At times we just can’t resist doing a cannonball off the diving board. Couple that with a refreshing splash of wine, and you’ve got yourself an extraordinary sun-kissed summer day.
Here are 5 poolside wines under $20:
Cycles Gladiator, 2015 Central Coast Chardonnay, 13.5%, $11. A tasty wine that’s a steal at this price. The stone fruit makes it a standout, with just the right oak treatment: light. While it’s not complex, it is layered.
Edna Valley, 2015 Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc, 13.7%, $15. Grassy, with notes of grapefruit, lime and mineral. It’s a refreshing quaff, great for the budget-minded.
Sidebar, 2015 Russian River Valley Rosé, 12.5%, $21. This is knockout, a bone dry rosé with aromas and flavors of watermelon, strawberry and mineral. It finishes crisp, with a lingering note of strawberry.
Lindeman’s, 2015 Bin 85 Pinot Grigio, 12.5%, $11. This pinot grigio has bewitching aromas of jasmine and white nectarine. Notes of apple and pear in the mix. Delightful. Finishes crisp.
DeLoach 2014 California Chardonnay, 13.5%, $12. This chardonnay is floral with a kiss of orange blossom and, on the palate, notes of honeydew melon and pear.
The master movie storyteller is spinning another tale, this one of Virginia Dare, the first white child born of English descent in what would become the United States, in 1587. He’s artfully doing it through wine, and in a way only FFC can.
In 1835, a winery opened on Roanoke Island in North Carolina. It produced a range of wines, including Virginia Dare, made from Scuppernong grapes that grew wild throughout the South. The wines were sweet and had an oddly pungent aroma that wouldn’t sell in California today, yet they were immensely popular until Prohibition.
The brand was sold several times, and eventually abandoned in 2011. Coppola scooped it up and began telling Virginia Dare’s “story” via four wines released in 2014: The White Doe (Chenin Blanc and Viognier), Manteo (red blend), Two Arrowheads (Viognier and Roussanne) and The Lost Colony (Malbec and Syrah), each with a Colonial-era story behind it.
A year later, Coppola fessed up that the wines were made at the former Geyser Peak Winery in Geyserville, which he purchased in 2013. He renamed the place Virginia Dare Winery, without any connective tissue to North Carolina, Scuppernong or Virginia herself.
Coppola’s Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville. (facebook.com/VirginiaDareWinery)
“The myth of Virginia Dare always intrigued me, and as a child I remember the wine because of the pretty blond girl on the label and the ‘Say it again, Virginia Dare’ jingle they used to advertise on the radio,” Coppola said. “My goal is to revive the brand so that it isn’t lost to future generations.”
Today, the flagship wines are the 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay and 2014 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (both $25), tasty and made more cheerful by the smiling face of Virginia on the label. She likely died at a very young age, but hey, that’s moviemaking.
Looking for sleek simple lines and modern designs? OSKA, a high end boutique in Healdsburg, caters to women who want to appear effortlessly chic and casual at the same time. OSKA recently launched Sonoma County designer Adelle Stoll’s line of handcrafted handbags and leather goods – The Silo. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for Fall 2016…
The Silo at OSKA
Fans of American-made modern design may remember The Silo from previous brick and mortar locations in Healdsburg and Windsor, but this latest endeavor is a perfect match for global brand OSKA. Adelle Stoll’s materials selection echoes her minimalist approach and centers around wool felt, rich shades of leather and brass accents. Combined, these materials create drool-worthy pieces that will last for years.
The Silo’s “Un-Sewn” collection represents the first of many designs that are inspired by Adelle Stoll’s beloved Sonoma County. Each bag is named after a Sonoma County park or beach as an homage to the natural beauty of Northern California.
Check out some of our favorites:
Shiloh – Oxblood Color – $189. Also available in Black, Brown and Red.
Kenwood in Felt – Anthracite Color – $228. Also available in Charcoal, Merlot and Olive.
Armstrong – Chestnut Color – $248. Also available in Black, Oxblood, Red and White.
Riverfront – Black/Oatmeal Color – $348. Also available in Oxblood/Oatmeal, Black, Chestnut, Oxblood.
Just in time for fall, the Silo capsule also includes a new collection of leather and sterling silver jewelry you can’t find anywhere but OSKA.
Hot on the summer cocktail trail, we’ve sought out the best in-season refreshments — the hot and the spicy, the tangy and tart, the cool and the frosty. Everything you need to stick around — at least, for one more round.
MONTI’S – Santa Rosa
Strawberry Fields
Strawberry season won’t last forever, so gather this libation while you may. This Monti’s original, created by bartender Scott Hampton, is reminiscent of a strawberry lemonade — with a kick and a hint of mint to keep your palate cool. A must “see and sip” conjured from a mix of Redemption Rye, Strawberry Shrub, Lemon, Mint, and Bitters
Paloma Diablo
A new spin on the classic margarita’s salsa and rhumba, this cocktail’s dance card is full. The lime is replaced with grapefruit; the heat swirls on the taste buds as you savor the essence of jalapeño. El Charro Silver Tequila, Fresh Grapefruit and Jalapeño.
This summer, Jackson’s pays tribute to pop stars Bowie and Prince with a series of cocktails fit to take you into a Space Oddity. Bar manager Hannah Jacobs is the “cocktail commander” behind the rotating themes for Jackson’s specialty drinks. A key ingredient — Jacobs’s in-house herb infused simple syrup.
Pink Cashmere
This oh-so-smooth combination of sweet watermelon with savory basil-infused simple syrup finish is served on the rocks via a Collins glass with a watermelon garnish. The recipe includes Hansen’s Organic Habanera Vodka, Watermelon, Basil Syrup, Lime Juice, and Peychaud’s Bitters.
Pink Cashmere (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)
Ziggy Stardust
Step aside Cosmopolitan and Lemon Drop, there’s a new diva in town. Ziggy Stardust’s carefully mulled raspberry compote is blended and strained into a cocktail glass to create an intricate balance of sweet & sour on the rim, tart & tangy on the tongue. Frida Kahlo Tequilla Blanca, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Berry Compote, Raspberry Extract, Cherry Bitters, Sweet and Sour Rim.
Ziggy Stardust (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)
CHALKBOARD – Healdsburg
Monkey Pod
A vacation in a cocktail presented in an irresistible faux coconut glass. A fine confection of rum, coconut, tamarind (sweet and sour), cacao, and lime.
Ghost in a Shell
A rare sight and devilish delight, this labor of love libation – created by bar manager Nathan Grise Myers – begins with a six day marinate of lemongrass in cold coconut milk. Then add a gin so smooth and transparent that it hides surreptitiously behind the rum, creating an unexpected chill.
Ghost in a Shell & Monkey Pod (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)
BARNDIVA – Healdsburg
Funny Face
Move over Mai Tai, this summer splash is “beach in a glass.” A classic combination of Broker’s Gin, Fresh Grapefruit, Pomegranate Hibiscus Syrup, White Rose Syrup, Fresh Citrus, and Fee Bros. Peach Bitters that will bring on the grin of all grins.
Take Me With U
This cocktail is like taking a joyride in a fancy convertible with the wind in your hair and not a care in the world. Imagine the top down, the sun low on the horizon, salt spray in the breeze as the lemon verbena syrup pairs with baked apple, nutmeg, vanilla bean, cardamom and dried orange peel; the flavors elusively illuminated by Zaya Rum.
Funny Face & Take Me With U (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)
LA ROSA – Santa Rosa
La Sandia Margarita
This cocktail is a hot toddy on the rocks, served with a Tajin spiced rim. When you get beyond the spicy start, La Sandia erupts with an explosion of melon ball reminiscent of a hot summer picnic. Cool components: Maestro Dobel, agave, fresh squeezed watermelon, and lime juice.
La Diabla
A mesmerizing mix of mango and jalapeño — mango meets crisp citrus finish with a touch of heat on the back end. The sizzle from the jalapeño enthralls your tastebuds, then lingers, but just long enough to hold you over until the next transporting sip. A fecund fusion of Agavales Tequila, mango puree intermingled with jalapeño peppers.
La Sandia & La Diabla (Courtney Paige / Sonoma Magazine)
Kenn and Linda Stuckey thought they had covered a lot of ground over a half-century of hiking Sonoma County’s trails.
But at 82, the Santa Rosa couple made new discoveries while completing a summer hiking challenge sponsored by the county’s Regional Parks department. In all, they walked more than 50 miles.
“It gives us time together away from the crazy world,” Kenn Stuckey, a retired marriage and family counselor, said of the couple’s passion for the outdoors. “We’re kind of old-fashioned. It’s hard to put up with some of that stuff that goes on out there.”
THE SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS TRAILS CHALLENGE
The annual Trails Challenge sets the bar of hiking, running, biking or riding at least five county trails between June and September. The event, which awards prizes to finishers, promotes physical exercise and getting out in nature.
More than 500 people have completed the Trails Challenge since 2014. Many find the experience so invigorating they continue well beyond the minimum requirements to explore as many trails as they can pack in over the four-month window.
Dan Evans, 74, and his 11-year-old grandson, Owen McLaughlin-Evans, visited 15 county parks for last summer’s challenge.
The pair first took up hiking together five years ago, when Owen was 6. They began with hikes at Hood Mountain Regional Park east of Santa Rosa, entering from Pythian Road. After six months of gradually increasing their distance, they completed the full 3-mile hike to Hood Mountain’s 2,730-foot summit.
Angela Payne traveled through Petaluma’s Helen Putnam Park on horseback, and shot this photo in 2015. (Angela Payne via Facebook)
“We picked the five most strenuous trails to do first,” Evans said.
This year they summited from the Los Alamos Road trailhead on the park’s western edge, an 8.57-mile trek on the Alder Glen/Hood Mountain/Summit trails, their biggest challenge of the year.
Evans, a former marathoner and triathlete, said his goal was to pass along his passion for exercise and the outdoors to his grandson.
It worked. During last summer’s Trails Challenge, the pair hiked nearly 77 miles of trails.
“He’s my hero,” said Evans, a real estate broker and farmhand. “I’m so impressed with him, and he has really developed a love of hiking and nature.”
Their favorite hike was the 3.8-mile North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail from Sonoma Mountain Road to Jack London State Historic Park, which offers a fantastic 180-degree view of northern Sonoma Valley and the Santa Rosa Plain.
Joy Johnson at Riverfront Regional Park. (Joy Johnson via Facebook)
“While the health message definitely resonates with many participants, we found the larger message is really one of discovery,” said Meda Freeman, a spokeswoman for county parks.
“Trails Challenge hikers are visiting parks they’ve never seen before. They may walk regularly at Spring Lake, for example, but have never visited Pinnacle Gulch in Bodega Bay or Helen Putnam west of Petaluma.”
More than 80 percent of hikers say they visited a park for the first time as part of Trails Challenge, according to Freeman.
Sonoma County has more than 50 regional parks and more than 150 miles of trails for running, hiking and biking. The average distance covered during the challenge is 20 to 25 miles.
Michael DeppeCarter and son Bodhi at Pinnacle Gulch. (Michael DeppeCarter via Facebook)
Participants ranked Hood Mountain, Taylor Mountain, Riverfront, North Sonoma Mountain, Foothill and Shiloh as their favorite county parks.
Finishers who turn in an online trails log will get hiking-related gifts. Those who post a photo of themselves taking the challenge on Regional Parks’ Facebook or Instagram pages (using the #SonomaCountyParks #TrailsChallenge hashtags) are eligible for monthly park membership giveaways.
Kids receive an official “TrailsChallenge Explorer” certificate and are eligible for a free nature-themed book from Sonoma County Library.
Kenn Stuckey and his wife have standard equipment they bring with them on all of their hikes, including poles for navigating tricky terrain and a folding saw to trim branches overhanging trails as a courtesy to other hikers.
Lauren Ashlock at Sonoma Valley Regional Park. (Lauren Ashlock via Facebook)
Six of the parks the couple visited last summer were new to them. That included Healdsburg’s Riverfront Regional Park, which they judged to be their favorite.
“It was serene and quite beautiful,” said Kenn Stuckey.
He said he and his wife hope eventually to hike every trail in the county park system.
“We just want to see them all,” he said.
The hiking challenge is geared toward all fitness levels. Participants can browse trails in a downloadable handbook at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.
When the weather’s hot, it’s tempting to go for a beer or cocktail to cool off, yet there are plenty of occasions when wine is just the right beverage: at the pool, picnic table, croquet pitch, campground, even in a canoe on the Russian River. These wines are great for summer sipping.
ZINFANDEL for Camp Cooking
IF YOU LIKE…
Ordaz Family Wines 2014 Montecillo Vineyard Sonoma Valley Zinfandel ($42)
Longtime vineyard guru Jesus “Chuy” Ordaz finally has his name on a wine of his own, and a fine one it is. Spicy cinnamon and black pepper play off a complex, layered, smoothly rounded palate, yet with plenty of power. Red fruit is most prominent, with just the right note of dried herbs.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…
Rancho Zabaco 2014 Sonoma Heritage Vines Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ($15)
This is a real steal in a hedonistic expression of rich, red berry and blackberry pie, topped with cinnamon sugar. Nicely structured and with a dusty leather note, it will please a hungry crowd.
CABERNET for the Fire Pit
IF YOU LIKE…
Trione Vineyards and Winery 2012 Geyserville Ranch Alexander Valley Henry’s Blend ($54)
Scot Covington blends Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec in this winning wine, a softly approachable take on the sturdy Cab variety.
Licorice, lavender, violets and black pepper pique interest, with a concentrated midpalate and elegant finish.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…
The Divining Rod 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)
From water witch extraordinaire Marc Mondavi comes this affordable, lightstyled quaffer. It’s moderately tannic and with integrated oak, singing with cherry and vanilla character. It makes for a fine sipper, with or without food.
CHARDONNAY for Poolside
IF YOU LIKE…
Sanctuary 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($35)
This is a delicious offering from Fetzer Vineyards and its longtime winemaker, Dennis Martin. Grapes from the stellar Charles Heintz and Dutton Ranch vineyards were fermented and aged in French oak, producing a rich wine with lingering flavors of honey, vanilla and baked apple.
Made in a likably light style, the name says it all: Enjoy this wine poolside or on a picnic blanket. Pretty floral aromas, melon fruit and honeyed oak make it just right for drinking during a warm day’s lounging.
SAUVIGNON BLANC for Croquet
IF YOU LIKE…
Judge Palmer 2013 Ellis Alden Vineyard Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($35)
This wine was fermented on the grape skins for a week — unusual for Sauvignon Blanc — and the technique shows in the wine’s dark gold color and distinctive flavors of baked pear, honey and dried apricot. Despite its fleshy texture, it finishes crisp and clean.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…
Mazzocco Winery 2015 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($28)
This well-known Zinfandel producer shows what it can do with white wines in this grassy, textured Sauvignon with stone fruit and lime zest character. Relatively full-bodied, it has enough acidity to remain refreshing and bright, with tangerine and lemongrass on the finish.
Style meets steeds this Saturday when Hat Day at the Races returns to the Sonoma County Fair. (AP File Photo by Brynn Anderson)
Hold on to your hat, this weekend’s events are off to the races! This Friday, watch as speedy zukes squash the competition at the Zucchini Car Races. Don your best topper for the Sonoma County Fair’s Hat Day at the Races this Saturday. Or stay up late for the release party for the latest Harry Potter tale at Copperfield’s in Sebastopol. All this and more is in our list of things to do.
FRIDAY, July 29
Zucchini Car Races: This Friday night, see a few creative zukes squash the competition in the annual Zucchini Car Races at Sebastiani Winery’s Arbor Park. Decorated zucchini race cars will compete for both speed and creativity in an evening that brings out the best in veggie agility. Entries will be accepted from 5:30-6:15 p.m., and races begin at 6:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friday morning Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market. Find out more at www.svcfm.org.
This Saturday, check out Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
SATURDAY, July 30
Fort Ross Festival: Come to the coast this Saturday for the Fort Ross Festival, a celebration that will feature live music, dance, historic performances, international foods and more. The event starts at 10 a.m., and the Fort Ross Beer Garden starts pouring at 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $20 per car. Find out all the information at www.fortross.org.
Harry Potter Release Party: Harry Potter fans, your wait is over. This Sunday at midnight is the much-anticipated release time of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” the play script based on a new story by J.K. Rowling and two other writers. To celebrate, Copperfields in Sebastopol is holding a midnight release party, starting at 11 p.m. Saturday and going until 12:30 a.m. Sunday. Pre-ordering is highly recommended to become one of the first to read the latest in the Harry Potter series. Find out more at www.copperfieldsbooks.com.
Brews & Beats: This Saturday, head on over to St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor for a late afternoon of live music and beer. Jamie Tamboury and Ukulele will be entertaining the masses from 3-6 p.m. There’s no cover to attend, and a food truck will be onsite. Find out all the details at stfloriansbrewery.com.
Weird Al Yankovich: This Saturday, Weird Al Yankovich puts his spin on some of your favorite tunes when he performs live at the Green Music Center. Tickets prices for the 7:30 p.m. show start at $25. Find out all the details at gmc.sonoma.edu.
Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals: This weekend, it’s all about the nitro. Friday through Sunday, Sonoma Raceway will be packed with fast cars and racing fans for the 29th annual Toyota NHRA Sonoma Nationals. For tickets and schedule of events, visit sonomaraceway.com.
Hat Day at the Races: Style meets steeds this Saturday when Hat Day at the Races returns to the Sonoma County Fair. Benefitting the Sonoma County Fair Foundation’s Agricultural Education Endowment Fund, guests are invited to wear their most fashionable topper and enjoy trackside wine and appetizers while watching the horse races. Tickets are $65 per person, or $600 per table of eight. Find out more at sonomacountyfair.com.
Viva Mariachi – A Free Concert for the Community presented by the Green Music Center and the Santa Rosa Symphony featuring Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and the Santa Rosa Symphony conducted by Michael Berkowitz. (Courtesy photo GreenMusic Center)
SUNDAY, July 31
Valley of the Moon Festival: ‘The Young Mendelssohn’ festival finale, 4 p.m. Sunday, Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma. $20-$40. valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.
‘Viva Mariachi!’: Santa Rosa Symphony with Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, 7 p.m. Sunday, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. Free, tickets required. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS…
Cassadee Pope will be appearing at the Sonoma County Fair on Aug. 2. (www.facebook.com/cassadeepope)
Friday, July 29
Bebel Gilberto: Electronic bossa nova with the Latin vocalist, 8:30 tonight, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $27. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.
‘Music in the Vineyards’: Mozart program opens 24-day Napa Valley Chamber Music Festival, 7:30 tonight, Freemark Abbey, St. Helena. $60. 258-5559, musicinthevineyards.org.
‘Raven 24/7’: Audience helps choose themes and characters for seven short plays staged tomorrow, 8 tonight, Raven Theater, Healdsburg. $20/both days. 433-6335, raventheater.org.
Jon Cleary & The Monster Gentlemen: Rhythm and blues, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m., Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
Gator Nation: Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans rhythm and blues, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert, 7 p.m., Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.
Saturday, July 30
Destruction Derby: Local, rookie and fair-circuit drivers, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. $10-$15, plus fair admission of $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
‘SRT Cabaret’: Summer Repertory Theatre’s annual musical showcase, 8 p.m. Saturday, Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa. $20. 527-4307, summerrep.com.
O.A.R.: Alternative rock jam band, outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. Saturday, Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville. $80-$110. (888) 769-5299, robertmondaviwinery.com.
Gethen Jenkins & The Freightshakers: Classic country music with an outlaw stance, 9 p.m. Saturday, Rossi’s 1906, Sonoma. $10. 343-0044, rossis1906.com.
Sunday, July 31
Elvin Bishop: Blues and rock ’n’ roll, ‘Sundays in the Park’ concert series, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Todd Grove Park, Ukiah. Free. 463-6231, cityofukiah.com.
Progressive Festival: Live music and entertainment, speakers and information on social justice and local and international issues, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Walnut Park, Petaluma. Free. progressivefestival.org.
Monday, Aug. 1
The Blues Defenders Pro Jam: Sonoma County gritty West Coast blues band, 8 p.m. Monday, Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoakstavernpenngrove.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 2
Cassadee Pope: Country vocalist, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. Free with fair admission of $6-$12, $31 reserved seat, $50 includes dinner. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
pianoSonoma: Artists-in-residence concert, 5:30 p.m. wine tasting, 6 p.m. performance, Tuesday, Schroeder Hall, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $15. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
New Breed Brass Band: New Orleans funk, rock and jazz, ‘Tuesdays in the Plaza’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Healdsburg Plaza. Free. ci.healdsburg.ca.us.
Lost Dog Found: All-original hot swing band, ‘Peacetown Summer Concert Series,’ 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ives Park, Sebastopol. Free. 823-1511, peacetown.org.
Thursday, Aug. 4
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts: Hard-rocking concert, 8 p.m. Thursday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $59-$75. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Aaron Tippin: Country singer, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. Free with fair admission of $6-$12, $31 reserved, $50 includes dinner. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
Pride & Joy: Soul and funk band, ‘Summer Nights on the Green’ outdoor concert, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Windsor Town Green. Free. 838-1260, townofwindsor.com.
Friday, Aug. 5
Monster Trucks: TRAXXAS Destruction Tour, 7 p.m. Aug. 5, Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. $10-$15 plus fair admission of $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
French Oak Gypsy Band: Jazz combo, ‘Local Talent Friday,’ 8-10 p.m. Aug. 5, Occidental Center for the Arts. $10. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Cody Canada & The Departed: Country rock, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. Aug. 5, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.
‘HARVESTER’: Opening reception for Erik Castro’s photographs of wine industry field workers, 5-8 p.m. Aug. 5, Christie Marks Fine Art Gallery, Santa Rosa. Free. 695-1011, christiemarksfineart.com.
Tommy Thomsen: Sonoma’s Americana musician, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert, 7 p.m. Aug. 5, Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.
Broadway Under the Stars: ‘Dance the Night Away’ opener, 5 p.m. picnicking, 7:30 p.m. performance, Aug. 5, Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $42-$134. (877) 424-1414, transcendencetheatre.org.
Los Tigres del Norte: Latin music, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$80. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.
Saturday, Aug. 6
Petaluma Music Festival: Fifteen performers, benefits music education in Petaluma-area schools, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Aug. 6, Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma. $20-$45. petalumamusicfestival.org.
George Winston: Solo piano concert, 8 p.m. Aug. 6, Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station. $35-$40 plus suggested canned food donation. (415) 663-1075, dancepalace.org.
Guy Slater: Mix of modern guitar styles, 2-4 p.m. Aug. 6, Museums of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa. Free with admission of $7-$10. 579-1500, sonomacountymuseum.org.
Grammar Diva Arlene Miller: ‘The Best Little Grammar Book Ever’ author, 1 p.m. Aug. 6, Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma. Free. 762-0563, copperfieldsbooks.com.
Sunday, Aug. 7
Sonoma County Fair: Final day, gates open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 7, Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa. $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.
The Opportunist: Vintage rock and blues, ‘Music on the Lawn’ series, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 7, St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa. Free. 538-9463, stfranciswinery.com.
The Bootleg Honeys: Americana, ‘Live at Juilliard’ summer concert series, 5-7 p.m. Aug. 7, Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa. Free. 543-4512, srcity.org/liveatjuilliard.
Rodrigo y Gabriela: Mexican acoustic rock guitar duo, 8 p.m. Aug. 7, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $69-$89. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.
Mixed Nuts: Dance band, pop, rock, country and standards, 1-4 p.m. Aug. 7, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.
Colby Groom was born with a hole in his heart and endured two open-heart surgeries as a kid to correct the condition. But he was blessed to be born to Daryl and Lisa Groom, native Australians transplanted to Healdsburg a quarter century ago, who are eternal optimists and wholeheartedly devoted to whatever their youngest of four children needs.
After his two surgeries, Colby, then 11, proposed making a wine with his dad, a former chief winemaker at Penfolds in Australia (where Lisa worked as a lab tech) and Geyser Peak Winery in Geyserville. Proceeds from sales of the wine would go to heart-disease-related charities. He convinced his folks to create Colby Red, which launched in 2011. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot and Syrah, it sells for $14 and has raised $850,000 for cardiacrelated research.
Colby, 18, a Cardinal Newman High School grad who is headed to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles this fall, has grown to be an articulate advocate for heart research. He’s a volunteer speaker for the American Heart Association and national spokesperson for the Children’s Heart Foundation, and makes appearances on behalf of his charity, including on “The Today Show.” Checks are distributed along the way to fund heart research.
“I wanted to give back to the community that saved my life,” Colby said.
When Santa Rosa’s yearly Mill Street block party Millapalooza was recently cancelled, hundreds of locals were left disappointed. But not for long. With a new name — Coopchella — and a new location — Cooperage Brewery — the popular tradition continued for its sixth year on July 25.
The new version of the Santa Rosa event was so popular Cooperage reached full capacity. And, with a list of performances that included local bands The Mud Blood and The Beer, Illumignarly, Elephant, and M Section, the brewery parking lot soon became packed with people eager to get into the brewery.
While the festival did have an impressive lineup, it also had big shoes to fill — the question looming over the event: how will Coopchella compare to Millapalooza?
Happily Surprised
Coopchella attendee Alma Shaw had been looking forward to Millapalooza and was very disappointed when she heard the block party had been cancelled. She appreciated how Coopchella continued the Millapalooza tradition of bringing the community together through good music and beer.
“I like that it’s an extension of Millapalooza,” Shaw said, “and then, the Illumignarly are playing, that’s why I came out.”
Santa Rosa band Illumignarly playing at Coopchella.
Music is Key
Eric Brittenham, who had previously enjoyed the music at Millapalooza, decided to give Coopchella a shot. While he missed the block party vibe of previous years, he really liked the music at Coopchella.
“It’s not quite as much fun. It’s a little more controlled but the crowd is really enthusiastic,” Brittenham said. “You can feel the vibe coming out of the bands. They’re really kicking it tonight.”
Brewery Regulars’ Delight
Danne Sandoval, a Cooperage regular, heard about the festival and decided to attend with her friends.
“We love to go to Cooperage because they have fabulous beer and the culture here is fantastic,” Sandoval said. “We heard there was going to be band members, who work at Russian River Brewery, and it sounded like a really fun time.”
Although there was a little more hustle and bustle at Cooperage than Sandoval is used to, she liked the atmosphere. “Everyone here is having a great time,” she said.
Supporting Local Music
Danny Tapia attended Millapalooza last year and decided to check out Coopchella to see his friends and to enjoy local music. “This is my spot,” Tapia said. “I came to support; I’m always supporting the locals.”
Tapia noticed various differences between the two festivals but the biggest one was the location.
“There used to be a little bit more outside activity, but this works for me too,” he said, “and the beer is easier to get.”
Musicians Supporting Local Music
Musician Delia Martinez Bowen enjoyed the sense of community at Coopchella “I love that it brings a lot of friends together,” Bowen said. Her favorite part was the camaraderie among the musicians.
“Just seeing people support each other here,” she said, “bands supporting other bands, and just being so enthusiastic about each other and what we do and how we make our music.”
You could feel the vibe coming out of the bands as they played Coopchella.
A Community Cure to the Monday Blues
Upon talking to Coopchella attendees, it became clear that many experienced a sense of nostalgia and loyalty to Millapalooza; they missed the outdoor block party feel it had given them. Nevertheless, they still enjoyed continuing the party at the new venue; connecting with the community and with local bands while trying out some brews and forgetting about their Monday blues.
Leading digital lifestyle site Thrillist (with over 16 million subscribers worldwide) has ranked the top 25 US cities to spend a weekend — and Santa Rosa made #17.
Thrillist has been checking out cities across the country for over a decade. For this recent ranking, they set about whittling down a list of 300 plus American weekend destinations (with populations over 90k) to a collection of 25 first-class cities. To arrive at their top 25 list, Thrillist rated citys’ bars, restaurants, iconic culinary treats, and live tunes, museums, outdoor activities, and accommodations – all the ingredients that make for a great weekend.
We’ve included Thrillist’s description of Santa Rosa below. Do you agree with the ranking? What did they miss? Is Santa Rosa the best weekend city in Sonoma County? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
A mural of a steam engine on the side of Whistlestop Antiques serves as the defacto entrance to the Historic Railroad Square district in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
#17. SANTA ROSA, CA
Must-eat/drink: Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company. One of the world’s highest-rated beers; this IPA draws lines around the block when released.
Don’t leave without: Cycling. Because Santa Rosa is the big city in Sonoma wine country, your best bet for seeing it all is by hopping on a bike and touring the wineries and breweries; or, hell, just cycle to take in the views. The same landscapes that make for an exemplary range of wines make for a tremendous variety of vistas, from valley vineyards to gentle mountain terrain to the coast at Bodega Bay. The roads and trails are all super bike-friendly, and you can ride them whether you’re an expert cyclist or just lost your training wheels.
Weekend highlights: Santa Rosa has been a popular getaway for people in the Bay Area for decades (it’s only an hour and a half from San Francisco) but flying there is easier than you think – there are nonstop flights from seven West Coast cities. And even though there are over 400 wineries in the Sonoma region to visit, you’d be remiss if you didn’t spend some time in Santa Rosa. The Downtown – with its restaurants, antique shops, and historic buildings – is especially walkable and a nice break in between trips to the vineyards. Added bonus: Santa Rosa feels more like a small town than a wine destination and still boasts that laid-back Northern California vibe seemingly lost in some other area spots. — Matt Meltzer, Staff Writer, Thrillist
Your best bet for seeing it all is by hopping on a bike and touring the wineries and breweries surrounding Santa Rosa… or simply taking in the magnificent views. (Kent Porter / Press Democrat)
