6 Women-Owned West County Shops Worth Your Dollar

Commerce Fine Goods in Guerneville.
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Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)

With its winding two-lane roads, picturesque farms and quirky small towns, West Sonoma County is one of the most alluring regions of the North Bay for day trips and getaways. It’s also a fantastic destination for shopping, thanks to a recent crop of unique galleries and boutiques founded by awesome local entrepreneurs.

Here are six West County shops where you’ll find exceptional gifts to delight your loved ones or to treat yourself, while supporting small businesses and artisans.

California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

California Sister Floral Design Co.
Named after a native butterfly that inhabits local oak trees, California Sister is a floral design company located in The Barlow. In addition to Sonoma County-sourced floral arrangements, owners Nichole Skalski & Kathrin Green sell potted houseplants, handmade gifts and homewares from local artists. “We love to help people create beauty and sanctuary for their own spaces,” says Skalski.

California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

California Sister invites you to relax and indulge your senses–even before you enter the shop, you’re greeted with a lush array of potted succulents and fresh floral aromas. Green says, “We definitely identify with the bohemian feel of West County. We both love the relaxed California vibe and the beauty of the natural world.”

6790 McKinley St #190, Sebastopol; (707) 827-8090; californiasister.com; open daily 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

California Sister Floral Design Co. co-owner Kathrin Green. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
California Sister Floral Design Co. co-owner Kathrin Green. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
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California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
California Sister Floral Design Co. at The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

kitty hawk gallery
kitty hawk gallery is a little bit dangerous–it’s the sort of shop where everything is so charming and off-kilter that, the moment you see it, you feel it’s the exact thing you didn’t know you needed. Example: kitty hawk gallery sells an embroidered decorative pillow depicting a horse and a donkey in love, with a stuffed baby mule that tucks into a little built-in pouch; when I saw it, I think my pupils turned into hearts.

Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Artist Grace Lindsey Levine began kitty hawk gallery as a side project below her parents’ office space. She held group exhibitions featuring her own work and the work of other local artists, and the response to these shows grew steadily. When the lease was up on that space, locals urged Levine to continue her gallery, telling her, “[Sebastopol] needs this.”

Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Levine says, “What it comes down to is this: everything in kitty hawk, I would personally own. It’s all these treasures I have a deep fondness for, in one place, to share with the community. It’s clean, simple, but has a quiet complexity where you have to take some time to look at everything. We sell ethically sourced, exclusive designs by local and global artisans.”

125 North Main Street, Sebastopol; (707) 861-3904; kittyhawkgallery.com; open Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
Kitty Hawk Gallery on North Main Street in Sebastopol. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Neon Raspberry Art House
In 2012, Mahea Campbell opened Neon Raspberry Gallery to support to work of artists and makers who put radical thought and unique expression at the center of their work. In the four years since, it has grown into what Campbell describes as, “an inventive, radically-minded, passion-driven art space and store in Occidental, amongst the redwoods.”

Neon Raspberry Art Gallery owner Mahea Campbell. (Photo by Chelsea Rose Kurnick)
Neon Raspberry Art House owner Mahea Campbell. (Photo by Chelsea Rose Kurnick)

With a few small rooms to meander through, Neon Raspberry feels like a cozy Occidental home. Campbell says, “Neon Raspberry is progressive, outspoken, and community-oriented, but we also have a sense of humor and don’t take ourselves too seriously, which all feels like it embodies West County to a T.”

At Neon Raspberry, you will find small press poetry books, paintings of hipster-favorite La Croix Sparkling Water, a baby onesie covered in Zs that says, “Exhausted by capitalism,” and much more.

3506 Main Street, Occidental; (415) 314-8001; neonraspberry.com; open Thursday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Neon Raspberry
Neon Raspberry Art House in Occidental. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Hinterland
If you are charmed by irreverence and you have a thirst for adventure, Hinterland’s merchandise will speak to your soul. Hinterland Screenprinting was founded three years ago, but the brick-and-mortar shop just opened in summer 2016, inside Neon Raspberry Art House.

Hinterland
Hinterland Screenprinting in Occidental. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Hinterland is owned by Jolene and Trinia, a married couple who have explored a lot of the world on motorcycles. Trinia says, “We decided to create the company and brand to reflect where we lived: in the boonies and backcountry areas of northern California. This area is full of adventure, natural beauty and creative people and our brand reflects that. Our motto is ‘think global shop local,’ and we have a 100% commitment to U.S.-made apparel.”

Hinterland
Hinterland owners Jolene and Trinia. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)
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Hinterland Screenprinting in Occidental. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Much of that apparel is designed by Jolene and Trinia themselves, and printed on deliciously soft fabric. Trinia alleges that Hinterland’s hoodies feel like spun unicorn fur.

3506 Main Street, Occidental; (707) 599-0573; hinterlandempire.com; open Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

West County Herb Company
West County Herb Company in Occidental. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

West County Herb Company
Just a few doors down from Neon Raspberry and Hinterland is the apothecary West County Herb Company. Owner Lisa Kurtz makes and sells herbal products from organic, locally-grown and responsibly-harvested ingredients. Kurtz will offer you a cup of tea to sip while you shop, a perfect invitation to relax and rejuvenate.

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West County Herb Company in Occidental. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

Beyond the many organic tinctures, salves, and bulk herbs, the shop features aromatherapy products, soaps, and candles made by northern California-based herbalists and craftspeople. If you are interested in learning how to make your own tinctures, Kurtz hosts community workshops in an adjacent events space.

3641 Main Street, Occidental; (707) 874-9567; westcountyherb.com

Commerce Fine Goods in Guerneville. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
Commerce Fine Goods in Guerneville. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)

Commerce Fine Goods
Inside Guerneville’s historic Russian River Bank Building (renamed The Guerneville Bank Club) you’ll find Commerce Fine Goods, a beautiful shop featuring modern home decor items and clothing. Given the beauty of the shop, it’s not surprising to learn that co-owner Edyta Szyszlo is also a professional photographer and stylist. Commerce Fine Goods’ goal is to provide a selection of goods from small studios and makers with an emphasis on modernity, craft, quality and distinction.

Commerce Fine Goods in Guerneville. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
Commerce Fine Goods in Guerneville. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
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Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)

Szyszlo has a knack for finding products with amazing textures. From canvas totes to tiny geometric vases, everything at Commerce Fine Goods makes me want to touch it, but the spacious shelving and expert presentation always makes me feel for a moment like I’m inside a small museum.

16290 Main Street, Guerneville; (707) 510-0051; commercefinegoods.com; open Thursday -Monday 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

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Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)
Commerce Fine Goods inside the Guerneville Bank Club. (Photo courtesy of Commerce Fine Goods)

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BONUS: Get some ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s
Sharing a space with Commerce Fine Goods is Nimble & Finn’s, home of some of Sonoma County’s finest and most original ice cream. Since 2015, sisters and co-owners Leandra Beaver and Jazmin Hooijer have set up shop inside the Guerneville Bank Club.

Nimble and Finn's Ice Cream. (Photo courtesy of Nimble & Finn's)
Nimble and Finn’s honey lavendar ice cream. (Photo courtesy of Nimble & Finn’s)

Beaver says, “As sisters and moms of young children, we were looking to create a business that would be flexible and fun for our families and incorporate our passion for delicious food. We love the sense of community we found at farmers markets, and wanted to carry that over to our shop. We also find that community as part of the collective of businesses at the Guerneville Bank Club.”

Put the cherry on top of a sweet day of shopping by indulging in ice cream or pastries made with organic dairy and fruit grown in Beaver and Hooijer’s home gardens.

16290 Main St, Guerneville; (707) 666-9411; nimbleandfinns.com

Leandra and Jazmin, the sisters behind Nimble & Finn's.
Leandra and Jazmin, the sisters behind Nimble & Finn’s.

5 Pieces to Spruce Up Your Spring Wardrobe

With the spring season less than two weeks away, many of us are thinking about getting our closets ready for warmer weather and sun-filled days. I asked Wine Country stylist Malia Anderson of Style by Malia to share with us what items she suggests we add to our wardrobes to spruce it up in time for spring.

Malia scoured Sonoma County and found these 5 pieces, sure to add a dose of springtime to your style.

All About Yellow!

Malia suggests adding yellow, a fun and cheery color that’s on-trend, to your wardrobe and says, “Yellow is a must this season! This stunning reversible hoodie is the perfect way to add it to your spring wardrobe.”

Layering Leaves in Lemon Zest, $70, Evystree.com

leslunes

Transitioning with Layers

Spring temperatures range from chilly to warm to chilly again on any given day in Sonoma County, so transitional dressing with layers is a necessity. Malia suggests this asymmetric sleeveless dress from Les Lunes, soon to open their first Sonoma County location in Healdsburg in April. She calls it the “perfect dress to layer for spring. Just add a little jacket or wear as a tunic over jeans. It’s a spring must-have.”

Monceau Dress, $124, Les Lunes, 322 Center Street, Healdsburg, (800) 385-7182 (this location opening soon)

 

Talbots Gingham Mac

For Spring Showers 

Just because the weather is warmer doesn’t mean the rainy season is over. Put away the heavy rain coat in favor of a light and stylish version. Malia suggests this water-resistant gingham coat from Talbot’s and says, “This is the perfect transition piece. As the weather warms up, this lighter weight coat is a stylish and functional option.”

Gingham Mac, $189, Talbot’s, Montgomery Village Shopping Center, 911 Village Ct, Santa Rosa, (707) 578-0491

Embellished Style 

Flowers and springtime just go together. Try the embellished denim trend with these jeans from Chico’s. Malia tells us, “Embellished jeans are the perfect way to add some floral to your wardrobe this spring.”

Painted Botanical Girlfriend Jeans, $119, Chico’s, Montgomery Village Shopping Center, 713 Village Ct., Santa Rosa, (707) 522-1379


Soft Comfort 

Malia suggests a pair of linen pants for the spring and summer seasons and says, ‘”for all those outdoor events we have here in Wine Country, these are the perfect pant.”

These 100% linen pants, available at Ethical Clothing, are made in San Francisco with a soft laundered linen that can be machine washed. Available in 20 colors, including a delicate pinstripe shown here, these will be your go-to pants this spring and summer.

Ethical Clothing, $98, 122 Kentucky St., Petaluma, (707) 769-8564

You Won’t Miss What’s Missing in This Sonoma County Breakfast

Amy's Drive Thru Breakfast (courtesy photo)
Amy’s Drive Thru Breakfast (courtesy photo)

Vegetarian food purveyors, Amy’s Kitchen, have created a drive-thru restaurant , Amy’s Drive Thru, that serves up burgers, fries and milkshakes with a better-for-you bent. Already, we’re huge fans of the Amy’s Burger and coconut milk shakes.

Now, they’ve got a breakfast menu to start your day on the right foot.

Amy's Drive Thru Breakfast. Courtesy photo
Amy’s Drive Thru Breakfast. Courtesy photo

 

After months of serious R+D at the Amy’s Kitchen lab, the lineup includes veggie sausage, tofu and cheese breakfast sandwiches; delish yogurt parfaits, and, the crave-worthy burrito bowl with baked tofu, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, cheese, tomato, sour cream and salsa. 

Breakfast is served from 6-11a.m. daily. 58 Golf Course Dr. West, Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629.

More details at amysdrivethru.com.

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?