Page 415 – Sonoma Magazine

Santa Rosa’s Battle of the Brews 2016

April 2016

By biteclub

Get ready for the foam to hit the fan as beer drinkers turn out for the 20th annual Battle of the Brews on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

The main event, from 4-8p.m., pits more than 50 brews — both local and national — head to head for the coveted “People’s Choice” vote. Attendees line up in spectacular queues at each brewery with hopes for a taste of their newest releases, awarding their favorites with votes tallied before the event ends. Among the 2016 breweries: Third Street Aleworks, 101 North Brewing, Anderson Valley Brewing, Bison Organic, Firestone Walker, Hangar 24, Kona Brewing, Lagunitas, Lost Coast, Rogue Brewing, Speakeasy, Widmer Brothers and Old Redwood Brewing. A panel of industry judges will name their winners for both the Battle of the Brews main event and the earlier Craft Cup match.

To soak up all those suds, more than a dozen local restaurants will serve up hearty pub grub, pizza and barbecue. Among them, restaurant newcomers Bibi’s Burger Bar, KinSmoke, Pieology and Sauced BBQ and Spirits in Petaluma.

The Craft Cup, from 1-4p.m., is one of two VIP events open to only 800 ticket holders earlier in the day. Described as Sonoma County’s largest juried microbrew competition, smaller, often lesser known beers compete for both professional and people’s choice votes. The Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown is also part of Craft Cup, where 16 chefs will compete to construct the ultimate carbohydrate-protein-carbohydrate creation. Among the competitors: BBQ Smokehouse & Catering, Belly Left Coast Kitchen, Earth’s Bounty Kitchen and Wine Bar, Fogbelt Brewing, former winners John Ash & Co., The Farmer’s Wife and La Rosa Tequileria, as well as Palooza Catering and Sprenger’s Tap Room. Tickets for the VIP event are $95, which includes entrance to the main event. Tickets to participate in the main event are $50, and will likely sell out.

The event is presented by the Active 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa #50, a service organization for young male professionals, with all proceeds going to area children in need. The Battle of the Brews has raised nearly $1 million for the group’s Youth Benevolent Fund, benefitting Santa Rosa Boy’s and Girls Club, Children’s Village, shopping and Christmas events and Kid Street Learning Center.

Details about the event online at battleofthebrews.com.

Shopping: Wine Country Finds for Springtime

April 2016

By Amy Schaus

Rainy spring days are perfect for trying new recipes, organizing or simply curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. Spring in Sonoma also means outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather. Amy Schaus has some ideas for whatever spring brings.

FEED YOUR FACE

Mixin’ It Up
Tired of asking what’s for dinner? Ready to wow friends with a new cocktail? Foodie Dice and Mixology Dice, created by Santa Rosa sisters Liz and Sarah Downey under the Two Tumbleweeds brand, lend a hand. Throw these clever cubes for thousands of combinations for easy-to-cook, seasonal meals, including vegetarian options. Packaged in a tumbler made from reclaimed wine bottles, the Mixology set promises more than 1 million combinations for making artisan cocktails. Who doesn’t want to try a blackberry sage tequila smash?

$38, Made Local Marketplace, 529 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667, madelocalmarketplace.com

One-Bowl Wonder
Leftovers will look even better in a hand-painted ceramic bowl by Yokohama Studio. From freezer to fridge to microwave, these incredible bowls can handle it all. Available in four sizes and lots of patterns, they’re even safe in the dishwasher.

$7.95-$14.95, Sign of the Bear Kitchenware Cookware, 435 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-3722, visit on Facebook.

Tea Time
Portable and functional, the Planetary Design Tea Tumbler infuser mug is a hit with college students and business folks alike. Made from double-walled stainless steel to keep tea nice and toasty, the mug uses a French press-style plunger to brew loose tea.

$24.95, The Taste of Tea, 109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com

Coffee Talk
Designed for java lovers with patience, this Toast Ceramics pour-over coffee cup is made by an artist who believes that everyday items should be durable and look great on the countertop. Adored by coffee enthusiasts, the pour-over method delivers a clean, simple brew.
$65, LittleFour Handmade Goods & Studio, The Barlow, 120 Morris St., Suite 100, Sebastopol, 707-861-9886, littlefourstore.com
INDOOR

Home, Sweet Home
When the flurry of spring cleaning is done, relax and reflect with Petaluma author Susan Bono’s debut book, “What We Have Here: Essays About Keeping House and Finding Home,” which celebrate all aspects of everyday life. A former editor, her writing includes friends, family, and the homes she’s lived in and dreamt of, including the one she’s called home since 1981.

$15, Copperfield’s Books, locations in Healdsburg, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Mindful or Mindless?
Created by a licensed art therapist and a professional artist, “Color Me Calm” and “Color Me Happy” coloring books have more than 100 templates designed to promote relaxation and contentment. Organized in sections including nature, music, art and architecture, these Zen books will provide hours of creative bliss.

$16.99, Village Art Supply, 715 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-575-4501, villageartsupply.com

Busy Hands, Happy Minds
Show your local love with these embroidery kits. Filled with everything you need to stitch a miniature masterpiece, the designs include San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts.

$20.50, Cast Away and Folk, 100 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-9276, castawayandfolk.com

Spring Green
Bring some green indoors with these ceramic wall pockets. Designed to hold succulents, air plants and fresh flowers, these modern containers mount easily yet look equally nice sitting on a shelf or kitchen window. They’re available in several sizes and can be grouped or hung alone.

$52 for the large size, The Silo, 624 McClelland Dr., Windsor, 707-657-7837, siloamericanmade.com

OUTDOOR

In the Bag
Be ready for a spontaneous picnic with this sturdy canvas bag from Olive and Poppy, complete with an interior pocket for a bottle of wine. Designed in Sonoma, it sports the names of local appellations, printed in real Cabernet Sauvignon ink. It’s just waiting for a spring adventure.

$76, Talullah, 333 B Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-9277, shoptiques.com

A Real Kick
These boots were made for talking! Not just practical, these lace-up short boots for women from Ilse Jacobsen are so stylish, they demand to be worn rain and shine. Made of natural rubber and lined with cozy cotton, these are an instant classic.

$189.95, G’s General Store, 19 W. Napa St, Sonoma, 707-933-8082, visit on Facebook.

Maxwell Smart Umbrella
Slip this Vinrella “wine bottle” into your bag and you’ll be ready for spring rain. The bottle is actually a case that holds an umbrella. Simply pop the top and the brolly inside is ready for opening. Turn heads and protect your own from showers.

$22, Atrellis Flower & Gift Shop, 816 McClellan Drive, Windsor, 707-837-8080, atrellis.com

Drink Deep
Stay hydrated at work and on the road with these reusable bottles from S’well, which epitomize form meeting function. Large enough to hold ice cubes yet small enough to fit in a car cup holder, they’re available in fun finishes and colors. Made of the highest-grade stainless steel, the bottles keep beverages cold for 12 hours or warm all day long.

$25-$45, Tamarind, The Barlow, 180 Morris St., No. 170, Sebastopol, 707-861-9513, shoptamarind.com

Glen Ellen’s Gaige House: A Most Romantic Retreat

April 2016

By Karen Hart

In the spring, when the roses and wisteria are in gorgeous bloom, the Gaige House inn welcomes a steady stream of guests.

Nestled off the main road in Glen Ellen, Gaige House is one of the oldest homes in the area, designated a historic landmark by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in 1980. The Italianate Queen Anne-style house, built in 1890 by Albert Ebenezer Gaige, is today an Asian-inspired retreat where folks can experience a rejuvenating getaway.

The detached Zen suites have the feel of a secluded sanctum. Photography by Rebecca Chotkowski.

Many visitors, particularly those from out of state and out of country, learn about Gaige House the old-fashioned way, by word of mouth from family and friends in Sonoma Valley. Yet a surprisingly large number of guests are locals who routinely return for an escape. On a recent evening, all those attending In the Gaige House’s club room, there’s a tray with Port and glasses for guests to serve themselves.

The allure of Gaige House is a blend of the charm of the inn and the magic of quaint, quiet Glen Ellen, including a wealth of scenery, restaurants and wineries, and its proximity to Jack London State Historic Park, Bouverie Preserve and Quarryhill Botanical Garden.

“It’s a beautiful setting with a rural atmosphere, a downtown center and a sense of community,” said Arthur Dawson, a historian who has lived in Glen Ellen for more than 25 years. “You can hike Sonoma Mountain or visit the Sonoma Valley Regional Park.” The breathtaking landscape was not lost on novelist Jack London, who lived in Glen Ellen from 1905 until his death in 1916. It’s still a small, rustic town with a mosaic of redwood forests and stunning views of Sonoma Mountain, showing a velvety green in the spring. Sonoma Creek winds its way through the area.

The two-story Gaige House was once the Glen Ellen Meat Market, though it’s hard to imagine that now.

Crisp white linens and oversized pillows spell comfort for guests, whose suites are decorated with Asian woven baskets and leaf prints.

“The house is an integral part of Glen Ellen history,” said Gary Kozel, a docent for Jack London State Historic Park. Gaige was a civil engineer from upstate New York, but when he moved to Glen Ellen, he started a meat business, according to his great-grandson, Loren McClurg, who lives in Pasadena.

The butcher shop was on the first floor of the house, where the inn’s front desk is located, and Albert and Adelaid Gaige lived above with their four children (Walter, Howard, Emma and Alpha). Eventually, Albert operated the shop with his two sons and had dealings with Eliza Shepard (Jack London’s stepsister), who raised cattle at London’s Beauty Ranch. McClurg’s grandfather, Howard, was once the deputy constable and postmaster general in town.

McClurg said he believes the house was sold when Albert died around 1920. In the following years, the home served other purposes. It was once occupied by the Vanders and their nine children; later, the home was transformed into four apartments, and from 1925 to 1927, it became a schoolhouse when the original school building burned down. It’s also rumored to have once been a brothel.

Interiors at the Gaige House have a distinctive Asian feel, including the suites’ baths with their granite soaking tubs.

Sometime during the late 1980s, Gaige House was converted into an inn and had various owners during the next three decades. It underwent a large-scale renovation and expansion, completed in 2006, by architect Paul Discoe and New York interior designer Paul Davis. Discoe once enrolled at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in Carmel Valley, where he was ordained as a Soto Zen priest in 1970. The following year he traveled to Japan to learn the art of Japanese carpentry. Inspired, he returned to found Joinery Structures Inc., an Oakland design and building firm devoted to integrating traditional Japanese architectural styles with contemporary construction. Gaige House today showcases Discoe’s Asian design philosophy of simplified beauty. In 2012, Four Sisters Inns bought Gaige House; Rachel Retterer is the general manager.

Situated in a lush, secluded setting on Calabazas Creek, Gaige House o-ers an elegant, minimalist blend of vintage and contemporary furnishings. The main house is used for guest registration, and there are 10 deluxe king or queen rooms there. Twelve detached Zen suites have the feel of a secluded sanctum designed specifically for relaxation and rejuvenation. Most feature custom-finished woodwork, fireplaces with sitting areas and an abundance of natural lighting.

Private gardens can be viewed bedside or while taking a soak in the granite tubs for two. There’s also an oversized dual shower lined with iridescent glass tiles. The suites are decorated in tranquil neutral tones of taupe, cream and beige. Beds are made with crisp white linens and oversized pillows. The walls are decorated with Asian woven baskets and leaf prints.

After a day touring Sonoma Valley, guests can indulge in massages in the spa loft or in a Zen Suite. Outdoor massages can also be booked in a private cabana. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and guests will find unexpected touches such as a hammock for reading and napping among the ancient oaks; a miniature pagoda in a rock garden; and bubbling fountains scattered throughout the grounds.

Wildlife is abundant in Glen Ellen, and in 1999, Gaige House guests got a look at a black bear cub that had climbed a large pine on the property. In 2015, two bears were spotted at Bouverie Preserve, so it’s a possibility that Ursus americanus might again pay a visit to the inn.

At the end of the day, the sta hosts a wine and cheese reception in the living room, where guests can meet and relax before going to dinner. There are three acclaimed restaurants on Arnold Drive within walking distance of the inn: Glen Ellen Star, known for rustic refined fare; the fig café, oering a California-casual dining experience; and Glen Ellen Inn, with its appealing oyster grill and martini bar. For those who walk to dinner, the inn provides flashlights to illuminate the way.

In the morning, guests enjoy a buet breakfast, which includes gourmet egg dishes, waes, pancakes, breads, muns and fruit. Freshly baked cookies are available throughout the day on the sideboard in the entry hall, and a there’s a tray with Port and glasses in the club room for guests to help themselves.

The living room is set for wine and cheese tastings.

Gaige House is regularly recommended in the Michelin Guide and often makes Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List of top hotels in the world. Frommer’s once called it one of the 10 most romantic accommodations on earth. And no wonder: The inn oers couples an enviable chance to reconnect, surrounded by thoughtful luxury, nature’s beauty and a sense of history.

13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-935-0237, gaige.com, $275-$595 per night

Pairing Sonoma Wine with Waterfowl

April 2016

By Linda Murphy

The birds are back — ducks, geese, egrets, avocets, grackles, pelicans, herons, hawks and sparrows — at the wetlands at Viansa Sonoma winery, and there’s no better place from which to view them than a wood-framed outlook equipped with binoculars, telescope, bird identification guide and blankets for chilly days.

Not into focusing on fowl? The three hilltop outlooks are also great for taking in a 270-degree view of Sonoma Valley and its vineyards, with a glass of wine in hand and a cheese plate on the table. Or purchase sandwiches, salads and weekend pizzas from Viansa’s marketplace and enjoy them from a lofty perch.

Vintage Wine Estates in Santa Rosa acquired the 168-acre Viansa property in 2013. Previous owners had allowed the 113-acre wetlands below the winery and tasting room to grow reedy and unkempt: Water-harnessing berms eroded, islands that hosted nesting birds, frogs and muskrats were swamped, and the marshes that once teemed with wildlife grew listless.

Working with Sonoma Nature bird expert Tom Rusert, Vintage director of operations Philip Hansell and his team began restoring the wetlands to their previous energetic glory, and in late 2015, introduced the outlooks. The birds spread the word and have returned to Viansa in increasing numbers.

The outlooks accommodate up to six people and are available by reservation, weather permitting. The $75-a-person fee includes a tasting of reserve wines and local cheeses. Drop-in guests to the southern Sonoma winery can still enjoy the (free) view from a walkway that wraps around the Tuscan-style tasting room and courtyard.

Other changes to Viansa include a new event center to replace the huge party tent that hosted weddings and other festivities, and a revamped wine program. Founders Sam and Vicki Sebastiani favored Italian varietals, and while winemaker Amy Ludovissy continues to produce Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese, she has placed a big emphasis on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The flagship is Ossidiana, a red Bordeaux-style blend.

Viansa Sonoma, 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 800-995-4740, viansasonoma.com

Sonoma County Wine Tasting Rooms for Spring

April 2016

By Virginie Boone

Early spring is a time of renewal in the vineyards, with naked vines beginning to sprout. It’s a beautiful season to enjoy what’s in bloom and the beginnings of longer days and sunshine. Wineries offer new releases as well as barrel sampling, a spring ritual sure to make you feel like a connoisseur. Wine writer Virginie Boone recommends these wineries for springtime exploration. Some require an appointment. Contact the wineries for hours of operation and details.

Bump Wine Cellars, 521-A Broadway, Sonoma, 707-228-9214, bumpwine. com.
A relaxing, intimate tasting space right off the Sonoma Plaza, Bump is also an art gallery with rotating exhibitions. The tasting room often hosts evening artist receptions to introduce people to the works. On the wine side, expect Sauvignon Blanc, red blends and hearty Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Mountain.

Ceja Vineyards, 22989 Burndale Road, Sonoma, 707-255-3954, cejavineyards.com.
The Ceja family offers an in-depth dive into Carneros wines at its tasting room, where a sampling of five wines ($20) from its portfolio is available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Also visit the family’s Carneros Brewing Co. next door, a microbrewery founded by four Ceja brothers. Its taproom and beer garden are open daily.

Cline Cellars, 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 800-546-2070, clinecellars.com.
A sprawling property with picnic tables and outdoor tasting experiences, Cline is a chameleon of choices and prices, with something for everyone. In addition to its single-vineyard wines (particularly Zinfandels), seek out its Ancient Vines wines, which include Mourvedre and Carignane. Book ahead for the Syrah Hill Tasting ($45), a two-hour tasting and tour of the property that makes its way through the estate’s vineyards to the top of Syrah Hill, where reserve wines and cheese await.

Dutton-Goldfield, 3100 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-8233887, duttongoldfield.com.
A producer of cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, as well as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Zinfandel and a fine Pinot Blanc, Dutton-Goldfield offers visitors a taste through several of the wines at a leisurely pace. There are more specific tastings, including Wine & Cheese ($30), Beast & Pinot ($40), and a popular choice, Bright Whites & Sushi ($35). These tastings must be booked ahead online.

Gundlach Bundschu, 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-938-5277, gunbun. com.
This venerable winery has a wealth of wines on hand to sample, and spring is a good time to enter the caves for a tasting. A close look at the vineyards is also an option. The producer’s Sonoma Coast Gewürztraminer is a particularly fun wine to drink, along with its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo.

Hawkes Wine, 383 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-938-7620, hawkeswine.com.
Based in Alexander Valley, Hawkes maintains a casual tasting room off the Sonoma Plaza, too, inviting visitors to explore its wines, many of them made from estate-grown grapes. A vin gris made from Tempranillo is in short supply but well worth trying, as are the Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Also visit Hawkes at 6738 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-433-4295.

Iron Horse Vineyards, 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, 707-887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com.
This family- run sparkling wine producer also makes outstanding still wines. The estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are noteworthy, and there is an unoaked Chardonnay for fans of a lighter style. A flight of five wines ($20) is a good way to start, with tours available daily, by appointment, at 10 a.m. ($25), which also includes a tasting. Book ahead for a private truck tour through the vineyards and a private tasting with winemaker David Munksgard, offered Mondays at 10 a.m. ($50).

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-931-7575, jacuzziwines.com.
In the heart of Carneros and with bay views, Jacuzzi celebrates its Italian roots and early days in California, when the Jacuzzis of whirlpool bath fame purchased a 121-acre farm in Contra Costa County in the 1920s. The family eventually found its way to Sonoma, where it produces a host of Cal-Ital wines including Nebbiolo, Aglianico and Arneis, and a very popular Pinot Grigio. Complimentary tastings of five nonreserve wines are offered daily, and be sure to visit to The Olive Press next door, a shop devoted to all things olive and oil.

Keating Wines, Cornerstone Sonoma, 23564 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707939-6510, keatingwines.com.
This is a small producer within Cornerstone’s array of shops and services, specializing in Bordeaux varieties and Zinfandel. Wines are made from both Napa and Sonoma county grapes, including Rockpile and Dry Creek Valley and the mighty Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard in Rutherford.

Kokomo Winery, 4791 Dry Creek Road at Timber Crest Farms, Healdsburg, 707-433-0200, kokomowines.com.
A producer of small-lot wines, Kokomo is open daily for $10 tastings of its wide range of red wines, including Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. For seekers of white wines, it also produces Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, in addition to a late-harvest Muscat Blanc. Many of its fans, however, come for the crisp Grenache rosé.

Larson Family Winery, 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com.
Book a picnic table ahead of time and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Larson, where a bocce court figures prominently. The family makes a range of wines, including two sparklers, a brut and a rosé. It also makes red and a white jug wines, including Wingo White, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer designed with picnics in mind.

MacLaren Wine Co., 27 E. Napa St., Suite E, Sonoma, 707-938-7490, maclarenwine.com.
A tiny, one-man operation, MacLaren produces a crisp, delightfully complex Sauvignon Blanc called Lee’s (named after winemaker Steve Law’s mom) and a slew of heady, cool-climate-inspired Syrahs from throughout the county. The tasting lounge on Vine Alley is relaxed and intimate, with Law usually on hand to pour. It’s open Monday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; and Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment.

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, 4605 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-473-9303, macrostiewinery.com.
New to Westside Road, the MacRostie Estate House is an elegant place to enjoy elegant wines, including single-vineyard designated Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, most from Russian River Valley and with a few options from Carneros and the Sonoma Coast. Daily tastings are available on three patios or indoors, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($15-$25), with reservations recommended.

Meadowcroft Wines, Cornerstone Sonoma, 23574 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-934-4090, meadowcroftwines.com.
Meadowcroft makes a wide selection of wines, from Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a few crisp whites such as Viognier and Riesling. Owner Tom Meadowcroft is a longtime vineyard manager and makes the wines. The tasting room also carries Thomas Henry Wines, named for Meadowcroft’s father and meant to reflect a more European style.

Passaggio Wines, 25 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-934-8941, passaggiowines.com.
Owned and operated by winemaker Cindy Cosco, Passaggio aims to make food-friendly wines inspired by her Italian heritage. Among the offerings are Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay, several Sauvignon Blancs, blends and a couple of interesting rosés made from Barbera and Mourvedre. The signature red wine is Unmarked Repeat Offender Sangiovese, a nod to Cosco’s former life in law enforcement.

R2 Wine Co, 654 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-933-1330, r2winecompany.com.
The brand of brothers Richard and Roger Roessler, once of Roessler Cellars (which became Walt Wines), R2 (R Squared) focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with an eye to affordability. The Red Birds and Black Pine Pinot Noirs are probably its best known, and it also makes a Grenache Blanc, rosé and vin blancs, ideal for spring.

Ravenswood Winery, 18701 Gehricke Road, Sonoma, 707-938-7292, ravenswoodwinery.com.
Before there was a pursuit of balance, there was Ravenswood’s rallying cry of “No Wimpy Wines,” a philosophy it continues to hold to this day. The Zinfandel specialist offers daily tastings of its newest releases, as well as more specialized looks at rare, small-lot Zinfandel and Cabernet blends ($18). Add an artisan cheese or charcuterie plate for $17 each. A more hands-on approach is available via the Blend Your Own No Wimpy Wine experience. At $65, it’s an opportunity to create one’s own field-blend wine and take it home in a 375-ml bottle.

Scribe Winery, 2100 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-939-1858, scribewinery.com.
The brothers Mariani preside over a wide range of casually cultivated events at their outpost on the hill, where unusual wines such as Sylvaner, Riesling and skin-fermented Chardonnay rule. They also make an estate Carneros Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard they farm on the eastern slopes of Atlas Peak in Napa Valley. Reservations are required.

Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, 389 Fourth St. E., Sonoma, 707-9333230, sebastiani.com.
This historic winery maintains a sprawling tasting room and visitor center that’s popular with crowds, and where antique redwood tanks surround a lively tasting bar. Daily tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ($5), while more in-depth offerings include a Historical Vines and Wines Tour, with much of the time spent in the vineyard (daily at 11 a.m., $45). A Wine and Chocolate tasting is conducted daily, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The cost is $10 to $20, depending on the level of wines chosen. Wine and cheese seminars are also available.

Three Sticks Wines, 143 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-996-3328, threestickswines.com.
Enter Three Sticks’ renovated Vallejo-Casteñada adobe for an elevated experience with a thrilling array of wines, many of them vineyard designates. Open for tastings by appointment, Three Sticks offers single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, a crisp Pinot Blanc and Bordeaux-inspired red blends.

Walt Wines, 380 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-933-4440, waltwines.com.
An outstanding specialist of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Walt is the sister brand of Hall Wines in St. Helena. The wines hail from throughout Sonoma, Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley, the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, providing a taste of the varying terroirs. The tasting room is homey, just off the Sonoma Plaza.

Westwood Estate, 11 E. Spain St., Suite 3, Sonoma, 707-933-7837, westwoodwine.com.
Guided tastings are held by appointment at this new producer, now settled into downtown Sonoma. The wines are made by Ben Cane, previously of Twomey Cellars, and with the consulting guidance of David Ramey. The emphasis is on Rhone grape varieties. The Estate Tasting ($25), a seasonal offering of four wines, is a good introduction; aim higher with the Rhone Flight ($40) tasting of five wines. The winery’s estate is called Annadel Gap Vineyard.

Things to Do This Week in Sonoma County

April 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Written by Crissi Langwell & Dan Taylor for the Press Democrat.

Don’t be a fool and stay home. There’s plenty to do this week in Sonoma County. On Saturday is the annual Occidental Fool’s Day Parade, an afternoon of mischief and good-natured mayhem. Saturday evening is the Mad Hatter’s Ball, a chance to wear your craziest topper and raise funds for Mentor Me. Sunday, it’s time to get down and dirty for the Russian River Mud Run. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

Friday, April 1
Fools for the River: This Friday, contribute to making the Petaluma River more accessible to all by taking part in the 3rd annual Fools for the River fundraiser. For the price of a $41 ticket, you get to visit 4 out of a dozen or so participating restaurants in Petaluma for a delicious treat. This ticket price is also tax deductible. See website for more information and location times at petalumasmallcraftcenter.org.

April 1-3
Arabian Horse Show: In its 58th year, watch as Arabian and Half Arabian horses compete at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The events is presented by professional trainers and amateurs, and will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days in the Lyttle Cow Palace. Free to attend. Find out more at sonomacountyfair.com.

Friday, April 1
April Foolery: Head on over to Rossi’s 1906 in Sonoma this Friday to see some of the best bands in the county. Performing on April Fool’s Day will be Royal Jelly Jive, Lost Dog Found and Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood. Tickets are $25 in advance. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Get your jester on, as the best costume wins! Hosted by the Sonoma County Dance Beat. Find out more at socodancebeat.com.

Friday, April 1
Cannabis Comedy: Comedian Sherry Glaser will be joking about her adventures with medical and legal cannabis in “Taking the High Road.” This one-night comedy performance starts at 8 p.m. at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $25. Find out more at www.sherryglaser.net/tour.html.

Through April 3
Sonoma International Film Festival: More than 90 hand-selected films will be shown at this weekend’s film festival in Sonoma, held at various venues within walking distance of the Sonoma Plaza. Tickets range from $275-$5,000. Find out all the details at www.sonomafilmfest.org.

Friday, April 1
Fool for Art: This Friday, head on over to the SOFA Arts District for a late afternoon of mischief and fun. Over 20 art studios will open their doors to the public. and visitors can partake in the Jester Treasure Hunt around the neighborhood. The hijinks starts at 4 p.m. and the event is free to attend. Find out more at sofasantarosa.com.

Saturday, April 2
Occidental Fool’s Day Parade: Play the fool this Saturday at the annual Fool’s Day Parade in Occidental. All who wish to participate are invited to meet at the Community Center in Occidental at noon to begin setting up. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Dress to impress in your craziest, most foolish outfit, and bring your instruments, juggling act or other talent for the Open Mic following the parade. More information can be found at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org/fools-parade-2016.

Saturday, April 2
Local Author Showcase: This Saturday, join dozens of local authors at the Rohnert Park – Cotati Regional Library for an afternoon of books, readings, inspiration and more. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., meet Sonoma County writers of all genres, and network with other book lovers, as well. The event is free to attend. Find out more at sonomalibrary.org/SCLASS2.

Saturday, April 2
Intro to Backpacking: Join Inga Aksamit, author of “Highs and Lows of the John Muir Trail,” is leading a two-hour workshop at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park on the basics of backpacking. The class will discuss backpacking gear and techniques, and prepare you for your own wilderness adventure. Fee is $10, plus an $8 parking fee. Find out all the details at ingasadventures.com/backpacking-class.

Saturday, April 2
Mad Hatter Ball: Mentor Me is throwing their annual Mad Hatter Ball, a gala to benefit the local youth the nonprofit is devoted to helping. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, the Spirits Bar, wine and beer tasting and live music by The Grooveline. Wear a mad hat, and you could win a prize. The live auction is a definite can’t-miss this year. Tickets are $125. Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Mentor Me Cavanagh Recreation Center in Petaluma. Find out more at WeAreMentorMe.org.

Saturday, April 2
Dancing with the Stars and Stripes: In a benefit for veterans, several Sonoma County “stars” are pairing up with a professional dancer for an entertaining dance competition that probably deserves its own TV show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Veterans Building. Admission is $35-$50. Find out all the details at dancingwiththestarsandstripes.org.

Saturday, April 2
Annadel Half Marathon & 5K: In its 7th annual event, runners will make their way around Spring Lake in Santa Rosa to raise funds for trail maintenance at Annadel State Park, and to build new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park. The half marathon kicks off at 8 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. Find out more at www.annadelhalf.com.

Saturday, April 2
Spring Gift Showcase: 24 local vendors will offer unique show specials at this one-day sale held at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park this Saturday. The event is free, and will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Chardonnay Room.

Sunday, April 3
Russian River Mud Run: Get down and dirty in the Rocky & Rosie Russian River Mud Run, kicking off this Sunday at Ya Ka Ama near Forestville. Whether rain or shine, the race winds through an obstacle course with a water slide, belly crawl, walking dead zombies and more. Cost is $25-$70, plus $10 parking. Want to take part? Visit www.russianrivermudrun.com.

Other upcoming events:

Friday, April 1

‘Private Lives, Private Lies’: Original play explores the struggles and joys of eight LGBTQ people, 7 p.m., Graton Community Club. $20. brownpapertickets.com/event/2510068.

‘Time Stands Still’: Moving story of relationships, midlife crisis and ties of friendship, 8 p.m., Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma. $9-$25. 763-8920, cinnabartheater.org.

André Watts: Classical pianist, 7:30 tonight, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

The Millards: Rock-reggae band, 8 tonight, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $8. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.

‘Silent Sky’: Story of American astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, opening night, 8 tonight, 6th Street Playhouse, Santa Rosa. $10-$25. 523-4185, 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Saturday, April 2

Santa Rosa Symphony: ‘Rhythmic Vitality’ with cellist Zuill Bailey and mezzo-soprano Bonnie Brooks, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $10-$80. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Taste of Yountville: Food, wine, crafts, music and entertainment, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Yountville and various Yountville venues. $85 tasting passbook. 944-8851, yountville.com.

Joyce Maynard: Lit Night with ‘Under the Influence’ author, 7 p.m. Saturday, Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma. Free. 762-0563, copperfieldsbooks.com/event/lit-night-joyce-maynard.

Sunday, April 3

Bubbles Brunch: ‘American Idol’ winner Kris Allen, soul food, sparkling mimosa bar, noon Sunday, Yountville Live. $75. yountvillelive.com.

Navarro Trio & Friends: All-Russian chamber music program, 2 p.m. Sunday, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $8. 866-955-6040, sonoma.edu/music/concert_calendar.

Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble: Springtime concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sonoma. $30. 938-4626, ext. 1, sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Monday, April 4

‘A Shakespeare Cabaret’: Motley collection of scenes, songs and comedy inspired by The Bard, 5:30 and 8 p.m. Monday, Newman Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa campus. $10-$15. 527-4307, theatrearts.santarosa.edu.

Tuesday, April 5

John LeBaron: ‘A Lifetime of Photography’ exhibit, 7:30 a.m.-midnight Tuesday, Sonoma State University Library Gallery, Rohnert Park. Free, $5-$8 parking. 664-2397, library.sonoma.edu.

Wednesday, April 6

‘Westside Stories’: Personal narrative storytelling competition, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sonoma Portworks, Petaluma. $8, sold out. 477-4416, westsidestoriespetaluma.com.

Thursday, April 7

Local Honey Swing Band: Small-band swing, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $20. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Friday, April 8

Mean Girls: Rock hardcore she band, 9 p.m. April 8, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $10. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Program of Strauss, Dvorak and Brahms, 7:30 p.m. April 8, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $35-$85. 866-955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

‘All My Sons’: Raven Players production of Arthur Miller’s first play, opens 8 p.m. April 8, Raven Performing Arts Theater, Healdsburg. $10-$25. 433-6335, raventheater.org.

Saturday, April 9

Ancient Future: World fusion concert, 8 p.m. April 9, Occidental Center for the Arts. $22-$25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Battle of the Brews: Craft Brew Cup and Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown, 1-4 p.m.; Main Event, 4-8 p.m.; April 9, Grace Pavilion, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. $50-$95. battleofthebrews.com.

The Blues Session: Local blues musicians, 7:30 p.m. April 9, Cloverdale Arts Alliance. $5. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony Woodwind Quintet: Family-friendly performances 1 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library, 2:30 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library, April 9. Free. 545-0831, 546-2265, sonomalibrary.org/events.

Michael McDonald & Friends: Rural Health Rocks fundraiser, 8 p.m. April 9, Mendocino College Center Theatre, Ukiah. Sold out, wait list full. ruralhealthrocks.com.

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings: Slide guitarist, 8:30 p.m. April 9, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $26. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Sunday, April 10

Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival: Final day, with crafts, live music, food and entertainment, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. April 10, Westside Park, Bodega Bay. $10-$12. bbfishfest.org.

Sonoma County Philharmonic: ‘Spanish Gardens’ concert, 2 p.m. April 10, Santa Rosa High School Performing Arts Auditorium. $10-$15. 206-6775, socophil.org.

‘Story Pirates’: Comic sketches and mini-musicals for all ages, 3 p.m. April 10, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa. $12-$17. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

MUSIC
Otep: Heavy metal band, 7 p.m. April 10, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $22-$25. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.

California Poet Laureate Returns to Santa Rosa

March 2016

By Diane Peterson

Writer Dana Gioia served as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and was appointed California State Poet Laureate by Jerry Brown in 2015. (JOHN BURGESS / The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosan Dana Gioia is the new California Poet Laureate, appointed to the post by Gov. Jerry Brown in December 2015. During his two-year term, Gioia will spread the art of poetry and inspire a new generation of writers while visiting schools and libraries in many of the state’s rural counties.

He picks up where he left off as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (2003-2009), for which he snagged a bigger budget and initiated several programs, including the popular Poetry Out Loud contest for high school seniors.

Gioia’s father was the son of Sicilian immigrants, his mother a working-class Latina who recited poems to him. Intellectual from an early age, Gioia earned degrees at Stanford and Harvard, then earned an MBA. “I’m probably the only person in human history who decided to go to Stanford Business School to become a poet,” he jokes.

That led to work on the East Coast for 15 years, where Gioia became vice president of General Foods. He and his wife, Mary Hiecke, lost their first son to sudden infant death syndrome, prodding Gioia to leave the business world in 1991 and pursue poetry. His latest book, “99 Poems: New & Selected” (Graywolf Press) will be published this spring. Gifted with a booming baritone voice, Gioia will read his poetry on March 26 at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts and on May 19 at Healdsburg SHED.

AGE: 65

BORN: Hawthorne, Calif.

LIVES: Santa Rosa and Los Angeles (where he teaches at USC) FIRST POETIC INFLUENCE: Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee” OUTPUT: Five books, but best known for his 1991 essay, “Can Poetry Matter?” a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. The book triggered a debate on the role of poetry in American culture.

COULDA BEEN: “A composer. My parents sent four kids to college in the hope of getting a doctor or a lawyer. Instead they got a poet, jazz musician, DJ and a Navy captain.”

ABOUT HIS SONS, TED AND MIKE: “Having one child become a writer felt like a compliment. Having two seems like bad parenting.

I tell my boys to work hard and master the craft. Being a writer is a bumpy vocation. But if you love the art, the work itself becomes a reward.”

FOR THE POETICALLY CHALLENGED: “Listen to Garrison Keillor’s ‘Writer’s Almanac.’ Or get a copy of ‘The Classic 100 Poems,’ which William Harmon compiled by documenting the poems most often reprinted over the past century. Every page is a joy.”

MARKETING JELL-O: “I was bold enough to say Jell-O was an inherently silly product. The silliness was its charm. It came in bright colors and wiggled. I developed a kids’ finger food, Jell-O Jigglers.

That idea saved the business after 20 years of declining sales.”

HOBBIES: Collecting books and stamps, and birding. “My wife and I saw a bald eagle on the Russian River by Jenner while sipping lattes at a roadside cafe. You can’t get more Sonoma than that.”

Bibi’s Burgers is the Santa Rosa burger spot that should have been

March 2016

By biteclub

Cabernet Burger at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin) — Cabernet Burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin)

I’m a stickler about properly cooked burgers. If you’re going to ask me how I want it (medium rare, please), then it should be nice and pink in the middle. Not raw, not grey, but pink and juicy.

Which is why I was pretty bummed on my first visit to Bibi’s Burger Bar in downtown Santa Rosa when my medium rare turned out well-done. The well-done burger we ordered? Medium rare.

Thai burger at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (courtesy photo) — Thai burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (courtesy photo)

But on a second, less busy visit the burgers weren’t just properly cooked, they were, as my exacting chef friend described them, solid. And not just solid, in my opinion, but memorable.

The mega parmesan burger at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (courtesy photo) — The mega parmesan burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (courtesy photo)

Bibi’s Burger Bar is the restaurant that should have always existed in this high-traffic downtown space. Stocked with a full bar, creative cocktails, milkshakes and a lengthy list of burgers, fried spuds, salads and a few entrees, Bibi’s Burgers stakes its claim on beefy patties topped with everything under the sun: from Thai coleslaw and portobella mushrooms to a pile of homemade chili or just a plain old bacon and cheddar (or nothing at all).

S'mores milkshake at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin) — S’mores milkshake at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

The restaurant’s consulting chefs seem to have put their stamp on the menu with bun-to-bun care, using toasted Franco American buns, fresh produce and creative twists like smoky Gouda on The Smokey ($12, with chipotle mayo, bbq sauce and bacon), or the towering Parmigiana ($14) that includes a breaded burger, marinara, an onion ring and mozzarella on buttered sourdough bread.

Nachos at BIbi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin) — Nachos at BIbi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

A vegetarian burger is in the works, and we think a turkey alternative would work beautifully as an alternative to some of the heavier burgers. Here are some of our favorites:

• Thai Burger ($11): Chili lemongrass coleslaw, lime mayo, carrots and daikon radish. We’d love this with a turkey or veggie option.
• Cabernet Burger ($13): Local Carmody cheese, portobella mushroom, horseradish sour cream and mustard. Can be made vegetarian without the beef patty.
• Connecticut Style Steamed Cheeseburger ($12): Classic burger taste that’s so juicy you need extra napkins and a trough. Comes with aged white cheddar and needs to be cooked medium-well for consistency.
• Bibi’s Nachos ($9.50): Homemade chili, and the usual fixins surprised us all with just how good nachos could be.

Fried green beans at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy photo) — Fried green beans at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy photo)

• Crisp Green Beans ($7): Pretend you’re getting your green for the day.

Rhubarbarian cocktail at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin) — Rhubarbarian cocktail at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

• Rhu-Barbarian cocktail ($8): Sky strawberry vodka, lime, strawberry, rhubarb bitters, cilantr-oh-my-goodness so yummy.
• Smore’s Shake: You will not want to share. Nutella, Graham crackers, torched marshmallow.

Birdseye view of the Thai Burger at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin) — Birdseye view of the Thai Burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin)

Our take: A solid Santa Rosa burger.

Bibi’s Burger Bar: 630 Third St., Santa Rosa, bibisr.com. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Thai Burger at Bibi's Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin) — Thai Burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin)

Upcoming Sonoma County Events in April

March 2016

By Dan Taylor

APRIL 9: Battle of the Brews

Now that Wine Country also includes Beer Country, this 20th annual event promises to be bigger than ever, with a full day of beer and food tastings and pairings, a professional brewing competition and more. 1-8 p.m. $50-$95.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4200, battleofthebrews.com

Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival. (Photo / Beth Schlanker) — Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival. (Photo / Beth Schlanker)

APRIL 9-10: Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival

The high point is the Sunday morning Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, but there is plenty to do all weekend, with good food, an art show, craft booths, live music, and tastings of beer and wine. General admission $12, $10 for seniors, $20 for a two-day pass, 12 and under free.

Westside Regional Park, 2400 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, bbfishfest.org

APRIL 16-17: Apple Blossom Festival

The old-fashioned parade down Sebastopol’s Main Street on the first day of this two-day celebration is its signature event, but there is a lot more to stay for, including food, drink, crafts and entertainment, including a live Blues Explosion concert the second day.

Ives Park, 7400 Willow St., and Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 High St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3031, appleblossomfest.com

APRIL 16-17: April in Carneros

For two days, wine buffs can roam Carneros, the region that bridges Sonoma and Napa counties, enjoying open-house events at numerous wineries. Take advantage of food and wine pairings, live entertainment, and barrel, reserve and vertical wine tastings. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. General admission $75, designated driver $15, VIP pass $125, which includes pairings with a chef, wine blending workshops and more.

carneroswineries.org

APRIL 23: Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival

The 35th annual parade steps off at noon in downtown Petaluma, as the city celebrates its rich agricultural heritage. The festival opens at 10 a.m.

with food, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths and more. Highlights include the Cutest Chick Contest for kids and the Cow Chip Throwing Contest. Free.

707-762-9348, petalumadowntown.com

APRIL 23-24: Passport to Dry Creek Valley

More than 45 wineries throughout Dry Creek Valley will offer top wines, gourmet food and live entertainment during this two-day event. Introduced last year is Prelude to Passport on April 22, where guests can choose a vineyard tour and lunch or dinner with a winemaker (prices vary). Two-day passport $135, Sunday only $75.

707-433-3031, drycreekvalley.org

Paula West. (Richard Termine/The New York Times)

APRIL 30: Paula West

The beloved Bay Area jazz and cabaret singer brings her unique sound, including many standards and classics, to the Green Music Center’s intimate Schroeder Hall for a concert at 7:30 p.m. $30.

Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 866-955-6040, sonoma.edu

Sonoma Film Fest Puts on a Show

March 2016

By Carey Sweet

Who doesn’t adore a rich bit of parody, bawdy comedy and a magic trick or two — particularly when it’s in the middle of gracious downtown Sonoma?

The 19th annual Sonoma International Film Festival will be even more glamorous this year (March 30-April 3), thanks to a new entertainment village anchored by Le Tigre, a traveling ensemble celebrating cabaret, circus acts, clown play, music and marvelous mayhem.

“It will be a smaller version of Cirque du Soleil,” festival executive director Kevin McNeely said.

Which is a bit more elegant description than Le Tigre owners Anne Goldmann and Jonathan Taylor’s playful contention that theirs is a “daredevil chicken club combining comedy with absurd characters and circus skills.”

The husband-and-wife team should know what tickles funny bones: She studied with The Flying Wallendas, he performed with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, and Blue Man Group. Together, they’ve delighted crowds in off-Broadway New York, Berlin cabarets, Dubai malls, European street theater festivals and on the Discovery Channel. They tour the world with Le Tigre but, as Sonoma residents, reserve some time for their hometown.

Certainly the main draw of the Sonoma International Film Festival is its films, totaling nearly 100 from artists in 14 countries this year, shown in six screening venues ranging from the Le Tigre tent to the Sebastiani Theatre.

Things have been crowded in years past, with hospitality areas for some 4,000 guests confined to a parking lot behind City Hall. So more than just bringing frolic, the new “SIFF Village” nearly doubles the party space, taking over the eastern lot of Sonoma’s Veterans Memorial Hall off First Street East.

Independent features, documentaries, world cinema and short films will be screened during the day; at night, Le Tigre and another back-lot tent will be transformed into fantastic cinematic landscapes, such as Havana & Hemingway, Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves and Old Hollywood. Los Angeles’ The Vignes Rooftop Revival will groove its gypsy and roots jazz, local food trucks will flavor the mood, and Sonoma wines will flow.

For VIPs, an Ultimate Airstream named Sophia will beckon with its custom-designed leather couches, backlit wine coolers, ceilingmounted TVs and neon undercarriage, parked in a private Feast it Forward lounge area.

Appropriately, there will be a live festival cam, too, beaming across the plaza from East Napa Street and First Street East. Revelers may want to put on their best performances: a bigtime producer might be watching.

Visit sonomafilmfest.org for details on the films chosen for the festival.