Travel + Leisure recently highlighted 10 of California’s most underrated destinations, steering readers away from the tourist magnets that dominate travel itineraries. Among the hidden corners of the Golden State, the Russian River Valley stood out for its rustic charm, redwood forests and quintessential summer pleasures.

Los Angeles writer Chelsee Lowe, who grew up in California’s Central Valley, recalled childhood visits to Healdsburg, where her grandmother lived near the town plaza.

“We would shop for the latest installment of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ series at Toyon Books, which is now a Copperfield’s,” Lowe wrote.

As an adult, she found herself returning to the Russian River Valley, drawn by its towering redwoods, leisurely river floats and vineyard-lined landscapes.

Some destinations here have already earned national acclaim, from Healdsburg’s Michelin-starred SingleThread to Guerneville’s upscale Dawn Ranch. But beyond the headline attractions, the valley offers plenty of quieter pleasures.

Here’s how to spend a memorable getaway in the Russian River Valley.

Where to stay

At the northern end of the valley in Healdsburg, h2hotel (219 Healdsburg Ave.) is among the region’s most environmentally conscious accommodations, holding LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Guest rooms feature Egyptian cotton linens, natural bath products, ergonomic workspaces and glass carafes that can be filled at complimentary water stations on every floor. Visitors can also take advantage of free Sunday morning Ashtanga yoga classes and complimentary three-hour bicycle rentals for exploring town.

For travelers who prefer to stay directly on the river, Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville (16215 and 16217 First St.) offers cabins and glamping tents steps from the water. During the busy summer season, guests can retreat from the crowds to accommodations equipped with luxury linens, Malin + Goetz bath products, kitchenettes, fire pits and picnic tables. The property is open from April through November.

Where to play

No visit to the Russian River is complete without time on the water. Visitors can bring their own flotation devices, from inner tubes to inflatable mattresses, or rent kayaks, canoes and other watercraft from Johnson’s Beach, King’s Sport & Tackle in Guerneville, Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville and Rivers Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips in Healdsburg.

Summer also brings a full calendar of community events. In the “Vacation Wonderland” of Monte Rio, the annual Big Rocky Games (July 3-4) feature family-friendly competitions including a rubber duck race, water balloon toss, Hula-Hoop contest and potato sack race. Other seasonal highlights include the free RioFest music festival (June 20) and the 115th annual Monte Rio Variety Show (July 23), both held at the historic Monte Rio Amphitheater (9925 Main St.).

For a quieter afternoon, browse one of the area’s independent bookstores. Levin & Company Books in Healdsburg (306 Center St.) has served readers for more than three decades with thousands of titles, alongside a curated selection of CDs and vinyl records and an upstairs art gallery. Russian River Books & Letters in Guerneville (14045 Armstrong Woods Road) stocks an extensive collection of new and used books and sits next door to Coffee Bazaar, making it an ideal spot to settle in with a novel and a cup of coffee or tea.

Where to eat

The Russian River Valley’s dining scene ranges from nationally recognized restaurants to local favorites known mostly to residents.

One standout is Canneti Roadhouse Italiana in Forestville (6675 Front St.), where housemade pastas and rustic Italian cooking have earned a devoted following. Signature dishes include the Tonno del Chianti and a rotating Pasta Trio featuring the chef’s selection of freshly made pasta.

For rib-sticking soul food and barbecue, Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint in Guerneville (16632 Highway 116) serves Southern staples including fried catfish, shrimp po’boys, Cajun chicken and sweet potato pie.

And few meals feel more fitting after a day on the river than a burger. Healdsburger (48 Healdsburg Ave.), just a stone’s throw from the river, offers specialty burgers alongside sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, ice cream and milkshakes.

Where to sip

With dozens of wineries scattered throughout the Russian River Valley AVA, narrowing down the options can be difficult.

North of Sebastopol, Kobler Estate (4630 Gravenstein Highway N.) pours a Bacigalupi Vineyards Chardonnay marked by notes of citrus zest and green apple. It pairs naturally with a slice of pie from nearby Mom’s Apple Pie.

South of Healdsburg, Copain Wines (7800 Eastside Road) offers sweeping hilltop views of vineyards and valley landscapes alongside its cool-climate wines. Nearby Riverfront Regional Park provides an easy opportunity for a post-tasting stroll around the lake.

Need more recommendations for a perfect weekend escape to the Russian River Valley? We got you covered.

The post Russian River Valley Named Among Most Underrated Destinations in California appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

May marks the 50th anniversary of the “Judgment of Paris,” when a panel of French wine judges chose the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon as the top wines in a France-versus-California showdown. What many people don’t know is that Chateau Montelena bought most of the grapes for its winning Chardonnay from two Sonoma County vineyards.

Bacigalupi Vineyards Goddard Ranch

When Charles and Helen Bacigalupi bought their Russian River Valley ranch in 1956, they weren’t sure what to do with the existing vineyard, planted to old-school grapes like Mission and French Colombard. Farm advisor Bob Sisson convinced Charles to try planting a variety called Chardonnay.

He’d never heard of it and had to grab a piece of paper to write down the name. “Bob told him, ‘Go see Karl Wente in Livermore,’” explained Charles’ granddaughter Katey Bacigalupi Row. “He’ll take care of you.”

Bacigalupi brought back Chardonnay cuttings from Wente Vineyards and planted 14 acres at Goddard Ranch.

Part of the vineyard’s magic is its rocky, volcanic clay soils. Because the vines struggle, the resulting wines have tension and minerality. Differing berry sizes on the clusters—known as “hens and chicks”—mean the grapes ripen at different rates, balancing acidity with ripe fruit flavors.

Belle Terre Ranch

Belle Terre’s Chardonnay vines, planted by Henry Dick in 1970, were just getting started in 1973. That made it all the more incredible that the Alexander Valley vineyard achieved such legendary status.

“It was unusual for a vineyard that young to do so well,” said Henry’s son Ron Dick, who now runs Belle Terre.

Dick said the magnitude of the Paris tasting didn’t really hit him until then-Chateau Montelena winemaker Mike Grgich came out and explained it. “After that,” Dick said, “I was flabbergasted.”

The following year, Chateau St. Jean began making a Belle Terre Chardonnay, celebrated for its minerality and ripe, stone-fruit flavors. The winery continued producing it for more than four decades.

Though Dick said he didn’t find a home for the fruit last year due to the industry glut, it’s part of the blend for Rodney Strong’s 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay.

Three to try

Bacigalupi Vineyards

2023 Renouveau Paris Tasting Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $85

This is currently the only wine made from the historic “Paris Tasting Block” on Goddard Ranch. The wine has ripe, peachy aromas with stone fruit and citrus zing on the palate. Rich and creamy, it finishes with a kiss of vanilla.

Auteur Wines

2024 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $65

Hailing from the block just below the Paris Tasting vineyard, this is a bright-yet-round rendition bursting with pure fruit flavors—think Golden Delicious apple—and balancing acidity. (It’s set for release in September—but wines this delicious are worth the wait.)

MacRostie Winery

2023 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $55

Rich and round on the palate, this has aromas of vanilla and flavors combining lemon meringue pie with tangy green apple. The wine has a creamy texture and a lingering finish.

The post Two Sonoma Vineyards That Made History on the Wine Scene appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Happy hour usually means heading to a neighborhood bar or brewery, but increasingly, North Coast wineries are getting in on the act. At happy hour events across Sonoma County and Napa Valley, wineries encourage visitors to sip and socialize without the formality or expense of standard tastings. No reservations required.

With the industry navigating a prolonged downturn, happy hour events are more than a trend; they’re a smart survival strategy. According to Wine Business Monthly’s 2026 Tasting Room Survey Report, winery visitation in Napa County dropped 18% last year and Sonoma County tasting room traffic dipped 8%. Digging deeper, the survey found that visitors are looking for a more relaxed, affordable experience when visiting wineries — a fun space to hang out rather than a place to learn the nuances of sniffing and swirling.

At Dutton-Goldfield Winery in Sebastopol, happy hour events reflect a deliberate shift toward more social experiences. On the third Thursday of each month, the winery invites walk-in visitors to enjoy discounted wines by the glass and bottle service. Small bites are free. To create a more casual atmosphere, the winery recently revamped its tasting room in favor of a brighter farmhouse feel and added a large-screen television for communal viewing.

“Consumers are looking for occasions that are easy to say ‘yes’ to, with lower commitment, more flexibility and a stronger social component,” said Dutton-Goldfield co-owner Karissa Kruse. “We’ve found that when you lower the barrier, you actually deepen the connection. People engage more when the experience feels natural.”

Kruse also points to a growing desire for wine to fit seamlessly into people’s everyday lives rather than being reserved for special occasions and structured tastings.

“That’s especially true for younger consumers and locals,” she said. “We see this as where the industry is heading to be more approachable, more social and more integrated into how people actually live. It’s about building relationships over time, not just one visit.”

The strategy appears to be working. Dutton-Goldfield’s general manager Ed Thralls credits the tasting room team’s ability to set a tone that’s welcoming and authentic rather than transactional.

“What started as a seasonal series quickly proved its value,” he said. “We’ve seen such strong and consistent turnout that it’s now become a regular part of our programming.”

That’s not to say that seated wine tastings are on their way out.

“This complements the traditional tasting experience. It doesn’t replace it,” Thralls said. “There will always be a place for more structured, in-depth tastings, but not every occasion calls for that.”

In Napa Valley, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery hosts weekly “Social Hour” gatherings. Curated tastings at the Rutherford tasting room normally run $46-$145 or more. But during social hour events, wines by the glass start at just $10.

“We want this to be an opportunity for our neighbors and friends to gather and share their wine stories, to learn more from people who have a passion for wine and the people who make it,” said chief executive Emma Swain. “Enjoying wine with friends in a relaxed, beautiful setting is one of life’s luxuries. Does it get any better?”

Where to find winery happy hours in Sonoma County and Napa Valley

Wine and Vibe at Bella Union Winery

The St. Helena winery invites guests to gather at its outdoor Wren Bar. Sip wines by the glass or bottle and nibble on elevated bar bites. The patio bar is open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, spring through fall. 1695 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, 707-956-5120, farniente.com/visit-bella-union

Happy Hour at Benovia Winery

Walk-ins are welcome from 4:30-7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month, when the Russian River Valley winery offers small-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay by the glass, plus complimentary snacks. 3339 Hartman Road, Santa Rosa, 707-921-1040, benoviawinery.com

Street Food Happy Hour at Clif Family Winery

On Wednesdays, the St. Helena producer’s Bruschetteria Food Truck features a rotating street-food menu inspired by global flavors and made with ingredients grown on the family’s organic farm. Drop by for discounted happy hour pricing on wines by the glass between 4-7 p.m., along with live music. 709 Main St., St. Helena, 707-968-0625, cliffamily.com

Third Thursdays Happy Hour at Dutton-Goldfield Winery

The Sebastopol winery welcomes walk-in guests from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, with happy hour pricing on wines by the glass and bottle service. Small bites are free. 3100 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-827-3600, duttongoldfield.com

Third Thursdays at Markham Vineyards

The St. Helena winery opens its historic Stone Cellar from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month for wines by the glass, live music and local food trucks. The events are family- and dog-friendly. 2812 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, 707-963-5292, markhamvineyards.com

Food Truck Saturdays at Roche Winery & Vineyards

Roche welcomes a rotating lineup of food trucks to the Sonoma winery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday. Vendors cook up wine-friendly casual eats, from tacos to pizzas to grilled sandwiches. 22097A Bonness Road, Sonoma, 707-935-7115, rochewinery.com

Thursday Happy Hour at Russian River Vineyards

Through October, head to the Forestville winery on Thursday evenings, from 5-7:30 p.m., for special pricing on wines by the glass, plus local craft beer and housemade appetizers. Wines start at $8 per glass. 5700 Highway 116 N., Forestville, 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com

Social Hour at St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

The Rutherford winery offers selected wines by the glass for $10 and bottle offerings starting at $40. Social Hour runs 2-4 p.m., Wednesday to Friday, through the end of May — or longer. Reservations are recommended for larger groups. 8440 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, 707-302-3488, stsupery.com

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When Courtney Summers landed an apprenticeship at Silver Oak Cellars through The Veraison Project, it helped the Texas native realize her dream of working in the wine industry.

By the end of her time at Silver Oak, Summers—now the wine club coordinator for Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor—and her fellow apprentice, Philadelphia-based Tahlia Suggs, had founded Cookout at the Vineyard. More than just a party, the women created it as a fundraiser for The Veraison Project, an organization that funds scholarships and mentorships for people of color in an industry where BIPOC representation has historically been less than 1%.

What started out as a one-day party has grown to a three-day celebration of wine, food, and good times held June 11-13 at three different Sonoma County wineries. Like all good cookouts, says Summers, the focus is on hospitality and building community. “By Saturday, y’all are best friends. At the end of it all, everybody’s cousins.”

Getting the party started

When we came out here, we were in awe of the beauty. We were in awe of the experiences. We just couldn’t help but think it would be so fun if we could also have something that represented where we come from in this same setting. What would it be like to have a fish fry in the vineyards? We hadn’t seen that. What would it be like to have gumbo prepared for you along with wine in the vineyards—having that kind of interaction with the BIPOC community, with our allies? We decided to see if it could happen, and we just asked.

About Cookout Culture

Cookout culture has always been appreciating the food that we grew up on. It’s bringing community together. Everybody should be proud of where they come from. We’re just letting you know that this is where we come from. These are the recipes that we were raised on, and then we’re elevating them a little bit. Cookout food—barbecue, it goes with wine. Southern meals go with wine. Soul food goes with wine. (It’s) combining those worlds together and showing that they do belong together.

A Wine Country welcome

We really care about the connections we’re building and it’s bringing people up here. We continue to get Bay Area natives—they have never been up to Alexander Valley and didn’t even feel like they could come up that far. So, I think that continues to drive more and more access to this area. With our itinerary, we’re making sure that when people come out here, (they know) these are the places we felt welcome.

The post Cookout at the Vineyard Brings Culture and Community to Wine Country appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

For some people, sensitivities to histamines or sulfites can put a damper on their enjoyment of wine. That’s where Sol Rei Wine comes in. Set in a charming courtyard off the Sonoma Plaza, the winery specializes in wines low in histamines and sulfites.

The story

When Katherine Kitzmiller retired from the tech world, she planned to buy a hobby vineyard. But before she could pull the trigger on a purchase, she developed a sensitivity to wine that threatened to derail her agrarian dream. Instead of giving up, Kitzmiller began sending wine samples to a lab for analysis. She found that histamines and sulfites were the likely culprits. Both occur naturally in wine, but for those with sensitivities, they can lead to headaches (histamines) and asthma-like symptoms (sulfites). At age 63, Kitzmiller put her retirement plans aside to launch a winery devoted to low-histamine, minimal-sulfite wines.

Kitzmiller had little experience making wine, aside from a yearlong internship at an organic vineyard and winery, so she recruited winemakers Greg and Kyle Stokes, along with Marco Cappelli, as consultants. To keep histamines to a minimum, her team practices careful hygiene in the vineyard and winery to make sure damaged grapes — the kind that can introduce histamine-producing microbes — don’t make it into the wines. Sol Rei does add small amounts of sulfites during production for its still wines — just enough, Kitzmiller said, to support stability and freshness while maintaining low overall sulfite levels.

With a name that means “sun king” in Portuguese, Sol Rei made its debut with the 2023 vintage. The winery sources sustainably and organically farmed grapes from vineyards in Sonoma County, the Sierra Foothills and other appellations. Wines are produced in the Sierra Foothills — the Stokes’ home base.

Sol Rei makes 1,000 cases per year, with a lineup that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel, a red blend and a sparkling Blanc de Blancs.

The vibe

Sol Rei sits among the Sonoma Court Shops, with Sosie Wines as a neighbor. Opened in December 2025, the space is bright and appealing, decorated with soft green and earth tones. The room is compact, with comfortable yet chic table and banquette seating.

On the palate

If you have questions about histamines and sulfites in wine, you’re in luck. Sol Rei might be the only tasting room in California with its own wine science educator. Ask away. Or, if chemistry’s not your thing, just sit back and enjoy the wines.

The tasting room offers three flights ($35-$55), with some selections paired with focaccia and olive oil or Syrah-infused truffles from Kollar Chocolates in Napa Valley. Wines are also available by the glass.

The 2024 Private Reserve Red ($52) from the Alta Mesa AVA, a blend of Mencía and Petite Sirah, is fruity and medium-bodied, with plummy notes and soft tannins. Hailing from the Sierra Foothills, the 2023 Syrah ($52) has a dark-fruit profile with appealing savory notes. Bubbles fans will find lots to like with the Organic Blanc de Blanc ($74), made by Penny Gadd-Coster of Breathless Wines fame. Crafted in a subtle, off-dry style, it has a toasty, brioche aroma, a creamy texture and a string of fine bubbles.

As with many low-sulfite wines, you’ll want to drink these while they’re young. Sulfur dioxide is widely used as a preservative in winemaking, so wines without it tend to have a shorter shelf life.

Beyond the bottle

For some adult-style fun down on the farm, get tickets ($95) to the Summer Bar(n) Crawl. Scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, June 6, the event will be held at Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma. Guests can meet the sanctuary’s rescue animals at each barn while sampling local wines, then sit down to a plant-based barbecue picnic lunch from Nova Terra Kitchen & Creamery. charliesacres.org

Sol Rei Wine, 25 E. Napa St., Suite E, Sonoma. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. 707-460-2276, solreiwine.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.

The post Sol Rei Is a Charming Addition to the Sonoma Plaza Wine Scene appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

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 a.m. to 2:30 p.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

Layla at MacArthur Park: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a pre-fixe menu. $80 per person. Reserve on OpenTable. 29 E. MacArthur St., 707-210-1037, macarthurplace.com/food-drink/layla-restaurant

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

Stellina Pronto: Mother’s Day baked goods for pickup or delivery on May 9-10. Deadline to order is 8 p.m., May 8. Items range from $7–$85. Order online. 23 Kentucky St., 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com

Stellina Alimentari: Mother’s Day brunch pop-up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a three-course menu. $75 per person. See the menu and reserve online. 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6156, stellinaalimentari.com

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 707-318-2191; 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

A&M BBQ: Mother’s Day platter filled with barbecued meats and sides. $99 platter feeds three to four people. Available for pickup or delivery only on Mother’s Day. Order online. 495 S. Main St., 707-888-1315, ambbqllc.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

Rio Nido Roadhouse: Mother’s Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by “Mamapalooza” from 2-7 p.m. featuring a live musical celebration. $15; free for children 12 and under. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com

Dinucci’s: Five-course Mother’s Day menu along with live music from 5-8 p.m. by Nick Foxer. $68 per person. See the menu and reserve online. 14485 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-876-3260, dinuccisrestaurantandbar.com

Rocker’s Roadhouse: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a special two-course, prix-fixe menu. $49 per person. Reserve on Toast. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com/roadhouse

Rocker Oysterfeller’s: Mother’s Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a special two-course, prix-fixe menu. $55 per person. Reserve on Toast. 595 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-772-5670, rockeroysterfellers.com/rockersatthewharf

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

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

Multiple locations

Sarmentine: Mother’s Day desserts for pickup at any Sarmentine location. Preorders close May 3. A croissant bouquet will be available only after 9 a.m. May 10. Desserts are $52–$128, depending on servings. Order online. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol; 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

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.