There’s a lot of fun on tap in June in Sonoma County. Click through the gallery above for nine beer events not to miss.
8 Sonoma Beer & Cider Events to Check Out in June
Trading Post: Cloverdale’s Newest Restaurant Gem an Edible Garden Oasis
One of the roughest hands a chef can be dealt when opening a restaurant is a royal flush of high expectations. Set by eager media, expectant foodies, bottom-line bean counters, “first to review” Yelpers and well-meaning bloggers, the bigger the opening, the more intense the expectations—and the bigger the potential disappointment.
So, after an interminable wait for the restaurant to be completed, ownership changes and a determined vision to create a community space rather than one just aimed at tourists, Trading Post Restaurant and Bakery in Cloverdale didn’t so much disappoint as get a bit lost in the shuffle.
And maybe that was a bit of good karma, since Chef/owner Erik Johnson and baker Aaron Arabian are now seriously ready for a closeup on their garden-to-table concept in the emerging culinary destination of Cloverdale. With summer’s bountiful months upon us, there’s no better time to go.
“I always was one to be involved in a project like this,” said Johnson, who was executive chef at J Winery when he was tapped to head the kitchen at Trading Post. “I wanted to start something from the ground up. I wanted something more community-based,” he said. At the time, Johnson was part of a team that included restaurateur Matt Semmelhack of San Francisco, who had been envisioning a 4,000 square foot culinary marketplace at a long-empty Chinese restaurant. A small bakery opened at the space in 2015, and was still without an opening chef in May 2016. Things weren’t looking so great for the future of the Trading Post.
Johnson, however, signed on last July, and the restaurant opened in late summer. By January, however, Semmelhack had left the project. After a brief reorganization, Johnson and his wife, Marissa Alden, reopened the restaurant with a vision that was entirely their own, and entirely Sonoma County.
“My experience is mostly in high end, high volume dining,” said Johnson. “I didn’t want to open a fine dining restaurant by any means, but for the town, we wanted to open something that was up a notch (from a market cafe). It’s a little more upscale, and I thought it was a good fit for the town. Cloverdale has been clamoring for a restaurant like we have, and that was my vision,” he said. “We ended up evolving.”
Ronnie’s Garden, the restaurant’s own little plot of culinary inspiration, along with other nearby farms, serve as the heart of that vision. Restaurant gardener, business partner and chef Ron Ferrato’s Instagram account (@ferratosgarden) features an almost daily rainbow of lettuces, daikon, peas and whatever’s popping at the moment. That translates into the daily “Ronnie’s garden” ($8) plate of the morning’s vegetables, “prepared on a whim.” Don’t miss it.
Our version included pea shoots, radish, chamomile soaked carrots, pickled strawberries and daikon with house made ricotta. A second spring salad of shredded carrots, pea shoots and black sesame was equally of the moment. The dishes embodied the joy of spring in a dish, perfectly balanced, like nearly everything we tried. (Johnson also relies on a number of nearby farms. Eggs and other produce from Ferrato are frequently available in the bakery.)
That includes the Trading Post bread basket ($6) with a daily selection of baker Aaron Arabian’s painstakingly made, always insanely delicious breads with house cultured butters. Not your usual sad basket of dried out baguettes, but Parmesan focaccia, wheat bread, sourdough and a hearty seeded wheat. You’ll want to leave with a loaf or two.
“My vision for the restaurant is just to be a community gathering place, a bit of a destination as well,” says Johnson “We’re serving food that’s locally sourced, from scratch and with integrity.”
“There’s a misconception that we’re a bit unapproachable or fine dining, but that was never the intention. We have a pretty restaurant; I’m not going to lie, but it’s got a really casual vibe. We want to just serve real food,” he said.
Real food that’s worth a 25-minute (or so) drive north to what’s been named one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” now just a little cooler with the addition of Trading Post.
Other can’t-miss dishes (note that as seasons change, so will some of these dishes):
– Mushroom Escabeche ($8): There’s no fish in this dish of pickled and roasted mushrooms. Every bite is a little different: sour punches of vinegar, roasty umami-packed mushrooms, tart orange zest, crunchy rye bread crumbs. Like so many of Johnson’s dishes that require some complexity of preparation, the resulting flavors are simple and balanced, revealing the essence of the ingredients—not the technique.
– Duck Fat Potato Tots ($9) : Shredded potatoes mixed with duck fat into a confit then cut, refried. Not simple, but the flavor is the lightest bite of crispy potato with a true aioli (not mayo mixed with garlic, puleease) that will leave you weeping with sadness the next time you actually have tater tots.
– Brisket Tartine ($19): A little wintry for warmer days, but this slow-cooked beef is marinated in smoked onions and topped with apple and horseradish creme fraiche. Enough for two, easily.
– Half Roast Chicken ($24): When’s the last time you cut into a piece of chicken and the juice nearly leapt off the table? Never, right? Johnson’s “ode to mom” is a roasted piece of garlic confit brined A4 Farm chicken simply served in a roasted cast iron skillet. Homey and simple and real.
– Dessert: Aaron makes something special each day. We tried an opera cake with chocolate ganache and butter cream, along with a delicate panna cotta, topped with strawberry gelee.
Also on the menu: Post Burger ($17) with house-ground local beef, pickled anchovies and Bernier Farms asparagus ($13); Flat Iron Steak ($27) with fingerling potatoes, brown butter. Lunch offerings Wednesday through Saturday include sandwiches (fried chicken on a waffle with cole slaw, banh mi or egg salad on a french baguette); savory tarts and soup.
A three-course midweek market menu is available for $30 per person on Wednesdays. A small take-out counter with breads, cookies and tarts is available for takeout.
Trading Post is at 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6483, thepostcloverdale. Open for dinner Wed-Sunday from 5-9p.m.. Bakery is open Wednesday through Saturday from11:30a.m. to 6p.m. and Sunday from 1-6p.m.
4 Gorgeous Mother of Bride & Mother of Groom Dresses for Sonoma Weddings
Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom (MOB/MOG) attire is no small detail in wedding planning. Whether mom has been gracefully biting her tongue at napkin color disputes or if she’s unleashed a little of her Momzilla over the guest list, she deserves a sparkling spot in the constellation of gorgeousness on her child’s big day. Several Sonoma based shops have MOB and MOG couture that goes beyond the traditional jacket and sheath. These often require advance order time, so start early. Click through the gallery above for all the details.
5 Fab Finds for Sonoma Grads and Dads
Dads and grads work hard. Spoil them with some of these Sonoma County-based finds. From electronics and leather goods, to a way of keeping things cool, these gifts go beyond the necktie or cash in a card. Click through the gallery above for all the details.
Wine, Dine and Shop Shoes for a Good Cause in Geyserville
Pair your shoeaholism with your love of wine this June 24 at Clos du Bois Winery in Geyserville for the annual Wine, Women & Shoes event. Browse the gallery above for highlights from previous events, and get all the details below.
The Wine, Women, Shoes event benefits Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, a non-profit focused on assisting northern Sonoma County residents, so not only will you have the chance to add a few more pairs to your closet; your shoe shopping dollars will go the distance for locals in need of healthcare access, mental health care, and early childhood development care.
Healthcare Foundation’s CEO, Debbie Mason, said the goal for this one-day fundraiser is $850,000 (according to a May 24 report by Sonoma West Times).
Presented by E&J Gallo, Wine, Women & Shoes will feature the wines of local vintners and food from local chefs. The latest shoe fashions will be presented on silver platters by a volunteer force of “shoe guys” followed by a fashion show and live auction. There will also be a marketplace selling jewelry and shoes from local vendors.
Founded by Napa-based winery partner Elaine Honig over a decade ago, the Wine, Women & Shoes label has inspired fundraisers all over the U.S. and Canada. Honig, when previously working on the board of a local non-profit, saw a unique opportunity to fundraise by combining women’s love of pairing wine and food with their love of shoes.
When wine and sumptuous bites aren’t enough, why not throw in a little Nubuck?
Additional sponsors of the event include: Big John’s Market, Summit State Bank, Global Sports Foundation, Pack n’ Ship Direct, Lisa Meisner Travel, TricorBraun WinePak, CannaCraft, Sonic and VANTREO Insurance. Sponsorships are still being accepted.
Tickets are $250 each or $2,500 for a table of ten. To purchase, please visit: bit.ly/2017WWS.
To sponsor the event, please contact Debbie Mason at dmason@healthcarefoundation.net or call 707-473-0583.
Chef-A-Palooza! Insane Eats at North Coast Wine and Food Festival
90 gold medal wines. 20 of Wine Country’s best chefs. And you’re invited.
The North Coast Wine and Food Festival happens next Saturday, June 10 from 1-4p.m. at SOMO Village in Rohnert Park.
What we’re especially excited about, besides tasting all that great wine, are the top-notch chefs from some of Sonoma County’s absolute best restaurants (and a few from further away) serving up tasty seasonal bites from buttermilk fried chicken and abalone tostadas to Hawaiian ahi poke and summer melon gazpacho. You can also check out live music, a grilled pizza demo by Chef John Ash and fascinating speakers hosted by culinary consultant Clark Wolf.
Tickets are $50 to $135 per person. Details online at northcoastwineandfood.com.
Here’s a preview to the chefs, and what they’ll be serving. Get ready to drool…
Backyard Kitchen: Candy cap mushroom kettle corn and buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches on brioche. Chef Daniel Kedan is a Biteclub fave, and always worth checking out for his hyper-local West County cuisine.
Boon Eat + Drink: Chili Braised Pork Shoulder Slider on Brioche with Napa Cabbage Slaw and summer melon gazpacho with creme fraiche and piment d’ville. Crista Luedtke is a Guerneville restaurant institution focused on comforting seasonal classics.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Duck Ginger Custard Brulée with Grass-fed California Beef Tartare, Wasabi Root Aioli. No fish? Chef Matt Beaudin looks for sustainable solutions outside the ocean at this event.
Dry Creek Kitchen: Liberty Duck Ham Ravioli, Palmer Estate Heirloom Tomatoes, Pecorino & Petit Basil, Lemon Tartlets, Berry Compote, Bruleed Meringue. Chef Scottie Romano is bringing a whole new point of view to Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg (the two chefs are old friends), while pastry chef Lisa Kaufman takes on the sweets.
El Dorado Kitchen: Coconut Tapioca (gluten & dairy free), Fruit Salsa, Salmon Rillette Tacos, Crostini, Crème Fraîche. It may sound crazy, but Chef Armando Garcia’s simple tapioca with coconut milk was a favorite from last year — refreshing and light.
Frozen Art Ice Cream: Merlot Chocolate Chip, Honey Lavender, Salted Caramel, and Spicy Mexican Chocolate ice cream. Jorge Alcazar has elevated ice cream to, well, an art in Santa Rosa. A family history of great ice cream brought from the Michoacan — Mexico’s most famous ice cream-making region.
Glen Ellen Star/Stellar Catering: Abalone tostada. Chef Ari Weiswasser has a flair for local food, making his small Glen Ellen eatery one of the most popular in the Sonoma Valley.
Handline: California Halibut Ceviche with Cucumber, Lime, Jalapeño, Cilantro and Mint on a Tostada. Do not miss Chef Natalie Goble’s insanely fresh ceviche and homemade corn tostadas. Her new Sebastopol restaurant, with partner Lowell Sheldon, is making big waves.
Hog Island Oysters: Hog Island Oysters Dripping fresh from Tomales Bay, Hog Wash mignonette, citrus, hot sauces. You know the drill here. Slurp, repeat.
Peter Lowell’s: Vegetarian Dumplings with Green Garlic Créme Fraîche. Chef Joe Zobel is a whiz, and this vegetarian dish doesn’t make you miss what’s missing.
Ramen Gaijin: Rabata Grill: Tori Tsukune with Miso Cured Egg Yolk and Tare ( chicken and pork fat meatballs). Another BiteClub favorite, Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman have elevated ramen and Japanese bar cuisine to new heights.
SHED: Apricots with Burrata, Olive Oil, Thai Basil, Honey Vinegar. A simple dish, but Chef Perry Hoffman is one of Wine Country’s most talented (and humble) culinarians.
Silverado Resort and Spa: Smoked Beef with Pickled Beets and Pea Shoots. Chef Jeff Jake brings a little of Napa to Sonoma.
The County Bench: Grilled Bavette with Horseradish Cream Pickled Red Onions on a Brioche Bun. Chef Ben Davies is doing wonders at this downtown Santa Rosa restaurant. Come see what the buzz is about.
The Girl and the Fig: Cauliflower Sformato, Crispy chicken skin. Chef John Toulze understands Wine Country cuisine better than almost anyone, and after 20 years, Sonoma’s Girl and the Fig has become legendary for its spot-on dishes.
The Pullman Kitchen: Za’atar Eggplant Fries with Yogurt Dipping Sauce. Chef Darren McRonald is an under-the-radar favorite in Santa Rosa, and never, ever disappoints with his ability to make even the simplest dishes elevated.
The Spinster Sisters: Kimchi and Bacon Deviled Eggs, Thai spiced watermelon soup with crab. Chef Liza Hinman’s SOFA restaurant is one of our favorite spots for flavorful mashups where East, West and everywhere in between collide beautifully.
Valette: Hawaiian Ahi Poke, Soy Kombu Emulsion, Wakame Salad, Sesame Snow. Chef Dustin Valette makes fancy food approachable. This dish adapted from his Healdsburg menu will be our first, last and in-between stop at the event.
Worth Our Weight: Simply Sweets. Chef Evelyn Cheatham runs a culinary training program for teens that teaches more than just kitchen skills. With thousands of graduates, Cheatham is one of Sonoma County’s true treasures.
Zazu Kitchen and Farm: In VIP room: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Rodeo Jax (bacon caramel popcorn), and Pork Belly Bun with Pickled Cherries. You’ll have to upgrade to check out Chef Duskie Estes’ delights, but as the Queen of Pork, you always know she’s bringing piggy goodness.
This event is presented by the Press Democrat.
City Garden Doughnuts in Santa Rosa is Brioche-a-licious
City Garden Doughnuts have quickly become the unofficial-official doughnut of Santa Rosa.
Why? Because these aren’t workaday donuts or wacky cereal-coated marshmallow-dipped curiosities that are more fun to look at than eat. Instead, City Garden takes a more subtle approach using intensely-flavored glazes made with fresh fruit (the lemon glaze is perfectly pucker-worthy) and chocolate atop pillowy brioche.
Let’s take a tiny time-out to appreciate the brioche process. Unlike traditional donuts often made from a mix, City Garden uses a scratch baking technique with plenty of fresh local butter, milk and flour, and up to a day of proofing process for richer, but less greasy, crave-worthy result. Just like a donut ought to be.
Over a couple of lattes and two trays of donuts, owner Alan McCandless said he planned to either open a donut shop or a hamburger place. Or maybe a pizzeria. Donuts won, and over the last six months he created City Garden Doughnuts — named for the 1860’s-era Santa Rosa public garden that once stood nearby.
It’s not that Alan isn’t decisive about what he wanted, it’s just that he loves food a whole lot, and sees edible inspiration everywhere. The South Jersey native recently created the Santa Barbara donut after a trip south and a stop at the famous Rori’s Creamery, where he tried their black pepper pistachio. Enamored, he translated the ice cream into a donut, adding fresh lemon glaze. And voila, an amazing donut. McCandless, who is a bit camera shy, has partnered with wife Terri McCandless and business partner Jeff Bertoli.
Other favorites: A maple bacon combo (made with Hobbs bacon) that’s a taste of Sunday morning any day of the week; orange-glazed with fresh orange juice and zest; strawberry glazed and Guittard chocolate with sea salt.
But wait, there’s a whole lot more. The “Hobbs” scone is (and we don’t say this lightly) the best scone we’ve ever had. Unlike the dusty hockey pucks we’ve had too many places, this version falls apart like a stood up prom date, but with a whole lot of bacon, Vella cheddar and green onion inside. Flavor-full!
Coffee is from Ukiah’s Black Oak Roasters, and City Garden barista, Richard, made us several of their signature lattes—“Borgia” with infused orange zest and the “Lover’s Lane”, made with honey and garnished with bee pollen from hives tended by the owner of Black Oak. Richard’s own creation is the ‘Potle, made with smoked chipotle and Dutch chocolate that’s a less cloying version take on a Mexican hot chocolate.
City Garden Doughnuts is at 1200 4th St, Santa Rosa, 595-1932, facebook.com/CityGardenDoughnuts.
22 Refreshing Sonoma Rosés to Sip All Summer
Warm weather is finally here and that means one very important thing for wine drinkers around the world: Rosé season has started.
The selection of Rosé is larger than ever – every winery seems to be producing a Rosé! So what Rosé should you be sipping on this summer? We did the hard work for you – tasting over 60 Rosé wines from Sonoma County to discover the best of the best.
Here are the most delicious Rosés to fill your cooler with whether sipping poolside, riverside, patioside, picnicside (you get the picture!)…this summer!
SUMMER SPARKLERS
Adobe Road Winery Sparkling Rosé
Adobe Road has released the most unique Rosés of the season, in partnership with Lagunitas Brewing Company: a sparkling Rosé. Super-limited at a mere 60 cases, this primarily Zinfandel-based wine has the rich head of a beer and the sweet flavor of watermelon and maraschino cherry. A must try for those who like to balance their wine tasting with their beer sipping.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards 2013 Brut Rosé
This predominantly Pinot Noir blend tops best sparkling Rosé lists annually. This sparkler is a great aperitif, with a citrus and cranberry nose and a creamy, tart, acidic taste (thanks to a touch of Chardonnay) that is filled with raspberry and a touch of bing cherry. One word sums it up: refreshing!
Iron Horse Vineyards Green Valley 2013 Spring Rosé
From the first to the final sip, Iron Horse’s estate Rosé stands up to the best of French Rosé Champagne. It’s rich with brioche, cherries, granny smith apples and tart raspberry. Oh, and lots and lots of bubbles. A classy warm weather sparkler that will impress even the snobbiest of wine drinkers.
ROSÉ FOR NEWBIES
La Crema 2016 Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé
“Starter Rosé” “Cougar Juice” and “Mom will love this” were some of the many notes that surrounded La Crema’s Rosé – and those aren’t bad things. This wine is a safe bet for group gatherings – and the price point (under $20 at the grocery store) can’t be beat. It’s filled with fruit: strawberry, watermelon, mulberry – all the good stuff you want out of a summer sipper.
Banshee Wines 2016 Rosé
A great introductory wine to convert a Rosé naysayer into a Rosé yaysayer, Banshee’s Rosé comprises something for everyone: Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Barbera. Honeysuckle and lemongrass, grapefruit and tart watermelon, this Rosé even has touches of wet stone that reminded us of premium New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Even better, it’s a mere 13% ABV, making it a true “patio pounder.”
SMALL LOT STUNNERS
Kanzler Family Vineyards 2016 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
This marks the second vintage of Kanzler’s Rosé, which the winery adorably describes as having a “refreshing, snappy quaff.” We couldn’t agree more – it smells and tastes of fresh picked strawberry fruit, Key lime, and honeydew. It’s based on Pinot from their estate vineyard and only 167 cases exist.
Kobler Estate Winery 2016 Russian River Rosé of Syrah
The Kobler family produces three tasty small lot Rosés, all with their own unique personalities, our favorite being the Syrah. Foodies will flock to this food-friendly Rosé. It has a unique flavor of cranberry and jelly beans, making it a perfect wine to pair with acidic foods like a watermelon, tomato and feta salad.
Passaggio Wines 2016 Tempranillo Rosé
A real standout, Passaggio’s Tempranillo uses fruit from Clarksburg to create a refreshing, smooth Rosé that we declared a “wine geek’s Rosé.” It’s delicately balanced with hints of lime and red berries, fun acid (as one would expect from winemaker Cynthia Cosco) and a smooth mouthfeel. A must try for any wine enthusiast.
RHÔNE RANGER ROSÉS
the girl & the fig 2016 Santa Barbara County Rosé
Rhône fanatics have another reason to flock to the girl & the fig: they make their own Rhône varietal wine. Their 2016 Rosé is their best yet, at 72% Grenache & 24% Syrah, accented with a touch of Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvedre. The nose has a hint of candy and Marjoram and the mouth is lush with Alpine strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of kumquat. Get it exclusively at the girl & the fig.
Pangloss Cellars 2016 Rosé
Pangloss is named after Dr. Pangloss, a character from Voltaire’s Candide, and whether you are reading the classic French satire or the latest bestseller, this wine pairs perfectly with a great book. It’s a pleasant blend of Grenache and Cinsault, the latter that gives this strawberry, verbena and Meyer Lemon-centric wine a lovely balance with a touch of cranberry.
Three Sticks Wines Casteñada Sonoma Coast Rosé
Take a cute stubby bottle, a name that rolls of the tongue (Casteñññadaaaa), a shocking pink color, oh, and a wine that tastes like fresh squeezed watermelon and strawberry juice and you’ve got one of the most sought after, cult Rosé wines on the market. Only 92 cases were made of this Rhône blend – you better share it with friends or they’ll never forgive you.
BRING YOUR OWN ROSÉ
Balletto Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir
A perennial favorite, we loved the easy drinkability of Balletto’s Rosé. The classic strawberry notes are complemented by herbaceous green tea, Kefir lime, candied apple and a bit of minerality. At under $20 a bottle, easily findable at the grocery or liquor store across the country, and family owned and operated, it’s an easy pick for the ice bucket when company comes over.
Mathis 2016 Rosé de Grenache
Close your eyes and taste winemaker and vintner Peter Mathis’ Grenache Rosé and you’ll be transported to the south of France. It’s refreshing yet rich, with the scent of spearmint, honeysuckle and white flowers paired with the taste of white raspberry and melon. Stock the spare fridge so you’re always prepared when party time calls.
Red Car 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Red Car’s Rosé of Pinot Noir is the new world’s own Provençal Rosé. It’s consistently tasty each vintage, and 2016 is no exception. Our notes called it a “bouquet of delish” due to its balanced acid and classic Provençal-style attributes: it’s dry, crisp, and fresh tasting with a touch of strawberry and cherry. An all occasion wine.
OLD VINE TIME
Bedrock 2016 Ode to Lulu Rosé
The majority of the grapes used to produce Bedrock’s Rosé are from 100+ year old vineyards, with the youngest planted during Prohibition. It’s a Rosé that Robert Parker has declared one of the best he ever had. It’s a bright Rosé filled with strawberries, savory herbs, and notes of delicate deep citrus. Drink now or age – yes, age this Rosé – in your cellar for another year or two.
Lioco 2016 Indica Mendocino County Rosé of Carignan
It’s no surprise this wine is named Indica, which is a strain of cannabis that is known for its relaxation properties: this wine is from old vine Carignan vineyards just outside of Ukiah in Mendocino County (where cannabis almost rules over wine). And relaxing it is – inhale beautiful notes of dill and white flowers, followed by a taste of ripe watermelon and fresh herbs.
CAMPING TIME WINE
Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 2016 California Rosé
KJ scored big with their new Rosé. It’s low in alcohol (13% ABV) and the screw cap makes it a great pick for summertime sipping in the sun. It’s got the right amount of sweet without being too sweet, tastes like the things we love about Rosé (strawberry & watermelon), and looks good in a glass. What more do you need? Buy it by the case for your camping trip.
Kunde Family Winery 2016 Summer’s Blush Rosé
Pop this Rosé into your floating cooler because it pairs great with tubin’ down the river. A deep, dark pink, it’s primarily Zinfandel with a touch of Grenache, Syrah and Viognier. It’s dry, with a nose of plumeria, tuberose and cream. It has a nice, acidic mouthfeel lush with stone fruit and exotic pomegranate. Screwcap included.
SANGIACOMO SIPPERS
2016 Apriori Rosé Sangiacomo Vineyard – Sonoma Coast
A new kid on the block, Apriori is a boutique winery producing small lot wines from Napa and Sonoma Counties. Their Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir from the famed Sangiacomo Vineyards in Southern Sonoma County. Kefir lime and fresh orange give it a vibrant nose while a classic palate of sweet strawberry fills the mouth. Serve ice cold, poolside.
Victor Hill 2016 Sangiacomo Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir
Winemaker and co-owner Vic McWilliams has been working with Sangiacomo Pinot for decades – he knows what he’s doing, that is for sure. With a deep palate of cranberry and raspberry, this Rosé of Pinot Noir will convert a big bold red wine fanatic (i.e. Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers) who scoff at Rosé as a “girl wine.” Don’t drink it all this summer – store a few bottles away to sip next to the firepit on a cool fall evening.
PINK PINOTS
Bruliam 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Specializing in Pinot Noir, Bruliam makes super small lot, single designates from some of the best vineyards around. Their Rosé is a blend of Pinot from those vineyards and is super food-friendly. Whether nibbling on fried chicken or flipping burgers on the grill, its floral nose, matched with an elegant, grassy, citrus and strawberry palate, will satisfy.
Etude 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Our most southern grown Rosé, Etude is known for their Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard, Grace Benoist Ranch. A beautiful shade of salmon pink, this wine has a rich nose of sweet roadside cherries, cranberry and navel orange. All that fruit flows into the taste, with a touch of watermelon and nice acid.
Before the 4th of July Parade Passes By, Get Your Outdoor Gear Right Here
It’s time to wish the U.S. of A. a happy birthday, and that means some time outside with crowds of revelers. Make sure you’re fully equipped to enjoy the show and the elements with these Sonoma based finds for the outdoor event adventurer.
Shell Yeah! Hog Island Oysters Expanding
Soon, you won’t have to be shellfish about getting a waterfront seat for your Hog Island oysters.
On Tuesday, the 160-acre Tomales Bay oyster farm announced the acquisition of nearby Tony’s Seafood Restaurant in Marshall. The iconic waterfront restaurant owned by three generations of the Konatich family closed in January when brothers Anton and John retired.
The merger will allow the popular Hog Island Oyster Co. to greatly expand its footprint on the coast—something fans have long been clamoring for.
“Acquiring Tony’s Seafood is an exciting opportunity to serve our growing demand of oyster lovers and to expand Hog Island’s menu options in Marshall,” said John Finger, who co-owns Hog Island Oyster Co. with Terry Sawyer. The company has gone from a $500 investment in the early 1980s by the Finger family to a multi-million dollar company.
Fans of the the Marshall oyster farm were shell-shocked when Hog Island’s Boat Oyster Bar cafe was forced to require reservations and and limit patrons to 90 minute seatings to alleviate long lines and extensive waits. The closures of Drake’s Bay Oyster Company and Tomales Bay Oyster Company’s picnicking area have created ever-increasing demands by oyster connoisseurs visiting the north coast.
After a brief revamp, the restaurant is slated to reopen sometime this summer with the historic Tony’s name and menu classics like seafood Louie salad, linguine with fresh shellfish, fish and chips and hamburgers remaining on the menu.
Hog Island will put their own touches on the menu as well, expanding the oyster bar and adding fresh local catches that have become hallmark of the nearly 35-year-old company. Hog Island Oyster Co. also operates oyster bar/restaurants in San Francisco’s Ferry Building and Napa’s Oxbow Market in addition to their Marshall farm.
“Tony’s has been a long-standing institution in Marshall,” said Finger. “We are honored to carry forward their family legacy with our own Hog Island touches.”