33 Napa & Sonoma Restaurant Picks From the Food Critics

Dayboat scallops in a jasmine-dashi broth and pearl pasta with spinach at Cafe La Haye on Thursday, March 27, 2014, in Sonoma. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Hungry? Here’s the latest serving of spoon-size portions of restaurant reviews by Sonoma Magazine’s food critics Jeff Cox (JC) and Carey Sweet (CS). Some restaurants offer special deals during Sonoma County Restaurant Week (March 6-12).

The Grilled Chicken with Cheese and Garlic Fries from Alioto's Healdsburger. (JOHN BURGESS
The Grilled Chicken with Cheese and Garlic Fries from Alioto’s Healdsburger. (John Burgess)

Alioto’s HealdsburgerA locals’ favorite at a former A & W, it’s pricey, but the burgers and hot dogs are premium, top-quality stuff. Sixteen regular-menu burgers and several specials are available, including the hangover burger with fried egg, bacon, cheese, Sriracha sauce and mayo, paired with fries and a drink. 48 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-9604. $-$$ (CS)

Barley and Hops TavernThe vibe is cozy-quirky-west-county-pub, the live music rocks and the 50-plus boutique beers and ciders quench the most discerning thirsts. Best eats are burgers, a grilled rock-cod sandwich and homemade Bavarian pretzels. There are also fancier surprises, such as the Thai chicken lettuce cups. 3688 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-9037. $$(CS)

Smokey Sebastopol burger with bacon, cheddar and in-house made barbecue sauce at Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental. May 16, 2016. (Photo: Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Smokey Sebastopol burger with bacon, cheddar and in-house made barbecue sauce at Barley and Hops Tavern in Occidental. (Erik Castro)

Belly Left Coast Kitchen & TaproomChoose from 26 beers and ciders on tap and 23 more by the bottle as you enjoy Gray Rollin’s spicy, intensely flavored noshes at this excellent hang-out spot. Don’t miss the superb kalua pork tacos, loaded with mounds of smoky pulled pork. Eat healthy with garden-fresh salads, rosemary and kale fingerling potatoes, and grilled artichokes. The Carolina-style ribs and pizzas are prepared by a kitchen that brings the heat. 523 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-526-5787. $$ (JC)

Bird & The BottleRestaurant maven Mark Stark has another winner on his hands, with this curious-sounding but delicious mix of Asian, American South, East Coast and Jewish comfort food. Set over two floors, it’s a mix of hip lounge and chic dining rooms, and the menu holds plenty of surprises such as pickled shrimp with Saltines and Korean chile butter, and a chicken liver schmear with pickled shallots, maple, cracklings and smoked salt. Fried chicken is excellent, atop bean sprout-black-eyed pea slaw. 1055 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-4000. (CS)

Wood grilled Gulf shrimp, grits and potatoes at Bird and The Bottle in Santa Rosa .(Heather Irwin/
Wood grilled Gulf shrimp, grits and potatoes at Bird and The Bottle in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

Bistro 29You need to search out this intimate, tucked-away French cafe, but your hunt is well worth it, delivering Michelin Bib Gourmand-caliber Breton regional cuisine. Chef-owner Brian Anderson consistently wows with signature dishes such as onioncider soup capped in Gruyère with buckwheat crêpe dentelle, an inventive take on escargots Bordelaise served with a marrow bone, and slow-braised duck confit cassoulet. The $29 prix fixe is a great value, too. 620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-2929, $$$$ (CS)

Bravas Bar de TapasThis popular spot has indoor seating and outdoor dining in the backyard, where a bar has been built. Sample from a wide variety of authentic Spanish tapas (snacks), some cold, some hot, some liquid, some not. There’s paella for two or four, and a wine list with lots of Spanish selections, including 13 Sherries. It’s a friendly, relaxing atmosphere for nibbling good food and drinking good wine with friends. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-7700. $$-$$$ (JC)

Long Cooked Pork Cheeks Bocadillos at Bravas Bar de Tapas, in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/
Long Cooked Pork Cheeks Bocadillos at Bravas Bar de Tapas, in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung)

Café La HayeHere’s a restaurant that has its act together. Chef Jeffrey Lloyd features a different risotto and pasta dish each night, along with the best roast chicken ever. The vegetables on his plates are not given short shrift, and are cooked with intelligence and care. The appetizers are as carefully prepared as the entrees and uniformly delicious. The wine list is a tour of the region’s best wineries. 140 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-935-5994. $$$-$$$$ (JC)

 Dayboat scallops in a jasmine-dashi broth and pearl pasta with spinach at Cafe La Haye on Thursday, March 27, 2014 in Sonoma, California. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)
Dayboat scallops in a jasmine-dashi broth and pearl pasta with spinach at Cafe La Haye in Sonoma. (Beth Schlanker)

Carneros Bistro & Wine BarThe most impressive aspect of this restaurant is its 400-bottle wine list, with selections not only from this region, but from around the world. The kitchen keeps up with an international version of California cuisine. Ahi tartare, salmon pastrami, Berkshire pork cooked for two days, organic chicken and great desserts are all paired with wines and beers on the menu. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-931-2042, $$$$ (JC)

Ahi Tuna Tartare served at Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar in Sonoma, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.(Crista Jeremiason
Ahi Tuna Tartare served at Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar in Sonoma. (Crista Jeremiason)

Coast KitchenSince 1963, the redwood and stone Timber Cove resort has been a fun, if somewhat funky, retreat. A lavish renovation in 2016 turned it into a truly deluxe destination, with a luxury Cal-cuisine restaurant to match. Inventive bites shine, like fried quail drizzled in sweet chile vinaigrette, and King salmon over lentils and tangy sorrel salad. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, $$$$ (CS)

Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House: Longtime barbecue master Rob Larman has transformed his mobile ’cue trailer into a brick-and-mortar, with the same delicious almond-smoked meats including beef ribs and pork shoulder. The casual spot has upscale touches, too, such as Sonoma-style sauces, boutique beer and wine. 18350 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-509-5480, $$$ (CS)

Della Fattoria: Showcasing the art of hearth baked bread and fresh Petaluma ingredients, this beloved breakfast and lunch spot – now also serving up dinner – still shines after more than a decade. Everything is excellent: salads, sandwiches, soups, pastas and in particular, the six toasties: sweet and savory toast with creative toppings. 141 W. Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma, 707-763-0161, $$ (CS)

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A variety of cupcakes in the case at Della Fattoria in Petaluma.

The Fig CaféAfter a makeover, this restaurant has roared back with really good, well prepared comfort dishes such as pot roast, trout, steak and fries, and some of the best pizza in the North Bay. There’s no corkage fee if you bring your own wine. Seating is first come, first served. The wine list is limited to Rhone varietals. There’s also a daily plat du jour, with a starter, entree and dessert for $29. 13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-938-2130. $$-$$$. (JC)

Fork Roadhouse: Tucked in a quiet Sebastopol valley, this charming roadhouse is a locals’ favorite for its top-notch California food at fair prices. Chef and owner Sarah Piccolo impresses with signature dishes such as her Tuscan bean breakfast of Meyer lemon broth with kale and two fried eggs, and a pistachio-pepita-encrusted wild salmon with grapefruit lime sauce over a panzanella salad. 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, 707-634-7575, forkcatering.com, $$$$ (CS)

Franchetti’s Wood Fire Kitchen: If you love Rosso in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, you’ll love this spot, too, from former Rosso chef John Franchetti. The setting is bare, in an office park, yet the menu is artfully simple, with wood-fire dishes including crackly bubbly thin-crust pizza and succulent pork shoulder on the bone. 1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-1229. $$ (CS)

Glen Ellen Star: It looks like a funky frame shack, but the big star on the front of the building suggests just how good chef Ari Weiswasser’s food can be. The wood-fire oven is central to his cooking, and the dishes seem, at first glance at the menu, to be standard fare, yet they have surprising flourishes and hidden flavors. The wine list is a trove of little-known treasures. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384. $$$ (JC)

Margherita Pizza served at Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen, Thursday, April 9, 2015. (CRISTA JEREMIASON
Margherita Pizza served at Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen.

Harvest Moon CaféThe food at Nick and Jen Demarest’s cafe is innovative and always palate-pleasing — not an easy trick to pull off. The menu changes often, sometimes daily, although the rib-eye steak is a constant. Many ingredients are house-made, including the sausage for the chorizo sauté, and the marshmallow fluff for the s’mores. There’s an alfresco patio out back and an excellent wine list.487 1st St. W., Sonoma, 707-933-8160, $$$ (JC)

Hazel: Don’t be fooled by the small, nondescript building in the heart of Occidental that is Hazel. It’s full of life and great Mediterranean style food. Two wood-fire ovens turn out six kinds of pizza, the starters (especially the cured scallops and grilled pita plates) are superb, and the service is friendly. Chef-owners Jim and Michele Wimborough are transplants from top restaurants in San Francisco and bring considerable expertise to the west county. 3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6003. $$-$$$ (JC)

Himalayan Restaurant: The food is a combination of Nepalese and northeast Indian cuisines. The ingredients are good quality, with tender lamb and juicy chicken in the curries, tandoori specials, kabobs and nightly special entrees. The patio is a pleasant spot for lunch and dinner when the weather cooperates. For light meals, soups and salads are on the menu, and if you’re hungry, the entrees tend to be generously proportioned. 810 McClelland Drive, Windsor, 707-838-6746. $$ (JC)

Chick Kabob at Himalayan Restaurant of Windsor, Wednesday April 22, 2015. (Kent Porter
Chick Kabob at Himalayan Restaurant of Windsor. (Kent Porter)

John Ash & Co.: The premier Santa Rosa spot for deluxe dining and drinking in pampered surroundings continues to please. Chef Tom Schmidt’s food covers everyone’s favorite basics — chicken breast cordon bleu, steak, sea bass and so on — but in a way that wows. You can also grab a bite and a drink in The Front Room lounge. The wine list is a tour of Sonoma’s wine industry. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687. $$$ (JC)

KINSmoke: Barbecue is king at this bistro specializing in wood-smoked ribs, pork, brisket and chicken, and fancier fare such as coffee-rubbed grilled porterhouse and Cajun-dusted scallops. Five house-made sauces are superb, and be sure to get the delicious frickles to go with the craft beers and wines. 304 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8440. $$-$$$ (CS)

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Barbeque chicken, Brisket, brussel sprouts with bacon, macaroni and cheese, and hush puppies at Kinsmoke.

La Rosa Tequileria & Grille: This big Mexican restaurant offers more than 160 tequilas and mezcals. The large menu covers all the bases of Mexican-American favorites. The pork posole is not to be missed; the portions are generous. It’s a perfect place for meeting friends and for special events. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-3663. $$-$$$ (JC)

Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant: Formerly Pepe’s, the ambience and menu at this restaurant have been upgraded, with fun, fiesta-like touches such as michelada beverages of beer, lime juice, spices and peppers garnished with chile-salt dusted lime, orange, jicama and cucumber, served in a carved-out pineapple. Tacos and burritos are fine, but treat yourself to excellent, fancier specialties including molcajete,mojarra a la diabla and camarones jarochos. 2000 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-1777, mitierramex.com. $-$$$$ (CS)

OSO: Owner David Bush is a talented chef who creates elaborate plates of food that might better be handled with some restraint. But his eclectic menu is invariably well prepared, and the emphasis is on raw seafood and slow-cooked meats. The wine list is a major feature, filled with interesting selections. There’s a prix fixe dinner and wine pairing menu, too. 9 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-931-6926. $$ (JC)

Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with Sapporo noodles, sesame, scallion, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, charred cabbage, woodier and a 6 minute egg from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess)
Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with Sapporo noodles, sesame, scallion, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, charred cabbage, woodier and a 6 minute egg from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess)

Ramen Gaijin: Chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman call themselves “gaijin” as a play on the Japanese term for non-Japanese people, but all ethnic differences end in the kitchen. This is the real deal, with authentic, outrageously delicious Japanese fare including robata yakitori meats, artisanal pickle platters, and the star: ramen with handcrafted noodles and succulent pork chashu. The upscale izakaya setting is warm and whimsical, while the craft cocktails are works of art. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609. $$ (CS)

Seaside Metal: Guerneville is morphing into a city-style foodie town, as proved by this spinoff of San Francisco’s Bar Crudo. Grab a seat in the sleek, tiny space and explore lovely dishes such as arctic char with a dollop of horseradish crème fraîche, wasabi tobiko and dill; all kinds of oysters; lobster noodle soup, and braised octopus napped with yogurt. 16222 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7250. $$$$ (CS)

Seaside Chowder with fish, mussels, squid, shrimp, potatoes, bacon, cream, at Seaside Metal oyster bar in Guerneville, California on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. (Alvin Jornada
Seaside Chowder with fish, mussels, squid, shrimp, potatoes, bacon, cream, at Seaside Metal oyster bar in Guerneville. (Alvin Jornada)

Stormy’s Spirits & SupperPart of the charm is the historic roadhouse setting in a rural dairy community. The beef is topnotch, too, especially the superb prime rib. And you can’t beat the prices, with all meals including homemade clam chowder, salad, potato, vegetable and French bread. 6650 Bloomfield Road, Petaluma, 707-795-0127, $$$$ (CS)

Terrapin Creek: Terrapin Creek is among the crown jewels of Sonoma County restaurants. Owners Liya Lin and Andrew Truong aim for perfection and mostly achieve it. Their cooking is modern American food with international nods, and their execution has earned them a Michelin star. Set on a hill above the Bodega Bay marina, the place is a sanctuary of comfort and good vibes. The wine list is terrific. 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2700. $$$ (JC)

The prosciutto and roasted asparagus salad at Terrapin Creek restaurant in Bodega Bay. (Beth Schlanker)
The prosciutto and roasted asparagus salad at Terrapin Creek restaurant in Bodega Bay. (Beth Schlanker)

Tiny Thai Restaurant: This humble place doesn’t scrimp on portions or preparation. The vegetarian fresh rolls come with a great peanut sauce. The usual Thai favorites such as pad thai, green papaya salad and tom yum soup, street foods including Thai basil, and house-made curries are all here. No beer or wine, but there’s always Thai iced tea. 8238 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-794-9404. $$ (JC)

Twin Oaks RoadhouseAn iconic roadhouse since 1924, the live music joint is now owned by beer maven Dean Biersch and offers dozens of boutique brews. Food is much better than it has to be, with simple but standout burgers, a fried chicken sandwich and even a first-rate French onion soup. 5745 Old Redwood Highway, Penngrove, 707-795-5118, $ (CS)

The fried chicken sandwich, Thursday Dec. 8, 2016 at the Twin Oaks Road House in Penngrove. (Kent Porter
The fried chicken sandwich at the Twin Oaks Road House in Penngrove. (Kent Porter)

Underwood Bar & Bistro: Underwood is the beating heart of the west county social and culinary scene. The entrees are expensive, but tapas and small plates are available. Or hop across Graton Road to proprietor Matthew Greenbaum’s other restaurant, Willow Wood Market Café, where prices are moderate. You’ll be pleased at the quality of the food at Underwood, however. Chef Mark Miller piles miles of flavor on high-quality ingredients. The wine list is eclectic, the bar offers specialty cocktails, and there’s much fun to be had. 9113 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-7023. $$$ (JC)

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Harissa Fries at Underwood Bar and Bistro.

ValetteChef Dustin Valette and brother Aaron Garzini are from Geyserville, and they operate a restaurant that could be a superstar on any culinary stage in the country. Valette was chef at Dry Creek Kitchen for years, so his skills are honed, and then some. He turns the artisanal bounty of local farms, orchards and wineries into creative and intriguing dishes that seldom miss. Desserts and house-made charcuterie are exceptional. 344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946. $$$$ (JC)

Western Room at Rancho Nicasio: The Rancho Nicasio barbecue and dance hall has a fancy new sister restaurant next to its bar, where celebrity “Iron Chef” Ron Siegel creates modern American statements that would shine in a big-city Michelin star restaurant. Some dishes have Asian accents, such as the silky shima aji (striped jack fish) crudo on a puddle of stone-fruit puree and decorated in cubed, pickled salted plum, whisperthin daikon curls, crispy kombu triangles, and rice crackers. The rabbit tortelloni dish is exquisite, too, and everything tastes better in the rustic setting in the historic ranch house. 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415-662-2219, ranchonicasio.com. $$$$ (CS)

Wild Goat Bistro: The historic stone and wood interior cradles a charming cafe with simple but superb recipes showcasing local ingredients. Beans ’n’ greens are savory stew, thin crust pizzas are topped in delights such as fig and prosciutto, and pan seared duck with confit is classy comfort food. 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., A5, Petaluma, 707-658-1156. $$$$ (CS)

FOUR NAPA OPTIONS

Ca’ Momi OsteriaIf you like Ca’ Momi Enoteca at Oxbow, you’ll love this bigger, fancier restaurant with a larger, more upscale menu. House-made pastas are divine, including Sicilian squid tagliolini with spot prawns and Fort Bragg uni in Pinot Grigio-lemon sauce, and chef Dario De Conti wows with his Verace Pizza Napoletana- and Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani-certified pies. 1141 First St., Napa, 707-224-6664. $$$$ (CS)

Calistoga KitchenA local’s secret, this classic cottage bistro deserves to be on everyone’s radar. Chef-owner Rick Warkel is a Culinary Institute of America graduate, and his training shows in his meticulously crafted pan-roasted Grimaud Muscovy duck breast in sour cherry jus and skillful rabbit gumbo. 1107 Cedar St., Calistoga, 707-942-6500, $$$$ (CS)

Miminashi: Take the best of an izakaya party pub and combine it with upscale Japanese cuisine, and you’ve got this stylish stunner from chef Curtis Di Fede. The menu changes almost daily, offering up Cal-inspired ramen, authentic yakitori (from chicken breast to chicken butt), and plenty of superb vegetables like asparagus roasted over Japanese Binchotan charcoal with negi, black garlic, a fried egg and bonita flakes. 821 Coombs St., Napa, 707-254-9464. $$$$ (CS)

Two Birds One StoneThe idea is Japanese, but it’s impossible to pigeonhole chefs Douglas Keane and Sang Yoon. Creative twists include brioche-style savory pancakes, sous vide Wagyu yakitori, and chips ’n’ dip of fried wontons dusted in liquid nitrogen-frozen togarashi spice dunked in Kewpie mayonnaise. The airy, modern space inside Freemark Abbey is stunning as well.3020 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, 707-302-3777,  $$$$ (CS)

Sebastopol Artist Takes Nude Photos With Trees in 13 Countries

Julianne Skai Arbor in a Cathedral Fig Dryad-Green Fig-Ficus VIrens, in Australia. (Photo courtesy of TreeGirl)

It’s the grand, exotic trees that especially call to Julianne Skai Arbor — the ones with gnarled outgrowths, tangled roots or hollows into which she can crawl.

Julianne Skai Arbor in a Cathedral Fig Dryad-Green Fig-Ficus VIrens, in Australia. (Photo courtesy of TreeGirl)
Julianne Skai Arbor in a Cathedral Fig Tree in Australia. (Photo courtesy of TreeGirl)

She likes to drape herself across swooping branches or ease herself into small spaces, exploring the habits, curves and textures of the different species she seeks out around the globe and absorbing their life force.

The Sebastopol resident’s affection for the trees of the world has evolved into a unique vocation, one that forms the basis of a new coffee table book that features photographs of the author posing nude, enmeshed or intertwined in some way with different kinds of trees. Most of the photos are shot by Arbor with a remote control and tripod, although she occasionally enlists the help of a friend or guide.

Julianne Skai Arbor. (Photo by Aura May)
Julianne Skai Arbor. (Photo by Aura May)

A certified arborist and environmental educator, Arbor espouses intimate engagement with trees as a kind of extreme ecotherapy, a spiritual reconnection with the natural world that is both healing and fundamental.

“This book is really an invitation for people to have relationship with more than just humans,” says Arbor. “I’m opening up the possibility.”

Julianne Skai Arbor poses with a Brush Box Hermitage Tree in Australia (Photo Courtesy of TreeGirl)
Julianne Skai Arbor poses with a Brush Box Hermitage Tree in Australia (Photo courtesy of TreeGirl)

“TreeGirl: Intimate Encounters With Wild Nature” includes images from some of Arbor’s more than 70 rendezvous with trees in 13 countries on four continents, shot over a period of some 20 years. The 200-page volume includes essays detailing different aspects of the author’s connection with trees.

Arbor says she found her own magic in the big, backyard trees of her childhood in suburban Chicago. But she was in her 20s, a student of art and ecology freshly arrived in California for graduate school, when the majesty and grandeur of the state’s redwoods and sequoias sparked a thirst to understand more about them.

“Once you get to know a species, then it becomes your friend,” she says. “‘Oh! Hi, Redwood! I know you.’”

Julianne Skai Arbor will appear at Copperfield’s Books for a talk and book signing at 7 p.m. on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. 775 Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. treegirl.org

Julianne Skai Arbor poses with a Monterey Cypress
Julianne Skai Arbor poses with a Monterey Cypress. (Photo courtesy of TreeGirl)

Woman Winemaker Blends Pinot & Art at Carneros Vineyard

At Donum Estates, Anne Moller-Racke takes in the view of the Carneros wine growing region, Friday Nov. 1, 2013, east of Sonoma. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)

ANNE_MOLLER-RACKE_MEET_GREET

Anne Moller-Racke has farmed Carneros vineyards for three decades, and her eyes still light up when she talks about the intricacies of grape growing. Her current passion is delving deeply into the matter of which grapevine clones work best where. It’s a meticulous process, but the end result is healthy vines and elegant wines.

President and winegrower at The Donum Estate, which she founded in 2001, the German-born Moller-Racke came to Sonoma in 1981 to help with her then-husband Markus Racke’s family business, Buena Vista Winery. She started as vineyard manager (Donum was part of Buena Vista’s Carneros vineyards at the time), and the land is where her heart lies.

“You don’t want to make something just to make it,” she says of the estate’s wines. “It needs to have something to say.”

Her wines, made by Dan Fishman, speak loudly to the richness, complexity and balance that can be achieved in Sonoma County. The Donum 2013 Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and 2014 Estate Carneros Chardonnay both made Sonoma Magazine’s 2016 100 Best Wines of Sonoma list and are well worth a search.

Donum is situated on 200 acres overlooking the marshes of San Pablo Bay, and Moller-Racke also owns a vineyard in Russian River Valley. Her focus is to produce small-lot wines that reflect the vineyards’ nuances.

She has graced the estate with new landscaping and artwork — with olive trees, lavender fields and sculptures by artists including Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring and Richard Hudson. A new winemaking facility, cellar and hospitality building also are in the works, with construction beginning this summer.

“We’re very excited to welcome our guests to enjoy private, personal tastings at the new Donum home,” says Moller-Racke, noting she’s been waiting many years for this moment. “My vision is for people to come taste the wine and then enjoy the surroundings, enjoy the calm.”

Private tastings can be arranged by phone or email: 707-939-2290, info@thedonumestate.com

3 Sonoma Upcycling Brands to Check Out

Lili Butler

When your great-grandmother made a dress out of flour sacks or a coat out of old blankets, that wasn’t fashion; it was necessity. Today, designers are using old clothes, vintage fabrics, lace tablecloths, knit blankets, recovered ribbon, antique buttons and more to create beautiful contemporary clothing — part of the broader upcycling trend of using discarded objects and materials in ways that improve upon their original use.

Upcycling is a step up from recycling and draws on the creativity, skill and environmental sensitivity of the maker. These garments are, by definition, one of a kind, and the designers who work in this arena are as committed to the health of the planet as they are to dressing their customers and clients beautifully.

Diane Austen.

DESIGNER: Diane Austen of Multiple Threads Reincarnated Clothing

WHERE TO FIND HER: Based in Santa Rosa, Austen can be found selling her wares at several local farmers markets

INSPIRATION: Her parents and grandparents. “They lived through the Great Depression,” she says, “and we made everything — all clothing, all food — ourselves.”

SIGNATURE PIECES: Shirtdresses, whimsical mini- and maxi-skirts made from wide 1970s neckties and skirts and tops made from old cashmere sweaters trimmed with lace and ribbon. 415-847-8916, multiplethreads.org.

Amber Young.

DESIGNER: Amber Young of Ragged Thistle Clothing

WHERE TO FIND HER: At the Sebastopol Farmers Market on a monthly basis

FAVORITE MATERIALS: Velvet, cast-off ribbon, end of- the-bolt linen and corduroy. Young used to buy vintage sweaters by the thousands (for little more than a song), but the cost has become prohibitive. “The cost of vintage clothing began to soar about five years ago,” Young says, “and it is now almost impossible to find great sweaters.”

SIGNATURE PIECES: Spectacular coats with long sleeves and ruffles made entirely of lace curtain panels, and ruffled ribboned bloomers. 831-421-1968, visit on Facebook

Lili Butler

DESIGNER: Lili Butler of Group Lili Designs Inc.

WHERE TO FIND HER: Butler holds several invitation-only sales a year at her Sebastopol showroom; you can join her mailing list

INSPIRATION: Her mother, who was taught to sew by the nuns in the orphanage where she was raised and used remnants and other materials to create what Butler calls textile masterpieces. “My mother did not dress like anyone else in the 1950s,” she recalls.

ODE TO UPCYCLING: A few years ago, Butler made a special offer to her clients, proposing to remake their old formal clothing into casual wear. This spring, she plans to transform some of her own formal designs into tops that can be worn with jeans. She upcycles her own designs, but not the designs of others. 707-793-0222, grouplili.com

Sun Country Airlines to Fly Minneapolis to Santa Rosa, CA

People flying from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport will soon get a fifth airline to choose from and a new destination — the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

suncountry

Sun Country Airlines on Wednesday announced it will start weekly flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with connections to the East Coast.

The 3½-hour flight to the Twin Cities — just over 1,500 miles — will be the farthest nonstop destination out of Santa Rosa. It will also create a weekend getaway opportunity for Midwestern tourists eager to experience the Northern California wine region. (Plan your wine country vacation here.)

Above Bennett Valley, a vineyard basks in late fall light, Mt. St. Helena in Napa County touches the sky, background, Tuesday Nov. 13, 2012. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
Above Bennett Valley, a vineyard basks in late fall light. In the background, Mt. St. Helena in Napa County touches the sky. (Kent Porter)

“The addition of Sonoma County to the family of Sun Country destinations gives our travelers a direct gateway to some of the wonders of California, from Wine Country to the beautiful redwoods,” said Zarir Erani, Sun Country president and CEO.

The seasonal offering will run for 15 weeks, from Aug. 24 to Dec. 3, allowing visitors to take in the fall grape harvest as well as wine, beer, film and art festivals. Flights aboard the 146-seat Boeing 737 jets will depart Minneapolis on Thursdays and depart Santa Rosa on Sundays.

“Getting eastbound service has been a priority,” said Sonoma County airport manager Jon Stout. “The airline has timed the connections well to Boston and JFK (New York City). We will have one stop to those markets.”

The posted fare for the first round-trip flight from Sonoma County to Minneapolis on Aug. 27 is $316. A round-trip ticket through to New York City on the same date is $617. Boston is $621.

Sun Country is the latest airline to come to Santa Rosa. United Airlines last month announced it is beginning nonstop daily service to San Francisco in June, while Alaska, Allegiant and American Airlines offer flights to the West Coast hubs of Las Vegas and Phoenix. It’s the largest number of commercial airlines ever to offer service to Santa Rosa.

“It shows we have a market that the airlines are starting to recognize,” Stout said.

However, a lack of space means Sun Country will be the last new carrier allowed in Sonoma County until a major airport expansion is complete in the summer of 2019.

“We don’t have room for more carriers,” he said.

Officials had been seeking eastbound connections and were looking at Denver as a possibility.

Talks with Sun Country began about a year ago. Research shows 109 people a day travel from Minneapolis to the North Bay, Stout said.

Based on that volume, the airline sought Sonoma County as a vacation destination.

Sun Country also wants to position itself for West Coast charter opportunities, he said.

Ticket sales will determine if the airline extends its service in the future. But Stout said it is unlikely the airline will ever offer multiple weekly flights.

“Right now it is on a trial basis,” Stout said.

“If it performs like they are suspecting it will, they will want to bring it back next year.”

Savor Sonoma Valley With These 5 Tasty Experiences

(Photo: Kim Carroll)
(Photo: Kim Carroll)
Get up close and personal with some of Sonoma County’s finest wineries during Savor Sonoma Valley (Photo: Kim Carroll)

Move over bottles, it’s all about the barrel! This year’s Savor Sonoma Valley, March 18 and 19, will feature seventeen wineries pouring future wines straight from the barrel and sampling current releases, all paired with winemaker meet and greets, music, food and fun. Here are five must-do experiences during Savor Sonoma Valley.

Get insider experiences - and tastes - during Savor Sonoma Valley March 18 & 19 (Photo: Kim Carroll)
Sip wine and enjoy an insider view of the caves at Deerfield Ranch Winery during Savor Sonoma Valley
(Photo: Kim Carroll)

Experience the art of wine blending in the heart of the caves at Deerfield Ranch Winery
Start your visit to Deerfield Ranch with a blending experience at their production facility, where you’ll taste wines straight from the barrel and learn how they are blended to create the perfect wine. After, stroll through their 23,000 square feet wine cave to taste wine. Before you leave, say hello to the giraffes!

Taste clones, drink Pinot and chill out at rustic La Rochelle Winery
To make great Pinot Noir you need great clones! Learn about how Pinot Noir is made at family-owned La Rochelle –  you’ll taste clones made from French grapes grown in Sonoma Valley and then a Pinot Noir blended from the clones. Sip your glass while enjoying the rustic vibe of La Rochelle – chickens included!

Get up close and personal with vineyards during Savor Sonoma Valley March 18 & 19 (Photo: Kim Carroll)
Get up close and personal with vineyards during Savor Sonoma Valley (Photo: Kim Carroll)

Small but mighty: experience the wine, the orb and the art at Orpheus Wines
Orpheus Wines winemaker-owner Marc Krafft produces sustainable wines inspired by fine art and family. During Savor Sonoma Valley, you’ll taste barrel samples of their small lot (and we mean super small: only 20 to 250 cases are produced of each wine!) red, white, and orange wines – they make an Orange Muscat that is sure to please the palate. You’ll also be able to check out the orb: an eco-friendly wine keg that holds up to 130 glasses of wine!

Swap Pinot for handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon and gourmet food at Ty Caton
Right next door to Orpheus Wines, Ty Caton will serve up barrel tastings single-block Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from estate grapes. Next, taste their flagship wine, Tytanium, a proprietary red blend of six grapes grown on their estate vineyard. You can also taste more current releases alongside Ty Caton’s own collection of gourmet mustards, oils and vineyards.

Hang with winemaker Dan Barwick and sip Rosé all day at Paradise Ridge
Wrap up the afternoon at Paradise Ridge’s Kenwood tasting room with samples and future releases poured straight from barrel to glass by winemaker Dan Barwick. Alongside Paradise Ridge’s sustainable red wines, he’ll be pouring their soon-to-be released 2016 Rosé. Grab a glass, head outside to the back patio, and cheers to the good life.

Savor Sonoma Valley takes place March 18 and 19 in Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Weekend passes are $65 and designated drivers are free. Visit heartofsonomavalley.com for more information.

10 Reasons Why Sonoma County is Better Than Ever Per Condé Nast

A vineyard in the Geysers of North east Sonoma County, Wednesday Oct. 19, 2016. (Kent Porter

Luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) says Sonoma County is “better than ever” and “having a moment” right now in an article published yesterday that celebrates California Wine Country. The article highlights Sonoma County restaurants and wineries, while Napa gets a short mention at the very end.  

A vineyard in the Geysers of North east Sonoma County, Wednesday Oct. 19, 2016. (Kent Porter
A Sonoma vineyard. (Kent Porter)

Unsurprisingly, the first place mentioned in the article is newly opened Single Thread Farms which, according to CNT, is making Healdsburg feel “white-hot” right now. The article suggests that Single Thread has added a hefty dose of hip to the otherwise “laid back sibling of the more polished Napa/St. Helena corridor” and, by the sound of the maelstrom of media coverage that enveloped this new farm/restaurant/inn leading up to the opening late last year, it seems CNT might be on to something.

A selection of dishes at SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn in Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Single Thread)
A selection of dishes at SingleThread Farm-Restaurant-Inn in Healdsburg. (Photo courtesy of Single Thread)

But, according to Condé Nast Traveler, there’s more to Sonoma County than Single Thread. These Sonoma spots also made the CNT shortlist:

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville
“Think of it as a mini Redwoods National Forest…”

Campo Fina, Healdsburg
“This Italian joint has outdoor dining and a well-stocked bar, and the back patio gets packed in summer when the bocce picks up.”

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville
“Locals come for the swimming pool…”

Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge, Geyserville
“They’ve traded the firearms for frosty Gibson cocktails and General Tso wings”

Jimtown Store, Alexander Valley
“A casual carry-out making some of Sonoma’s best sandwiches…”

Medlock Ames, Alexander Valley
“The winery’s low-key tasting room has pours of cabs, chardonnays, and pinots until 5 p.m., when the space turns into the Alexander Valley Bar…”

Scribe Winery, Sonoma
“Its “hacienda,” which opened in January, is a newly restored nineteenth-century homestead…”

Shed, Healdsburg
“An all-in-one coffee shop, takeout café, and home-goods store…”

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery pool.
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery pool.

At the end of the article, Napa also gets a mention (under the headline “Meanwhile in Napa Valley…”). A wave of new openings has reinvigorated Napa, according to CNT, which highlights luxury hotel Los Alcobas in St. Helena, and its restaurant Acacia House, as well as Japanese restaurant Two Birds/One Stonesoon to open casual eatery Charter Oak, and the upcoming upgrades to the kitchen and courtyard design at The French Laundry. 

What do you think, did Condé Nast Traveler get it right? Which local spots would be featured on your Sonoma County shortlist? 

Cheers to Guerneville’s First Downtown Tasting Room

The Bank Club Wine Collective's tasting room is located at the Historic Bank of Guerneville (Photo courtesy of the Bank Club)
The Bank Club Wine Collective’s tasting room is located behind the Historic Bank of Guerneville, now the Bank Club (Photo courtesy of the Bank Club)

Guerneville is one of Sonoma County’s most charming and historic weekend getaway spots with its unique mix of fine dining, dive bars, a thriving LGBTQ community, and a colorful past. Now, the West County town welcomes its first tasting room: Bank Club Wine Collective.

Located behind the Bank Club, the Bank Club Wine Collective tasting room features wines from two Sonoma County producers: INIZI Wines and Baldassari Family Wines.

INIZI Wines was founded by A.J. & Jen Filipelli and John & Kristi Harley. The winery produces small lot, reasonably priced whites and reds from Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa. Highlights include their deep and dark 2014 Calistoga Charbono, a refreshing 2016 Tocai Fruilano from Dry Creek, and their 2016 Hi-Jump Rosé, a blend of Italian varietals that will make for a perfect pink for tubing in the Russian River.

Baldassari Family Wines was launched by Michael Baldassari and his father, Dom Michael, in 2003 as a tribute to Michael’s grandfather, winemaker Vincenzo “Jimmy” Baldassari. They craft artisanal wines, including small lot Pinot Noir, from growers throughout the region.

The Bank Club Wine Collective opens Thursday, March 2, with a grand opening, open to the public, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm. Regular hours are Thursday-Monday, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm. It is located at 16290 Main Street, Guerneville. bankclubwinecollective.com

Bombers, Crowlers & Growlers: How to Take Your Favorite Craft Brews Home

Growlers sit on a shelf behind the bar at Russian River Brewing Company, in Santa Rosa, on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Crowlers behind the bar at Crooked Goat Brewing, in Sebastopol. (Christopher Chung)
Crowlers behind the bar at Crooked Goat Brewing, in Sebastopol. (Christopher Chung)

Since the dawn of beer, there’s been many ways to serve and store the beloved brew. In historic descriptions of beer drinking, beer was served from communal bowls and ceramic pots. Medieval monks in Europe stored beer in barrels and, after years of trial and error and shattered glass, it was first bottled in glass in London, England, over 400 years ago.

In 1935, after the American Can Company finally managed to figure out how to develop a container that could prevent the fizzy drink from chemically reacting with tin, beer was canned for the first time. By the end of that year, other companies like Pabst and Anheuser-Busch had followed suit and over 200 million cans were produced and sold.

Fast forward some 80 years and larger vessels like growlers and crowlers are now used to package the craft beer of our time. Cans come in sizes ranging from 12-24 ounces and bombers offer the option of sharing, storing and cellaring beers at home – and make a great gift for beer geeks.

In case you’re struggling to decipher the current beer packaging jargon, here’s some information about growlers, crowlers, cans and bombers – and what the difference is between each of them.

Growlers are large glass bottles, typically found in 32 and 64 ounce sizes and meant to be rinsed out and reused. With over 4,600 breweries in the nation and 2,200 new ones in the works, many breweries have adopted the growler as a means to bring awareness to their brand in a competitive market. Growlers are now also being produced in stainless steel and with double insulated walls (Hydro Flasks) to ensure freshness, full carbonation, and temperature control. Breweries in certain states and cities will generally fill other breweries’ growlers, as long as the logo is covered. Most Sonoma County breweries still prefer to fill their own growlers.

Growlers sit on a shelf behind the bar at Russian River Brewing Company, in Santa Rosa, on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Growlers sit on a shelf behind the bar at Russian River Brewing Company, in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)

Crowlers are large, machine-sealed aluminum cans that come in 16 and 32 ounce sizes. These containers, originally created by Oskar Blues Brewery, are filled from tap and sealed with a crowler machine. Unlike the growler, crowlers can only be used one time, but are great for bringing on planes (won’t explode or leak) – if you find a beer you want to take home to share with friends.

Third Street Aleworks bartender Jordan Thome writes the name of the beer before filling a quart can "Crowler" of their Ales for ALS IPA in Santa Rosa. (JOHN BURGESS
Third Street Aleworks bartender Jordan Thome writes the name of the beer before filling a quart can “Crowler” of their Ales for ALS IPA in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)

Cans come in many sizes now, including the 12 ounce “Standard,” the 16 ounce “Pint,” which is the second most popular size for canning beer (breweries like Modern Times and Sierra Nevada use this size), the 12 ounce slightly slimmer, tall can that breweries like AC Golden from Colorado use, the “Slim” can that New York’s Six Points Brewery package their popular Resin beer in, and the 19.2 ounce “Royal Pint,” created by Oskar Blues Brewery. Cans are easy to store, travel with, and are sanitized and purged of all oxygen during the canning process to ensure the beer stays fresh longer.

Vintage beer cans decorate the loft ceiling at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. (Alvin Jornada
Vintage beer cans decorate the loft ceiling at Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma. (Alvin Jornada)

Bombers are 22 ounce dark glass bottles that protect the beer from light and allow for cellaring. For the beer collector, this style of packaging is preferable – bombers store easily in a beer cellar or fridge since most of them are of similar shapes and fit well together. Bombers are also a great option for bottle sharing in large groups at home or at a venue where beer is served in glasses.

Sonoma Springs Kolsch and Subliminal Gold IPA in 22oz Bombers
Sonoma Springs Kolsch and Subliminal Gold IPA in 22oz Bombers.

CANS vs BOMBERS

Cans continue to be popular in outdoorsy and coastal states; among beer enthusiasts who like to travel, hike, camp and spend time with a cold one at the river, lake or beach. Cans are great on the go, for sporting events and tailgating. Bombers, or glass bottles, are classy, store easily, are good for sharing and offer an opportunity to show off your favorite beer brand with colorful logos. This type of packaging is best for events or parties at home.

CROWLERS vs GROWLERS

Crowlers are filled fresh at the source, can be safely packaged in luggage and brought on planes. However, they are a onetime use vessel; after they are consumed they are meant to be recycled. Growlers are also filled fresh at the source and can last up to two weeks, but cannot be shipped or brought on planes. Growlers are great for sharing fresh beer at home and, once empty, they can be reused or go on a shelf as a souvenir.

Still need some help navigating the beer packaging jungle? We asked a few local beer lovers and brewery owners what their opinion is on each packaging option.

Aron Levin, Head Brewer and Owner of St. Florian’s Brewery, Windsor: “The crowler creates waste and, in my opinion, creates a false sense of package quality. Growlers and crowlers are supposed to be fresh beer consumed immediately. When you package beer for shelf life it should be done on a machine that is designed to rinse, purge, and vacuum so it can create an oxygen free environment. Each package has a time and place. Cans are great for poolside and bombers are great for sharing. I like the traditional feeling of a long neck bottle at the end of the day.” 

Mark Miller, Beer Connoisseur, Santa Rosa: “Each vessel has a place and purpose. Bottles are good but they are affected by the light. Cans are good but have a poor reputation for giving the beer a metallic taste, though with technology being where it’s is, that’s not the case. Crowlers are good but the size can be daunting for some. I like growlers for eco-friendly reasons, there is no waste.”

Joe Tucker, Owner/CEO of Ratebeer: “Crowlers seem to lock out a lot of oxygen. I am concerned about the BPA or other endocrine disrupt or laden the lining though. Ecologically, it’s hard to beat the European way of cleaning and refilling bottles/growlers.” 

Jeff Bull, Beer Connoisseur, Santa Rosa: “I am not a fan of crowlers, they’re too gimmicky. Buy a high quality growler that will hold carbonation and protect the beer for a couple of extra days, so you have time to enjoy it. When I want to have something on hand for longer than a growler supports, I generally prefer cans. As for bombers, I like to buy them the rest of the time, they are the perfect size for sharing.” — 

Rich Norgrove, Brewmaster, COO, Bear Republic Brewing Company, Healdsburg: “Cans vs bombers – call me old school but I love bombers, you can see the beer. We will make the transition to cans in the near future though, for some of our products. Cans just make sense and can go places bottles can’t. It is a superior package in the end. Cans are the future. Crowlers vs growlers – what I don’t like about crowlers is that there is the potential of people treating them like a regular canned product. Its meant to be drunk soon. However, I’ve seen people hold onto crowlers for months, which is not what they are intended for. The way that crowlers are filled exposes the beer to oxygen. It’s a given that, with a growler, you drink it soon after filling it. It is really about freshness for me. Even with the proper labeling the crowler is a can and will get treated as such. There are many sides to this discussion, the crowler is great for travel, backpacking, hiking, and any outdoor activity. I do like them, but I just can’t get past the potential of people holding on to them past their prime.” 

Dennis Housman, Beer Lover, Sonoma: “I like cans for the convenience when going places where I don’t like to bring bottles (beach, lake, river, boat, etc). The bomber is a good size for watching TV at home and I prefer to drink out of a glass and have a variety of different beers. The growler is not always a good choice for me as sometimes I think of it as a commitment and as I tend to like higher alcohol beers, it limits me when I am going to partake.” 

Nick Garson, Handline Restaurant, Brew & Beer Geek, Santa Rosa: “I prefer growlers over crowlers as long as you store your beer in a dark and cool place (maybe like a refrigerator) you’re good to go. I’ve had better success with growlers holding up on carbonation integrity for longer periods of time, plus there is less waste. I’m not too sure if I have a preference between cans and bombers though. Canning seems to be more efficient all around but I am worried about strange chemicals making their way into my beer as Joe pointed out. However, I just love bottles, and glass in general, but that’s just a personal preference.” 

The jury is out – cans are great for outdoor activities, are easy to travel with, and stack. Crowlers are good to share and are meant to be consumed fresh. Bombers are great for cellaring, bottle shares, and for those who prefer to pour their beers into glasses. Growlers are good for the planet, are meant to be consumed fresh, and can be washed and refilled. With all of the breweries in the United States coming up with their own version of these various beer vessels, consumers can take their pick and find the right packaging for them, depending on the occasion. 

What’s your beer vessel preference?

Everything You Need to Know About Napa Festival Yountville Live

60 wineries, 36 chefs, and 8 performing artists come together March 16-19 for Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)
60 wineries, 36 chefs, and 8 performing artists come together March 16-19 for Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)
60 wineries, 36 chefs, and 8 performing artists come together March 16-19 for Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)
60 wineries, 36 chefs, and 8 performing artists come together March 16-19 for Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)

Yountville Live, one of the nation’s premier food, wine and music events, returns for the third year on March 16-19 with 60 wineries, 36 chefs and 8 performing artists. 

The long weekend starts Thursday, March 16, with a welcome reception at Brix Restaurant & Gardens with food prepared by Chef Cary Delbridge, wines poured by the likes of Clos du Val and ZD wines, and a solo acoustic performance by Grammy-nominated Five For Fighting.

That evening, Top Chef star Graham Elliott will partner with rock star chefs, including Thomas Keller Restaurant Group Team USA Gold Medalists, Chef Mathew Peters and Chef Harrison Turone, to create a four-course meal paired with wine and live music from international artists, Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Chart-topper Five for Fighting is a headliner at this year's Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Five for Fighting)
Chart-topper Five for Fighting is a headliner at this year’s Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Five for Fighting)

After one heck of an opening day, Yountville Live continues with two days of food, wine and music. Friday and Saturday include the Taste of Yountville, where guests can explore the culinary capital of Napa Valley by tasting wine from 60 wineries, gourmet food from 36 chefs, and enjoy live cooking demos and music in downtown Yountville.

During the Grand Cru tasting, which also takes place Friday and Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with Napa Valley winemakers in an “art lounge,” designed by Arena Galleries and Bespoke Collection, while sipping on the kind of cult wines that helped put Napa Valley on the map.

Both days also include Master Classes, where guests can get up close and personal with chefs and winemakers to learn their craft. Master Classes include chocolate making with renowned chocolatier, Chris Kollar, a pastry class with James Beard Award winner Chef Gale Gand, and wine blending with Aaron Pott of Pott Wines.

60 wineries, 36 chefs, and 8 performing artists come together March 16-19 for Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)
The wine will flow at the Taste of Yountville, and throughout the weekend, during Yountville Live (Photo courtesy of Yountville Live)

After parties take place each night, with DJs, small bites, local bartender cocktail competitions and complimentary drinks.

The weekend wraps up with a Bubbles Brunch on Sunday, with a mimosa bar, comfort food from Chef Morgan Robinson of Smoke, and live music from emerging artist Johnnyswim.

Tickets for Yountville Live start at $95. yountvillelive.com