The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. If you’re flying off to warmer climates to celebrate spring, check out these season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
NOT YOUR ORDINARY SANDAL
Pull off your winter shoes, put on a pair of OluKai Mea Olasandals and head to a sunny, warm destination. With original artwork inspired by the octopus, canoe lash stitching, high-quality materials and comfortable arch support, these sandals are a far cry from your ordinary pair of flip-flops.
$120, Kane Menswear, 31 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-3453, kanewear.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
PACK UP IN STYLE
Whether you’re catching the next plane to Palm Springs for the weekend or taking a long-haul flight to Bali, you’ll travel in style with this lightweight suitcase with four multidirectional wheels from Lipault of Paris. It will hold everything you need for fun in the sun, and it’s a breeze to roll either behind or beside you.
BEACH READING
Find a comfortable place on the beach or by the pool and dive into “Nine Island,” an autobiographical novel by Jane Alison. This quick and personal read set in Miami Beach has a unique writing style and tone. The novel is by turns both funny and sad, and it’s always enthralling.
BEAUTY ON THE BEACH
Stand out in the spring break beach crowds in this unique, hand-embroidered bikini by Agua Bendita of Colombia. Intricate details, textures and brilliant colors make this artisancrafted two-piece the one you’ll want to wear in the sun all season long.
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
$195, Sunkissed by Sunsations, 205 5th St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-1458, visit on Facebook.
The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. If you’re getting busy digging in your garden, check out these season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
FOR THE BIRDS
Many of us are lucky enough to have orioles visit us in early spring. Welcome these bright yellow birds with a feeder made just for them. This diamond shaped feeder comes with orange-slice decorations, the oriole’s favorite sweet treat. It includes perches with built-in bee guards and feeding ports, and it’s a cinch to clean and refill with nectar.
$22, Prickett’s Nursery, 5875 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-3030, prickettsnursery.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
HEIRLOOMS TO GROW
It’s early spring and time to plant vegetables like beets, lettuce, spinach and carrots. Try heirloom seeds this season, choosing rare varieties like Beet Chioggia, dating back to 1840s Italy, and Strawberry Spinach, which is traced to the 1600s in Europe. Use ceramic stakes made by Petaluma artist Lou Sparks to keep track of your seedlings.
ROCK YOUR PLANTS
Your plants will feel right at home in this sturdy pot made with Indonesian river rock that’s been hollowed out. Each pot is unique in size, shape and natural color. Usable indoors or out, it’s ideal for plants with heavy foliage.
$29 for the small size, Artefact Design & Salvage, Cornerstone Sonoma, 23562 Highway 121, Sonoma, 707-933-0660, artefactdesignsalvage.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
JUST LIKE OLD MACDONALD
You may not have a farm in the true sense of the word, but this charming “FARM” sign will make your backyard garden feel like one. Made by artists in Mexico using recycled metal, it will look great on your shed, garden fence or house. It’s meant to be outside in the elements and measures roughly 19 inches tall by 38 inches long.
The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. Breathe fresh air into your home in less time with these four season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
BEAT THE DUST
Forget those fluffy feather dusters and greasy sprays. Dust your surfaces instead with a silky soft goat-hair bristle brush, handmade in Germany. It won’t scratch glass and can access smaller areas with ease. This lightweight duster has a pearwood handle that fits comfortably in your hand. To store, simply hang it from its leather strap.
$36, Healdsburg SHED, 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-7433, healdsburgshed.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
KITCHEN SMARTS
TheStick-em Handy Kitchen Towel by Full Circle with a built-in magnet will have you asking yourself, “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” When not in use, stick it to your oven or fridge for quick access. Machine-washable, made with organic cotton and bamboo, this soft and absorbent cloth is also free of toxic dyes.
$11.25, Sebastopol Kitchen + Table, at The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, sebastopolkitchentable.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
POWERFUL CLEANING, NATURALLY
Feel good about yourcleaning products with Better Living, a line of all-natural cleaners that work. Using plant-derived ingredients and scented with essential oils, their products are nontoxic, eco-friendly and made in the US with solar energy.
Choose from a variety of cleaning solutions to spring-clean the natural way. Ranging from $5.99 to $6.79, Pharmaca, 303 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-938-1147, pharmaca.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
UNCLUTTER YOUR CAR
When checking off that spring-cleaning list, don’t forget your car. Gather your re-usable shopping totes, maps, emergency supplies, pet toys and tools and organize them in thisstorage bin made for your trunk. Designed to hold heavy items like grocery bags, it has two large compartments, three mesh side pockets and stitched-in handles.
$14, Friedman’s Home Improvement, 1360 Broadway Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-8811, friedmanshome.com
Reservations for pool passes at Coppola Winery start March 9. (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Start shopping for that swimsuit because the pools at Coppola Winery opens Saturday, April 1, with reservations for pool passes and cabines starting March 9.
When film director and winery proprietor Frances Ford Coppola opened Coppola Winery he wanted to create a “a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life: food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.”
And he’s done just that. Coppola Winery was the first winery in Northern California to install a swimming pool and a bocce court. The 3,600 square-foot pool has 32 cabines, European-style changing rooms with all the necessary amenities.
Cabine rentals have all the necessities for a perfect pool day (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Cabine reservations (starting at $135) include pool passes and lounge chairs for four guests. They have their own private showers, towels and playing cards. Cabines also have two Coppola signature perks: four bottles of Sofia Mini sparkling wines and a copy of the award-winning Zoetrope: All-Story magazine, published by Coppola himself.
The pool at Coppola Winery offers poolside service, four bocce courts, and board games (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Individual pool passes are also available (starting at $12 for children and $28 for adults) and include access to poolside service, two restaurants, four bocce courts, game tables featuring backgammon, card games and board games, and a children’s lending library. Individual passes are first come first serve, but reservations are available and highly encouraged.
Coppola Winery’s pool operates April 1-May 29 (Fri-Sun), May 30-October 1 (open daily) and October 6-28 (Fri-Sun). Pool hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations can be made by phone at (707) 857-1471 or at francisfordcoppolawinery.com.
From world-famous wineries and rolling golden hills to majestic redwood forests and Pacific Ocean shores, Sonoma County offers a variety of scenic backdrops for engagement photos. Now, as the sun begins to peak through the clouds and winter rains have turned the hills emerald green, the lighting and setting is just right for capturing that special moment and making your big announcement. Here are our favorite engagement photo spots in Sonoma County:
Five acres of gardens make for a perfect place to sneak at kiss at Ferrari-Carano (Photo courtesy of Ferrari-Carano)
Ferrari-Carano Winery – Healdsburg
10,000 tulips and daffodils in bloom, 2000 species of shrubs and trees, waterfalls that flow into fish-filled ponds, highlighted by bronze sculptures from renowned artists — what else could a coupe in love need for their Facebook feed? This, and the Villa Fiori, is all yours to enjoy come spring at Ferrari-Carano. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-6700, ferrari-carano.com
The Ledson Winery in Kenwood.
Ledson Winery – Kenwood
If you’re looking to create a fairytale feel in your engagement photos, Ledson Winery in Kenwood is the location for you. This gothic-style winery castle features cathedral windows, turrets, coffered ceilings and sweeping staircases; the garden, overlooking vineyards and Sonoma hills, has fountains and carefully manicured lawns. 7335 CA-12, Kenwood 95409, 707-537-3810, ledson.com
The Bodega Head in Bodega Bay. (Kent Porter)
Bodega Head – Bodega Bay
Those looking for an alternative to the typical wine country engagement photo should head to Bodega Head, a small promontory on the Sonoma coast. Sandy beaches and a scenic shoreline will add drama to your photo and, since this is a relatively secluded spot, you don’t need to worry about photo bombers ruining the Pacific backdrop. 3799 Westshore Rd. Bodega Bay, 94923, 707-875-3483
Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa.
Matanzas Creek Winery, Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa offers a casual French countryside vibe, with fields of lilac and purple lavender. Pack a picnic basket, pick up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the tasting room, and set up a sweet engagement shot on the property. 6097 Bennett Valley Rd Santa Rosa 95404, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com
Sunlight filters through redwoods on to oak leaves at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Kent Porter)
Armstrong Redwoods, Guerneville
For a rustic, bohemian feel, with a touch of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, make your way into the Guerneville redwoods. Lean against a friendly leafy giant with your beloved one, or pose near a creek waterfall in lush green surroundings. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd Guerneville, 95446, 707-869-2015
Sonoma County is well-known to tourists as a destination for wine sipping and food tasting. Its locals have different, possibly more engaging, ways to pass the time, however. Here is a list of some of the more unusual attributes that make Sonoma County such a vivacious place to live.
Astronomy students Marcos Indalecio, left, and Melanie Queiroz view the stars through a telescope at the Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Park. (John Burgess)
Stargaze at Robert Ferguson Observatory
Located at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Robert Ferguson Observatory is the largest observatory in the Western United States wholly committed to public viewing and astronomical education. The observatory has several telescopes, including a new, 40-inch instrument. It is open to the public once a month, usually on Saturdays. Daytime solar observation is free, while attending the nighttime Star Parties costs $3.00 for anyone over 18. To check the schedule and sign up for classes, visit rfo.org.2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood 95452, 707-833-6979.
View Whimsical Junk Art on Florence Avenue
Take a drive or go for a stroll down Florence Avenue in Sebastopol, the coolest street in Sonoma County. Mounted in front-yard gardens behind picket fences, colorful sculptures salute the passersby. These funky and whimsical art pieces are made by sculptor Patrick Amiot out of old pieces of tires, headlights, bicycles, and anything else that can be dug out of the dumpster. Some of his street sculptures include a dog with a mailbox nose, a surfer girl with speedometer eyes, and a milkman with a trash can torso. Florence Avenue, Sebastopol. Patrick Amiot Studio, 2371, Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol 95472, 707-824-9388, patrickamiot.com
Patrick Amiot’s distinctive sculptures decorate Florence Avenue in Sebastopol. (Rebecca Chotkowski)
See a Play by The Imaginists Theater Company
The Imaginists is an experimental theater company that creates and performs original works. The subject material is centered around the themes of art, activism, and community, and the company actors are people of different ages and backgrounds. The Imaginists travel to various locations within Sonoma County to perform. In the summer, the actors bicycle from park to park for their tour “The Art is Medicine” or “El Arte es Medicina.” This annual summer tour is free to the public and performed in both English and Spanish. For more information about current and upcoming performances, call 707-528-7554, or visit theimaginists.org.
The Imaginists Theater Company performs The Butterfly’s Evil Spell/ El Malefic de la Mariposa, a play by Federico Garcia Lorca at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Santa Rosa. (Crista Jeremiason)
Visit Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is Santa Rosa’s most special city park. It is a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. The park is named after legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank, and contains his old home, gardens and greenhouse. Burbank is also buried on the property. Ramble through the array of plant creations that Luther Burbank introduced, such as the Shasta daisy and the spineless cactus. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is located at 204 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa. Admission is free to the public. Call (707) 524-5445 to attend a tour. 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa 95404, lutherburbank.org
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)
Dance the Night Away at Ellington Hall
Ellington Hall is a ballroom dancing hall in Santa Rosa. It offers classes in styles such as tango, salsa, and East Coast Swing. On Friday nights it opens its doors to the public for a $15 swing-dancing party. Dance the night away with the ballroom and swing dancers in the area from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. Attend the $15 beginner swing lesson beforehand from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, and the dance party is free. Bring a partner or come solo; everyone is welcome. Come on your birthday, and you get to dance in the birthday circle. For more information on dance classes, visit ellingtonhall.com. 3535 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa 95403, 707-545-6150.
Ellington Hall in Santa Rosa. (Charlie Gesell)
See Sonoma from Above with Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning
Sonoma County climate is ideal for ballooning. Take a scenic ride above the vineyards and rolling hills, or along the rugged coastline. The Up and Away hot air balloons are colorful state-of-the-art creations, ranging from 150,000 to 315,000 cubic feet. Balloon occupation is limited to one pilot and up to sixteen additional guests. Visit up-away.com to book a balloon ride. 2200 Airport Blvd, Santa Rosa 95403, 707-836-0171.
Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning. (Courtesy photo)
Go Foraging for Local Produce at Santa Rosa Farmers Market
Held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, the Santa Rosa Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in Sonoma County. It is also California Certified, meaning that all products sold are produced solely in California and that the sellers of the products are directly related to their production. Meander past the vendors, and nibble some cheese from Two Rock Goat Cheese, suck on a honey stick from Hector’s Honey, and sample some fresh fruit from The Peach Farm. Markets are held from 8:30am to 1:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa.
Mandarin oranges at the Santa Rosa Farmers Market. (Kent Porter)
Hit the Rink at Cal Skate
Tighten your laces, and go roller skating at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. Take a class, host a party, or free skate at the rink. Bring your kids for Kid Skate, or hire a babysitter and attend Adult Night. Cal Skate is also home to the roller derby league Resurrection Roller Girls. Admission is under $10, and skate rental is $4. 6100 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park 94928, 707-585-0500. For a schedule, visit calskate.com.
Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. (Jeremy Portje)
Travel Back in Time at Hot Couture
Step into this Santa Rosa shop, and feel transported to a hundred different places in time. Located in the Historic Railroad Square, Hot Couture is one of the most impressive locally owned and operated vintage clothing store in all of Sonoma County — and beyond. Its vibrant and eye-catching collection contains clothing from the 1890’s to the 1970’s, all carefully curated and in excellent condition. Browse the store and be dazzled by the overwhelming displays of beaded dresses, fur coats, elegant hand bags, and jeweled gloves. Hot Couture also runs a clothing rental service, and is always able to provide a costume for any of the most fantastical parties or events. 101 Third Street, Santa Rosa, 101 W 3rd St, Santa Rosa 95401, 707-528-7247, hotcouturevintage.com
Marta Koehne, center, owner of Hot Couture in Santa Rosa, dressed Katherine Pitts, left, and Kyle Adamiec, right, in outfits for Wunderkammer Tuesday. (Crista Jeremiason)
The Randy Sidecar, a new craft cocktail offered at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant, uses organic apple brandy (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Brandy Oh Fashion is one of many apple brandy cocktails being served at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant in Healdsburg (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Sonoma County isn’t just known for its fabulous grapes – but also for its fabulous cider, and Sonoma Cider is one of the nation’s premier cideries. In fact, Sonoma Cider, located in Healdsburg, produces the only organic and gluten free ciders in the country – and now they also produce brandy.
A new twist on a Moscow Mule, the Brandy Mule uses Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy as a core ingredient (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Available at the newly opened Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant in Healdsburg, this organic apple brandy is crafted by David and Robert Cordtz, the father and son duo behind Sonoma Cider’s award-winning ciders.
Inspired by Calvados, the famed apple brandy of France, Sonoma Cider’s brandy is smooth, with notes of cinnamon, baked apples, and a touch of honey and vanilla on the finish.
The apple brandy’s warm flavors make it a perfect mixer for craft cocktails, which are being offered at the Taproom & Restaurant, alongside Sonoma Cider’s 23 craft ciders on tap.
The Randy Sidecar, a new craft cocktail offered at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant, uses organic apple brandy (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Cocktail offerings include new twists on old classics, such as the Randy Sidecar, which comprises Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy, fresh orange juice & lemon juice, and simple syrup with a lemon twist, and the Brandy Mule, which stars their apple brandy partnered with fresh lime juice and house-made sarsaparilla bitters, topped with ginger beer and garnished with a lime wheel.
Their cocktails are primed to pair perfectly with the New American cuisine served at the Taproom. Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant is open Wed-Sun, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 44 F Mill St., Healdsburg, (707) 723-7018. sonomacider.com.
Tired of staying in traditional hotels and vacation rentals on your Wine Country visits? To make your next weekend trip special, rent a unique space that lets you feel like you live here, often for less money than a hotel room. Sonoma County offers a vibrant AirBnB scene with options like tiny houses tucked into backyards, Wine Country villas, country cottages, moderns design homes – even treehouses.
Here are 10 of the most popular local AirBnB listings, all top rated by guests.
The Loft Under the Oaks – Windsor.
The Loft Under the Oaks – Windsor
This 600 square foot Windsor rental is located in the Russian River Valley, close to some of the best wineries Sonoma County has to offer. Guests can enjoy 50% off wine shippings while staying at the loft and a private deck, overlooking vineyards, to sip the wines on.
Weekdays $89 per night, weekends $119 per night. More info here.
Poolside view at Vineyard Estate – Healdsburg.
Vineyard Estate – Healdsburg
This private guest house is located at a gated vineyard estate in Healdsburg. A stay includes a private VIP tasting at Mazzocco and their sister winery Wilso, and views of vineyards and Mount St. Helena. The pool (pictured above) is open April through October, and the Healdsburg farmers market is an eight minute drive away. Weekdays $159 per night, weekends $185 per night. More info here.
View from the hot tub at La Bella Cabina in Jenner.
La Bella Cabina – Jenner
This restored 1930s cottage is located in the seaside town of Jenner. There is direct access to the Russian River, with a kayak and canoe available for guests. Adventure-loving visitors will enjoy a day at Goat Rock State Beach, after paddling their way down the river. Evenings can be spent by the fire, or in the hot tub overlooking the river. $275 per night. More info here.
Casita Vista – Sonoma
This 1000 square foot Italian-style cottage is located ten minutes away from the Sonoma Plaza, in Lovall Valley. The house is surrounded by 16 acres of “pristine terrain” – like vineyards, rolling hills and gnarly oak trees – and there’s a pool. $300 per night. More info here.
Cabin at Peek of Mt Veeder in Glen Ellen.
Cabin at Peak of Mt Veeder – Glen Ellen
This two bed cabin, located on over 50 acres of mountain range, features a wrap-around deck and double sliding glass doors. Fruit trees line the back deck and, in summer, guests are welcome to take home pears, nectarines, plums and apples they pick. With nearly no neighbors, there is plenty of space and quiet time for relaxing here. $105 per night. More info here.
Tree House Swallowtail Magic Grove – Petaluma
This Petaluma house takes Wine Country living to new heights or, more exactly, 30 feet up a eucalyptus groove. A spiral staircase wraps around the tree trunk and leads to a deck, which overlooks the surrounding countryside. Prices start at $195 per night. More info here.
Architect cabin in the Redwoods – Cazadero
This newly remodeled cabin offers an open loft space in the middle of Sonoma County Redwood trees. This is a good place to escape the summer heat, or cozy up by the wood stove during winter. Ocean views on the Sonoma Coast and forest hikes in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve are nearby. $140 per night. More info here.
Cozy Russian River Vineyard Cottage – Guerneville
This one bedroom Guerneville cottage is located three miles from Korbel Winery and overlooks a vineyard. Bring back a bottle of bubbly, and an inner tube, and have yourself a romantic Russian River getaway for two. $145 per night. More info here.
Sun Drenched Neighborhood Flat – Sebastopol
This apartment, located just minutes from the heart of downtown Sebastopol, is located above a garage, but don’t let that fool you. The rustic and outdoorsy property sits in middle of an open driveway and a well taken care of patio. The best part, according to the owner, is the neighborhood: “I’ve never seen so many friendly people in such a lovely spot.” $120 per night. More info here.
Scenic Neighborhood Garden Cottage – Santa Rosa
This modern, one bedroom apartment, is a good rental for beer lovers – with Russian River Brewing Co. a mere mile away. Brunch at the Naked Pig or Spinster Sisters and check out the SOFA art district. The cottage comes with a sunny patio, and downtown Santa Rosa is just a stroll away. Weekdays $105 per night, weekends $125 per night. More info here.
Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of AvroKO)
Healdsburg’s Single Thread Restaurant is among the James Beard Award Restaurant, Chef and Media Finalists announced today.
Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.
The fledgling 52-seat dining room was tapped as having one of the best restaurant designs for 2017, led by NYC design firm AvroKO, which was also involved in designing Napa’s now-shuttered Ninebark/Fagiani’s. The nomination for Single Thread was for restaurants under 75 seats. AvroKO was also nominated for the design of Momotaro in Chicago.
Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.
Single Thread opened in early December, featuring beautifully assembled, intensively seasonal farm-to-table dishes from Chef Kyle Connaughton. The restaurant was hailed as one of the most important openings of 2016, and the nearly $300 per person price tag has stoked the curiosity of foodies nationwide.
Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.Inside Single Thread Restaurant in Healdsburg. Courtesy of AvroKO.
AvroKO explained the design:
The AvroKO team found its inspiration for the design of Single Thread in husband and wife team and owners, Kyle and Katina Connaughton. In understanding that a restaurant is not only a place to eat, but also a functioning studio for its craftsmen, AvroKO created a dining experience that is akin to spending an evening with Kyle and Katina in their personal workshop, where diners are given the opportunity to both observe the artistic process and enjoy its end product. Elements of the ‘studio’ are found throughout the dining room: silverware is stored in one of seven hand-numbered drawers that label which course it is used for; ceramic vessels found in various storage units appear to be decorative until the Chef fetches them for a specific course during the night; a glass terrarium serves as both a beautiful visual and a workspace for Katina to build nightly flower displays. Odes to the couple’s love for farming, gardening, and molecular gastronomy can also be found throughout the space. Woven patterns within the dining room screens reference DNA sequencing of common kitchen herbs like basil and shallots, while a rooftop fountain has a series of stepped recesses and grooves based on golden sections and naturally occurring scientific proportions which catch water and alter the flow.
Also named as James Beard Award finalists for 2017 in the Bay Area:
– Outstanding Chef: Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadwood, St. Helena; David Kinch, Manresa, Los Gatos
– Best New Restaurant: In Situ, Tartine Manufactory, both in SF
– Outstanding Baker: Belinda Leong and Michel Suas, B. Patisserie, SF
– Outstanding Bar Program: Bar Agricole, SF
– Outstanding Restaurant: Quince, SF
– Outstanding Service: Terra, St. Helena
– Outstanding Wine Program: Benu, SF
– Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional: Miljenko Grgich, Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford
– Best Chef, West: Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn, SF; Corey Lee, Benu, SF
Sláinte! Stout Brothers in Santa Rosa celebrates St. Patrick’s Day (Photo courtesy of Stout Brothers)
Sláinte! Stout Brother’s Irish Pub in Santa Rosa celebrates St. Patrick’s Day (Photo courtesy of Stout Brothers)
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, this Friday, March 17 – and Sonoma County is no exception. This may be Wine Country, but the green beer will be flowing. From the north to the south, here is where to party like a local – or the Irish – this St. Patrick’s Day.
Start the day with a green parade
Healdsburg is known far and wide for its famous St. Patrick’s parade. The festivities begin at 6 a.m. at the B&B Lounge, 1239 Healdsburg Ave., followed by a parade around the Plaza at 7 a.m. Over 600 on-lookers will watch green-dressed participants and their pets march around the Plaza, followed by a feast of corned beef and cabbage at the B&B at 1 p.m.
Participants in the St. Patrick’s Day parade walk down Healdsburg Ave. in Healdsburg. (Beth Schlanker)
Drink, eat, and be merry for local schools
Located just off the Healdsburg Plaza, Spoonbar will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with gourmet shepherd’s pie prepared by Executive Chefs Casey and Patrick Van Voorhis. And it’s not just about their guaranteed-to-be-tasty twist on tradition, Spoonbar will donate proceeds made from every Irish coffee purchased plus 10% of the total check to the Healdsburg Education Foundation. 219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg.
Stout Brother’s Irish Pub is regarded for their authentic Irish pub grub, including the iconic St. Patrick’s Day staple of corned beef and cabbage (Photo courtesy of Stout Brother’s Irish Pub)
Indulge in genuine Irish pub grub Stout Brother’s Irish Pub will pour green beer paired with corned beef and cabbage all day. The pub is well regarded for authentic Irish cuisine and their large selection of Irish and English beers, making it a palate pleaser for those looking for an authentic “green” experience. 527 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa.
Dance to bagpipes in a beer garden
A self-declared “fine English pub”, Santa Rosa’s Toad in the Hole will go green with bagpipes, traditional ales, live music and dancing in their sunny beer garden. Football (soccer) will most likely be on the big screen “telly” and the Guinness will be flowing. 116 Fifth Street, Santa Rosa.
Party like a local at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Sonoma (Photo courtesy of Murphy’s Irish Pub)
Party off the Sonoma Plaza with the locals
The place to be in Sonoma on St. Patrick’s Day is Murphy’s Irish Pub. Located just off the historic plaza, this traditional Irish pub will serve an Irish buffet paired with three local bands and traditional Irish music. Don’t miss the annual blessing of the pub. The festivities start at 12 p.m. 464 1st Street East, Sonoma.
Dance away the day, and night, in Petaluma
Local favorite, Maguire’s Irish Pub, celebrates the holiday with traditional food and entertainment starting at 10 a.m. Performers from Keenan Irish Dance School will take the stage at 5 p.m., followed by live local music and a DJ spinning music that is bound to get you out of your seat and post-corned beef and cabbage food coma. 145 Kentucky St, Petaluma.
Members of the Keenan Irish Dance School will perform at Maguire’s Irish Pub in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker)
Discover the luck’ of the Irish at Bodega’s Casino
The only luck you’ll have at Bodega’s Casino Bar & Grill is of the Irish kind – and the luck of discovering some of the best bar food in the county. Grab a drink and hunker down for a meal of California cuisine meets Irish classics, including rabbit liver mousse, poached steelhead with house made salt cod “shepherds pie”, and Irish whisky raisin jam shortbread cookies with sweet clotted cream. Food starts at 12 p.m. until they run out. 17000 Bodega Hwy, Bodega.
