Spicy Plum Sauce Pork sautéed with vegetables from Osake Japanese restaurant Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
After 43 years in the restaurant business, chef Gary Chu has only one regret. “I have no hobbies,” he said, sitting inside his longtime restaurant Osake in Santa Rosa on an early Saturday morning.
With a mug of coffee in hand, Chu looked back on decades spent in his family’s Chinese restaurants and later building a local restaurant empire with Gary Chu’s and Osake in Santa Rosa and Sake’O in Healdsburg. Now, as he considers a future without 14-hour days, he can’t help but grin at how deeply the restaurant world still calls to him.
“I love what I do. Whatever happens outside, when I come through these doors, I forget everything,” he said. The smile rarely leaves his face, making it easy to believe.
Gary Chu opened his first restaurant in Santa Rosa when he was 24 years old and his Osake Japanese restaurant in 1998 in Santa Rosa. Photo taken Thursday, April 3, 2026. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Martini Prawns, crispy prawns in a spicy aioli sauce, from Osake Japanese restaurant Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
At 68, Chu is woven into the fabric of Sonoma County dining. In the 1980s and ’90s, his namesake Chinese restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa stood out as a rare destination north of San Francisco for elevated, California-influenced Asian cuisine. Szechuan lamb, tea-smoked duck and Champagne scallops shared the menu with crowd-pleasers like lemon chicken and the now-iconic Martini Prawns, a dish that’s been imitated across the region.
Today, Osake is Chu’s last remaining restaurant, a cozy, low-lit spot he opened in 1998 that endures while others have come and gone. The menu leans Japanese, but longtime fans will spot a handful of Chu’s Chinese classics. Through economic ups and downs, shifting tastes and even a pandemic, Osake has held steady, a testament to the staying power of well-crafted, timeless Japanese and Chinese dishes and genuine hospitality.
And his fans have aged with him, something Chu doesn’t take for granted.
“People have been following me for the last 30 to 40 years,” he said. Like many of his patrons, Chu’s once-dark hair is now mostly gray and his children are grown, bringing their own children and grandchildren to the restaurant.
Chef Chris Chu runs the kitchen at Osake Japanese restaurant, while brother Gary entertains guests at the sushi bar and runs the front of the house Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Still, it takes more than loyal regulars to keep the lights on. Osake, tucked near Montgomery Village, may not draw attention with flashy decor, but the kitchen consistently turns out excellent food. Chu’s brother, Christopher, has been at the stove for decades, while Gary is a fixture behind the sushi bar, entertaining guests and expertly slicing salmon and tuna throughout the day.
Chu is always the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night. Over the years, he’s earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a shelf full of ‘best of’ awards, and a reputation as one of Sonoma County’s most dedicated restaurateurs. He says he’s achieved nearly everything he set out to do, though another Michelin mention would be a fitting capstone.
Lately, he’s started to imagine a slower pace: fewer hours at the restaurant, quiet mornings over coffee with his wife, and maybe, finally, time for a hobby.
The inspiration
Chu, who spent much of his youth in South Korea, worked in his parents’ restaurants for many years, including the restaurant they originally owned on Fifth Street in Santa Rosa. His experience working in Japan inspired the menus for Sake’O and Osake. The name Osake (pronounced oh-SAH-kay) is a nod to Japanese rice wine, with the honorific “O” prefix, though most people default to calling it Osaka, like the Japanese city.
The Osake Executive Bento Dinner with tempura and teriyaki chicken, miso soup, salad and rice from Osake Japanese restaurant Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
The vibe
Step inside and you’ll find a dining room that feels like a time capsule, with dark wood, carpet and soft lighting that harken back to another era. There’s a bit of wear around the edges, but everything is spotless and the welcome is as warm as ever. The sushi bar, where you’ll often find Chu, is the best seat in the house. Spacious tables and banquettes make it easy for groups to gather, while cozy two-tops offer a more intimate setting. Near the entrance, a large fish tank draws curious glances — the residents, it should be noted, are not on the menu.
The food
Most popular dishes: Martini prawns, Szechuan wonton, lemon chicken, Utah roll.
The menu spans Japanese classics — bento boxes, nigiri, wood-grilled yakitori, sukiyaki, and sushi rolls — alongside a takeout selection of Chu’s favorite Chinese comfort foods: kung pao chicken, walnut prawns, Szechuan prawns, and fried rice. Even at lunch, plates arrive artfully arranged, with bold sauce swirls and vibrant, fresh ingredients.
Saikyo Miso Black Cod appetizer with crispy pork wonton with tomato, onion and melted cheese from Osake Japanese restaurant Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Matcha Tiramisu from Osake Japanese restaurant Thursday, April 3, 2026 in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Don’t miss the spicy Szechuan wontons, silky black miso cod, tuna carpaccio with soy truffle oil or the well-crafted nigiri and sashimi. For takeout, classics like wor wonton soup, spicy plum pork, kung pao chicken and fried rice are always a hit.
Fun fact
The Martini Prawn is a Gary Chu original, a dish now found on menus all over Sonoma County. One hectic night at his downtown restaurant, Chu improvised a quick appetizer, riffing on walnut prawns with a spicier sauce and serving them in a martini glass — simply because it was handy. A sprinkle of grated carrot finished the sweet, crispy dish, and a signature was born.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday. 2446 Patio Court, Santa Rosa. 707-542-8282, osake-sushi.com
A Mother’s Day brunch from Spoonbar at h2hotel in Healdsburg. (Spoonbar)
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
At John Ash restaurant at Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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
Bagels with lox for brunch at El Dorado Hotel + Kitchen in Sonoma. (El Dorado Hotel + Kitchen)Eggs Benedict from Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma is on the Mother’s Day brunch menu. (Wit & Wisdom)
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
Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma will host a catered picnic brunch for Mother’s Day. (Steven Krause)Kids at the bocce ball court at Larson Family Winery in Sonoma. (Rebecca Chotkowski)
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
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
Brunch from Sally Tomatoes Catering and Events in Rohnert Park. (Sally Tomatoes)A tower of sweet and savory vegan delicacies at Muir’s Tea Room in Sebastopol Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
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
Desserts from artisan chocolatier Fleur Sauvage in Windsor. (Sonoma County Tourism)J Vineyards & Winery’s sparkling Love Wine Brut Cuvée, crafted with a mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes from across the Russian River Valley, Monterey County and Mendocino County. (J Vineyards & Winery)
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
At Auteur Wines in Healdsburg. (Eileen Roche / Sonoma Magazine)A bottle of bubbly from Breathless Wines in Healdsburg. (Breathless Wines)
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
Roses and vineyards at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Francis Ford Coppola Winery)A pasta dish at Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort in Jenner. (Timber Cove Resort)
West County and Sonoma Coast
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
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
The pastry display case inside Sarmentine bakery in Petaluma. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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
Fresh Homemade Italian Pizza Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and basil
Last week, I wrote about 20 new restaurant openings in Sonoma County. That wasn’t the final count. Here are a few more additions.
Wonderland Pizza: The former Lucy’s in Monte Rio, previously home to several short-lived restaurant concepts, is under new ownership and undergoing a complete renovation. Owners Brian Perloff and Kellee Kessler will open Wonderland Pizza on May 22, offering quality food, local beer and wine, live music and art inspired by the Russian River. 20391 Highway 116, Monte Rio, instagram.com/wonderland_pizzeria
Redwood Gospel Bakery: The Redwood Gospel Mission will open its new bakery at 2447 Summerfield Road in Santa Rosa on April 14. More to come on this. rgm.org
Volunteer Steffan O’Neill hands out pumpkin pies at the Redwood Gospel Mission’s Thanksgiving Banquet at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Nov. 22, 2023. The Redwood Gospel Mission will open its new bakery in Santa Rosa on April 14. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Pumpkin pie during the Redwood Gospel Mission’s Great Thanksgiving Banquet, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Cloverdale Supper Club: The boutique Cloverdale House Inn offers a Sinatra-era atmosphere, with steaks, seafood and classic martinis. Grand opening is April 11. 240 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-669-5072, instagram.com/supperclubcloverdale
Capriciano Osteria: A hand-painted sign now marks the former Tipsy Taco location in downtown Santa Rosa. The spacious venue, previously home to the Acapulco Lounge, has hosted several concepts over the years, including French, Mexican and Brazilian. Details on the menu and opening date are not yet available. 505 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, capriciano.com
Capriciano Osteria will open at the former Tipsy Taco on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa. (Ricardo Ibarra / La Prensa Sonoma, file)
Now open
Kyoto Ramen and Hawaiian BBQ: This new location for the casual California-Pacific Rim chain offers 15 types of ramen, as well as poke bowls, curry, rice bowls, katsu and kalua pork. 1940 Piner Road, Suite 600, Santa Rosa, 707-888-2906
Tuna crudo with yuzu and aioli at Valley Bar and Bottle in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
I’m always on the hunt for great food in Sonoma County, the kind worth a detour, a wait or a group text. Here’s what I ate this week.
Bento box with chicken katsu and tempura in Santa Rosa at Seoul to Tokyo Kitchen. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Seoul to Tokyo Kitchen: After two visits to this new ramen, okonomiyaki and bulgogi restaurant in north Santa Rosa, I am impressed. The menu features Korean comfort food such as bulgogi, bibimbap, soft tofu soup, tteok-bokki and ox bone soup, as well as Japanese ramen, udon and Vietnamese pho. While the miso is average, the banchan stands out. 3082 Marlow Road, Suite B3, Santa Rosa, 707-919-3014, seoultotokyokitchen.com
Parkside Eats: Although still in its soft opening, the extensive menu is already drawing both foodies and neighbors. Highlights include poke nachos, fresh guacamole and an excellent burger served on a brioche bun. 4323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-800-7466. Find on Instagram.
Baja fish tacos at Parkside Eats in Santa Rosa. Parkside, from the owners of Sonoma Eats, has taken over the former Lepe’s Taqueria. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)A low-abv hibiscus margarita at Parkside Eats in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Abyssinia Ethiopian: Looking at a giant platter of bubbly injera, spiced lentils, beans and greens, my first thought was: Why don’t I eat here more? The tangy, pancake-like bread, warm East African spices and the healthy, flavor-packed vegetarian spread make a strong case for return visits. 913 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-6455, my-abyssinia.com
Vegetarian platter at Abyssinia in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Valley Bar and Bottle: While finalizing my “Top 50 Dishes in Sonoma County” for the May/June issue of Sonoma Magazine, I had one last dish to try at this destination-worthy restaurant and natural wine bar. Fried artichokes, yellowfin tuna crudo and charred cabbage with miso stood out, but you’ll have to wait until next month to find out the winner. 487 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com
Tuna crudo with yuzu and aioli at Valley Bar and Bottle in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)Pupusas and the sweet corn tamale at Don Julio’s in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Don Julio’s: This tiny, tucked-away taqueria in Rohnert Park is a best-kept secret of locals. The Salvadoran restaurant takes Latin classics and adds a tropical twist — like the birria pupusas, plantain-stuffed burritos and sweet corn tamales, which I could eat for days. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com
Mercedes Hernandez, founder of SoCo Market in Santa Rosa Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
From a modest start in September 2020 intended to reconnect the community and support 11 young small-business owners, SoCo Market is entering its seventh year with a full slate of more than 90 vendors. The market runs monthly from April through August in Santa Rosa’s Old Courthouse Square, and its founder, Mercedes Hernandez, is a powerhouse of Sonoma County entrepreneurship and event planning.
Hernandez launched her first retail business in 2014 while a student at Santa Rosa Junior College. Since then, she’s opened (and closed) one more retail shop, created the Fork’n Good Food Festival and the Michelada-Mimosa Festival, and managed The Trade, an open-air marketplace at The Barlow in Sebastopol.
These days, the SoCo Market and its growing family of gatherings get all of her attention. “Highlighting the creative small business and local talent that we have here in Sonoma County, that’s the heart of all of the events that I put on,” Hernandez says.
Mercedes Hernandez, founder of SoCo Market in Santa Rosa, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Curating the SoCo Market
It definitely is more of a feel. We highlight unique businesses that are millennial-owned and -run. We’re looking for people who want to do more with their business, versus just a hobby. That’s what we look for, and just the creativity behind it as well. We’re all about diversity at our events; we love supporting BIPOC-owned businesses. And we don’t want to oversaturate each category. So it’s a really strategic process when approving applications.
Blanca Molina, left, helps Anisya Lustig make a purchase with her phone at her Pokidi Lab by Blanca Creative booth during The SoCo Market held at Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. (Erik Castro / for The Press Democrat)Shoppers check out the handmade lighter cases and an assortment of customized footwear by Miguel Martin, 18, owner of Martin Kickzz, during The SoCo Market held in Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. (Erik Castro / for The Press Democrat)Store owner Mercedes Hernandez looks for clothing to display at Bow N Arrow & Friends in Cotati on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
By Millennials for Millennials
That is our target audience. So we’re making sure that we are picking small businesses that cater to that audience. That’s something we’re always transparent with. And I’ve been on both sides. When I opened my first boutique, I wanted to make it affordable for college students, because I was a student at the time. I offered those prices because I knew who my customer was, and that’s what it all comes down to, knowing who your customer is.
Success Stories
Some of our longtime vendors have expanded into brick and mortars. Many have quit their part-time job to do their small business full time. One example would be Falling for Dainty, a jewelry shop in Healdsburg. Brooke has been with us from the beginning. And then Omar, with Galvan’s Eatery, they just opened their first restaurant. They’ve been with us for a long time as well.
Brothers Ivan, left, and Omar Galvan, owners of the popular Galvan’s Eatery food trucks, have opened Galvan’s Beer Garden, their first brick and mortar location Friday, Feb. 7, 2026 in Cotati. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Valeria Garcia with her 1-year-old son Malachi Garcia at The SoCo Market held at Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. (Erik Castro / for The Press Democrat)
Future Plans
A new project is a permanent food truck location and a community hub in Santa Rosa. I’ve always been inspired by larger cities, and San Francisco has an amazing food-truck park called Spark Social SF. I love bringing the community together, and having a permanent spot where we can do that and have live entertainment is a dream of mine, and something that I’m working towards.
The next SoCo Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 19 at Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. thesocomarket.com
Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. (Sonoma County Tourism)
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
A sunset view at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville along the Russian River. (Eileen Roche / Sonoma Magazine)Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)
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
A biscuit from Piknik Town Market, formerly Big Bottom Market, in Guerneville. (Sonoma County Tourism)Polenta lasagna at Boon Eat + Drink in Guerneville. (Boon Eat + Drink)
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
The Guerneville Taco Truck in the Safeway parking lot in Guerneville. (Russian River Visitor Center)
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
Parade watchers gather in front of the Rainbow Cattle Company during the Russian River Pride Parade and Festival in Guerneville, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)At Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
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’s luxury tent and patio site near Guerneville along the Russian River in Sonoma County. (Madison Kotack / for Mesa Lane Partners)
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
This renovated farmhouse in Alexander Valley, on the Healdsburg-Geyserville border, is currently listed for $3,650,000. (Jan Pechbrenner / Liftec Media)
A renovated farmhouse on the Healdsburg-Geyserville borderin Alexander Valley is currently listed for $3,650,000. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom dwelling has a saltwater pool and its own Cabernet vineyard, covering a checklist of Wine Country home must-haves.
East Coast transplants Cheryl and Steven Foland purchased the home in 2018 and moved in full time when their San Francisco and Marin-based jobs went remote during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We found ourselves so enamored with more space, a slower pace and an amazing sense of community,” said Cheryl.
The couple built a cedar farm fence for enclosure and curb appeal, as well as to corral their two Rhodesian ridgebacks, who, Cheryl said, “spend their day romping among vines.”
The Folands sell grapes from the property’s 15 rows of Cabernet vines to local wineries. A vineyard manager and a small crew run the harvest, but the couple joins in to help.
In the expansive outdoor space, the homeowners added landscaping and a saltwater pool — offering new ways to experience the vastness of vineyards and the surround of rolling hills.
The wraparound porch is lined by hydrangeas — planted to recall Cheryl’s time living in Westport, Connecticut, where the flower abounds. “Every year, the blooms multiply like mad,” she said of her Geyserville plants.
Self-described “major foodies,” the couple enjoys time cooking and entertaining in the kitchen, which has a Wolf Range and a glass-enclosed wine wall from which to pluck the day’s pairing. An outdoor barbecue area takes the eating adventure right next to the grapes.
The home also offers plenty of opportunities for the hardworking couple to wind down. The wraparound porch is a great place to watch the sun dip behind the vines. An open-concept living room, with a stone-faced electric fireplace, offers sunset gazing via wall-to-wall sliding glass doors. The main bathroom’s soaking tub has a window that creates another prized spot to savor the setting.
Melisa Hall, right, and Sonia Quintero enjoy a glass of wine at Wolves Lovers + Thieves in Glen Ellen on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
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.
Wolves Lovers + Thieves owners Lindsey Blanchard and Ryan Kuhlmann at their tasting room in Glen Ellen on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
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.
Melisa Hall, right, and Sonia Quintero enjoy a glass of wine at Wolves Lovers + Thieves in Glen Ellen on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)Art by Maria de Los Angeles, used for wine bottle labels, hangs on the wall at Wolves Lovers + Thieves in Glen Ellen on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
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.
Bottles of Wolves Lovers + Thieves Masquerade, featuring the art of Maria de Los Angeles, in Glen Ellen on Friday, March 13, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
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
At Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. (Jack London State Historic Park)
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
Putting cheese on bread is no novel concept — people have been uniting the two ingredients as far back as ancient Rome. The method of combining them, however, is another story. One of our favorite ways is the grilled cheese sandwich.
One of the first iterations of a grilled cheese came from, you guessed it, France. The French croque monsieur, a griddled ham and cheese sandwich, came about in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until a few decades later that the grilled cheese sandwich made a proper appearance in the United States.
Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the first automatic bread-slicing machine in Iowa in 1928, making the distribution of bread easier and more affordable. During the Great Depression and World War II, Americans in search of cheap, filling meals looked to sliced bread and processed cheese from J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company (later known as Kraft Foods), which had opened its first U.S. plant in 1914. The cheese dream, an open-faced version of the grilled cheese sandwich, became popular during this time.
By 1949, Kraft Foods introduced its individually wrapped Kraft Singles, which American supermarkets began stocking in 1965. It was around this time that people began making closed, toasted cheese sandwiches and the term “grilled cheese” finally made its print debut.
A simple yet tasty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate kid-friendly meal, but adults shouldn’t have to miss out on all the gooey, cheesy deliciousness. Sonoma County restaurateurs are serving elevated versions of the tried-and-true classic. Here are a few to try on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day (April 12) or any day of the year.
Grilled cheese with birria on Texas Toast is a menu option at Galvan’s Eatery in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Galvan’s Eatery & Beer Garden, Birria Grilled Cheese: Griddled Texas toast piled with melted cheese and stuffed with tender birria. Find the new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Cotati, plus the food truck continues to pop up around Sonoma County. 500 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-664-5987, instagram.com/galvanseatery
KC’s American Kitchen, Ultimate Grilled Cheese: Cheddar and jack cheeses spill over between Parmesan sourdough bread. Add tomato for $1, avocado for $2.50 and bacon or ham for $4.25. For when you’re feeling hungry and nostalgic. 9501 Duvander Lane, Windsor, 707-838-7800, kcsamericankitchen.com
Nimble & Finn’s, Pear and Cambozola Grilled Cheese: Cambozola, kalamata olive and caper tapenade, caramelized onion and pear jam on sourdough, served with housemade pickles. Who knew an ice cream shop could offer such gourmet grilled cheeses? (At the Santa Rosa location only.) 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com
Betty’s Fish & Chips, Grilled Crab & Jack Cheese: Dungeness crab and Jack cheese on sourdough bread, served with a choice of chips or coleslaw. Order with a side of New England Clam Chowder for a truly comforting East Coast lunch. 4046 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-0899, bettysfishandchips.com
Cozy Plum Bistro, Grilled Gouda: Vegan Gouda, tomato and choice of pesto or caramelized onions on herb focaccia. Served with a side house salad. Add avocado or substitute gluten-free bread for $3. The premier grilled cheese for vegans. 6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3333, cozyplum.com
Wild Goat Bistro, Adult Grilled Cheese: Comté and Gruyere cheeses, bacon, caramelized shallots and Victor’s secret spread on rustic country bread. Served with side salad or soup. Substitute Mama Mel’s gluten-free bread for $2 and vegan cheese for $3. What’s more adult than fancy cheeses mixed with caramelized onions enjoyed on the riverfront? 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A5, Petaluma, 707-658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com
Sax’s Joint, The Joint Grill: Generous amounts of cheddar, cream cheese and bacon on sourdough. Served with choice of fries, coleslaw, potato salad, mac salad or mac and cheese. Of the handful of grilled cheeses on the menu, this one receives the most praise, thanks to the cream cheese, which adds a special tangy creaminess to the sandwich. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com
The Girl & The Fig, Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Vella Cheese Company cheddar with tomato confit on sourdough. Served with house chips. Simple but oh so satisfying. 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com
Grilled cheese sandwich from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)
Sunflower Caffe, Sunflower Grilled Cheese: Fontina, aged cheddar and Vella dry jack butter on sourdough. Served with salad dressed in a French vinaigrette. Enjoy alongside the cream of tomato soup. 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com
Sonoma’s Best, BaconGrilled Cheese: Havarti, Gruyere, arugula, smoked bacon and apple spread on a choice of bread. Best enjoyed with a local wine out back in the garden. 1190 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-7600, sonomas-best.com
HopMonk Tavern, Grilled Cheese: A heaping helping of cheddar, provolone, Gruyere, Parmesan, smoked Gouda and garlic on French bread. Add ham for $3. (Only at Sonoma location.) HopMonk Sonoma, 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100, hopmonk.com
Lunch Box, Kimchi Grilled Cheese: A three-cheese blend with aioli and housemade kimchi on Red Bird sourdough pullman. Sub gluten-free bread for $2. All sandwiches are served with kettle chips. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com
Tomato soup and a grilled kimchi and cheese sandwich from Lunch Box restaurant in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Society Bakery And Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Three types of cheese (chef’s choice) with herbs on Goguette French bread. Make it a soup and grilled cheese combo with the soup of the day. 2661 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-861-9665, societybakerycafe.com
Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery, V.F. Grilled Cheese: Housemade “Hwy 1” fontina, rosemary ham and kimchi on multigrain sourdough. A creative sandwich with award-winning cheese in a charming, countryside atmosphere. Plus, the daily specials always include regularly changing sandwich creations, like the Cubano or pizza grilled cheese. 14390 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-875-7073, valleyfordcheese.com
Grilled Cheese with Hwy 1 Fontina, rosemary ham and kimchi with a side of garden pickles from the Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery in Valley Ford. (John Burgess/Sonoma Magazine)Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup from Estero Cafe in Valley Ford. (Estero Cafe)
Estero Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Organic cheddar and Estero Gold cheese on freshly baked sourdough makes for a delicious, locally sourced grilled cheese sando. Add avocado, bacon or chicken sausage. 14450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-3333, americanasonomacounty.com/estero-cafe
Fishetarian Fish Market, Adult Grilled Cheese: Valley Ford Estero Gold, Hwy 1 and jack cheeses with grilled onions and fig jam on sourdough. The seafood here is top notch, but the grilled cheese shouldn’t be missed. 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com
Grilled cheese sandwich from Fishetarian in Bodega Bay. (Courtesy Fishetarian)
Here are your best bets for no-frills grilled cheese sandwiches (just melty cheese and toasty bread).
Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on housemade wheat, sourdough or French bread. The ham grilled cheese with housemade aioli and Dijon is also spectacular. At $7, it’s undoubtedly the most affordable and satisfying sandwich lunch in town. 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com
Boudin, The Great Grilled Cheese: Havarti and sharp cheddar on Parmesan-crusted sourdough. 2345 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-4100, boudinbakery.com
The Twins Restaurant, Grilled Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano on sourdough. 572 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-242-3075, thetwinsrestaurant.com
Hole in the Wall, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough. 972 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6040, holeinthewallrestaurantsebastopol.com
Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek, Sonoma County. (Robert Holmes)
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.
Walking among compost at Littorai Wines. (Littorai Wines)Ted and Heidi Lemon of Littorai Wines in Sebastopol. (Littorai Wines)
“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.”
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 cool breath of San Pablo Bay will greet you at Ram’s Gate Winery in the Carneros appellation, where renowned architect Howard Backen and interior designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy joined to create the winery’s sleek farmhouse aesthetic. (Ram’s Gate Winery)Playing cornhole at Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma. (Jen Philips Photography)
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.”
Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs estate in Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg. (Robert Holmes)
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.
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.
Wine tasting at Littorai Wines in Sebastopol. (Nat Martinez/The Labs & Co.)
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.
