Page 110 – Sonoma Magazine

These Sonoma Wineries Give Back During the Holidays and Year Round

November 2023

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, it is a time for giving thanks and a time for giving back. Many local wineries have taken that spirit to heart, finding a variety of ways to do good and serve the community. Some donate wines or experiences to charitable events, some make donations on behalf of worthy causes, while others have created foundations that focus on raising awareness and rallying support for specific issues.

Here are some of the Sonoma County wineries that give back to the community.

Kendall—Jackson / Jackson Family Wines

The Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate in Santa Rosa has fostered a culture of good works among its staff by giving paid time off to employees interested in donating their time for community service. The company’s employees have made the most of the program, logging nearly 6,000 volunteer hours a year on everything from environmental initiatives to food banks, literacy programs to shelters.

In an effort to support the country’s grocery and supermarket workers, Jackson Family Wines created the Grocery Worker’s Relief Fund in 2020 just as the Covid-19 pandemic was putting those workers at greater risk. The company pledged an initial sum of $200,000 to the fund and made a commitment to raise an additional $2,000,000 over the next ten years with the aim of alleviating food insecurity and layoffs in the sector.

5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa. 800-769-3649, kj.com

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Healdsburg’s Jordan Vineyard & Winery has channeled philanthropic work through the John Jordan Foundation for more than a decade. Established by John Jordan in 2012, the foundation has taken part in a variety of initiatives and worthy causes since its inception, including support for over 300 partner organizations.

With the credo “It’s not a charity, it’s an investment in the future—our future,” the foundation has served more than 400 California schools with grants provided to over 1,000 teachers for their classrooms. The organization’s original focus—helping disadvantaged youth and young adults succeed in school and the workplace—has expanded to also include programs that serve seniors, support animal welfare, health and wellness, and a myriad of important causes.

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

Landmark Vineyards

Landmark Vineyards in Kenwood provides local support through its Landmark Community Grants program that was launched in 2014. During the intervening years, the program has given nearly $700,000 in funding to over 125 projects and supported more than 109 teachers and 46 schools.

This year, $60,500 went to grant recipients, with $15,000 of the funds going toward supporting K-12 schools in the community. Among this year’s grant recipients were Conservation Corps North Bay, Kid Scoop News, Living Room Center, Inc, Sonoma Valley Mentoring, and Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services.

101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Reeve Wines

Remy Dorrance, the daughter of Noah and Kelly Dorrance of Reeve Wines and BloodRoot Wines in Healdsburg, is a 12-year-old surfer who is passionate about protecting the environment. Together with her father, she makes Remy Saves the Sea, a wine that benefits the 5 Gyres Institute. The nonprofit, based in Southern California, is committed to raising awareness about and reducing plastic pollution in the ocean.

In spring 2023, Noah and Kelly Dorrance began the legal process of establishing a nonprofit, Light Catchers, in honor of Kelly’s 9-year-old niece, Evelyn Dieckhaus, who was killed in the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27, 2023. The couple also organized Wine Country Unites, a fundraising campaign benefitting national nonprofit Everytown For Gun Safety.

4551 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-235-6345, reevewines.com

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards

Through its philanthropic partnerships and hosting of benefits such as Wishes in Wine Country, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards’s charitable activities have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits over the years. Among the causes the winery has supported, Sonoma-Cutrer and Woodford Reserve have donated $300,000 to No Kid Hungry since 2018, most recently making a joint donation of $50,000 announced in November. The Windsor winery plans to donate an additional $1,000 to No Kid Hungry (a national campaign to end childhood hunger) on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28.

4401 Slusser Road, Windsor. 707-237-3489, sonomacutrer.com

B.R. Cohn Winery

B.R. Cohn Winery is another vintner with a long tradition of raising money for charity through direct donations as well as the hosting of fundraising events. The Glen Ellen winery, which was sold to Vintage Wine Estates in 2015, was founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn who managed rock and roll band The Doobie Brothers. Cohn’s connections in the entertainment business helped the winery bring in star talent to perform at annual charity concerts and participate in celebrity fundraiser events that raised millions for nonprofits.

15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Rodney Strong Vineyards

With a history of local philanthropy that stretches back decades, Rodney Strong Vineyards continues to support a variety of organizations in the community. Among the beneficiaries of its annual donations are The Redwood Empire Food Bank, The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Meals on Wheels Sonoma County, Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), and Sonoma County Fund the Future for children’s literacy. Since its founding in 1959, the Healdsburg winery has also taken part in numerous charitable events and donated its wine to local fundraisers for worthy causes.

11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg. 707-431-1533, rodneystrong.com

Benovia Winery

Benovia Winery in Santa Rosa is among the vintners who donate proceeds from particular wines to charitable causes. The winery donates $10 from each purchase of its 2021 “Liberation” Pinot Noir to the Gary Sinise Foundation with its mission of “honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” Nonprofit The Anderson Family Foundation has pledged an additional $5 toward the Gary Sinise Foundation for every bottle sold. Now in its third vintage, the wine was originally created to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

3353 Hartman Road, Santa Rosa. 707-921-1040, benoviawinery.com

Bricoleur Vineyards

Windsor’s Bricoleur Vineyards has made a pledge to support cancer research foundations and raise awareness for the cause. In October, the winery began donating $5 from the purchase of each bottle of its Isla Rose Brut Rosé to the V Foundation for cancer research. The founders of Bricoleur Vineyards will match the $60 donation for every case of the wine purchased.

7394 Starr Road, Windsor. 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Italian-style cafe Stellina Alimentari elevates sandwiches to art

November 2023

By Heather Irwin

Sandwich from Stellina Alimentari in Petaluma. (Emma K Creative)

In a nutshell: Part sandwich shop, part Italian grocer, part deli, part bottle shop — Stellina Alimentari defies easy explanation. Owner Christian Caiazzo aptly describes the narrow, brick-lined, mosaic-tiled eatery as having a New York Attitude with Italian Soul. Don’t miss the Il Michelangelo porchetta sandwich, fried risotto balls, panzarotti potato cakes, and antipasti. 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, stellinaalimentari.com.

I knew I had to get to Stellina Alimentari, the new cafe from the owners of Stellina Pronto, when a local chef described their porchetta sandwich with such wistfulness it was almost heartbreaking — the Della Fattoria lemon rosemary bread, the salsa verde, the porchetta juice that runs down your wrists.

Chefs always have a thing about porchetta — a boneless pork roast wrapped like a jelly roll with crispy skin inside and out.

It didn’t disappoint. Called Il Michelangelo ($18) on the sandwich board inside the Italian-style cafe and deli, it’s brought, wrapped in paper, to whichever lucky seat (there are only about four in the whole place) you’ve grabbed. Other sandwiches like the La Bellucci ($16) with grilled artichoke relish, roasted mushrooms, truffle pecorino cream and mushroom pate come on the house-baked schiaccita (think focaccia).

Inside the new Stellina Alimentari in Petaluma. (Emma K Creative)

The sandwich board at Stellina Alimentari in Petaluma. (Emma K Creative)

There are tasty Italian-style salads, antipasti and charcuterie boards, along with fried risotto balls with chile aioli and the Panzarotti (little potato cakes with Parmesan, mozzarella and mint) as well. I’m not doing it justice, but until I can get back another three or 10 times, this little taste will have to suffice. 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, stellinaalimentari.com. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

15 Under $50: Great Holiday Gift Ideas From Sonoma Stores

November 2023

By Karen Kizer

Shot chic: $22 (each), these borosilicate shot glasses are made by glass artisan Michael Dickinson in his Sebastopol studio. Dickinson Glass, The Barlow, 6770 McKinley Street, Suite 120, Sebastopol, dickinsonglass.com

It’s holiday time, so cue the scramble to find the perfect gift for people on your list who “have everything.” Might we suggest you step away from the internet and head to Sonoma stores instead? Here are just a few suggestions from a vast supply of well-curated stores. Many of these items are locally made, which adds even more joy to the giving process. Be a unique gift-giver. You got this. All items are under $50. Click through the above gallery for details.

Historic Hotel Property in Sonoma Completes Multi-Year Renovation. Take a Look

November 2023

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

The historic MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa has put the finishing touches on a major renovation project that the company says transforms the property into “Sonoma’s newest sanctuary.”

The most recent renovations focused on the property’s spa and fitness center, outdoor pool space, and five new guest rooms, including an Artists Cottage. During previous renovations, refurbishments were made to guest rooms as well as the food and dining venues.

Kes Studio led the redesign of the spa, which the property says includes new treatment rooms, locker rooms with steam showers, an outdoor Relaxation Garden and Lounge, and outdoor pool space with private pool cabanas. Guests can choose from a wide variety of spa treatments curated by TLee Spas: facials, body renewal treatments, massages, as well as several “100 Minute Journeys.”

Each of the “100 Minute Journeys” treatments includes unique elements such as the massage on a “healing Chakra Mat charged with electromagnetic gemstones” that is part of the “Reboot Ritual” or the “exfoliating botanical body polish packed with medicinal wildflower essences” included in “Sanctuary of Flowers.”

The spa treatments integrate ingredients culled from the flowers, herbs and fruits that are grown in MacArthur Place’s gardens in what the property calls “Farm to Massage Table.”

The 6-acre property, which is located next to the Nathanson Creek Preserve and close to Sonoma Plaza in the heart of Wine Country, unfolds through lush garden paths and among a cornucopia of redwoods, oaks, magnolias, oleander, fig, pomegranate, espaliered apple trees, bamboo groves, rosemary and lavender.

The land MacArthur Place sits on in Sonoma was at one time part of a 300-acre farmstead dating back to the 19th century that served as family estate, vineyard and working ranch.

In 2017, Arizona-based IMH Financial Group purchased the hotel for $36 million and soon after began implementing renovation plans.

As part of previous renovation work to MacArthur Place, the property replaced its Saddles Steakhouse with the Mediterranean flavors of its reimagined Layla Restaurant, created a new coffee bar and marketplace called Porch as well as The Bar at MacArthur Place.

Earlier this year, MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa was included in Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the top 500 hotels in the world.

Click through the above gallery for a peek at the renovated property.

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma. 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com

New Menu, New Location Coming for Critically Acclaimed Sonoma Restaurant

November 2023

By Heather Irwin

Boquerones Toast includes white anchovies, roasted cherry tomatoes and basil at Animo restaurant in Sonoma. (Darryl Bush/For The Press Democrat)

The critically acclaimed Animo restaurant in Sonoma is headed for big changes, with a new venue and new menu next summer.

But the news that the current location at 18976 Sonoma Highway would be closing after the Dec. 17 service sent a momentary wave of panic through the local restaurant community over the weekend.

“Animo will permanently cease operations at its current location… in order to fully focus on the establishment of Golden Bear Station. Animo will be relocating to a new venue, offering an entirely new and captivating menu,” read a social media post from chef Josh Smookler.

Golden Bear Station is Smookler and wife Heidy He’s new Italian-American-style restaurant, slated to open in late December. Located in the former Tips Roadside restaurant, it’s been highly anticipated since the announcement in early September. The couple has been working diligently on a menu that will include pizza, pasta, burgers, steak and more.

Owners Heidy He and Joshua Smookler pose inside their restaurant, Animo, in Sonoma, Calif., on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. (Photo by Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat) — Owners Heidy He and Joshua Smookler pose inside their restaurant, Animo, in Sonoma. (Darryl Bush/For The Press Democrat)

At Animo restaurant in Sonoma. (Kim Caroll/for Sonoma Magazine)

Smookler and He opened Animo in 2022 after moving to Kenwood from New York City. The duo received a two-star review from the New York Times for their restaurant, Mu Ramen, calling it the best ramen in the city.

Leaving ramen behind, Smookler and He opted for a more eclectic menu at Animo, and was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire magazine less than a year after opening. Whole turbot, imported from Spain, is a signature dish, along with kimchi fried rice and Iberico pork.

“Animo has been really great, but now we’re looking to push the envelope. The space will be more intimate, and we’re looking to elevate the menu quite a bit,” Smookler told The Press Democrat.

He described the new Animo concept as “fire omakase” and called the four-course tasting menu “our interpretation of a tasting menu.”

While direct-flame cooking — meaning flame-meets ingredients without the use of high-tech equipment — is part of the current Animo experience, Smookler is eager to do more.

“This is a dream project. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I started in the restaurant business,” he said. “I just want to do what inspires me.”

That also means a more personal experience with guests.

“You’re in a space that’s really beautiful, and we want people to feel they’re being incredibly pampered — but without stuffiness. You’re my best friend and we want to cook for you. We want to feed you the best possible food we can create,” he said.

While Smookler declined to say where the new Animo would be located, he confirmed the restaurant would remain in the Sonoma Valley.

“We’re really proud of where we live and want to share that,” he said.

10 of the Best Boba Shops in Sonoma County

November 2023

By Heather Irwin

When I wrote about boba (or bubble tea) in 2016, it was a newish trend in Sonoma County. Now, it is slowly but surely becoming part of the zeitgeist.

Cold tea studded with chewy tapioca balls (boba) originated in Taiwan as an extension of traditional tea shops. Since its inception in the early 1980s, it has become a runaway success, popping up worldwide. In the US, Millennials and Gen Z have embraced the import, sold in a dizzying array of flavors and colors.

If you haven’t tried bubble tea yet, here’s the skinny: Take one part green, herbal or black tea; add a fruit flavoring (and possibly milk), then add the boba — small chewy bits at the bottom of the drink, usually made of honey, gelatin or tapioca with roughly the consistency of a gummy bear.

The liquid is usually mixed with ice and sealed with a thin plastic lid (so you don’t spill it). A wide straw is poked through the top, and you suck up both the tea and the boba through the straw (note: take it slow or you could choke, which is a true sign of a newbie).

Once you’ve got the hang of it, expand your horizons to more traditional flavors like red bean, taro, sour plum, rose or lychee. Some are sweeter, others less so, and most boba shops allow you to control how sweet you like your drink. Many also offer a variety of small snacks, from waffles and fried octopus to simple sandwiches and candy.

Though boba is not for everyone, it’s worth discovering, especially with so many shops to choose from in Sonoma County. Hint: Many bubble tea shops have delivery options, so check the websites or your mobile food delivery app. Here are a few favorites.

Quickly: This California-based chain was one of the first to bring bubble tea to Sonoma County (Surf City Squeeze at Santa Rosa Plaza also had it way back in the day). It’s become a little run-down inside, I’ll be honest, but it remains an SRJC favorite. 1880 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, quicklyusa.com.

T4Tea for U: A great lunch spot, T4Tea offers poke bowls and bubble tea. Classic Taiwanese flavors like winter melon and rose aloe are good choices. 2280 Mendocino Ave., Suite 3c, Santa Rosa, thet4.com.

ShareTea at Simply Vietnam Express: It is a little embarrassing just how often I stop by this Cleveland Avenue spot for Vietnamese iced coffee and/or bubble tea. This locally-owned Vietnamese restaurant offers ShareTea, a large Taiwanese chain. Here, you can pick your sweetness, flavorings and boba — from super sweet kiwi to a more Americanized coffee and ice cream version. This is the most assembly-lined process, though it can be time-consuming for the staff behind the counter during busy lunch and dinner hours. 3881 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa

Zero&: This is the ultimate bubble tea destination. Most are made with natural fruit and fruit juice (the Strawberry Marble has half a pound of strawberries). Two Grapeful is almost too pretty to eat, a luxuriously layered beauty with fresh grapes, jasmine green tea, grape jelly and sea salt cheese foam — think savory whipped cream, not cheddar. Ube Taro is another winner. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Suite 1021A, Santa Rosa, zeroand.com.

Teaspoon: It is a clean, ultra-modern bubble tea shop where you’ll find groups of giggling teens, milk teas and other drinks. My fave: The Ladybug with passionfruit and green tea. 2060 Santa Rosa Ave., Suite B1, Santa Rosa, teaspoonlife.com.

Bubbles Boba Tea: One of the few locally-owned (as opposed to franchised) bubble tea locations. It’s kawaii to the extreme, with adorable gifts and a sad kitty face on the lid of your drink. My fave is the Chili Mango with lime, mango, a honey-Taijin swirl and mango popping boba. Also, try the White Tiger featuring vanilla milk with brown sugar stripes, crunch creme brulee topping, and brown sugar boba. 954 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, bubblesbobatea.com.

Savor Vietnamese: A stupendous variety of milk tea, slushies and fruit tea boba. Paradise Lime has pineapple bits, lime juice and black or green tea. I like rainbow jellies with fruit teas. While you’re there, pick up a noodle bowl or one of their excellent banh mi. 4275 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa; newly-opened in Windsor at 8970 Brooks Road S., savorvietnamesecuisine.com.

ThirsTea: A giant selection of teas in numerous flavor combinations. Passionfruit slush with grass jelly is a personal favorite. Excellent banh mi, as well. 6585 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park.

Teaside Bubble Tea: The former Sunny’s Boba in downtown Santa Rosa has become Teaside — though it looks pretty much the same inside and is still locally owned. They have tons of fun flavors, like the Pink Flirty (lychee rose slushie), the Ying-Yang with vanilla and chocolate black milk tea, or the East Meets West (mango lychee and jasmine iced tea with lychee and mango jellies). 519 Fourth St., Santa Rosa (available for delivery on DoorDash).

Sweet Straw Sonoma: Napa-based bubble tea company Sweet Straw is totally Instagram camera-ready. The narrow shop has an ivy wall with neon lettering saying “Boba yes, you maybe” where you can pose with your Thai iced tea with tapioca pearls. 201 W. Napa St., Suite 27, Sonoma. Also at 2552 Jefferson in Napa, sweetstrawteabar.square.site