In the borderland between Napa and Sonoma, where bootleggers and brothels once abounded, two winemakers now pay tribute to golf with an ace Sauvignon Blanc and a “Double Eagle” Bordeaux blend.
The Grieve Family Winery straddles the county line between Sonoma and Napa, just north of the point where the majestic Mayacamas begin their slow descent toward the San Pablo Bay.
While located in Napa’s Lovall Valley, the winery is accessed solely from neighboring Sonoma County. The route to the winery follows a sun dappled, serpentine road along which villas and weathered farmhouses occasionally punctuate hilltops covered in golden California high grass.
An area rich in history and steeped in myth, Lovall Valley local lore has it that the name “Lovall” (pronounced “love-all”) originates from the past existence of a high-class brothel in this secluded part of the wine country. During Prohibition, valley bootleggers are said to have run their contraband from this part of the wine country all the way to San Francisco.
David and Kathleen Grieve left city life behind in San Francisco to settle in Napa Valley. Adjacent to their new home was a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard. (Sofia Englund / Sonoma Magazine)
The idea for the establishment of the winery began in 2003 when David and Kathleen Grieve left city life behind in San Francisco to settle in bucolic Napa Valley. When they found a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard nestled on 60 acres of adjacent land, David began walking the countryside to explore the neighboring vines. He soon developed an interest in California Sauvignon Blancs and discovered that the Lovall Valley offered unique circumstances for growing grapes.
David Grieve, and his wife Kathleen, purchased the Lovall Valley Winery in 2014. (Sofia Englund / Sonoma Magazine)
The Lovall Valley has a much cooler climate than neighboring Sonoma and Napa appellations since cool air has a propensity to sink and settle in the bowl created by the hills surrounding the valley. The valley’s soil type is made up of ocean-floor silt containing sea shells — a remnant from when the valley was underwater following the Ice Age and reminiscent of the soil type found in France’s Loire Valley, famous for Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
The Grieve Family Winery hosted an exclusive tasting and masterclass on May 26th where guests sampled 9 vintages of the winery’s Sauvignon Blanc. (Sofia Englund / Sonoma Magazine)
In 2004, by then having become well-versed in the language of California Sauvignon Blancs, David and Kathleen purchased the vineyard. Initially, the Grieves made only a small quantity of wine, selling the remainder of each year’s harvest to select, high quality wine producers. But all of this changed in 2008, when David was introduced to wine-industry veteran and chef Vance Rose at a pop-up 12 course underground dinner Rose was in the habit of hosting.
Vintner and chef Vance Rose teamed up with David Grieve in 2008. The two now produce Grieve Sauvignon Blanc and a “Double Eagle” Bordeaux blend. (Photo Courtesy of Grieve Family Winery)
Rose’s fascination with wine and food developed serendipitously when, at the age of 18, his father asked that he select a wine for his birthday dinner. Rose recalls that at that time, he knew of only four kinds of wine: “white, red, pink and bubbly.” When the young Texan chose a 1959 Burgundy (the year of his birth), the occasion marked the beginning of a journey which would take Rose to the premier wine producing regions of the world where he has sought out, sold and made fine wines.
Vance Rose has made a name for himself creating and hosting extravagant pop up dinners. On May 27th, Rose prepared a tasting menu for guests at the Grieve Family Winery. (Sofia Englund / Sonoma Magazine)
Soon after the Grieve/Rose meeting at the culinary extravaganza, the two began making wine together under the Grieve Family label. Eight vintages later, they’ve established themselves as producers of premier California Sauvignon Blanc and “Double Eagle” Bordeaux blend.
The Grieve Sauvignon Blanc derives from two vine varieties: a French clone vine and a California “clone 3” vine, sometimes known as “the lost clone”. (97% of California Sauvignon Blancs derive from clone 2; clone 3 vines are rare).
Grieve Family Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc derives from a rare clone 3 vine – “the lost clone.” (Photo Courtesy of Grieve Family Winery)
Created by a UC Berkeley professor in the late 19th century and planted on an experimental vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, clone 3 fell into viticultural oblivion as the vineyard deteriorated during the depression. Fifty years later, a UC Davies viticulture professor, curious about the mysterious vine, determined to seek it out. After a search which was to last several years, remnants of the clone were found in a disused and overgrown vineyard.
To realize their fine quality Sauvignon Blanc, Grieve and Rose “double-farm” the vineyard, treating the north side of the vineyard differently from the south side. They employed this approach to accommodate for the vineyard’s east/west row orientation and Sauvignon Blanc’s need for sun exposure to achieve the best flavors. The two winemakers also harvest twice during the year to maximize the flavor intensity of each cluster picked. The process can be labor intensive and expensive, but Grieve and Rose feel it is worth the effort in their attempts to make the best possible wine.
The fairway and green adjacent to the Grieve Family Winery. (Sofia Englund / Sonoma Magazine)
In 2010, Grieve and Rose combined their two passions — golf and fine wine — to make their inaugural release of Grieve Family’s “Double Eagle” Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2012, Grieve Family created a “Double Eagle” Bordeaux blend by combining the best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Grieve Family Merlot. (In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, the Grieve Family vineyard also includes 4.49 acres of Merlot).
For David Grieve and Vance Rose, there seems to have occurred a “synergy of two” in the making of Grieve Family Wines: two clones, two sides of the vineyard and two harvests in an effort to make one great Sauvignon Blanc. And David Grieve and Vance Rose no doubt have high hopes that pioneer golfing ace Bobby Jones, armed with his putter “Calamity Jane,” would be proud of Grieve Family’s “Double Eagle” Bordeaux blend.
Not all trail outings require specialized gear, long time commitments or strong legs and lungs. Along the Kortum Trail on Sonoma County’s coast, feel free to come as you are, saunter at will and make frequent stops.
The only climbing will be an optional side trip down to the beach or up the trailside rock outcroppings. Along the way, you’ll meet people of all ages who have pulled over for a closer look at the coastal bluffs so many of us drive past on our way elsewhere.
We visited on a sunny Saturday afternoon and spent an hour watching the surf at Blind Beach near Jenner before wandering down to the trailhead. During a leisurely stroll to Shell Beach, we passed no more than 20 others, many of whom were likewise in no hurry to reach the end of the trail. Several of us gathered to watch a group of young rock climbers practice their ascents on Sunset Rocks, one of the many trailside attractions.
There’s plenty more to enjoy along the way. From the coastal bluffs, we had panoramic ocean views that stretched from Goat Rock to Point Reyes. We found many reasons to linger — scouting the horizon for cargo ships, watching the waves wrap around craggy outcroppings, searching for wildlife in the marshland beneath the boardwalk.
The trail is named for Bill Kortum, a Petaluma environmental activist who, among other things, co-founded Coastwalk California. Until his death in 2014, he continued to advocate for the statewide California Coastal Trail, of which the Kortum Trail is a segment. Although the entire trail is visible from Highway 1, we felt miles away, separated by gentle breezes and the ever present roar of the Pacific.
(Dogs are not allowed on the Kortum Trail)
To the Trailhead
Goat Rock Road • Jenner
38.435135, -123.120470
From Highway 1 and Highway 116 (just south of Jenner) cross the Russian River bridge on Highway 1, and drive 0.65 miles south to Goat Rock Road at mile marker 19.15. Turn right and continue 0.75 miles to the Blind Beach parking lot on the left side of the high bluffs.
From Bodega Bay, drive 8 miles north on Highway 1 to Goat Rock Road at mile marker 19.15. Turn left and continue 0.75 miles to the Blind Beach parking lot on the left.
Shuttle Car to Wright’s Beach
7170 Hwy 1 • Bodega Bay
38.401243, -123.094288
To Wright’s Beach: The lot is located 1.4 miles south of the Shell Beach turnoff at mile marker 16.8 along Highway 1.
The Hike
Get a great bird’s-eye view of Goat Rock and Blind Beach from the Blind Beach parking lot. A steep, rough path descends the cliffs to the beach itself, 200 feet below, but for this hike, walk 30 yards back down the road to the posted Kortum Trail on the right. Ascend the grassy slope toward prominent Peaked Hill.
Climb to the saddle between the 377-foot peak on the right and the rocky outcrop on the left. From the ridge, the southern views stretch past Bodega Head to Point Reyes. Descend the southeast slope, and pass through a fence to a giant rock formation on the marine terrace.
Curve right to the oceanfront cliffs and continue south. Pass dramatic formations on the grassy bluffs and offshore rocks, including Gull Rock, a nesting site for gulls and cormorants. Cross a small gully and continue atop the plateau. Cross a larger gully with the aid of stairs and a footbridge. Follow a 300-foot boardwalk over a wetland.
Curve inland, walk across another 150-foot boardwalk, and return to the oceanfront cliffs. Pass through a fence and continue on a gravel path to the Shell Beach parking lot. A path on the right descends the bluffs to the beach, where jagged shoreline rocks support tidepools. After exploring the beach, return along the same route for a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike or continue south another 1.6 miles to Wright’s Beach for a total of 4 miles.
If you are continuing, take the posted Kortum Trail south. Weave down into a stream-fed drainage, and cross a footbridge over the first of five seasonal creeks. Climb out of the gully to the coastal terrace and the oceanfront cliffs at an overlook of Shell Beach and the dramatic offshore rocks.
Follow the edge of the bluffs and curve inland. Drop into a second drainage and cross the bridge over the ephemeral stream. Return to the bluffs, with views of Red Hill and the sandy beach at the mouth of Furlong Gulch. Zigzag down switchbacks into the gulch. Cross another bridge over the creek and a shorter bridge over a feeder stream. After the second bridge is a junction. The right fork descends steps to Furlong Gulch Beach on the south edge of the creek.
Climb back up to the 100-foot bluffs and continue south. Atop the terrace, pass a connecting trail from Grill Way. Curve left toward the house near the end of Carlevaro Way. Before reaching the house, veer to the right, staying on the trail. Drop down and cross a bridge over the fourth stream to a posted junction. Straight ahead, the right path leads to a sandy beach at the mouth of the stream.
At low tide, this route can be taken to Wright’s Beach, forming a loop with the bluff-top trail. The main trail curves left and weaves across the bluffs, crossing a bridge over a winter stream near Highway 1. Follow the south wall of the drainage and return to the oceanfront, where the path joins a gravel utility road. The gravel ends at the paved access road leading down to Wright’s Beach and the campground. Wind a quarter mile down the access road to the sandy beach.
Source: “Day Hikes Around Sonoma County, 2nd Edition,” by Robert Stone. Photography by Linda Castrone.
Gabriel Soto at the set of Vino el Amor at Viansa Winery in Sonoma. (Photo by Lorna Sheridan)
One of Mexico’s most well-known celebrities, Gabriel Soto, has spent the last few weeks in Sonoma Valley filming a highly anticipated new telenovela for Univision.
The show, which will air beginning in August, is called “Vino el Amor,” or “Wine Love.” It will be broadcast in nearly 100 countries and is expected to draw tens of millions of viewers. The series is set in Sonoma, while its interior shots are being filmed in Tijuana, Mexico.
The cast and crew of 75 has been staying in Sonoma, spread between two hotels, one on the Plaza and one just outside the city limits. Filming has taken place at Viansa Sonoma. Crews will return later in the summer and film the soap opera off and on in Sonoma throughout the fall.
Gabriel Soto speaking with an actor off camera during a scene filmed at Viansa, Sonoma. (Lorna Sheridan / Index-Tribune)
Over the past few weeks of filming, the actor-model Soto, 41, has been mobbed more than once on the Plaza, according to production officials. He stars in the production along with Russian actress Irina Baeva, 25.
The telenovela is being produced by Mexican filmmaker Jose Alberto Castro for Televisa, the largest producer of Spanish speaking television programming in Mexico.
Castro is well known in his own right, both for the global success of his most recent telenovela, “Passion and Power,” which swept Mexico’s television awards in 2015, and for making headlines in various Mexican tabloid papers.
Russian actress Irina Baeva stars in the production along George Soto.
Production manager Laura Somerville has worked with Televisa for almost 20 years and she was responsible for selecting Viansa Sonoma as the setting for the show. The location had been under wraps until recently, out of concern that fans of Soto might arrive on set disrupting production.
Somerville had never been to wine country before this summer but she is already a huge fan. “We all love it here,” she said.
“I came to Sonoma on vacation three years ago,” added Castro, and “ever since then I have wanted to set a show here. It is such a beautiful place and we have found the people to be exceptionally friendly.”
Gabriel Soto has a background as a model (he’s a former Mr. Mexico) and as a former boy band star. He is currently known as a telenovela star in Mexico.
“Our Mexican employees said that having Gabriel here is like if we were hosting Tom Cruise at the height of his fame,” said Viansa’s general manager Phillip Hansell.
A crew of more than 75 people are staying in Sonoma until Christmas.
Interviewed on his last day before a break in filming, Soto said, “This is such a beautiful place, we never want to leave. I love our hotel, I love this winery.”
Castro added that while the cast and crew have been working around the clock, they have enjoyed some “terrific” meals in Sonoma, including “a fantastic breakfast at Fremont Diner” and great meals at both Della Santina’s and OSO.
The plot of “Wine Love” centers on a winery owner (Soto), who is depressed after losing his wife in a tragic accident. A young woman (Beava), who grew up in the vineyard, returns and helps the winery owner learn to once again love life, and his vineyard. The series is a remake of a Chilean series “La Chúcara.”
“Vino el Amor” will have upward of 100 episodes, and will air every weekday for an hour starting in August. According to Univision, the soap opera “gives life to Mexican Americans trying to not only achieve the American Dream but also the success with family and love.”
Actor and former model George Soto said that he loves filming in the Sonoma vineyards, despite the wind.
There’s plenty of reasons to get out and about this week. This Saturday and Sunday is the 26th annual Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic in Windsor. Friday through Sunday, Sonoma celebrates Gay Wine Weekend. On Sunday, celebrate Dad at the Father’s Day “Show & Shine” Car Show in Santa Rosa. And the Sonoma-Marin Fair comes back to Petaluma June 22-26. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
FRIDAY, June 17
North Bay Cabaret: This Friday, North Bay Cabaret celebrates their 2nd anniversary with a night of 21+ entertainment at the Whiskey Tip in Santa Rosa. The Crux and Josh Windmiller will perform live music, and performances will include flaming hula hoops, pole acrobatics, burlesque and more. The event will raise funds for the Pulse shooting victims in Orlando through a raffle. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $10-$15. Find out all the details at facebook.com/NorthBayCabaret.
The Art of the Book: The latest gallery at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts pays homage to the literary arts — books, to be specific. Starting this Friday and running through July 24, view several dozen pieces that illustrate the high level of skill and creativity in the art of bookmaking. This Friday, 6-7:30 p.m., is an opening reception to the gallery. On Saturday, 2-3 p.m., hear how several works in this gallery were created when artists come to describe their pieces. Find out all the details about this free event at sebarts.org. (June 17 & 18)
Gay Wine Weekend: This weekend, enjoy three full days of LGBT events in the Sonoma Valley, including the Twilight T Dance, the Gay Wine Auction, wine tours and more. Tickets are $25-$175. For all the details, visit outinthevineyard.com. (June 17-19)
This weekend, enjoy three full days of LGBT events in the Sonoma Valley, including the Twilight T Dance, the Gay Wine Auction, wine tours and more.
SATURDAY, June 18
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic: This weekend, hot air balloons will dot the skies for the 26th annual festival at Keiser Park in Windsor. The event kicks off with the Dawn Patrol — an early morning chance to see illuminated balloons launch in the dark. It then continues with the main launch of 30 balloons and a festival that continues until 10:30 a.m. Gates open each day at 4 a.m. Tickets are $6 adults, $5 kids, and free for kids 5 and under. Tethered rides are $10 each. Parking is $5. Find out all the details at www.schabc.org. (June 18 & 19)
Ride-A-Rig: This Saturday, kids of all ages are invited to Galvin Park in Santa Rosa to see and explore first responder vehicles. This hands on event will feature a fire truck, ambulance, air ambulance and law enforcement vehicles. Other vehicles may include an Army Jeep, a garbage truck and more. Admission is $5, and free for kids 3 and under. Find out all the details at www.jlns.org/ride-a-rig.html.
Sonoma Lavender Barn Opening: This weekend and next, the Sonoma Lavender Barn will be open to the public for their once-a-year sales event. The free occasion will include discounts on a variety of lavender products. Find out more at sonomalavender.com. (June 18 & 19)
Super Nice Social: If you’re itching to do nice things for others, and want to meet other like-minded people, the Super Nice Club is the club for you. This Saturday, the group aims to clean up Healdsburg Memorial Beach, and then celebrate that night with drinks and bites to eat at Bergamot Alley in Healdsburg. The cleanup starts at 10 a.m., and the social is at 9 p.m. Find out more at facebook.com/superniceclub or www.superniceclub.com.
This Sunday, take dad where he really wants to go — to the car show!
SUNDAY, June 19
Father’s Day “Show & Shine” Car Show: This Sunday, take dad where he really wants to go — to the car show! From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Juilliard Park in Santa Rosa, check out classic cars, live music, raffles, contests and more. This event is free to attend. Find out more at nceca.org.
Father’s Day Pig Roast: Spoil dad this Sunday with a feast at Meadowcroft Wines. The winery is servicing up a spit fired pig with delicious sides, paired with Meadowcroft’s current release wines. The event is from noon to 3 p.m., and is $65-$75 per person. Reserve your space at meadowcroftwines.com.
Cotati Jazz Festival: This Sunday, enjoy jazz in the park when the 36th Annual Cotati Jazz Festival comes back to La Plaza Park. The free event will feature music, crafts, food and more. The festival takes place noon to 5 p.m., followed by evening performances at the local restaurants and pubs. Find out all the details at cotatijazz.com.
Stumptown Daze Parade: The 70th annual parade in Guerneville takes place this Sunday, marking the start of the summer season. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., and the celebration continues until 5 p.m. Find out more at russianriver.com.
Father’s Day Luau: Bring Hawaii to dad this Sunday with a Father’s Day Luau at B.R. Cohn Winery in Sonoma. The event is 1-3 p.m. and will include a roasted pig feast, live music and Polynesian dancing. Tickets are $20-$45. Find out more at brcohn.com.
Transcendence Theater’s “Broadway Under the Stars” opens this Friday with “This Magic Moment” at the Jack London Historic State Park in Glen Ellen.
A Peak at Next Week…
Monday, June 20
Annie Proulx: Pulitzer Prize-winning author, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, San Rafael. $45 includes Proulx’s latest novel, ‘Barkskins.’ (415) 927-0960, bookpassage.com.
James McMurtry: Veteran singer-songwriter ‘Live at Lagunitas,’ 4:20-9 p.m. Monday, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Petaluma. Free, RSVP required, wait list only. 769-4495, lagunitas.com.
Dining with Authors: Hear local authors read from their recently published books at Gaia’s Garden in Santa Rosa, 6-8 p.m. facebook.com/LocalAuthorsDistributor
Tuesday, June 21
3 Doors Down: Mississippi rock band, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $49-$175. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Soul Fuse: Funk, soul and fusion band, ‘Tuesdays in the Plaza’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Healdsburg Plaza. Free. 431-3301, ci.healdsburg.ca.us.
Wednesday, June 22
‘Tosca’: Met Opera Summer Encores showing of Puccini’s timeless verismo score, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rialto Cinemas, Sebastopol. $12.50. 525-4840, rialtocinemas.com.
‘ChamberFest 2016’: Schubert and Mozart duets open five-day chamber music festival, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Thursday, June 23
Carolyn Wonderland: Blues singer-songwriter, ‘Summer Nights on the Green’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Windsor Town Green. Free. 838-1260, townofwindsor.com.
Friday, June 24
Wanda Sykes: Stand-up comic and ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Alpha House’ actress, 8 p.m. June 24, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $49.50-$59.50. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Dana Gioia: California State Poet Laureate, 7 p.m. June 24, Copperfield’s Books, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 578-8938, copperfieldsbooks.com.
‘Forever Plaid’: Musical with nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s, opening night, 8 p.m. June 24, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa. $15-$37. 523-3544, 6thstreetplayhouse.com.
Tommy Castro: Rockin’ rhythm and blues with The Painkillers band, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. June 24, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Second Line: New Orleans-influenced funk band, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert, 7 p.m. June 24, Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10, $10 parking. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.
‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’: Gershwin musical comedy, Summer Repertory Theatre opening night, 8 p.m. June 24, Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa. $18-$25. 527-4307, summerrep.com.
‘Bye Bye Birdie’: Opening night, Raven Players’ production of the musical comedy, 8 p.m. June 24, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. $10-$30. 433-6335, raventheater.org.
Saturday, June 25
‘Thompsonia!’: Americana, rockabilly and blues with Suzy, Eric and Allegra Thompson, 8 p.m. June 25, Occidental Center for the Arts. $25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
‘Fresh Paint’: Sonoma Valley Museum of Art gala with Los Boleros Cuban and Latin band and performer Ellen Toscano, 5:30 p.m. June 25, Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma. $250. 939-7862, svma.org.
‘Charles M. Schulz’s Art & Life’: Lecture with Schulz Museum archivist Cesar Gallegos, 2 p.m. June 25, Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, Rohnert Park. Free. 584-9121, sonomalibrary.org.
Timothy O’Neil Band: Folk-Americana plus The Sam Chase and The Untraditional, 9 p.m. June 25, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $15. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.
Sunday, June 26
Symphony Napa Valley: ‘Double Double’ concertos by Bach and Mozart, 3 p.m. June 26, Napa Valley Performing Arts Center, Lincoln Theater, Yountville. $30-$55. 944-9900, symphonynv.org.
‘ChamberFest 2016’: All-Mozart program finale with the Santa Rosa Symphony, 3 p.m. June 26, Weill Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $30. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Matt Eakle & Randy Vincent: Flutist and guitarist with Michael Brandeburg Jazz Trio: 1-4 p.m. June 26, Village Terrace, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
‘The Three Musketeers’: Swashbuckling, romance and humor with Pegasus Theater Co., closing performance, 6 p.m. June 26, Riverkeeper Stewardship Park, Guerneville. $18-$25. (800) 838-3006, pegasustheater.com.
Hold onto your sweet tooth, because we’ve found a Candy Land of yumminess way under the radar.
Zephyr Chocolates, a passion project by baker/chocolatier Robin Carey, has quietly been testing out a pop-up sweet shop on Monday and Tuesdays at East Wind Bakery in Santa Rosa.
Bao donuts made with bao dough and filled with ricotta cheese and fruit at Zephyr Chocolates pop-up at East Wind Bakery in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
First off, the donuts. She bowled us over with her croissant donuts a few years ago, but now, she’s doing an Asian-inspired bao donut. If you’re not familiar with bao, it’s the soft, fluffy dough used in Chinese pork buns — a chewy, light, sweet/savory bread often steamed. Inspired by the extraordinary bao buns at East Wind, she’s fried up the dough and filled it with ricotta and fresh fruit including key lime, strawberry, and Meyer lemon.
Calling them “bao-nuts” she’s also doing Boston cream pie and a creme brulee version with a crunchy sugar top.
Chai tea and lavendar cupcakes at Zephyr Chocolates pop-up at East Wind Bakery in Santa Rosa.
That’s just the start, though, Carey also does exotic cupcakes: Cardamom rose, lavender bergamot and double chocolate; donut bread pudding and chocolates with rose, cinnamon, Chinese five spice, are ginger (among many others).
Sipping chocolates with a cinnamon marshmallow from Zephyr Chocolates at the East WInd Bakery on Monday and Tuesdays only in Santa Rosa.
We gilded the little by ordering a sipping chocolate (think liquid truffle) with a giant cinnamon marshmallow also made by Carey.
We’re not sure where she finds time to sleep, but you’ll want to get up early to get some of her treats because the bakery case tends to get pretty empty by noon.
Zephyr Chocolates pop-up at East Wind Bakery: Monday and Tuesdays only from 9a.m. to 3p.m., 3851 Sebastopol Rd., #109, Santa Rosa, zephyrchocolateandcocoa.com.
Photography by Heather Irwin.
Donut bread pudding with fresh berries and caramel at Zephyr Chocolates pop up at the East Wind Bakery in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
“Tribal Voices,” an exhibit that explores Native American culture through arts and artifacts, opened June 3 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum and will run through the summer. It’s presented by History Connection.
The exhibit juxtaposes artwork by renowned local Native American artist Christine Cobaugh with artifacts on loan from The Graton Rancheria, Marin Museum of the American Indian, California Indian Museum & Cultural Center, along with items from the collection of historian Dan Brown.
Tony Redhouse opened the new “Tribal Voices” exhibit with a special performance at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. (Petaluma Historical Library & Museum)
“Typically exhibitions of Native Art have almost exclusively focused on either historical or contemporary works, with very little mixing of the two,” said exhibit curator Joe Noriel in a press release. “‘Tribal Voices’ will prompt visitors to see the links and continuities within the vast panorama of Native American art and artifacts, and to consider it with fresh eyes.”
The exhibition, which is free to the public, opened with a performance by Grammy nominated Native American performer Tony Redhouse. Other planned events include a speaker series and a Pomo dance presentation by the Pomo Youth Dancers at 1 p.m. July 10.
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday. More information is available at 778-4398 or http://www.petalumamuseum.com.
Artwork by Native American sculptor Becky Olvera Schultz is part of the “Tribal Voices” exhibit now on display at the Petaluma Historic Library and Museum.
Transcendence Theater’s “Broadway Under the Stars” continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.
When the Transcendence Theatre Company performs outdoors on summer evenings at Jack London State Historic Park, nature sometimes helps out with its own special effects — a shooting star or a full moon.
Everything else the audience sees onstage is product of the company’s hard work. But behind the scenes, the seasoned Broadway performers who founded the group work just as hard to put down roots in a location they hope will remain their permanent home.
Since 2011, they have drawn 57,000 visitors and raised more than $187,000 for Jack London Park, but their work doesn’t stop there. They spend many hours on community projects such as workshops for grieving children and performances for the developmentally disabled and the elderly.
They also earn money between shows by running a Transcendence summer camp for young performers who join the troupe onstage at end of each season. This spring, the company also added a 10-week after-school program for grade-school children at the Sonoma Charter School and Sonoma Boys & Girls Club, as well as an apprentice program for teen-agers.
And they do it all with big show-biz smiles.
Behind the smiles, however, the company’s three founders are dead serious about their mission. They put years of thought and planning into what they do and understand that their long-term viability depends on establishing a financially successful brand.
“All of us had been in the arts and seen that there were different unhealthy cultures or toxic work environments,” said Amy Miller, the company’s artistic director. “We put a lot of focus on how to inspire the whole team together and really share that energy with the community.”
Inspirational Speech
Miller, 38, is the face and voice of the Transcendence Theatre Company, whether she’s seeking support from donors, offering help to the community or performing onstage.
At least once during each live show, Miller gives a brief inspirational speech. The theme is always simple: aim for the stars, live your dream. What puts it over is her sincerity.
“The basic concept of ‘transcendence’ came out of my background in dance,” said Miller, tall and thin with piercing blue eyes. “I’ve danced since I was 5 years old. There was always a moment in dance that I called transcendence, where I just felt free. To me, that was the state of feeling most alive.”
Transcendence Theatre Company artistic director Amy Miller, left, works with Sonoma Charter School student Eden Wilkens, 8, and her classmates as they create a mosaic mural at Sonoma Charter School in Sonoma, California on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, she lived in New York for six years, appearing on Broadway in “42nd Street” and traveling with the national touring company of that show before settling in Los Angeles.
She shared the New York experience with her husband, Brad Suroski, also 38, who appeared at theaters there and with regional companies around the country.
Usually grinning, with his face framed by reddish curly hair, Suroski is co-executive director of the Transcendence Theatre Company. He grew up in Baltimore and met Miller when they were cast in a Florida dinner theater production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
“He was playing Hero in ‘Forum,’” Miller recalled. “We started dating, and the story is we fell madly in love and got married in 2007 and lived in New York and Los Angeles.”
Stage Presence
The third member of the Transcendence Theatre Company’s is Stephan Stubbins, the other co-executive director, who turned 38 earlier this month. Trim and compact with the stage presence of a leading man, Stubbins has established himself as one of the company’s star singers in show after show.
But Stubbins would insist there are no stars in Transcendence, just experienced and talented musical theater professionals working together.
“In the professional world, you meet those two or three people who you’re going to stay in touch with for the rest of your life that you really connect with,” Stubbins said.
Julie Craig in Transcendence Theater’s “Broadway Under the Stars” production at the winery ruins at the Jack London Historic State Park in Glen Ellen. (REBECCA JANE CALL)
For each of several shows in Transcendence Theatre Company’s annual summer “Broadway Under the Stars” series of live musical revues, the founders draw a cast of about 40 peers from past productions and theater connections.
Anne Abrams, who now handles publicity for Transcendence, made many Broadway contacts during a long career with the Shorenstein Hayes Nederlander theater group in San Francisco.
“Two years ago, I was in New York visiting friends on Broadway,” she said, “and one of them was one of the top general managers. ‘Do you know this group of people from Sonoma? Everyone here is talking about them. My actors are just buzzing.’ And this was the general manager of ‘Billy Elliot.’”
No Accident
The events that led to Miller, Suroski and Stubbins settling in Sonoma may seem a bit random in retrospect, but their arrival was no accident. It was result of a long and systematic search.
Stubbins, like Miller, is from Cincinnati and even attended the same high school at the same time. They didn’t know each other then but met in 2004 in New York through a mutual theater friend and briefly talked about their dreams of an ideal theater company.
“When the idea for the company came into being, I sent out a video when were doing our first project,” Miller said.
“It was distributed to like-minded artists, and Stephan responded to the video. He ended up quitting his job with ‘Mary Poppins’ on Broadway and coming to Mexico with us to build a dream.”
The budding theater troupe spent four months in Mexico in 2008, performing and raising money for local orphanages. Confident they could create the company they imagined, the founding trio set out in two RVs with several other friends and a dog named Junior to meet and talk with theater leaders throughout the nation, from Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., to small theaters conducting story circles in Kentucky to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
“We’d sit there and ask them questions on what was working and what was not working,” Surosky said. “We were trying a new model to bring people together, and we had tons of data that we were able to build up.” When the group’s travels brought them through Sonoma County, it was love at first sight. Here was an international tourist destination, a beautiful natural setting and a comfortably sized community.
Transcendence Theatre Company co-executive director Stephan Stubbins, left, joins Sonoma Charter School students and other Transcendence actors in a cheer at the close of an afternoon youth program at Sonoma Charter School in Sonoma, California on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
“We had decided on Wine County,” Miller said. “We would come up here from Los Angeles, looking for land. “On one of those trips, we chose Sonoma and started calling event places. I was researching outdoor theaters across America at 2 in the morning on my computer. “I saw that many of them started in parks, so I typed in parks in Sonoma, and saw they (three Sonoma Valley parks) were slated to close. They were looking for innovative ways to keep the parks open.”
Budget Cuts
The day after California announced the impending closure of state parks in 2011 because of budget cuts, Miller and her crew jumped in their car and drove up to Sonoma County. A stop at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa and a chat with rangers there soon led them to Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.
The leaders of the budding theater company met with Jack London Park Partners, a project of the nonprofit Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, which had stepped in to help keep the park open.
The group agreed to let Transcendence stage a one-night trial show in the old winery ruins at Jack London Park in October 2011. “People said no one would show up,” Miller said, “and 900 people came.”
Enthusiastic Crowds
The following summer, Transcendence opened its first season of “Broadway Under the Stars” musical revues, drawing enthusiastic patrons who arrived early to picnic and enjoy wine and food trucks before each performance. The production’s fifth season opens next month.
RAY MABRY Transcendence Theater’s Amy Miller
During those years, Transcendence’s footprint has grown rapidly. Its Artist Series now showcases individual members of the troupe in smaller concerts at up to a dozen local wineries. One winery, Paradise Ridge in Santa Rosa, even built a hillside amphitheater for Transcendence last year, on a ridge overlooking the Santa Rosa Plain.
Last year, Transcendence also made its indoor debut at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts with two shows, including a holiday revue last December. The company will return there again in December with six holiday performances.
“I’ve attended their shows here, and I’ve attended their shows at Jack London State Park,” said Rick Nowlin, president and CEO of the Luther Burbank Center. “We all enjoyed working with them. Amy, Brad and Stephan are consummate professionals, very committed to the community and to the art form and very enthusiastic.”
Team Up
Arts patrons Gary and Marcia Nelson, sponsors of the 2015 and 2016 Transcendence seasons, also are major donors to the Luther Burbank Center and suggested the two entities team up, Nowlin said.
Since 2014, the Nelsons have sponsored Transcendence to the tune of $100,000 a year. For more than a decade, they also have contributed $50,000 a year to Luther Burbank Center, said Gary Nelson, founder of the Sonoma-based Nelson family of companies, which provides technical and contractual expertise to corporations.
Amy, Brad and Stephan are basically the essence of Transcendence,” Nelson said. “Those are the key people I invested in, so it’s basically about the people. The quality of the performances speaks volumes.
“Their future is extremely bright, but to support the vision of employing professional performers year-round, they needed to expand. They can’t be limited to 18-20 performances in the summer.”
The Transcendence Theatre Company performs during their production, “Broadway Under the Stars” in Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen in 2013. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
This winter, Transcendence members taught choreographed dance and fitness classes in Sonoma, and free “Skits Under the Stars” open mic nights have been added this summer at local wineries.
For the long term, Nelson said, the company will need broaden and strengthen its business operation.
“They need to bring in some local business people,” he said. “They’re getting to the size now that they’ve got to have some real quality people on the financial side and on the marketing side and on the development side.
“They need to find some people who can offer their services pro bono, or on a paid basis, to supplement what they provide artistically.”
From the start, the Transcendence founders have made it clear they aim to stay in Sonoma County. The core trio moved here when they launched the company’s first season, and half a dozen more members of the company have settled in the county.
The company has opened offices not far from downtown Sonoma and have secured a lease at Jack London Park that runs through 2019, with extensions expected.
Requires Stamina
As Nowlin of Luther Burbank Center points out, longevity for any arts organization takes stamina. “The reality is that all nonprofit arts organizations struggle,” he said.
Like most performing organizations, Transcendence has gone after donations and grants to supplement what it brings in from ticket sales, concessions and educational programs, revenue that is rarely enough to sustain a program.
Transcendence Theatre Company’s Nick Dalton, center, leads kids in warm-up exercises with Transcendence artistic director Amy Miller, center right, and Shannon O’Bryan, far right, during an educational outreach program at Sonoma Valley Boys and Girls Club in Sonoma, California on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
“Our overall budget from 2015 was $2 million; $700,000 came from sponsorship/grants/donations,” Suroski said. “We have received grants from Sonoma County, different foundations in the North Bay as well as all over the country. So far this year they have obtained grants that total about $140,000.
Transcendence relies on volunteers for support services but pays it performers, Suroski said, adding, “it’s definitely under their market rate.”
Even without Actors Equity scale, singers and dancers who don’t have Broadway shows or national tours can be drawn to Sonoma for the resort-like environment, the familiar atmosphere at Transcendence and the close contact with an appreciative audience, he said.
After working for years in touring shows that took them back and forth across the country, the founding trio enjoys the prospect of finally settling down.
“We have planted roots and definitely all want to raise families and be here for the long haul,” Suroksi said. “We love it here.”
The Transcendence Theater Company gave a night of dance, intricate harmonies and musical medleys at ‘Rhythm of Life,’ Friday, Aug. 21. (photo by Will Bucquoy)
Strozzapreti with slow cooked Baranga Ranch lamb ragu at Osteria Stellina in Point Reyes Station. (Heather Irwin)
What does Biteclub do on vacation? I’m at the Sonoma Coast all this week checking out the food scene that sometimes gets overlooked, but deserves a serious spotlight. As things heat up inland the coast is our cool-weather chowder and crab sandwich getaway through the summer. (PS, this isn’t a comprehensive list, just a few spots I went to).
Bodega Bay The Duck Club Restaurant at Bodega Bay Lodge has changed its name to Drake’s. Chef Jeffrey Reilly is still at the helm, and the menu still reflects the local West Sonoma County bounty, with local cheeses, seafood and of course Jeff’s Mom’s chocolate cake. 103 CA-1, Bodega Bay.
We’ve been sussing out the best crab sandwich (Dungeness crab fishing is still happening) and so far Spud Point (1910 Westshore Rd, Bodega Bay) is still our favorite. We’re still fans of their homemade chowder, as well, which even locals (we asked) said is the best in the Bay.
Breakfast sandwich and hash browns at the Estero Cafe. Heather Irwin
Valley Ford
If only more menus had an asterisk at the bottom stating that they deep fry in local pork lard. That alone is worth the cost of admission to the Estero Cafe (4450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, open 7a.m. to 3p.m.), though the breakfast sandwich of two fried eggs, grilled Village Bakery sourdough bread, Estero Gold cheese, onion and mayo with bacon from the Sonoma Meat Co. will fill your belly for a long day of hiking along the coast. The couple who purchased the cafe a year or so ago are dedicated to using local produce and ingredients, making it a legit spot for true farm to table eats. Wednesday night dinner is served weekly, but the spot is typically a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot where you find locals hunched over a cuppa joe at the counter.
Red hawk cheese at Tomales Bay Foods. Heather Irwin
Point Reyes Station
The bustling West Marin town of Point Reyes Station is a foodie destination as home to Cowgirl Creamery, Bovine Bakery, Tomales Bay Foods, the Station Cafe and Osteria Stellina. Tomales Bay Foods is a favorite picnic supply spot, where you can grab some Cowgirl (and other) cheese, sandwiches, wine and bread to sustain your day at the coast. The creamery’s Red Hawk washed rind cheese is made in Point Reyes, as you can smell distinctly, though the rest of their products are made in Petaluma. We made a pilgrimage to Osteria Stellina (11285 CA-1, Point Reyes Station), a distinctly West Marin Italian restaurant that’s grabbed some national attention for its pastas and pizzas, though after the departure of Chef John Helquist last November has reportedly stumbled a bit. And while we noticed a couple of frustrated customers at lunch (one sent back oysters, the other waited nearly 10 minutes for a waiter), the Strozzapreti with slow cooked Baranaga Ranch lamb ragu was honestly one of the best bowls of pasta in recent memory, thanks to a recommendation from our server.
Produce at Toby’s in Point Reyes Station
Here are some more of our recommendations for your trip to the Coast…
Bodega Bay
Bird’s Cafe: Great fish and chips and a million dollar view (outside, however, so bring a jacket). 1407 Hwy 1. Bodega Bay.
Grilled oysters at Fisherman’s Cove in Bodega Bay Sonoma Coast 6/16. Heather Irwin
Fisherman’s Cove: Located near Spud Point, we recently found this incredible dining spot at the harbor. Crab sandwiches are served on ciabatta-style bread, and generous with the crab. Grilled oysters rock and the chowder is solid. A definite must-stop, 1850 Bay Flat Rd., Bodega Bay.
Roadhouse Coffee: Tucked away in a small shopping center on the way to the harbor, it’s a tiny, mostly-locals coffeehouse with free Wifi, a solid Red Eye to get you going and award-winning blueberry coffee cake. You’ll probably end up chatting politics or clam chowder with one of the regulars, or watch the steady flow of friends and neighbors stream in and out, but either way, it’s a sunny spot to relax and read a book, catch up on your email. 1580 Eastshore Rd, Bodega Bay.
Valley Ford Rocker Oysterfellers: Great cocktails, oysters, a killer patio and Southern-inspired food. 14415 Shoreline Hwy, Valley Ford.
Marshall Hog Island Oysters and the Marshall Store: I think it’s a toss up between these two spots, depending on what you’re after. Oysters are stellar at both, and the views are both excellent. 20215 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, 19225 State Rt 1. Marshall.
Sir and Star in Olema
Olema Sir and Star: Destination dining at the Olema Inn. Chef-driven menu and rave reviews. 10000 Sir Francis Drake, Olema.
This Father’s Day, think outside the box with these ideas. While you can’t pick up this beer pong table or cornhole set by Sunday, consider giving your guy a card that announces the gift. When he thinks he’s “just” getting a card and realizes a custom gift is on its way, he’ll be surprised (and excited!). Sometimes it’s about anticipation, not immediate gratification.
Cornhole | A Lawn Game You Play with One Hand (and a drink in the other)
This popular game from the Midwest is popping up in backyards everywhere—even at winery events. Custom made in Sonoma County by a Midwestern transplant, sets from California Cornhole take a few weeks, but are worth the wait. Perfect for tailgate parties or summer barbeques, the set latches together for easy travel.
$350 (tax included), made by California Cornhole. Custom orders available. 707.230.2393, Cacornhole.com
Man Cave Must: Beer Pong
Dudes unite! If the garage already resembles a man cave, a beer pong table is the finishing touch. With pre-drilled holes for easy re-racking, all you need are the infamous red solo cups. You can check out the tables in person at the store, just leave the Pabst Blue Ribbon at home.
$159.99, The Pongsquad Beer Pong Table, Sonoma Mancave, 513 David Clayton Lane, Windsor, 707.953.CAVE, sonomamancave.com
Foodie Fathers | Head to the SHED
If you’re looking for something special for the foodie father in your life, visit the SHED in Healdsburg. Choose from cookbooks on smoking foods and oyster shucking sets, to growlers and brass bottle openers, among others.
Want to encourage him to shake it up in the kitchen? Invest in this traditional Ibushi Gin smoker called a Donabe. Made in Japan, this one pot wonder smokes most dishes within 30 minutes. $275, Donabe Clay Smoker. Made in Japan.
If he’s on a quest for the perfect roast chicken, look no further. This incredibly simple stoneware bowl has a large skewer that allows the chicken to be roasted vertically. Fill the bottom with potatoes and veggies and voila; instant side dish! $138, Stoneware Chicken Roaster. Made in France. SHED, 25 North Street, Healdsburg, 707.431.7433, Healdsburgshed.com
Restoring a historical home is an act of love. One of the ways to show your love is to ensure that your vintage home remodel resonates with the time period in which it was built. Paying particular attention to the color palette is an important element in preserving your home’s architectural integrity — it helps your home tell its story.
1900s
Turn of the century American architecture, influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement, is characterized by a reaction against the mass production of the industrial revolution. Frank Lloyd Wright’s “organic” architecture came to define this era, together with the Craftsman style.
The color palette of the time — subdued, soft and neutral — was intended to create a calming atmosphere removed from the industrial hustle and bustle of the oncoming modern age. For an interior evocative of the first decade of the 20th century, use colors such as pale salmon pinks, warm ivories, rusty light oranges, and soft greens.
The soft ivories and warm orange accent pillows allow the crown molding and the fireplace tile work to stand out. (Image via Mark Lohman – This Old House)
1910s
This was a time of upheaval; the horror of World War I, the fight for suffrage. The color palette of this decade tended toward the dramatic, bold and saturated: deep pomegranate, dark purple, medium greens and blue-grays became prevalent and represented a break from the soft muted colors of previous decade.
The blue-green of the fireplace tile complements the warm browns of the wood and the rich burgundy of the leather furniture. (Image via oldhouseonline.com)To paint your home in a style resonating with the 1910-1920s, consult this color palette.A stencil from an interior design periodical printed in 1912: the bright sage greens and the burgundy elements reinforce the strong color themes of this decade. (Image via 1912 “Home Building and Decoration” by Henry Collins Brown.)
1920s
In the roaring 20s, skirts were shorter and hair was bobbed. Art Deco designs and architectural style define this decade: geometric windows, elaborate floor marquetry, neutral, pale tinted cream walls allow the architecture to take center stage.
This 1920’s home showcases the Art Deco sensibilities of the decade. (Image via Heavenly Homes)Contemporary interior design in a Tudor style home makes good use of the neutral, tinted color scheme. The bright abstract artwork serves as a focal point.This home is a beautiful example of “Gatsby Era” design: clean angular lines, muted light colors embody elegance and sophistication. (Image via thebeautifulshuttercompany.com)
1930
The Great Depression of 1929 eradicated the joie de vivre of the roaring 20s. Frank Lloyd Wright built his famed Falling Water and colorful “Depression Glass,” was distributed free or at low cost, to make consumer goods appear more aesthetically pleasing. The colors dominating interior design at this time were jade, celadon, pale gold, grassy tans, pale silvered almond, and walnut brown.
In this small family home built in the 1930s, the Art Deco aesthetic has given way to a simpler style with fewer decorations. (Image via designingtomorrow.com)This contemporary interior stays true to the 1930s time period: the interior is comfortable, but not fussy. The color is pale almond and white, creating a calming atmosphere.This interior treatment of a 1930s home uses neutral and warm grays throughout to create a unified look, while the yellow throw pillows and fresh flowers add pops of color. (Image via homefresh.com)
1940s
At the beginning of the decade, with the onset of World War II, American industry geared up and Rosie the Riveter became the icon of American women in the war effort. The color palette went back to bold with saturated reds, warm oranges, strong teals and greens reminiscent of the color scheme of the WWI era.
A catalog page from the 1940s shows the new trend of Americana: linoleum floors, ruffled drapes, and saturated colors. (Image via retrorenovation.com)A contemporary living room in a 1940s home faithfully recreates the period look with a bright green throw rug and patterned wallpaper. (Image via theinteriorsaddict.com)This 1940s Bungalow has been updated with rustic accents and modern touches, but the bold yellow is a nod to the period this home was built in. (Image via homeaway.com)
