Tired of the ritualized sip and swirl? In Sonoma County and Napa Valley, wineries and tasting rooms are rethinking the formula.

As wine consumption evolves, so, too, does the experience around it. Increasingly, vintners are inviting guests to loosen the rules — to treat wine not as something to decode, but something to enjoy alongside whatever happens to be on the plate. The old pairings — Cabernet with steak, Pinot Noir with duck — are giving way to a more playful sensibility. Across Wine Country, tastings now feature unexpected companions: shortbread and s’mores, beignets and elaborate brunch boards.

Here are a few favorites.

Sonoma County

Cookies and Cabernet at Alexander Valley Vineyards

What started as a holiday treat at Alexander Valley Vineyards has turned into a year-round favorite. Each tasting flight arrives with five housemade shortbread cookies, thoughtfully paired with different wines from the estate.

The pairings range from classic to delightfully unexpected: think vanilla bean and sassafras shortbread with Chardonnay, or fig-pistachio with Cabernet Sauvignon. Culinary director Tim Gleadall crafts each cookie in-house, often reaching into the estate gardens for inspiration.

For those skipping alcohol, the kitchen offers a parallel experience of nonalcoholic shrubs — including fig, ginger-hibiscus and sorghum — designed with the same attention to pairing.

$30 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on Tock.

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

Weekend Brunch Boards at Anaba Wines

At Anaba Wines, weekends are made for lingering. Guests can add a seasonal brunch board to their tasting — fried chicken and waffles, just-picked strawberries from the Watmaugh stand next door, and Carmody cheese from Bellwether Farms in Petaluma all make an appearance.

The boards change with the seasons, giving you a reason to return. The staff offers pairing suggestions for each pour, making the experience feel more like a leisurely meal than a formal tasting.

Tastings range from $45–$65; brunch boards are $48. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Tock.

62 Bonneau Road, Sonoma, 707-996-4188, anabawines.com

Bubbles and Beignets at J Vineyards & Winery

On select summer days, Sonoma Wine Country gets a taste of The Big Easy. Fresh, pillowy beignets dusted in powdered sugar are served alongside pours from J Vineyards’ sparkling library, with live music setting the mood.

Scheduled for May 17 and July 5. $60 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Tock.

11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, 707-431-5430, jwine.com

Napa Valley

Savory S’mores at V. Sattui Winery

At V. Sattui, the campfire staple is reimagined as a savory course. Marshmallows infused with flavors like cherry-thyme or aged Gouda are toasted tableside and layered with housemade crackers and cured meats such as Italian mortadella and bresaola.

Chocolatier and pastry chef Katryana Zide keeps the pairings fresh, but the spirit is always the same: familiar treats, surprising flavors. The s’mores experience is part of the tasting flights at the newly revamped Mercato del Gusto.

$20, plus tasting. Reserve a tasting on CellarPass.

1111 White Lane (at Highway 29), St. Helena, 707-963-7774, vsattui.com

Farm to Brunch at Clif Family Winery & Farm

This multicourse tasting is a love letter to the region’s farms and fields, with ingredients sourced from the estate and neighboring producers.

It starts with Clif Family’s own buttermilk-cheddar biscuits, English muffins from The Model Bakery and Mt. Tam cheese from Cowgirl Creamery. From there, the menu unfolds into seasonal dishes such as charred asparagus with sauce gribiche and fresh herbs; hash browns topped with crème fraiche, caviar and vanilla-cinnamon bacon from Journeyman Meat Co.; and egg yolk ravioli with greens and ricotta in a rich bacon jus.

$125 per person; reservations required. Seatings are at 10 a.m. daily. Vegan pairing menu or mocktail flight available on request. Reserve a tasting on Tock.

1334 Vidovich Lane, St. Helena, 707-968-0625, cliffamily.com

Bacon & Wine Experience at Priest Ranch

If you believe everything is better with bacon, this wine tasting is for you. Four cuts of pork belly, each with its own seasoning, are matched with estate wines in a tasting that leans unabashedly rich. Recent iterations have included strawberry-rhubarb bacon with Merlot and ras el hanout — glazed pork with Zinfandel.

$85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made on Tock.

6490 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8200, priestranchwines.com

The post Weird and Wonderful Wine and Food Pairings in Sonoma and Napa appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Moms deserve all the best things in this world — and a Wine Country brunch is a good start. Restaurants and wineries across Sonoma County are pulling out all the stops to make this Mother’s Day special.

All Mother’s Day brunches will take place on Sunday, May 10, unless otherwise noted.

Santa Rosa

Flamingo Resort & Spa: Seatings available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for Flamingo’s annual Mother’s Day buffet-style brunch. $70 for adults and $35 for children under 12. Reserve on Tock. 2777 Fourth St., 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com

John Ash at Vinarosa: Seatings available from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Mother’s Day brunch at the Vinarosa Resort restaurant. $145 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. 4330 Barnes Road, 707-527-7687, vinarosaresort.com/dining/john-ash

Iron & Vine: Seatings at 9:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. for the Mother’s Day brunch buffet at the Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant. $59 per adult, $20 per child ages 3-12 and free for children under 3. Reserve online. Moms golf for free (with another paying golfer) on Mother’s Day. 3330 Yulupa Ave., 707-852-1162, bennettvalleygolf.com/ironandvine

Safari West: Mother’s Day brunch at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the Sonoma Serengeti. $55 for adults, $35 for children ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and under. Reserve online. 3115 Porter Creek Road, 800-616-2695, safariwest.com

Kenwood

Salt & Stone: Seatings available from 9-11:30 a.m. for Mother’s Day brunch. Reserve on OpenTable. 9900 Sonoma Highway, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com

Glen Ellen

Songbird Parlour: Short-rib stroganoff dinner from 5-9 p.m. for Mother’s Day. Dinner is $42. Reserve on Toast. 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com

Sonoma

Chateau Sonoma: Mother’s Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 9, at the Chateau Sonoma Farm. Includes Champagne, a hands-on floral design class and farm-fresh brunch prepared by chef Kyle Kuklewski. $350 per ticket, plus fees. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 20730 Fifth St. E., 707-309-1993, chateausonoma.com

Santé at Fairmont: Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa restaurant. $125 per adult, $39 per child ages 6-12 and free for children under 5. Reserve on OpenTable. 100 Boyes Blvd., 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma

El Dorado Kitchen: Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Hotel restaurant. Entrees will range from $25 to $50. There will be an a la carte menu for children under 12. Reserve on OpenTable. 405 First St. W., 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com/el-dorado-kitchen

Wit & Wisdom: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a three-course, prix-fixe menu at The Lodge at Sonoma Resort restaurant. $75 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. 1325 Broadway, 707-931-3405, witandwisdomsonoma.com

Roche Winery & Vineyards: Mother’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $95 per adult, $80 for wine club members and $20 per child ages 3-13. Reserve on CellarPass. 22097A Bonness Road, 707-935-7115, rochewinery.com

Bartholomew Estate Winery: Mother’s Day picnic brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring wine and flowers to bring home. Catering by Preferred Sonoma Caterers and florals by Cassidy Ranch. $150 per person, $130 for club members and $35 for children ages 3-10. Reserve on Tock. 1000 Vineyard Lane, 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

Larson Family Winery: Catered brunch with live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sonoma winery. More details to come. 23355 Millerick Road, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Honrama Cellars: Brunch and bubbles from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., including a special experience for moms. 22985 A Burndale Road, 707-628-2743, honramacellars.com

Petaluma

McEvoy Ranch: Mother’s Day tea service from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McEvoy’s historic Victorian. $95 per guest and $65 for children under 12; members get 15% off. Reserve on Tock. 5935 Red Hill Road, 707-769-4138, mcevoyranch.com

Penngrove

Penngrove Social Firemen: Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30-11:30 a.m., May 9, at the Penngrove Clubhouse. $25 per person and $10 for children ages 5-12. Purchase tickets by May 6 on Eventbrite or from Kim Hanson at 707-391-2191; mrsjjava@hotmail.com. 385 Woodward Ave., penngrovesocialfiremen.org

Rohnert Park

Sally Tomatoes: Annual Mother’s Day Champagne brunch starting at 10 a.m. featuring a buffet and bottomless mimosas. $32 for adults and $16 for children. Endless sparkling mimosas are $20. Call 707-665-9472 to RSVP. 1100 Valley House Drive, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com

Sebastopol

Muir’s Tea Room: Mother’s Day high tea served May 9-10. $82 for adults on Saturday, May 9, and $86 for adults on Sunday, May 10; $42 for children both days. A gluten-free menu is also available. See menu and reserve online. 330 S. Main St., 707-634-6143, muirstearoomandcafe.com

Windsor

Fleur Sauvage: Mother’s Day “Petit & Sweet Tasting” — a European-inspired dessert tasting experience — with seatings available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Windsor chocolate shop. $40 per person. 370 Windsor River Road, 707-892-2162, fleursauvagechocolates.com

Healdsburg

J Vineyards & Winery: Mother’s Day weekend brunch at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., May 8-9, in the Bubble Room, and at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., May 10, on the Terrace. $125 per person and $110 for wine club members. Reserve on Tock. 11447 Old Redwood Highway, 707-431-5430, jwine.com

Jordan Vineyard & Winery: Mother’s Day afternoon tea from 3:30-5 p.m., May 8-9. $95 per person. Limited availability; reserve online. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

Convene by Dan Kosta: Mother’s Day weekend wine tasting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 9-10, at Convene by Dan Kosta at Bacchus Landing. There will be popcorn and Chardonnay, including a complimentary glass for mom. Reserve a free ticket on Tock. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, Suite 300, 707-861-8199, convenebydankosta.com

Tisza Bistro: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; limited seating. Reserve a spot on OpenTable. 165 Healdsburg Ave., 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com

Folia at Appellation: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a three-course menu. $110 per person and $25 for children 6 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 101 Dovetail Lane, 707-723-2130, foliabarandkitchen.com

Auteur Wines: Mother’s Day brunch starting at 10 a.m. with a five-course menu and a perfumery sensory experience. Brunch includes debut of estate’s sparkling Blanc de Noir Rosé. Florals by Zannah Farms. $103 per person. Reserve on Tock. 10520 Wohler Road, Healdsburg, 707-766-0222, auteurwines.com

Breathless Sparkling Wines: Mother’s Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring live music and sparkling wine. Children welcome. $30 for wine club members and $38 for non-members. Reserve on Tock. 499 Moore Lane, 707-232-5976, breathlesswines.com

Spoonbar: Mother’s Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the h2hotel restaurant. $75 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 219 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com

Dry Creek Kitchen: Mother’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a three-course, prix-fixe menu. $110 per guest and $55 for children 6 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 317 Healdsburg Ave., 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com

Hazel Hill at Montage: Mother’s Day brunch from noon to 3 p.m. with a prix-fixe menu. $175 per guest ages 13 and over; $75 per guest ages 4-12. Reserve on OpenTable. 100 Montage Way, 707-979-9000, montage.com/healdsburg

Geyserville

Francis Ford Coppola Winery: Mother’s Day celebration starting at 11 a.m. More details to come. 300 Via Archimedes, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

West County and Sonoma Coast

Coast Kitchen: Mother’s Day brunch from noon to 3 p.m. at the Timber Cove Resort restaurant. Dishes range from $12 to $38. Reserve on Resy. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, timbercoveresort.com

Drakes Sonoma Coast: Mother’s Day brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Lodge at Bodega Bay restaurant. Brunch is a la carte and the Mother’s Day special, a Dungeness crab Benedict, is $30. Reserve a spot on OpenTable. 103 Coast Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3525, drakessonomacoast.com

Nom Nom Cakes: Mother’s Day specials for pickup or delivery. Desserts range from $24 to $95. Order online. 390 Calle del Sol, Bodega Bay, 805-350-0680, nomnombaking.com

Multiple locations

See’s Candies: Mother’s Day treats for pickup or delivery. Spring and holiday-themed boxes of chocolate range from $20 to $53.75. Other springtime confections, such as jelly beans, lollipops and shortbread bites, are also available. Purchase online or visit locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. sees.com

Did we miss a local Mother’s Day brunch? Let us know at maci.martell@pressdemocrat.com. 

The post Mother’s Day Brunches in Sonoma County 2026 appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

With a legendary coastline stretching 840 miles, California has long been the sunny home for beachcombers and surfer dudes. But beaches don’t always lie on the coast, as Travel + Leisure reminds in a recent article listing nine of the best beach towns in California, where Guerneville ranked No. 3.

“The forested hamlet of Guerneville — a longtime haunt for hippies, artists, and the LGBTQ+ community — is located on the Russian River, a slow-moving waterway intermittently lined with beaches,” the Travel + Leisure article stated.

Guerneville’s varied storefronts reflect the layers of the region’s recent history, from timber town to hippie haven to gay-friendly retreat and upscale weekend getaway. Close to the beach and with a downtown full of great places to eat and drink, it is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun on hot days.

Where to play

Johnson’s Beach: The popular Russian River spot offers paddleboarding, picnicking, tubing, and swimming. The beach has a snack bar with refreshments and offers camping or vintage cabins. King’s Sport & Tackle (16258 Main St.) can help you get set up with water sports gear and offer advice. 16215 and 16217 First St., johnsonsbeach.com

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Quiet trails lead through 800 acres of old-growth redwoods just a short distance from downtown. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, 707-869-2015, parks.ca.gov

Where to eat

Piknik Town Market: Though Big Bottom Market was sold and reopened in 2023 as Piknik Town Market, new owner Margaret van der Veen assured fans that the Market’s world-famous biscuits are still baked daily. The spot also offers salads, sandwiches, gourmet groceries and picnic provisions, including to-go picnic boxes. 16228 Main St., 707-604-7295, pikniktownmarket.com

Boon Eat + Drink: Chef Crista Luedtke of Food Network fame lives in Guerneville and her restaurant anchors the downtown strip. Boon is a classic California farm-to-table bistro, with locally sourced dishes such as beet salad with goat cheese, mac and cheese with Mycopia mushrooms, Niman Ranch burger on brioche and the fan-favorite polenta lasagna on a bed of rainbow chard. 16248 Main St., 707-869-0780, eatatboon.com

Guerneville Taco Truck: It may seem odd to claim that a Safeway parking lot is home to the best Mexican food in Guerneville, but most locals would agree. A mainstay for over three decades, the Guerneville Taco Truck offers the best tacos, tortas and burritos this side of the Russian River. 16405 Highway 116, 707-869-1821, guernevilletacotruck.com

Where to sip

Stumptown Brewery: The main draw here is an expansive deck overlooking the river, with kayakers and tubers floating by. Spend the afternoon there with a beer sampler or the seasonal Donkey Punch, a refreshing hoppy lager. 15045 River Road, 707-869-0705, stumptown.com

Rainbow Cattle Co.: “The Rainbow,” as locals call it, has been a Guerneville fixture since the late 1970s. The LGBTQ+ community gathering spot is one of only a few Sonoma County bars that remain open until early morning hours, closing at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 16220 Main St., 707-869-0206, queersteer.com

Korbel Champagne Cellars: As the only Champagne producer in the Bay Area since the late 1800s, Korbel has earned a reputation in the county for its old-world charm and first-class bubbles. The winery’s Champagne even made it to the table at former president Barack Obama’s inaugural luncheon, a Korbel tradition for presidential inaugurations dating back to the 1980s. Korbel offers free walking tours of its historic museum and cellars, which include a complimentary Champagne tasting. 13250 River Road, 707-824-7000, korbel.com

Where to stay

AutoCamp Sonoma: Guests stay in custom Airstream trailers or luxury tent cabins at this mid-century modern glamping destination. 14120 Old Cazadero Road, 855-942-0792, autocamp.com/location/sonoma

Dawn Ranch: This classic river resort reopened after a luxury revamp in 2023 and includes 86 lodging accommodations, a world-class restaurant and rejuvenating spa facilities. 16467 Highway 116, 707-869-0656, dawnranch.com

Maci Martell contributed to this article.

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Guerneville appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

When Lindsey Blanchard and Ryan Kuhlmann met as aspiring lawyers in Minneapolis, they probably never imagined they would end up moving to a small town in California and starting a winery together. Now they have two wineries. Their newest venture in downtown Glen Ellen, Wolves Lovers + Thieves, is a celebration of sparkling wines made from unexpected grape varieties using three different production methods.

The story

Native Midwesterners Blanchard and Kuhlmann met during law school, and they might still be practicing lawyers today if it hadn’t been for a teaching job that brought them out to Sacramento. Living in California, the couple’s shared enthusiasm for wine soon deepened into something more serious.

Recognizing they had a lot to learn, they headed to Sonoma County and connected with winemaker Robert Rex at Deerfield Ranch in Kenwood. Renting space and equipment at the incubator winery, the couple found a mentor in Rex.

The married duo launched their first winery — the cheekily named Wine Snob* — in 2021. A year later, they made an experimental sparkling wine that led to their second venture: Wolves Lovers + Thieves. Opened in December 2025, the Glen Ellen tasting room showcases bubbles made using three traditional methods: ancestral, méthode champenoise and Charmat.

Blanchard and Kuhlmann make about 600 cases of sparkling wine each year.

The vibe

Wolves Lovers + Thieves sits on Arnold Drive in downtown Glen Ellen, across the street from Poppy and just around the corner from Wine Snob*. Though the brands could have shared a space, the founders wanted their distinctive sparkling wines to have their own venue and identity.

The “Wolves” tasting room has a stylish yet industrial look, with concrete floors, a steel bar and a mix of sofa and bistro table seating. A sliding glass door separates the room from the adjoining Garden Court Café. Vibrant watercolor paintings by Mexican-born local artist Maria de Los Angeles — the same images used for the Wolves Lovers + Thieves labels — adorn the walls.

On the palate

Self-described “type A” personalities, Kuhlmann and Blanchard are hands-on in the vineyard and low-intervention in the cellar. Though they’re not fans of the term “natural wine,” they try to use as little manipulation as possible when making their sparklers. The resulting wines share a bright purity, devoid of flaws or funk.

It’s bubbles only at Wolves Lovers + Thieves, but there’s a lot of variety to explore within that realm. Among the winery’s four sparklers, two are made using the Champagne method, one is a pétillant-natural made with the ancestral method and one represents the Charmat technique. Each production method expresses itself differently in the glass, and learning about the nuances is what makes a visit to this tasting room so interesting and fun.

The 2024 Raised by Wolves Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir ($36) is a lively pet-nat that’s rosy in color with a touch of cloudiness from the spent yeast left inside the bottle. It shows fresh berry flavors and an appealing citrus accent. You don’t encounter many sparkling Gewürztraminers in these parts, let alone examples made in the super-dry “brut nature” style, so don’t miss the 2022 Jealousy from Potter Valley ($72). It’s bright and floral with notes of ginger. The 2025 Incognito from Russian River ($54) is a sophisticated, intensely fruity Charmat sparkler made from Pinot Meunier — a grape normally relegated to blending status.

Tastings cost $35 per person.

Beyond the bottle

I love any excuse to wander the beautiful Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, and there’s a compelling one coming up on April 19. The park is hosting artist Maria de Los Angeles, creator of the Wolves Lovers + Thieves wine labels, for a nature-inspired watercolor painting workshop. The full-day, immersive event ($250) includes refreshments. If birding is more your speed, join the Birds and Words walk at Jack London with guide and author Rebecca Lawton on April 12 ($20).

Wolves Lovers + Thieves, 13647 Arnold Drive, Unit 2, Glen Ellen. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are recommended. 707-337-9523, wolvesloversthieves.com

The post At Wolves Lovers + Thieves in Glen Ellen, Nobody Puts Bubbly in a Corner appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Sonoma County is home to 60,000 acres of vineyards, and 99% of them are certified sustainable. Impressive as that is, not all local vintners share the same level of dedication to earth-friendly practices. Here are three Sonoma County wineries that go above and beyond.

Littorai Winery

Founder and winemaker Ted Lemon learned to embrace biodynamic farming during his early career in Burgundy. While some paint biodynamics with a “woo-woo” brush, pointing to practices like following lunar cycles, Lemon emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, and nature.

Instead of chemical inputs, Littorai uses compost and natural preparations on its Sebastopol ranch to stimulate soil vitality and improve plant health. The idea is to maintain ecological balance by treating the farm as an integrated whole.

“The goal of biodynamic farming is to work with humans as sentient beings,” says Lemon, explaining that with the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a boots-in-the-vineyard approach is more important than ever. “We have sight, touch, smell, taste, intuition, and emotion. We have an instrument that has a value that techno-utopians cannot replace or imitate.”

788 Gold Ridge Road, Sebastopol. 707-823-9586, littorai.com

Ram’s Gate Winery

Ram’s Gate’s estate vineyards in Sonoma are Regenerative Organic Certified — one of only a handful of California wineries to hold that distinction. The regenerative approach focuses on improving everything from soils and ecosystems to the well-being of farm workers and communities.

The winery forgoes synthetic inputs, uses cover crops to boost soil health and biodiversity, and integrates animals into its ecosystem through practices like sheep grazing for weed control. Last year, Ram’s Gate launched an agroforestry initiative, planting heirloom fruit trees within the vineyard rows to enhance soils, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon.

Caine Thompson, the head of sustainability at O’Neill Vintners, Ram’s Gate’s parent company, says regenerative farming could have positive impacts around the world in promoting climate resilience.

“It is really critical that it scales beyond small properties and individual estates,” Thompson says. “Our hope is that this can be a catalyst not only in showing what can be done in a viticultural context, but in other crops.”

28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707-721-8700, ramsgatewinery.com

Ridge Vineyards

Vines at Ridge’s Lytton Springs, Geyserville, and East Bench properties are certified organic. The winery also uses regenerative, sustainable farming practices like cover cropping, composting, water conservation, and creating habitats for beneficial insects. As a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action, Ridge is working toward carbon neutrality.

“Our philosophy…has always been to work in harmony with nature to produce grapes that reflect where they are grown,” says David Gates, senior vice president of vineyard operations at Ridge. “We believe that special wines come from special places, and you must be mindful and purposeful when growing grapes and making wine from them.”

Ridge’s sustainable practices also extend to packaging — from lightweight bottles to recycled shipping materials.

Lytton Springs tasting room, 650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-7721, ridgewine.com

Three to Try

Ram’s Gate

2023 Pinot Blanc, Ram’s Gate Estate, Carneros, $40

The winery is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but it’s also fun to explore its lesser-known offerings. This organic Pinot Blanc from the winery’s home ranch is fresh and flirty, combining stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of spice.

Ridge Vineyards

2023 Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley, $56

This is not your typical big-and-jammy Zinfandel blend. Made from organic fruit, the wine has aromas of dark fruits and woody spice. Take a sip to discover black cherry and black tea flavors, along with subtle tannins and food-friendly acidity.

Littorai

2023 Pinot Noir, The Pivot Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, $105

Littorai’s Pinot Noirs are legendary, and this wine is a prime example of why. Made from biodynamically grown fruit from a 3-acre block on the winery’s home property, it’s elegant and beautifully balanced, with black and red berry notes.

The post Three Sonoma County Wineries Leading the Way in Sustainability appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Easter is hopping right around the corner — which means it’s time to start planning your Sunday brunches and egg hunts.

From restaurants and bakeries to churches and social clubs, various Sonoma County establishments are celebrating the spring holiday with an assortment of activities and treats. We’ve also included some local Passover treats for good measure.

All meals and events will take place Easter Sunday, April 5, unless noted otherwise.

Santa Rosa

North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce hosts its free annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to noon at Martin Luther King Park in Santa Rosa. The event includes prizes. 1671 Hendley St., nbbcc.org/events

Martin Ray Vineyards Easter Brunch Weekend

Martin Ray Vineyards will host an Easter brunch weekend from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., March 28-29. The event, which celebrates the release of the winery’s 2025 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir and 2024 Estate Viognier, will include a locally sourced, family-style brunch featuring scones, seasonal fruit, chilaquiles and more. Tickets are $65 for wine club members and $80 for non-members. Purchase tickets on Tock. 2191 Laguna Road, Santa Rosa, 707-908-8993, martinraywinery.com

Iron & Vine Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt

The Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant Iron & Vine will host Easter brunch with two separate seatings at 9:30 a.m. and noon (editor’s note: the noon slot is now sold out). Brunch will include spring salad, eggs Benedict, breakfast potatoes, corned beef hash, a challah French toast station, a carving station with rosemary ham and an assorted dessert bar. Tickets are $52 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-12. The golf course will also host an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. for children ages 3-12. Purchase tickets online. 3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-852-1162, bennettvalleygolf.com

Easter at the Fairgrounds

The Promise Center will celebrate Easter from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Pavillion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The event will include Easter services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in addition to egg hunts, free coffee, local food trucks, a bunny petting zoo, a kids area and more. Learn more from sponsor The Promise Center. 1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com

John Ash Easter Brunch

The Vinarosa Resort restaurant will host an Easter brunch with seatings between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus egg hunts and an appearance from the Easter Bunny for the little ones. The brunch menu includes a welcome mimosa, fresh baked goods, a raw bar with oysters and ceviche, a breakfast station with classic brunch staples and a kids station. There will also be a hot station and carving station, featuring such dishes as Pacific halibut, grilled chicken cacciatore, lamb tagine and slow-roasted prime rib. A grand finale includes mini eclairs, cakes, blintzes and mini cheesecakes. Brunch is $145 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7350, vinarosaresort.com

Safari West Easter Brunch and Hunt for the Hare

Sonoma’s Serengeti will host its annual Easter brunch, hare scavenger hunt and egg hunt, with separate times at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The brunch includes deviled eggs, French toast, glazed ham, wildflower salad, smoked salmon, vegetable medley and a made-to-order omelet bar. The popular scavenger hunt for Mr. Hare involves a “Carrot Clue Quest” in which guests “visit four designated stations, collect stamps and gather hints to uncover Mr. Hare’s secret hiding spot.​” Special rewards for finding the mischievous hare include a candy treat and a $5 Kids Bunny Buck to spend at the gift shop. Tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children 4-12. Learn more and purchase tickets online. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com

Flamingo Resort & Spa Easter Brunch

Flamingo Resort will host an Easter brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring an omelet station, yogurt parfait bar and prime rib carving station. Other menu items include buttermilk pancakes, sweet potato frittata, salmon curry, mac and cheese, lemon dill chicken and roasted vegetables. Desserts include carrot cake, macarons, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate mousse tart. Brunch is $80 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on Tock. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com

Blondie’s Bakery Boutique

In time for Easter, Blondie’s Bakery has on its menu a carrot cake cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting. Also in the shop this spring are flower sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles. 404 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-843-7335, blondiesbakeryboutique.com

Sebastopol

Patisserie Angelica

Patisserie Angelica is selling a selection of spring and Easter-themed desserts for preorder and pickup. The spring dessert menu includes decorated Easter cookies, chocolate raspberry eggs, egg-shaped cakes, spiced carrot cake and chocolate roulade cake. The bakery will also host an Easter weekend high tea service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 4-5. Preorder Easter desserts by March 29 to receive a cookie gift pack. Call or walk in to order and to reserve a spot for the high tea. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com

Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol Easter Egg Hunt

The Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol will host its annual Easter egg hunt starting at 10 a.m., April 4, at Ives Park. Children of all ages are welcome to attend the free egg hunt and the Easter Bunny will be present for photo ops. Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., Sebastopol. sebastopolkiwanisclub.org

Rohnert Park

Sally Tomatoes Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch

Catering and events company Sally Tomatoes will host an Easter brunch buffet and egg hunt starting at 10 a.m. at SOMO Village. Brunch, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will include eggs Benedict, varied salads, French toast, carved ham, tortellini pesto and chicken Parmigiana. There will also be bottomless mimosas and other beverages for sale. Brunch is $32 for adults and $16 for children. Space is limited and guests must RSVP by April 2. The egg hunt is free and there is a limit of 10 eggs per child. RSVP online. 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com

Heartwood Church Easter Egg Hunt

Following morning Easter Sunday services, Rohnert Park’s Heartwood Church will host a free egg hunt from noon to 1:30 p.m. for the whole community. The egg hunts will be divided by age groups. There will also be arts and crafts tables, interactive games, a festive photo booth and snacks available for purchase. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite. 4689 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, heartwoodchurch.com

Rohnert Park Assembly of God Egg Hunt

Children are invited to participate in a free egg hunt after the church’s 10:30 a.m. Easter service on Sunday. Doors open at noon and the egg hunt starts at 12:15 p.m., including a special egg hunt for preschoolers. 4695 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, 707-291-2652, rpassembly.org

Penngrove

Odd Cookie Bakery

Penngrove bakery Odd Cookie has Easter treats available for preorder and pickup at the bakeshop. Some of the festive cupcakes include the vanilla chocolate chip “Hoppy Easter” topped with an M&M brownie; the coconut “Bunny Butt” topped with a carrot cake and coconut bunny bottom; and the Funfetti “You Crack Me Up” topped with a breakable white chocolate egg filled with spring sprinkles. There’s also the Cadbury Egg Brookie — a browned-butter cookie stuffed with a Cadbury Creme Egg, chocolate chips and topped with Easter chocolate eggs. 10000 Main St., Penngrove, 707-283-7772, oddcookiebakery.com

Petaluma

Petaluma Sunrise Rotary Egg Hunt

The Petaluma Sunrise Rotary club’s annual “Great Petaluma Egg Hunt” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, March 28, at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. The free family event will include egg hunts, face painting, Easter Bunny photo ops and other children’s activities, plus snacks and beverages. The egg hunts are for children 12 and under. Call 707-338-0641 for more information. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, 707-338-0641, petalumasunriserotary.org

Stockhome Swedish Easter Celebration

Stockhome will host Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a Swedish-inspired menu. Brunch will include Nordic breads, local cheese board with gooseberry jam, a herring bar, skagen (shrimp toast), deviled eggs, cheese pie, smoked salmon, grilled lamb loin and mini desserts. Tickets are $90 for adults and $45 for children ages 6-12. See the full menu and purchase tickets online. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomepetaluma.com

Stellina Pronto Easter Meals and Treats

The Italian-inspired Petaluma bakery and cafe is offering Easter brunches, dinners and treats for pickup and delivery. The brunch ($134, serves four) includes ham or asparagus quiche, spring vegetable salad and potato galette. The dinner ($192, serves four) includes bone-in pork chops, spring vegetable melange, potato galette, spring market salad and herbed focaccia. Dinner items are also available a la carte. Easter sweets include carrot cake, hot cross buns, coconut macaroon eggs, Meyer lemon meringue tart, egg-shaped Linzer cookies and chocolate hazelnut bunny cookies. Preorder by 5 p.m., April 3, for pickup or delivery April 4-5. 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com

Della Fattoria Easter Treats

For a traditional Easter treat, Della Fattoria cafe and bakery will be offering hot cross buns on its spring menu. 143 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-0161, dellafattoria.com

Donut Den Easter Treats

The Petaluma doughnut shop is offering Easter-themed doughnuts. Preorders for a dozen or more should be placed at least one day in advance. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-792-1312, instagram.com/the_donut_den

Sonoma

Suncraft Fine Foods

Sonoma-based caterer Suncraft Fine Foods has Easter offerings available for pickup or delivery. The holiday menu includes lamb chops, glazed ham, Cornish game hen, quiche Lorraine, split pea soup, butternut squash risotto and carrot cake. Call or text to place an Easter order by noon, March 31, for delivery or pickup on April 4. 707-343-6016, suncraftfinefoods.com

Sonoma Easter Egg Hunt

Soroptimist International of Sonoma Valley will sponsor the city’s free annual Easter egg hunt from 10-11 a.m., April 4, on the Sonoma Plaza. Over 3,500 eggs will be scattered about four sections of the plaza, taped off for ages 2-10. Bring baskets from home. Peter Rabbit the Easter Bunny will be on the Plaza until 10:45 a.m. for photos. Sonoma Plaza, 453 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-938-3681, sonomacity.org

El Dorado Kitchen Easter Brunch

El Dorado Kitchen will host an Easter brunch featuring a three-course, prix-fixe menu. The brunch menu includes deviled eggs, asparagus salad, brioche French toast, carrot ginger soup, crab Benedict, filet mignon, lamb Bolognese and spring vegetable risotto. Dessert includes carrot cake, coconut tapioca, molten chocolate cake and Meyer lemon meringue pie. Brunch is $85 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. 405 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com/el-dorado-kitchen

Santé Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt

Santé restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa will host an Easter brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as two morning egg hunts. The Easter egg hunts, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., will also include live music and face painting. The brunch menu includes lobster Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, brioche French toast, chicken and waffles, and roasted lamb chops. There will be a dessert buffet featuring carrot cake, passion fruit crème brûlée, blackberry fruit tartlets, chocolate grasshopper cheesecake and more. Brunch is $125 per adult, $39 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. The egg hunts are included in brunch reservations and complimentary for hotel guests. Reserve on OpenTable. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma

Layla Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt

Layla at MacArthur Place will host an Easter brunch along with an egg hunt starting at 11 a.m. on the estate’s Burris Lawn. Brunch will include house-baked pastries, smoked salmon, avocado toast, lemon poppy pancakes, Dungeness crab Benedict, steak and eggs, and a selection of sweet crepes. There will also be Wolf Coffee and a variety of teas available for purchase. The pre-fixe brunch is $80 per person. Reserve a spot on OpenTable. 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com/food-drink/layla-restaurant

Wit & Wisdom Easter Brunch

Wit & Wisdom at The Lodge at Sonoma will celebrate Easter from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a three-course, prix-fixe brunch menu, plus a la carte items. The menu includes avocado toast, potato leek soup, spring hash, French toast, eggs Benedict, pork schnitzel and chef Michael Mina’s lobster pot pie. There will also be a la carte seafood towers featuring oysters, shrimp, Maine lobster and red king crab. Dessert will be a trio of mini desserts: a house candy bar, lemon tart and carrot cake. Brunch is $75 per person. Reserve online. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, witandwisdomsonoma.com

The Chocolate Cow Easter Treats

The Chocolate Cow has special boxes of Easter treats available for shipping. One box has Belgian chocolate-covered Oreos with a carrot detail on each; and another box has an assortment of bunny truffles, pecan turtles, peanut butter cups and sea salt caramels. The “Easter assortment” box can come in all dark or all milk chocolate, or a mix of both. Easter boxes are $26-34 each. The chocolate shop also has giant rocky road Easter eggs, made with Belgian chocolate and stuffed with marshmallows and walnuts, at $20 for two. Order online for shipping. 452 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-935-3564, thechocolatecowshop.com

Glen Ellen

Songbird Parlour Easter Feast

Glen Ellen’s Songbird Parlour will celebrate Easter from 4-9 p.m. with a family-style feast. The menu includes Dixon lamb breast porchetta, bone-in rib-eye and whipped ricotta with toasted Bejkr bread. There will also be charoset, a sweet, traditional Passover dish made of nuts and fruit. Reserve on Toast or email info@songbirdparlour.com. 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com

B.R. Cohn Winery Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt

B.R. Cohn will host an Easter brunch and egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Glen Ellen tasting room and Olive Hill Estate Vineyards. More details to come. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Kenwood

Kenwood Easter Egg Hunt

The annual Kenwood Easter Egg Hunt will start at 9 a.m., April 4, at Kenwood Plaza Park. Sponsored by the Kenwood Firefighters Association. Bring your own basket. 200 Warm Springs Road, Kenwood. instagram.com/thekenwoodvillage

Salt & Stone Easter Brunch

Kenwood’s Salt & Stone will host Easter brunch with seatings available between 9-11:30 a.m. The menu includes brioche French toast, huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, salads, burgers and seafood. Brunch entrees will be served with coffee cake, fresh fruit and choice of beverage. Reserve a spot on OpenTable. 9900 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com

Stella Easter Supper

Stella restaurant in Kenwood will serve a special Easter menu all day starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The menu includes fresh focaccia, asparagus gazpacho, Caesar salad, grilled lamb ribs, 32-ounce porterhouse, Duroc pork chop Milanese and rabbit ragu. Reserve a table on Resy. 9049 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-801-8043, stellakenwood.com

Windsor

Windsor Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt

The Kiwanis Club of Windsor will host its free annual Easter egg hunt starting promptly at 10 a.m., April 4, on the Windsor High School baseball field. Children will be divided into age groups and all attendants must bring their own basket or bag. Easter Bunnies will be there for photo ops. Learn more online. Windsor High School, 8695 Windsor Road, Windsor. kiwaniswindsor.org

Newsong Church Easter Egg Hunt

Newsong Church will host its free egg hunt starting at 11 a.m., April 4. The event will include separate age-group egg hunts, music, doughnuts and a free family gift basket raffle. Learn more and register online. 167 Arata Lane, Windsor, 707-838-9191, newsongonline.church

Fleur Sauvage Easter Treats

In addition to a variety of confectionary offerings, artisan chocolatier Fleur Sauvage is currently selling a chocolate “Hopster Bunny” ($30) filled with six hazelnut praline truffles. Find in store or email fleursauvagechocolates@gmail.com to place order for pickup. 370 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-892-2162, fleursauvagechocolates.com

Volo Chocolate Easter Treats

This Windsor chocolate factory is offering an Easter “Good Bunny,” made of 62% dark milk chocolate. The solid chocolate Easter Bunny is $18. Order online for shipping. 399 Business Park Court, Windsor, 707-536-6764, volochocolate.com

Healdsburg

Costeaux French Bakery Easter festivities

Costeaux French Bakery has a number of Easter activities in store this year. From 3-6 p.m., April 2, Costeaux will host a cookie-decorating session for the whole family. Tickets are $18 and include cookies ready for decorating as well as a Parisian sandwich and fries for lunch. Reserve a time slot and purchase tickets online. Starting at 9 a.m. on April 4, the Easter Bunny will stop by Costeaux for breakfast and photo ops; reserve a spot online. Costeaux will host an Easter brunch with seatings available from 7:30-10 a.m. on April 5; reserve online. Additionally, traditional Easter baked goods such as carrot cake and hot cross buns (available in packs of six) can be purchased at all Costeaux locations or online for pickup. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com

Auteur Wines Easter Brunch

Auteur Wines will host an Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 4-5, at its Russian River estate in Healdsburg. The five-course menu, curated by Michelin-awarded chef Craig Wilmer, includes quail eggs Benedict, crab crisp, asparagus quiche, ham and Gruyère crepe, and French toast with dried plums. Courses will be paired with estate wine. Tickets are $150 per person. Reserve on Tock. 10520 Wohler Road, Healdsburg, 707-766-0222, auteurwines.com

Hazel Hill Easter Brunch at Montage Healdsburg

Montage Healdsburg’s Hazel Hill restaurant will host an Easter brunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a visit from the Easter Bunny on the Vista Lawn. Brunch includes eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, country-fried chicken, sweet pea ravioli, roasted Brussels sprouts, a seafood bar and peppercorn-crusted prime rib. Desserts include macarons, carrot cake, assorted cookies, sticky toffee pudding, lemon meringue tart, pineapple upside-down cake and more. Brunch tickets are $155 per adult and $65 per child ages 4-12. Reserve brunch on OpenTable. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montage.com/healdsburg

Dry Creek Kitchen Easter Brunch

Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg will host an Easter brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a three-course, prix-fixe menu. The brunch will include kanpachi crudo, fava bean agnolotti, early spring quiche, eggs Sardou, maple-glazed ham and grilled filet mignon. There will also be a selection of seasonal desserts and Easter cocktails. Tickets are $110 per person and $55 for children 6 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com

Spoonbar Easter Brunch

Spoonbar will host its Easter brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes spring salads, eggs Benedict, bread pudding French toast, stuffed shells, roasted salmon, leg of lamb and bite-sized desserts, plus bottomless Bellinis. $75 per person; $35 for children 12 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com

Folia Easter Brunch

Folia Bar & Kitchen at Appellation Healdsburg will host an Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a seasonal three-course menu. Brunch will include housemade pastries, poached eggs, endive salad, halibut grenobloise and rack of lamb. Dessert includes rhubarb almond cake and raspberry baba with vanilla cream. Easter brunch is $110 per adult and $25 per child 6 and under. Reserve on OpenTable. 101 Dovetail Lane, Healdsburg, 707-723-2130, foliabarandkitchen.com

Little Saint Easter Brunch

Healdsburg’s fully plant-based restaurant Little Saint will celebrate Easter with vegan brunch classics such as lox Florentine with spinach and avocado hollandaise and a spring quiche with Koginut squash, tofu, spinach and feta. There will also be a selection of cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. Reserve a table on OpenTable. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Downtown Bakery and Creamery Easter Treats

Downtown Bakery will be offering brioche-style hot cross buns every day throughout Easter week, plus other holiday-related treats. The Easter menu also includes pavlova, carrot cake, lemon meringue pie, passion fruit tart and decorated vanilla shortbread cookies. Purchase in store. 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com

Cloverdale

Flour Girl Easter Treats

Cloverdale-based micro-bakery Flour Girl, which specializes in beautifully adorned cakes and seasonal pies, will open Easter orders March 29. Check back online for more details and email questions to goodies@myflourgirl.com. myflourgirl.com

Geyserville

Francis Ford Coppola Winery Spring Egg Hunt and Carnival

The winery’s annual Spring Egg Hunt and Carnival will kick off at 11 a.m., April 4. After the egg hunt through the vineyards, head back to the winery for an all-ages carnival featuring games, live entertainment and photos with the Easter Bunny. Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Pool Cafe will be open with a special a la carte menu. Guests are encouraged to arrive between 10:15-10:45 a.m., and advised to bring their own basket for the egg hunt. Tickets are $15 per child 12 and under; no tickets needed for ages 13 and over. Purchase tickets on Tock. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Dutcher Crossing Easter Egg Hunt

Dutcher Crossing Winery will host its first Easter egg hunt starting promptly at 11:30 a.m. on April 4. Doors open at 11 a.m. for the event, which will include a glass of Grace Reserve Brut Rosé for adults. The holiday event is $10 for club members, $20 for non-members and complimentary for children. Email lauren@dutchercrossingwinery.com to RSVP. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

West County and Sonoma Coast

Monte Rio Spring Celebration

The Friends of Monte Rio and Monte Rio Union School District will present a spring celebration featuring an egg hunt from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., March 28, at Monte Rio School. There will be games, music from DJ Damien, a special appearance from the Easter Bunny and an egg drop contest involving a homemade contraption to safely cradle a raw egg. 20700 Foothill Drive, Monte Rio. friendsofmonterio.org

Forestville Easter Egg Hunt

The Forestville Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Easter egg hunt starting promptly at 10 a.m., April 4, at Forestville Youth Park. There will be milk and cookies after the hunt. Forestville Youth Park, 6935 Mirabel Road, Forestville. forestvillechamber.org

Canneti Roadhouse Easter Brunch

Forestville’s Canneti Roadhouse Italiana will host Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to noon. The menu includes cast-iron frittata, scrambled eggs with bacon and hollandaise, squash and Parmesan puff pastry, white corn polenta with prawns and baked poblano pepper pizzaiola. Dessert includes short bread and coconut custard pie and doughnuts with dark chocolate sauce. Reserve a table on OpenTable. 6675 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-2232, cannetiroadhouse.com

St. Elizabeth Church Easter Egg Hunt

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church will host an Easter egg hunt from 1-3:30 p.m., April 4, at Saint Hubert’s Hall and Field in Guerneville. The annual spring gathering will include food, games, raffle prizes and a coloring contest. Children under 10 are invited to participate in the egg hunt; adult supervision required. St. Hubert’s Hall, 16290 Fifth St., Guerneville. stelizabeth.churchtrac.com

R3 Hotel Easter Weekend

Guerneville’s R3 Hotel will host a weekend of Easter festivities, including a festive game night from 8-10 p.m., April 4, and an egg hunt and poolside Easter bonnet competition on April 5. The egg hunt starts at noon, followed by a workshop for guests to make their own bonnet at 1 p.m. and a bonnet competition at 2 p.m. with prizes. Bay Area drag queen Elsa Touché will host both the game night and Easter bonnet competition. 16390 Fourth St., Guerneville, 707-869-8399, ther3hotel.com

Rio Nido Roadhouse Easter Egg-stravaganza

The Rio Nido Roadhouse will host its free annual “Easter Egg-stravaganza” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring brunch, egg hunts, live music and fun competitions. The adult brunch will include pastries, ham, quiche, spring salad and fresh fruit. The kids brunch includes fruit,  scrambled eggs and bunny cakes. Brunch is $21 for adults and $12 for children. The egg hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. and will be separated by age groups. There will be a diorama art competition on the theme of “PEEPS of Oz: A Wicked Tale” (drop off art before noon). A catapult launch competition and viewing will start after the egg hunt — catapults must be homemade with no gas or forced air. There will be youth and adult prizes for competition winners. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com

Dinucci’s Easter Brunch

Dinucci’s Restaurant & Bar will serve an Easter brunch starting at 11 a.m. featuring a five-course menu along with a la carte items. The menu includes minestrone soup, green garden salad, beef and spinach ravioli, and honey-glazed Easter ham. Brunch is $45 per person. A dessert course, a Meyer lemon cake with lavender glaze, can be added for $14. Reserve online. 14485 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-876-3260, dinuccisrestaurantandbar.com

Rocker’s Roadhouse Easter Brunch

Formerly Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Valley Ford, Rocker’s Roadhouse will host a two-course Easter brunch for $45. The brunch menu includes beignets, deviled eggs, smoked salmon salad, crab cake Benedict, fried chicken and cornmeal waffles, Liberty Farms duck confit and flat iron Angus steak frites. Tomales Bay oysters will be available as add-ons. Resrve a table on Toast. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com/roadhouse

Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf Easter Brunch

Rocker Oysterfeller’s at Lucas Wharf will host an Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring coastal specials. Brunch specials include deviled eggs, Dungeness crab cake Benedict, seared tuna nicoise salad and New England lobster roll. Reserve a table on Toast. 595 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-772-5670, rockeroysterfellers.com/rockersatthewharf

Coast Kitchen Easter Brunch

Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort will host an Easter brunch starting at noon. The menu includes cinnamon and vanilla French toast, panzanella salad, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, short rib hash and smoked salmon bagel. Reserve a spot on Resy. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, coastkitchensonoma.com

Nom Nom Cakes Easter Treats

Bodega Bay-based bakery Nom Nom Cakes is offering Easter specials for pickup or delivery. The specials include chocolate-dipped cream puffs; spring floral basket cake with buttercream flowers; bunny and spring floral cupcakes; breakable, candy-filled chocolate Easter eggs; and an Easter cookie decorating kit that has everything you need to create a dozen charming Easter-themed sugar cookies. Easter items range from $18-$125. Order online for pickup. 390 Calle Del Sol, Bodega Bay, 805-350-0680, nomnombaking.com

Multiple locations

Sarmentine French Bakery

Sarmentine is offering festive Easter specials for walk-in or preorder. Specials include vanilla Easter cake, chocolate brioche, hot cross buns, chocolate hazelnut pinwheels and orange blossom brioche nest topped with Valrhona chocolate eggs. Deadline for Easter preorders is March 29. Place order online or over the phone for pickup April 4-5 at any three Sarmentine locations. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol. 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

Frosty’z Bakery by Jaeden

The Sonoma County home bakery is selling Easter cookies for pickup on March 29 and April 4, in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. Cookies include chicks, bunnies, Easter eggs and spring flowers. Place orders online. Pickup instructions and address locations will be available in confirmation email after order is placed. Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. frostyzbakerybyjaeden.com

See’s Candies

Bay Area chocolatier See’s Candies has a vast selection of Easter candy available for delivery or pickup. Treats include chocolate bunnies, springtime truffles, jelly beans, sour bunnies gummies, limited-time spring lollipops, chocolate eggs and assorted Easter baskets and chocolate boxes. Order online or visit locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. sees.com

Passover

Sonoma Wine Shop & La Bodega Kitchen

Rick Concoff will host a Passover dinner service from 6-9 p.m., April 3, at La Bodega in Sebastopol. The family-style feast will include a traditional Passover plate with matzo, tarragon potato salad, vegetarian matzo ball soup, “not” Moroccan saffron chicken stew, stuffed cabbage, arancini, roasted potatoes and a Passover dessert platter. The dinner is $69 for adults and $29 for children under 12. A Passover wine tasting for four will be available for $20. Call to reserve. 2295 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-1832, sonomawineshop.com

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar

Grossman’s is offering a Passover dinner for pickup from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 1 through April 9. The Passover menu includes latkes, braised brisket, lamb shanks, matzoh ball soup, smoked meats and pickled fish boards, pomegranate molasses roasted carrots and chocolate orange sesame macaroons. Order online. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

Marla Bakery

Marla Bakery has a selection of special baked goods for Passover and Easter available for preorder. Hand-rolled matzo (three-pack for $15), flourless chocolate torte (7-inch torte for $65) and chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons (half dozen for $18) will be available for April 2-5. Hot cross buns (four-pack for $18) will be available for April 4-5. Order online for pickup. 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4091, marlabakery.com

The post Where to Celebrate Easter in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Book clubs are typically low-key affairs — conversations over snacks, perhaps a bottle of wine, in someone’s living room. In Sonoma and Napa counties, however, a growing number of restaurants, wineries and lounges are reimagining the format, turning literary gatherings into immersive, food- and wine-centered experiences.

At Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen, that reinvention comes with an unusual twist: guests are encouraged to bring their own food. The restaurant’s quarterly cookbook club doubles as both a discussion group and a potluck.

“I’m into food, obviously, and I love building community,” said owner Lauren Kershner, who launched the Songbird Parlour Cookbook Club in early March. “So, to pull those two together was just a natural thing for me.”

Each quarter, participants prepare a dish from a selected cookbook and share it with the group. They bring their own plates and utensils, while the restaurant offers a curated list of wines for $10 a glass.

About 25 people attended the inaugural gathering, cooking from “Kachka: A Return to Russian Cooking” by Bonnie Frumkin Morales. Many discovered the event through the Sonoma County Foodies Facebook page.

While cooking for self-described “foodies” might sound intimidating, Kershner emphasized that the atmosphere is intentionally relaxed.

“Let’s just get together and have no real agenda,” she said. “You don’t have to overthink it or commit a lot of resources to it. People can just show up and be themselves.”

At Dutcher Crossing Winery in Geyserville, wine is the lead character in the Sips & Stories Book Club.

The quarterly gathering pairs a featured book with themed wines and light bites for purchase. At its February kickoff, about a dozen attendees discussed “The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It,” sipping as they traded impressions. The club is open to both wine club members and the public.

“We’re all about fostering community and creating meaningful connections,” said Lauren Fairlee, the winery’s wine club manager and the club’s founder. “[This] felt like a natural extension of that spirit.”

Ultimately, she added, “It’s about conversation, shared experiences and building relationships in a relaxed, welcoming environment.”

In Napa, Leilani Baugh, known as Chef Leilani, has taken a similar approach at Vin En Noir, her hybrid wine lounge and bookstore, where offerings spotlight people of color and women winemakers.

Her Books and Bottles club meets on the second Saturday of each month.

Baugh, an avid reader who often unwinds with a book and a glass of wine, said the idea came easily as book clubs surged in popularity.

“We already had a wine lounge,” she said. “Creating a book club there felt like the perfect idea.”

Though she gravitates toward thrillers and romantasy — a blend of romance and fantasy — Baugh lets members shape the reading list.

“I like talking with everyone to learn their reading tastes and preferences, so the book selections reflect the group as a whole,” she said. “That means we tend to explore a mix of genres — romance, romantasy, thrillers and other page-turners that spark great conversation.”

The evenings are deliberately informal, with wine and small bites available as guests discuss characters and themes. For Baugh, the aim is less about promoting products than about creating a sense of belonging.

“What started as people gathering to talk about books over a glass of wine quickly grew into something bigger,” she said. “It’s really about creating a place where people can slow down, enjoy a good book, sip a great glass of wine, and connect with others who love being a little bookish.”

Wine Country Book Clubs

Azur Book Club: Monthly meetups at the Napa winery feature wines by the glass and bottle. Azur Winery, 1014 Clinton St., Napa. 707-812-4203, azurwines.com

Books and Bottles: The club meets every second Saturday to discuss the latest book and sip wines by people of color and women winemakers. Vin En Noir, 1001 Caymus St., Napa. 707-637-4088, vinennoir.com

Silent Book Club: Not in the mood to mingle? Each month, members of the Santa Rosa chapter meet at a local bar or restaurant to silently read in each other’s company. silentbook.club

Sips & Stories Book Club: Quarterly gatherings include book-themed wines and snacks for purchase. Dutcher Crossing Winery, 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville. 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

Songbird Parlour Cookbook Club: Members meet quarterly at the restaurant to share dishes from a designated cookbook. Email info@songbirdparlour.com to sign up. Songbird Parlour, 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen. 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com

Sonoma Valley Regional Library Cookbook Club: Each month, members browse a selection of themed cookbooks, then prepare and share their dishes. Sonoma Valley Regional Library, 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 707-996-5217, sonomalibrary.org/events

The post In California Wine Country, Book Clubs Are Getting a Culinary Upgrade appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

After more than a decade of cultivating a fervent following for her exuberant wines through pop-ups and events, winemaker Martha Stoumen finally has a tasting room to call her own.

A darling of the natural wine space, Stoumen opened her new tasting room last fall in downtown Healdsburg. It’s an intimate location that’s open late and ready to lure in both longtime fans and new customers.

For the Sebastopol native, a tasting room was a dream that seemed out of reach, but that changed last summer when Stoumen joined The Overshine Collective, a sextet of wine brands led by founding partner and investor David Drummond.

“I’m really excited to have this huge container for creativity,” says Stoumen, who calls the work to refurbish the space, previously home to other tasting rooms, a “home-grown effort” that included input from team members Alyssa Julian, who worked on design, and hospitality manager Michael Richardson, doing much of the buildout. Stoumen’s parents pitched in, too.

When envisioning her new tasting room, Stoumen drew on her own life experience, where sensory details are at the heart of her craft.

“I thought about the experiential side of drinking wine — not the taste or smell — but the textures, the lighting, the sound of the room,” she says, noting the goal is “to make people feel sexy and relaxed.”

Stoumen, who spent years abroad working harvest, yearned to create an environment where guests feel transported — whether to a European café or a place that she calls “intangibly familiar.”

“I love spaces that feel both comfortable and familiar, even though you’ve never been there,” she says.

Ambition achieved. The tasting room is undeniably inviting, with cozy seating areas grounded by redwood trim, burlap, and cork paneling. The copper tabletops, which gleam like new pennies, will develop a patina over time, yet it’s a detail Stoumen embraces.

Unlike many tasting rooms that close before the dinner hour, Stoumen’s tasting room offers something for night owls, taking tasting reservations until 9 p.m. on weekend nights.

Wines are offered by the glass, flight, and bottle. Flights feature six tastes which might include Italian varietals such as Nero d’Avola and fan favorite Vermentino, as well as blends of both French and Italian varietals with cheeky — sometimes romantic — names like Post Flirtation Red and Honeymoon, a marriage of Colombard and Chardonnay. Stoumen makes nearly two dozen wines each year, so guests can expect something new and interesting on each visit.

Ready-to-serve food items are also available, with a menu that changes regularly.

“In the beginning, we’ll offer a little bit of ‘choose your own adventure’ to see what people gravitate towards,” says Stoumen. “We want to see what the community wants and needs. That’s most important.”

325 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-473-8266, marthastoumen.com

A longer version of this story was originally published in October of 2025 in The Press Democrat. Read the full, original article here.

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The stream of accolades for Healdsburg continues, the latest arriving from geography-focused website WorldAtlas, which recently named the northern Sonoma County city the friendliest small town in California, citing its welcoming vineyards, lively jazz festivals, charming 19th-century inns, art scene, unique lodging options and wine tasting experiences.

Set at the confluence of the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander valleys, Healdsburg has earned its reputation as a polished yet approachable base camp for exploring Wine Country. For travelers planning a return — or a first visit — the following stops offer a well-rounded introduction.

Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

With three renowned wine regions converging at its edges, the town presents an embarrassment of riches for oenophiles.

Bacchus Landing (14210 Bacchus Landing), a contemporary compound just minutes from the Healdsburg Plaza, is home to multiple boutique producers — including Aldina, Comstock, Convene by Dan Kosta, Dot Wine, Solo Nostro and Smith Story Wine Cellars — making it possible to compare styles without moving the car. The central piazza often hosts live music and community markets, giving the experience a festive air.

Medlock Ames (13414 Chalk Hill Road) pairs organically farmed Bordeaux-style wines with an immersive sound experience. Guests can wander the 338-acre Bell Mountain Ranch while listening to an audio program, recorded onsite, that culminates in a guided tasting of five wines that underscores the winery’s sustainability ethos.

At Aperture Cellars, Jesse Katz, named Winemaker of the Year in 2025 by Wine Enthusiast, focuses on meticulously crafted blends and single-varietal bottlings. The sleek tasting room doubles as a gallery space for large-scale photography by his father, Andy Katz, adding a visual counterpoint to the wines in the glass from labels Devil Proof, Collage and Aperture.

Where to Eat in Healdsburg

Restaurants here reflect the surrounding farmland, with menus shaped by the seasons.

Across from the Plaza, The Matheson (106 Matheson St.) houses two restaurants under one roof. On the ground floor, the main dining room presents refined, ingredient-driven plates. Upstairs, Roof 106 offers a more casual experience with pizza, small plates and cocktails, as well as an open-air vantage point over town. The location has special meaning to chef Valette; his great-grandfather operated his first Sonoma County bakery here almost a century ago.

Executive chef Shane McAnelly has built a dedicated following since taking over the reins at Dry Creek Kitchen (317 Healdsburg Ave.). Guests can opt for a three-course seasonal menu or a lengthier tasting progression, including a pasta-focused option. Whichever you choose, save room for dessert crafted by pastry chef Taylor Kelley.

It’s Oktoberfest every day at Tisza Bistro (165 Healdsburg Ave.), a German-Hungarian restaurant that turns out excellent Bavarian pretzels, housemade bratwurst and a variety of schnitzels. Open for lunch and dinner; closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Little Saint (25 North St.) showcases the range of plant-based cooking in a sleek, spacious building that also houses a coffee bar, a wine lounge and a cocktail bar. Its intimate events space is fast becoming one of the hottest music venues in the country, with performances by artists such as Beck, Rufus Wainwright, and Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker of boygenius; plus, an upcoming show by St. Vincent. Programming includes free live music every Thursday night.

Arts and Culture in Healdsburg

Wine and food may draw visitors, but the arts help persuade them to linger.

The recently opened True West Film Center (371 Healdsburg Ave.) screens new releases and classics, as well as special programming carefully curated by John Cooper, the former director of the Sundance Film Festival.

At The Harris Gallery Art & Wine Collection (320 Healdsburg Ave.), paintings by M.C. Harris and his son, Alexander Harris (who goes by A3l3xzand3r), are displayed just steps from the Plaza, often accompanied by pours from the family’s wine label.

In Healdsburg, even hotels participate in the creative exchange. Harmon Guest House (227 Healdsburg Ave.) integrates rotating works by local artists throughout its public spaces, inviting guests and passersby alike to treat the hotel as an informal gallery. The property’s Art Walk website serves as a handy guide. Head to The Rooftop for bites, cocktails and views of the Sonoma hills, Fitch Mountain and downtown Healdsburg.

Stay the Night in Healdsburg

If a day trip feels rushed, check into one of Healdsburg’s charismatic hotels.

The Cottages at Little Saint (425 Foss St.) comprises four vividly redesigned guest cottages, courtesy of creative director Ken Fulk. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood near downtown, they extend the ethos of its sister restaurant into residential form.

Appellation Healdsburg (101 Dovetail Ln.) is the flagship property of chef Charlie Palmer’s new hospitality company. Here, the emphasis is culinary from the outset, with an on-site restaurant upon entry and a rooftop bar with expansive views. In addition to its 108 rooms and suites, the property features a spa and a fitness center.

The post Healdsburg Named the Friendliest Small Town in California appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Stories abound about people who leave the corporate world to pursue life among the vines. The tale of Dutcher Crossing began that way until a wine-loving teacher convinced the original owners to help her realize a dream.

The story

Before launching Dutcher Crossing Winery in 2005, Bruce Nevins and Jim Stevens had already made their mark in the beverage world as the co-founders of Perrier North America. Turning their attention to wine, the partners purchased land in Dry Creek Valley and opened Dutcher Crossing Winery — named for a spot on the estate where Dutcher Creek and Dry Creek meet — with Kerry Damskey as founding winemaker.

Nevins and Stevens planned to run Dutcher Crossing for a decade before selling, but Debra Mathy had other ideas. Two years after the winery opened, she approached the partners at an industry event and made an offer. Her enthusiasm for the property and wines convinced them to sell early.

A Wisconsin native, Mathy fell in love with wine during a high school class trip to France. When she returned home, she told her father she wanted to own a winery someday. Mathy became a teacher but never forgot her high school dream.

Years later, when her dad was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, he encouraged her to follow her passion and offered help. Mathy’s father died a few months before the Dutcher Crossing sale was finalized.

Mathy has since expanded the winery’s estate vineyards from 35 to 75 acres and grown its portfolio from five wines to more than 30. Bordeaux and Rhone varieties are the focus of the winery’s 10,000-case annual production. Each year, Dutcher Crossing releases a wine called CFM Tribute in honor of Mathy’s father, with all proceeds supporting melanoma research.

The vibe

The drive to Dutcher Crossing is especially beautiful in late winter, when bright yellow mustard flowers bloom amid gnarled old vines that speak of Dry Creek Valley’s long and storied history.

The farmhouse-style tasting room features vaulted ceilings and leather wingback chairs arranged by a crackling fireplace. Large windows frame views of the estate vineyards carpeting the hillsides. Because Mathy is an avid cyclist, bicycles feature prominently in the artwork. A replica of the penny-farthing bicycle her father gave her — also pictured on Dutcher Crossing’s labels — sits alongside the tasting bar.

Outside, vineyard-facing tables sit in a covered breezeway, beneath a pergola, on a paved patio and alongside a pétanque court. Wine Country doesn’t get much prettier than this.

On the palate

Winemaker Nick Briggs, who took over from Damskey as head winemaker in 2017, has an affinity for small-lot wines and single-vineyard bottlings. He uses vessels ranging from concrete tanks to large wooden vats to make more than two dozen wines.

The 2023 Kupferschmid White ($46) from Dry Creek Valley, an unconventional blend of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, is an aromatic pleaser with notes of peaches and apples. The 2019 Pritchett Peaks Vineyard Rockpile Zinfandel ($53) has a mouthwatering aroma of black cherries with a touch of oak, along with red-fruit flavors. The 2021 Cut Root Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($61) is a medium-bodied wine with a silky texture and bright, red-berry flavor.

Experiences include bar tastings at $20 per person and outdoor seated tastings with an optional charcuterie board ($40-$65). Picknickers can reserve a spot under the pergola ($50 per table), and pétanque players command the court for $90 per group, including bottle service.

Beyond the bottle

Lots of wineries these days are working to cultivate a community-friendly vibe. Dutcher Crossing is leaning into that trend with a wine-friendly book club. Held quarterly, “Sips & Stories” pairs a featured reading selection with wines and snacks. The kick-off event, set for Feb. 26 from 5-7 p.m., highlights “The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It.” It’s free for wine club members; for everyone else, wines by the glass and snacks will be available for purchase.

Dutcher Crossing is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville. 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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