freshly baked breads. (Maggie Preston) — While you’re at Healdsburg’s Preston Farm & Winery, peruse the farm store for seasonal produce, estate olive oil and freshly baked breads. (Maggie Preston)

Seghesio bocce and picnic — Play bocce between sips and bites at Seghesio Family Vineyards in Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Seghesio Family Vineyards

At this historic Italian winery, guests can bring their own picnic lunch to the estate’s arbored grove to pair with estate wines. After a relaxing picnic in the wine garden, head over to the winery’s bocce courts for a game or two between sips of celebrated Zinfandel. Picnics in the grove are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A purchase of a bottle or wine by the glass is required. 700 Grove St., Healdsburg, 707-433-3579, seghesio.com

Dutcher Crossing Winery

Debra Mathy’s dog-friendly winery sells cheese and charcuterie boards to accompany guests’ own lunch baskets, allowed with most tastings by appointment. The grounds are gorgeous and welcoming, the vibe rustic and calming and the wines excellent and fairly priced, sourced from the estate and top-notch vineyards including Stuhlmuller, Bacigalupi, Terra de Promissio and Maple. From Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir to Zinfandel and Syrah to Petite Sirah, the range is broad and impressive. Reserve online. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

BYOP — Buy your own picnic

Cline Family Cellars

How do you elevate a picnic-themed wine experience? Turn the de rigueur table into a private cabana. Cline features light-filled and airy cabanas near its Great Lawn, each accommodating up to eight guests for a 2-hour stay. A chilled bottle of Mourvèdre rosé awaits, as well as an add-on “picnic” basket of provisions, including salami, cheeses, nuts and crackers. A host assigned to each cabana takes and delivers additional bottle orders, and parking is available in a VIP lot. For a more relaxed experience, Cline also offers a Pondside Picnic featuring a seasonal cheese and charcuterie board or a curated Wine Country picnic basket. Reserve on Tock. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Robledo Family Winery

Feel transported to a small Mexican village by visiting this Sonoma Carneros winery for tastings, bottle purchases and picnic provisions. Hand-carved furniture imported from Michoacán, earthen pots, rustic stone-tile flooring and wrought-iron chandeliers reflect the birthplace of Reynaldo Robledo, who, with his family, opened the first wine tasting room in the U.S. by a migrant worker from Mexico, in 2003. The Robledos grow grapes in Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties and their Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Tempranillos and Cabernet Sauvignons are made predominantly from estate-grown grapes. Savor them with a selection of cheeses, salami and crackers available for purchase. Reserve on CellarPass. 21901 Bonness Road, Sonoma, 707-939-6903, robledofamilywinery.com

Landmark Vineyards

Picnicking has long been a feature of this Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producer’s menu of options for visitors. The Kenwood setting is gorgeous with a patio and fountain surrounded by gardens and an expansive lawn. The Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience ($65) features a selection of estate wines with optional add-on food pairings, including cheese, handmade chocolates and gourmet popcorn. A Bocce Ball & Wine Experience ($60) pairs a rousing game of bocce with a glass of your favorite wine and a curated cheese and charcuterie board. Reserve on Tock. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-0218, landmarkwine.com

Ledson Winery

While the gothic French Normandy castle at this winery is a sight to see inside and out, the outdoor patio in a serene oak grove with shaded tables is your best bet for a picturesque picnic. Ledson Winery has a gourmet marketplace to provide all your lunch provisions, including olive oils, dessert sauces and sandwiches, like the harvest turkey with cranberry sauce — which pairs well with a glass of Pinot Noir. 7335 Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-537-3810, ledson.com

Notre Vue Estate

This eastern Russian River Valley wine estate produces two brands, Notre Vue (“our view”) and Balverne, the latter an abandoned brand revitalized by owners Bob and Renee Stein. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and rosés made from Pinot Noir and Rhone-variety grapes are among the stellar wines made here, and they’re great mates for sipping during the Terrace Lunch — a gourmet sandwich, seasonal salad, chips and a dessert. The lunch is served on the terrace overlooking estate vineyards and cooled by Russian River breezes. The 250 acres of estate vineyards span the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill appellations; another 350 acres are dedicated to Forever Wild open space. Reserve on CellarPass. 11010 Estate Lane, Windsor, 707-433-4050, notrevueestate.com

Bricoleur Vineyards

The Essentials Picnic at Bricoleur features a chic red wagon to explore the estate with — and it can carry the provided deluxe wicker basket full of local and estate-grown delights. The picnic includes a chilled glass of wine for each guest, and lunch can be made gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian with advance notice. Plus, Bricoleur is dog-friendly and there’s plenty of open space for kids to play. Reserve on Tock. 7394 Starr Road, Windsor, 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Bricoleur picnic — At Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor. (Paige Green Photography / Bricoleur Vineyards)

At Hanna Winery in Santa Rosa. (Hanna Winery)

Hanna Winery Alexander Valley

Hanna’s Picnic Under the Big Oak Tree ($75) on the estate includes a gourmet lunch and a tasting flight of five wines. Additional bottles can be purchased at a 10% discount. Owner Christine Hanna is an excellent chef and author of “The Winemaker Cooks” cookbook. The lunch is guaranteed to be delicious, as are Hanna’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignons. Reserve on Tock. 9280 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-431-4310, ext. 116, hannawinery.com

Dry Creek Vineyard

Lined with flowers and tall trees, this winery’s grassy picnic area is a beautiful place to pair summer snacks with a wine tasting flight. From April through September, guests can reserve the Wine Flight & Picnic Lunch ($65), which includes a seasonal menu and curated flight of limited-production wines. And throughout the year, guests can purchase a charcuterie add-on ($30) during booking to accompany their tasting. Charcuterie plates include locally sourced fare like Point Reyes cheese and Journeyman Meat Co. salumi. Reserve on Tock. 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-1000, drycreekvineyard.com

Korbel deli for picnics — Inside of the deli at Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville. (North Bay Business Journal)

Korbel Champagne Cellars

A winery, rose garden, market and delicatessen rolled into one, historic Korbel has everything you need for a Wine Country picnic. Enjoy complimentary tours and wine tastings followed by a gourmet picnic on the patio shaded by redwood trees. Don’t bother bringing your own picnic provisions; Korbel’s deli offers fresh salads, cheese and charcuterie, along with hand-crafted sandwiches. Try the Winemaker with roasted turkey and cranberry chutney or the ever-popular Legacy with grilled tri-tip, gorgonzola and chimichurri. 13250 River Road, Guerneville, 707-824-7000, korbel.com

Best Wineries in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon

August 2025

By Linda Murphy

The Silver Oak Alexander Valley tasting room in Healdsburg. (Silver Oak)

Editor’s note: Three Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons landed in the top five of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2024. Here are eight Sonoma County wineries to visit for more excellent Cabs.

Cab is king in Alexander Valley. The area encompasses 32,500 acres, 14,500 of them in grapevines, and boasts more than 40 wineries. Here are eight tasting rooms pouring excellent Cabernet Sauvignons and blends, all of them a 10-mile drive (or less) from downtown Healdsburg. They’re clustered close enough together that it’s possible to visit several in one day. Just make sure there is a designated driver.

Stonestreet Estate Vineyards

Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines — A wine and food pairing experience at Stonestreet Estate Vineyards in Healdsburg. (Stonestreet Estate Vineyards)

Jackson Family Wines’s 5,500-acre Alexander Mountain Estate, which hovers over the tasting room from the north, is planted to Bordeaux red varieties and Chardonnay. Old-timers know the estate as the Gauer Ranch, which Jess Stonestreet Jackson purchased in 1995. The wines from the rugged mountain blocks are firmly structured, with a hint of rocky minerality, known to age beautifully for a decade or more.

Several experiences are available, among them seated tastings of single-vineyard wines, library-wine explorations, picnics on the patio and, weather permitting, the Stonestreet Mountain Excursion, a tour of the vineyards with tasting and lunch.

The views are dramatic, as are the Cabernet Sauvignons. The Cougar Ridge ($95) and Bear Point ($95) bottlings are standouts, and the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($65) is outstanding.

7111 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-473-3333, stonestreetwines.com

Silver Oak Alexander Valley

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon — Healdsburg’s Silver Oak is known for its lush Cabernet Sauvignons. (Sonoma County Tourism)

The Silver Oak tasting room in Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Many know Silver Oak Cellars for its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, often a high ranker on lists of most popular wines ordered in restaurants. Usually playing second fiddle was Silver Oak’s Alexander Valley Cab Sauv, even though the brand’s first bottling was a Cabernet from Alexander Valley, released in 1977. Both versions are aged in American oak barrels rather than French cooperage to give the wines lush, soft texture and a hint of vanillin sweetness. Fans are legion (detractors, too).

The Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Cabs are available for tasting — try them side by side — and a library wine is also offered. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are required for private tastings, pairings and tours.

Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-942-7026, silveroak.com/visit-us/alexander-valley

Soda Rock Winery

Soda Rock Cabernet Sauvignon — Cabernet Sauvignon from Soda Rock Winery in Healdsburg. (Sierra Downey / Sonoma County Tourism)

Ken and Diane Wilson’s winery made international news when it was destroyed in the 2019 Kincade fire. Images of the devastation went viral, with only local artist Brian Tedrick’s giant metal sculpture of a boar named Lord Snort and an original stone wall dating to 1869 unscathed. Within three days of the reopening of Highway 128 south of Jimtown, Soda Rock reopened for tastings, in a tin-roofed special-events barn adjacent to the destroyed structures.

Soda Rock continues to hold tastings in the special-events barn and pours several wines. There are plenty of boldly flavored Cabernet Sauvignons and other Bordeaux-style reds on the menu. They include The General ($60), Twisted Rail ($54) and Spur Hill ($46) Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Private tastings and wine and cheese pairings are available.

8015 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-3303, sodarockwinery.com

Robert Young Estate Winery

In 1935, Robert Young — at 16 — inherited his family’s ranch upon the death of his father, Silas, and eventually began replacing prune-plum trees with wine grapes. In 1963, Robert cultivated Cabernet Sauvignon and followed that with Chardonnay a few years later. Robert Young’s son, Fred, and his siblings founded Robert Young Estate Winery in 1997.

Although the vast majority of the family’s grapes are sold, the prime fruit is used in the family’s wines. The Chardonnays have a great track record for aging nicely, though the Cabernet Sauvignons are the heart and soul of the winery. The Estate Cab ($67) is sleek in its supple tannins, yet nicely structured. Bob’s Burn Pile Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($115), from a location on the vineyard where Robert Young once burned vineyard debris, and the flagship Scion Cabernet Sauvignon ($77) are beautifully balanced as well. Multiple tasting experiences are offered, indoors and on the patio, with charcuterie and cheese. The Scion House visitor center offers 360-degree views of Alexander Valley.

5102 Red Winery Road, Geyserville, 707-431-4811, ryew.com

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — Cabernet Sauvignon from Jordan Winery in Healdsburg. (Matt Armendariz)

High-end experiences have long been the signature of this Healdsburg winery, established by Tom Jordan in 1976. Jordan produces just two wines — Chardonnay from Russian River Valley ($42-$45) and Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley ($60-$65, an excellent deal for such an elegant, age-worthy wine).

The wines and the multifaceted estate are shown off in myriad ways to visitors (by appointment only). They include estate tours with views, culinary gardens, olive trees, bee hives and farm animals; wine and food pairings from estate chef Jesse Mallgren; vineyard hikes and ever-changing events timed to the season.

1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

Hawkes Wine

The Hawkes family has farmed more than 85 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay vineyards in Alexander Valley for decades. (Hawkes Wine) — The Hawkes family has farmed over 85 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay vineyards in Alexander Valley for decades. (Hawkes Wine)

Considering the long history of grape growing and winemaking in Alexander Valley, Hawkes is relatively new to the tasting room game. Stephen Hawkes began growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley in 1972, selling the fruit to Sebastiani Vineyards, Silver Oak Cellars and Verité. He and his son, Jake, began making their own wines in 2002 from the family’s three vineyards.

The best place to taste and acquire them is at the Alexander Valley tasting room in Jimtown. This is a winery with a sense of humor; elegant, unobtrusively oaked Cabernet Sauvignons ($80-$95) and a laid-back vibe that connects with visitors. Try the seated tasting with seasonal bites, or upgrade to a vineyard tour.

6734 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-4295, hawkeswine.com

Alexander Valley Vineyards

Harry and Maggie Wetzel purchased the historic Cyrus Alexander homestead in 1963, planted grapevines and raised their children there. Three generations of Wetzels now farm the vines, with the young fourth generation in the wings.

Their first Cabernet Sauvignon was bottled in 1968. Visiting here is a throwback to a time when tasting rooms were small and intimate. Complimentary Estate Tastings are offered on Fridays. Cave tours and barrel tastings are available, too (call ahead). Reserved seated tastings, vineyard tours and wine and cheese pairings are reasonably priced.

A wide range of wines are produced here, yet when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon, the ones to try are the Organically Grown Estate ($35), a price that can’t be beat for such high quality; and the “regular” Alexander Valley bottling ($28). Cyrus ($75), a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, is the flagship wine, in its 26th vintage.

8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-7209, avvwine.com

Sutro Wine Co.

The land that artist Alice Warnecke Sutro farms has been in her family for a century. (Liza Gershman/Sonoma Magazine) — The land that artist and winemaker Alice Warnecke Sutro farms has been in her family for a century. (Liza Gershman/Sonoma Magazine)

Sutro Cabernet Sauvignon — Wine tasting at the Sutro Wine Co. tasting room in Healdsburg. (Sutro Wine Co.)

After growing up on her family’s Warnecke Ranch and Vineyard in the Alexander Valley, Alice Warnecke Sutro launched her namesake wine label in 2012. With deep appreciation and passion for the land her family stewarded for three generations — and the Wappo and Pomo peoples who cared for it long before — Sutro sources all of her grapes exclusively from the Warnecke vineyard. Founded in 1973 by architect John Carl Warnecke, the vineyard has a unique volcanic terroir that lends to bold, complex wines.

Sutro Wine Co. produces 1,200 cases of Bordeaux varietal wines annually, including Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabs are mature and expressive, with notes of cacao, herbs, and red and black fruit. Go for the juicy Warnecke Cabernet Sauvignon ($75), with black cherry and blackberry on the palate and a gentle sweetness on the finish. In 2021, facing low yields at the Warnecke vineyard, Sutro branched out to a neighboring vineyard, resulting in the Pyramid Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($75), with black cherry and blackberry on the palate and a gentle sweetness on the finish.

13301 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, 707-509-9695, sutrowine.com

Maci Martell contributed to this article.

Former Sundance Director John Cooper Building Community at Healdsburg’s New True West Film Center

August 2025

By Matt Villano

True West Film Center’s artistic director John Cooper in downtown Healdsburg, May 22, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Healdsburg has been without a movie theater since the Raven Film Center shut down in 2020. John Cooper, a longtime film industry executive and Sonoma County native, will be the guy who brings the movies back to town.

Cooper is the new artistic director of the True West Film Center, a nonprofit that is building a three-screen cinema and education center two blocks from the Healdsburg Plaza. The facility is expected to bring even more culture to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the county. Projectors are scheduled to start rolling this October.

Cooper, 69, certainly has been here and done this before. As director of the Sundance Film Festival from 2010 to 2020, he oversaw all aspects of the annual event, launched the Art House Convergence, and led the festival’s expansion with satellite events in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Hong Kong. In his new role at True West, Cooper will craft and implement the artistic vision guiding all programs, including education, film screenings, and the annual True West Film Festival.

“Movies are a powerful way of both talking to people and uniting people,” he says.

John Cooper, True West Film Center's artistic director — True West Film Center’s artistic director John Cooper in downtown Healdsburg, May 22, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma County roots

I grew up here and lived in [west] county when I was a kid, up until second grade. I came back about five years ago. One thing that’s always struck me is that there’s a renegade spirit in Sonoma that cannot be denied. With the vineyards and the coast and the forests, it’s beautiful. And with the wine industry and all the great food, it’s sophisticated. True West Film Center is a great place for it all to come together — for locals and visitors alike.

Art-house awesome

When we open, we’ll have three theaters. One will be a straight-up repertory house — we used to call these types of theaters “art house.” They’re the kinds of places where one night [a Stanley] Kubrick [film] will be playing, the next night it will be [a Robert] Altman [film]. The other [theaters] will show first-run movies, the same kinds of movies you would see in any theater anywhere. The whole notion of having to drive…to Santa Rosa to see a film just doesn’t seem right. We’re trying to get people back into the cinema. Why can’t they stay closer to home?

True West Film Center director Kathryn Philip joins actor Steve Zahn and new True West artistic director John Cooper at "A Conversation with Steve Zahn" at Windsor High School, Nov. 16, 2024. (Israel Valencia) — True West Film Center director Kathryn Philip joins actor Steve Zahn and new True West artistic director John Cooper at “A Conversation with Steve Zahn” at Windsor High School, Nov. 16, 2024. (Israel Valencia)

Movies, Healdsburg-style

The experience will be intimate. Guests will be immersed in these images. The sound will be amazing. The seats are big and comfortable. The cinema opens up on a courtyard, which is a great communal place to spend some time. We have a beer and wine license, and there’ll be delicious snacks. We’re looking at doing everything possible to get people there and create good experiences they want to come back to. I want people to start trusting us as an adventure, so they say, “I’m not sure what this movie is, but True West is always good at showing things that are cool, so I trust them.” That’s the goal.

Building community

Theaters are for everyone. They’re not elite, and they shouldn’t feel that way. Museums suffer from elitism. People are a little afraid of them sometimes. This cinema will be “of the people” and “for the people.” We’ll have films and programs that include everyone. We’re also building an educational program founded on this whole idea of media literacy for young people to help them think critically about how they absorb the moving image. True West Film Center will be a cinema and so much more. That’s what makes it different.

True West Film Center, 371 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, truewestfilmcenter.org

Fort Bragg’s Famous Glass Beach Named a Must-See Roadside Attraction by HGTV

August 2025

By Maci Martell

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg — Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach is filled with smooth, colorful pieces of glass and is accessible from town. (The Press Democrat, file)

There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring landmarks across California, from the Bay Area’s internationally recognized Golden Gate Bridge to natural wonders like Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. But according to HGTV.com, the must-see attraction in the Golden State is a beach in Mendocino County.

In a recent article on fascinating roadside attractions in all 50 states, in which HGTV.com selected “some of the weirdest and most whimsical sights across the U.S.,” Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach was chosen for its mesmerizing seashore.

As the name suggests, the floor of Glass Beach is covered in a colorful mosaic of sea glass. A combination of human-made and natural forces resulted in the (accidental) beauty.

Starting over a century ago, and continuing until the late 1960s, the coastal site served as a public dump, where people discarded everything from glass bottles to automobiles. But over the decades, powerful waves off the Mendocino Coast pounded, polished and reshaped the shards of glassy debris, resulting in smooth, glistening pebbles that blanket the beach.

The HGTV.com article called it “the prettiest pile of trash you’ll ever see.”

Getting to Glass Beach

The best way to get to the coastal spectacle from Sonoma County is via Highway 1, which has plenty of pit stops for photo ops and amazing seafood. Once you arrive in the historical town of Fort Bragg, turn right on W. Elm Street toward the intersection of Glass Beach Drive and Noyo Point Road. Follow signs to the Noyo Headlands Park parking lot (though Glass Beach is technically part of MacKerricher State Park) and take the Coastal Trail down to the beach.

What to do (and not to do) at the beach

Visitors check out the tide pools near Glass Beach along the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

The main task on the trip itinerary here is, obviously, to walk along the shore and marvel at the brilliant sea glass, snapping a photo or 12. Fort Bragg’s tourism site recommends arriving at low tide for best glass visibility, and specifies to “please touch but don’t take” the sea glass, so future generations may be able to see it, too. Unfortunately, beachcombers have already collected much of the glass over the years, so there’s not as much as there once was.

However, there’s still plenty to do at the Mendocino beach. Tidepooling is a common activity at Glass Beach, which features a number of tide pools teeming with marine life, like crabs and sea anemones. Plus, dogs on a leash are welcome on the beach.

Once you’ve had your fill of sea glass and tide pool spectating, continue hiking along the Coastal Trail for more Mendocino Coast beauty. If you’re turning the Glass Beach trip into an overnight stay, there are some great hotels in the area for every budget.

The Best Poolside Restaurants and Bars in Sonoma

August 2025

By Heather Irwin and Maci Martell

Poolside dining at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Flamingo Resort)

Summer just isn’t summer without a lazy cocktail and lunch (or breakfast or dinner) by the pool. If you don’t have your own, here are some local locales for taking a cool dip and snacking on some solid grub. Though many are at local hotels where you may want to book a staycation, there are also day passes and spa privileges if you’re just stopping by.

Lazeaway Cafe and Wild Bird at Flamingo Resort

If you’re lounging in your swimsuit, grab a fried chicken sandwich, Little Gem salad, ahi tuna poke or vegan gelato with a supersized booze slushy from Wild Bird (for guests and health club members only). The Lazeaway Club has a view to the pool, with heartier fare including seared salmon, steak frites, a chopped salad and plenty of tropical drinks. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com, lazeawayclub.com

The Smashburger at Lazeaway Club at Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Flamingo Resort) — The Smashburger from Lazeaway Club at Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Flamingo Resort)

Poolside dining at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of Flamingo Resort) — Poolside dining at Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Flamingo Resort)

The Pool Bar at Vinarosa Resort & Spa

While Vinarosa, formerly Vintners Resort, is home to the late, great John Ash’s namesake fine dining restaurant, you’ll want to head to The Pool Bar for casual eats by the recently renovated pool. If you’re not looking to spend the night, a day pass will give you access to the heated pool, including food and beverages available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Menu items include harissa hummus, beef birria tacos and a burger on toasted brioche, as well as fun summer cocktails. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7350, vinarosaresort.com

The pool at Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa. (Sonoma County Tourism)

The Graton Resort & Casino's outdoor pool during The Party at Graton Pool series in Rohnert Park. (Graton Resort & Casino) — The Graton Resort & Casino’s outdoor pool during The Party at Graton Pool series in Rohnert Park. (Graton Resort & Casino)

Pool Bar at Graton Resort & Casino

In addition to regular live music performances by the pool, hotel guests and day pass holders can dine poolside from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. via the stocked Pool Bar. The menu includes a variety of classic American fare, such as chicken tenders, Caesar salad, turkey clubs, wagyu hot dogs and ice cream sandwiches. There are also plenty of creative libations to quench your summer thirst, like the Tropical Punch mocktail and the Mexican Lollipop frozen cocktail — which is similar to a mangonada, but with Gran Centenario Tequila Reposado to give it that extra kick. Pool guests must be 21 or older. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 707-588-7100, gratonresortcasino.com

Hudson Springs Bar and Grill at Montage Healdsburg

This luxe Alexander Valley pool has its own poolside bar, Hudson Springs Bar and Grill, with simple fare like a chicken Caesar wrap or fruit plate. Go for a summery libation with the Smokey Paloma (Mezcal, hibiscus tequila, elderflower, lime, soda) and peel and eat prawns or a wagyu burger. Post-swim you can dine on the patio at Hazel Hill restaurant or grab a cocktail and nibbles at Scout Field Bar. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montagehotels.com/healdsburg

The pool at Montage Healdsburg. (Montage Healdsburg)

Cold fried chicken is shown poolside as Executive Chef Tim Bodell presents some of his personal dishes that he makes only for family and friends, at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Tuesday, July 25, 2023 in Geyserville. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat) — Cold fried chicken is shown poolside as executive chef Tim Bodell presents some of his personal dishes that he makes only for family and friends, at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Geyserville. (Darryl Bush / for The Press Democrat)

Pool Cafe and Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

A 3,600-square-foot pool with private cabines is one of Wine Country’s favorite cooling-off spots. Swimmers can grab a pizza, gelato or salad at the Pool Cafe. If you’re craving something more hearty, dry off and head to Rustic with Coppola favorites like spaghetti pesto, rigatoni with meatballs or the risotto of the day. Cabines need to be booked in advance. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Cafe 108 at Morton’s Warm Springs

A family-friendly natural geothermal springs pool features a charming poolside walk-up with pasture-raised beef hot dogs, a Vella Cheese Co. grilled cheese sandwich, fresh salads and Straus soft-serve ice cream. 1651 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen 707-833-5511, mortonswarmsprings.com

Madera Travis, 5, fixes her hot dog during lunchtime at the snack shop at Morton's Warm Springs in Glen Ellen, California on Thursday, June 30, 2011. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat) — Madera Travis, 5, fixes her hot dog during lunchtime at the snack shop at Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat, 2011)

Poolside drinks at Fairmont's Water Tower Bar — Cocktails from the Water Tower Bar at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma. (Rachel Weill)

The Water Tower Bar at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

As you might expect at a Fairmont, the food is just as classy as the pool, with dishes like falafel wraps, summer melon salad, ahi tuna poke bowl or chicken mole tostada. Eating light? Try the farmers market crudité or seasonal gazpacho. Day passes to the pool are available Monday through Friday and can be booked through the resort, or ResortPass. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont-sonoma.com

Layla at MacArthur Place

Hotel and spa guests can take advantage of the pool, or simply lounge on the deck and enjoy cocktails, a house Caesar, steak frites or fish tacos from The Bar. Or dine poolside with the full menu from Layla, one of Sonoma’s top restaurants. A mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and California cuisine includes ceviche, tomato panzanella salad, lamb chops with chimichurri and roasted summer squash. 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com

MacArthur Place pool — The pool at MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma. (MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa)

The poolside High Horse Bar at The Lodge at Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma)

High Horse Bar and Wit & Wisdom at The Lodge at Sonoma Resort

Lounge chairs, a fire pit and poolside cabanas offer luxurious comfort at this Sonoma resort, renovated in 2021. Chef Michael Mina’s Wit & Wisdom restaurant is outstanding, with cool seafood towers, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads, cheese and charcuterie platters and a tasty cocktail list. A horse trailer-turned-poolside bar — High Horse — serves up drinks, nachos, burgers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs daily. Day passes available through ResortPass. 1325 Broadway At Lavern & Napa Roads, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, lodgeatsonoma.com, witandwisdomsonoma.com

The Bars/Baked on the River at R3 Hotel

The Main Bar has a sliding glass wall overlooking the pool with plenty of great drinks. The recently re-opened Baked on the River, replacing the hotel’s former Betty Spaghetti, offers brunch, lunch and dinner on the patio. The menus includes old favorites like the Groovy Sconed and Gravy — bacon-cheddar scones with gravy and a soft egg — along with newer dishes to enjoy poolside, such as hot dogs, burgers and pulled pork sliders. 16390 Fourth St., Guerneville, 707-869-1400, ther3hotel.com

Swedish Lux Hot Dog at Baked on the River in Guerneville on Thursday, August 7, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat) — Swedish Lux Hot Dog at Baked on the River in Guerneville on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Dining by the pool at The River Electric — Housemade potato chips with green goddess dressing at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)

Pool Bar at The River Electric

Opened over Memorial Day weekend this year, The River Electric is already the hottest place in town — and that’s saying a lot for the ever-popular Russian River area. The 60-foot main pool is the focal point here, accompanied by the stylish Pool Bar, open daily to overnight guests and day pass holders. The menu includes creative, locally inspired dishes, such as the “River Rat” Loaded Fries and The Flood Zone float with Straus vanilla soft serve and Jones blueberry lemonade soda. Plus, Half Hitch is cooking up tauntingly delicious pop-up dinners every Thursday through September at The River Electric. 16101 Neeley Road, Guerneville, 707-937-8915, theriverelectric.com

Worth the Drive

The House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — The House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, House of Better

Make your way to Calistoga and let your worries float away in the mineral pools of this retro resort, renovated in 2021. Then grab a Southwest-inspired dish at the restaurant, House of Better. Choose from green chile stew, enchiladas, slow-roasted chile pork, guacamole, fish tacos, or healthy salads and bowls. The pools are for hotel guests only. 1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, 707-942-4102, drwilkinson.com, houseofbetter.com

The Picobar at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga is an outdoor, poolside cafe. Photo taken on Thursday, September 23, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — The Picobar at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga is an outdoor, poolside cafe. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Picobar at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collections

Recently named in Travel + Leisure’s 30th annual World’s Best Awards for 2025, Calistoga’s Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection boasts a full-service Mexican restaurant mere steps from the pool. Picobar executive chef Gustavo Rios crafts seasonal, locally sourced dishes, such as a Rancho Gordo bean dip, Cowgirl Creamery queso and tacos al pastor with Niman Ranch spit-roasted pork. Solage’s indoor-outdoor Solbar has a patio overlooking the pool, where guests can sit by a fire pit while noshing on comfort food like truffle fries and Mishima Reserve wagyu burgers. 755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, 866-942-7442, aubergeresorts.com/solage