Page 49 – Sonoma Magazine

30 Favorite Dog-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma County

July 2024

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Sonoma County, with its many renowned vineyards, is a great place to enjoy a day of wine tasting. The region is also a great place for dogs and their owners, with an increasing number of parks, establishments and venues welcoming and catering to canine companions.

But just where should you go if you want to visit a winery while also spending time with your furry best friend? Fortunately, there are plenty of options in the county.

Scroll through our list below to see some of the best dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County, and click through the above gallery for a peek at some favorites.

Sonoma

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

One of the oldest wineries in California welcomes on-leash dogs to their Rhinefarm. Pack a picnic and enjoy the patio, which overlooks the estate vineyards, or bring your dog into the historic tasting room, a pet-friendly pick for a rainy day. 2000 Denmark St., 707-938-5277, gunbun.com

Larson Family Winery

Larson Family Winery makes a dog-themed wine, Three Lab Cab, named after winery dogs Buster, Bubba and Pete. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room barn and on the lawn and picnic area, where you can play cornhole while your dog relaxes in the sun. 23355 Millerick Road, 707-938-3031, exploretock.com/larsonfamilywinery

Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery

Located within 375-acre Bartholomew Park in Sonoma Valley, the winery has a variety of great views and trails for humans and canines to enjoy. Leashes are required at all times. 1000 Vineyard Lane, 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

Roche Winery

Watch the world go by, dog by your side, on the patio of this downtown tasting room, with a fire pit and trees providing shade. The tasting room offers barrel tastings, snacks and some of the best people-watching in town. 122 West Spain St., 707-935-7115, rochewinery.com

Glen Ellen

Abbot’s Passage Winery + Mercantile

Coming from a long lineage of winemakers that stretches back over a century and a half, vintner Katie Bundschu is making her distinctive mark with small-lot Rhône-style wines. Her winery is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Dogs should be on a leash. 777 Madrone Road, 707-939-3017, abbotspassage.com

B.R. Cohn Winery

This Glen Ellen winery offers water bowls and treats for visiting dogs to enjoy. Leashed dogs are welcome on the winery patio and grounds, which include estate vineyards and views of Sonoma and the Mayacamas mountains. 15000 Sonoma Highway, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Dog-Friendly winery in Sonoma County — Cooper, Jeff Kunde’s dog, helps to lead the various dog hikes that are held at Kunde Family Winery near Kenwood. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Kenwood

Deerfield Ranch Winery

“May All Fours Be With You” is the motto of Deerfield Ranch’s winery dog, Obi Wine Kenobi. Water is available for pooches, while dog owners can taste some of the wineries delectable vintages. 10200 Sonoma Highway, 707-833-5215, deerfieldranch.com

Kunde Family Winery

Fourth-generation winegrower Jeff Kunde invites dogs to accompany their owners on tastings and to join him on a hike through his family’s historic vineyards through oak woodlands, native grasslands and chaparral. 9825 Sonoma Highway, 707-833-5501, kunde.com

Landmark Vineyards

Welcome throughout the property, dogs are allowed to wander with their owners into the vineyard. Thirsty dogs get a taste of the royal treatment: Fiji water fresh from the bottle served in a bowl. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Muscardini Cellars

Winemaker Michael Muscardini’s golden retriever, Biondi, and staff welcome well-behaved dogs in the tasting room and on the patio and green rolling grounds behind the tasting room. Dogs can look forward to treats, water and toys as well as dog-themed events. 9380 Sonoma Highway, 707-933-9305, muscardinicellars.com

Healdsburg

Amista Vineyards

After taking a self-guided tour of the property with your dog, taste wine on the patio or in the tasting room featuring dog-themed art, while your pup enjoys dog biscuits. The winery hosts an annual fundraiser that benefits Canine Companions for Independence. 3320 Dry Creek Road, 707-431-9200, amistavineyards.com

Bacchus Landing

With a reputation of being “super” dog friendly, this collective of just over a half dozen boutique wineries is a hub of winemaking and tasting activity. Bacchus Landing is equally family-friendly with bocce courts and lawn games as well as a large open patio and five tasting rooms, among them Smith Story Wine Cellars and resident goldendoodle Lord Sandwich. 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, 707-395-0697, bacchuslanding.com

Breathless Wines

Guests can enjoy a flight of sparkling wines on the winery’s garden patio accompanied by their dogs. The winery also hosts fundraisers for Humane Society of Sonoma County. Out of courtesy for other visitors and staff, the winery requests that all animals are leashed and well-behaved. 499 Moore Lane, 707-395-7300, breathlesswines.com

Lambert Bridge Winery

This Healdsburg winery allows dogs to settle into a dog bed and relax with a bowl of water while owners try out the wines. After enjoying a tasting, wander through the estate gardens with your pup. 4085 W. Dry Creek Road, 707-431-9600, lambertbridge.com

Portalupi Wine

This winery’s downtown tasting room is a convenient stop along a dog walk. The family is a supporter of the local Humane Society and donates proceeds from their wine sales to the nonprofit. 107 North St., 707-395-0960, portalupiwine.com

West Wines

The winery, with a tasting room below a large oak with views of the vineyards, invites guests to enjoy a tasting on the dog-friendly patio. West Wines’ Instagram account features an assortment of photos of some of its canine visitors as well as its “winery cat extraordinaire” Jane Bond. 1000 Dry Creek Road, 707-433-2066, westwines.com

Wilson Winery

The Wilsons make a dog-themed wine, Three Dog Zin, which features the family’s three dogs, Molly, Sydney and Victoria. The staff welcomes dogs, offering pups treats and water, while humans sip zinfandel in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the vineyards. 1960 Dry Creek Road, 707-433-4355, wilsonwinery.com

Cloverdale

BobDog Wines

Named after a beloved Rottweiler that lived at Sky Pine Vineyards 20 years ago, BobDog Wines lives up to its reputation as a dog-friendly winery, where pets are free to walk around on a leash. A portion of wine sales proceeds benefits programs for the protection and care of animals. 31955 Pine Mountain Road, 707-756-2471, bobdogwine.com

Geyserville

Sbragia Family Vineyards

Dogs are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio — even in the vineyards — at this Dry Creek Valley winery. With its views of the vineyard and surrounding hills, the patio terrace is a particularly nice spot to taste wine while your dog enjoys some treats and a water bowl. 9990 Dry Creek Road, 707-473-2992, sbragia.com

Dutcher Crossing Winery

Dogs are welcome in the tasting room, where they can try on winery-branded dog collars for purchase while their owners taste estate zinfandel and other small-production wines. The back patio and lawn is a great spot for nibbling on cheese and charcuterie, and playing catch. 8533 Dry Creek Road, 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

Sebastopol

Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Canine companions are celebrated at the winery, with special dog cookies offered to pets. Winery partner Theresa Dutton serves on the Northwest regional board of Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit that provides service and therapy dogs to those in need. 3100 Gravenstein Highway N., 707-823-3887, duttongoldfield.com

Horse & Plow

Located in a historic West County barn near local vineyards and apple orchards, Horse & Plow welcomes dogs and their owners to the tasting room. Treats and water are provided to pups. 1272 Gravenstein Highway N., 707-827-3486, horseandplow.com

Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery

This vineyard, owned and operated by the Spanish-American Torres family, welcomes dogs in outdoor areas. Visitors will also find some larger than life dogs on the winery grounds—10-foot metal sculptures of the owners’ springer spaniels, Chico and Bonita. 11400 Graton Road, 707-823-4365, marimarestate.com

Taft Street Winery

Taft Street Winery is a family-friendly business — and that includes dogs. Well-behaved pups on a leash are welcome on the winery’s back patio. The winery also provides treats and water bowls. 2030 Barlow Lane, 707-823-2049, taftstreetwinery.com

Windsor

Mutt Lynch Winery

Winemaker Brenda Lynch’s winery is both an ode to wine and to furry friends. The tasting room hosts “Yappy Hour” events and offers water, treats, toys and possible playmates, as staff members often bring their pups to work. The winery also raises funds for animal rescue organizations through its Wines That Give Back program. 9050 Windsor Road, 707-687-5089, muttlynchwinery.com

Bricoleur Vineyards

Bricoleur’s Essentials Picnic tasting ($75 per person) is the perfect excuse to treat yourself and your furry friend to an alfresco lunch by the estate pond with a glass of refreshing sparkling wine. Dogs are welcome in all outside areas at Bricoleur Vineyards, though only official service animals are allowed in the Winery Barn. All dogs should be leashed and never left unattended. 7394 Starr Road, 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Martinelli Winery

The historic Martinelli Winery & Vineyards welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash for its Vineyard Terrace Tasting ($50 per person). The tasting includes a flight of estate wines to sip on the terrace overlooking the Hop Barn Hill Vineyard, with the option to add a picnic lunch and bottle service. Only service animals are allowed inside the tasting room. 3360 River Road, 707-525-0570, martinelliwinery.com

La Crema

Located within Saralee’s Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, La Crema Estate also welcomes dogs. The site’s landmark historic barn has been converted into a tasting and wine education facility. Dogs should be on a leash at all times. 3575 Slusser Road, 707-525-6200, lacrema.com

Santa Rosa

Balletto Vineyards

Is Balletto pet-friendly? Yes! The winery says it usually has dog treats and water bowls at the ready for visiting dogs. Just make sure your dog is on a leash during the entire visit. 5700 Occidental Road, 707-568-2455, ballettovineyards.com

Belden Barns

This family-run winery prides itself on being dog-friendly and kid-friendly. The property, which is located on Sonoma Mountain, is also a working farm that produces a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. 5561 Sonoma Mountain Road, 415-577-8552, beldenbarns.com

Matanzas Creek Winery

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome both inside and outside at Matanzas Creek, where aromatic lavender gardens line the property. For International Dog Day this year, the winery is hosting a pup-focused celebration for dog owners and lovers from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 24. The event will include a selection of estate wines to taste, live music performances, “Burgers and Birria” by Bayou on the Bay, a complimentary painting session, and a plush dog toy and Matanzas Creek pop-up water bowl to take home for your furry companion. General admission is $60 per person and $50 for wine club members. Purchase tickets on Tock. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, 707-521-7019, matanzascreek.com

Freestone

Black Kite Cellars

This family-owned boutique winery will welcome dogs to the estate for its three-day-long Pooches & Pinot celebration, held between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 12-14, at the Jasper House, Black Kite Cellars’ newly opened wine tasting room in Freestone. The event will include signature tasting flights of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as healthy “bark-cuterie boards” with dog treats and a Black Kite Cellars bandana for visiting pups. Plenty of water will also be available for the dogs. Pooches & Pinot tickets are $67 per person. Purchase tickets on Tock. 12747 El Camino Bodega, 707-322-4863, blackkitecellars.com

Santa Rosa Restaurant To Be Featured on Check, Please!

July 2024

By Maci Martell

La Gare French Restaurant at Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)

“Check, Please! Bay Area,” KQED’s Emmy and James Beard award-winning restaurant review program, will feature Santa Rosa’s upscale French restaurant La Gare in an upcoming episode of its 19th season.

The episode — one in a series of four, each of which will explore three locals’ favorite restaurants in the Bay Area with host Leslie Sbrocco — will air at 7:30 p.m. July 24 on KQED 9.

The program’s announcement of the late July episodes described La Gare as “A romantic hideaway that stays true to its Swiss-French roots, serving decadent European fare since 1979.”

Swiss-born Marco Praplan, a former San Francisco chef, and his wife Gladys invested their life savings into building a new restaurant in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square District in the late 1970s. La Gare, or “the station” in French, opened in July of 1979.

Roger Praplan at La Gare — Chef Roger Praplan fires a to-go order just before pick up at the La Gare French Restaurant in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Today, their children Jackie and chef Roger Praplan, who’s also an instructor in Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Department, co-own the restaurant, continuing the family tradition of serving classic French and European cuisine.

Roger said he was honored to have the popular KQED show feature La Gare, though he regarded it as “just a regular day.”

“We treat everybody the same,” he said. “It’s what our customers expect.”

Roger said his favorite part of the experience — which entailed cooking frog legs, beef Wellington and rack of lamb as the TV crew filmed from 1-8 p.m. — was the nostalgia he shared with his sister Jackie as they recalled serving now four generations of customers, many of whom they know by name.

“La Gare has been our family’s passion and joy for 45 years and counting. And it’s this genuine love that we share with our community that truly makes the La Gare experience genuinely unique in such a wonderful way,” Jackie said.

She noted that restaurant staff form connections with guests through personable service and keeping old traditions alive, such as fruit flambés, steaks carved for two and Caesar salads prepared table-side.

La Gare restaurant Beef Wellington with carrots and green beans — Beef Wellington with carrots and green beans at La Gare restaurant in Santa Rosa. (Chris Hardy/The Press Democrat)

La Gare is among Sonoma County’s oldest continually operating restaurants, Roger noted, adding that the “traditional, Old World restaurant” is one of the last places around to include soup and salad with every meal.

The restaurant fed evacuees during the county’s wildfires, bridging Roger’s respect for his customers with his enjoyment of giving back to the community. He said the restaurant also forms that local connection through sourcing wines from small, family-owned businesses.

Roger was awarded “Best Chef” in Sonoma County by The Press Democrat readers in 2022 and 2023, and the restaurant was voted as the “Best Dining Experience” by readers in 2023.

The July 24 episode featuring La Gare will also include Berkeley breakfast go-to Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen and San Francisco Laotian spot Lao Table.

La Gare is open from 5-9 p.m. daily. Al fresco dining is available and the restaurant is dog-friendly. Takeout and curbside service is also available. Make reservations through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant.

208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-4355, lagarerestaurant.com

Healdsburg’s Sushi by Scratch Is Fun. But Is it Authentic?

July 2024

By Heather Irwin

Chef Willer Larreal prepares a topping for his escolar sushi at Sushi by Scratch in Healdsburg, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Watching pristine slices of raw Japanese sushi-grade fish sizzling under a high-powered brûlée torch at Sushi by Scratch in Healdsburg is either squeal-producing entertainment or an oceanic horror show.

I’m somewhere between the two camps, amused and aghast at the same time as three inches of concentrated blue flame scorch tiny blisters onto wild-caught escolar.

An A-list celebrity favorite, Sushi By Scratch is a growing empire of 10-seat sushi speakeasies offering a carefully choreographed meal that’s both interactive theater and 13-course omakase. An outpost of the Los Angeles-based restaurant chain opened a permanent space inside The Matheson restaurant last January to effusive reviews. But is it all it’s cracked up to be?

At $185 per person, it’s an investment, not an everyday adventure. The two-hour pageant of luxurious imported fish and overwrought ingredients — not to mention the kitchen torch — plays out one piece of nigiri at a time. Rice is shaped by hand, topped with thin slices of raw fish and often cringe-inducing additions like corn pudding, serrano chile or chimichurri, and ceremoniously handed to each guest sitting around a U-shaped bar.

It’s cool, for sure, sitting in a darkened room with just a handful of other guests eating bespoke bites adorned with freshly grated wasabi, dashi reductions and pickled tidbits to cleanse the palate. Petite brushes paint delicate lines of aged soy sauce or yuzu while tiny pots of salt stand ready for careful sprinkling.

I have no qualms about the Hokkaido scallops — sweet, tender and only mildly tarted up with a bit of uni and trendy salts. The uni, imported from Japan, was like butter.

But I can’t help but wonder, why all the food theatrics? Why not just let expensive imported fish like akamutsu (a deep-sea, cold-water fish) or akami shine like the jewels they are? Why is a cut of A5 Japanese Wagyu torched onto sushi rice? And, while I love bone marrow, is it really nigiri?

The frequent torch moments left me cold. Go ahead and reduce cheap, gassed-up grocery store salmon cinders if you must, but what did that poor wild-caught escolar ever do to you, chef?

Chef Willer Larreal uses a torch while preparing escolar at Sushi by Scratch in Healdsburg, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Sushi by Scratch is both fun and delicious for a certain audience (my compatriots loved it) and the staff are charming. But in Sonoma County, ingredients like flavored salts, yuzu, aged soy sauce and fresh wasabi aren’t jaw-dropping to any regular fine diner. Good and even great sushi is readily available here.

Omakase means the “chef’s choice” of what’s the best, freshest fish at the moment — but Sushi By Scratch offers a fairly standardized menu that doesn’t seem to have much variation by day, week or season.

Maybe I’m a snob, since any sort of nigiri or roll with ingredients like fried onions, mango sauce or mayonnaise screams “cheap, gassed fish” louder than a tantrum-throwing toddler. Don’t even get me started on why spicy tuna rolls should be avoided at all costs.

In the end, I’d still return to Sushi By Scratch, with more managed expectations of a cooking show rather than Japanese omakase, but I’ll probably hit up some other local favorites first.

Reservations are required with a $25 per person deposit and an automatic 20% service charge for seatings at 4 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Sushi By Scratch (inside The Matheson), 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg. 707-579-7916, sushibyscratchrestaurants.com

Healdsburg Restaurant Gets Michelin Love in the Run-up to 2024 Awards

July 2024

By Heather Irwin

Just weeks before the announcement of California’s 2024 Michelin star awardees, Healdsburg’s Molti Amici restaurant has been named among 13 culinary gems throughout the state considered “too good to keep secret” by the renowned restaurant guide.

Though the recognition will not necessarily translate into a coveted star or Bib Gourmand award (for value-priced restaurants) at the Aug. 5 ceremony in Half Moon Bay, it’s a nice feather in the cap. Molti Amici will now be included in the “recommended” section of the 2024 Guide.

“The Molti team couldn’t be more excited and honored to receive this recognition. (We) are very thankful for everyone who has been a part of this special journey, past and future staff, guests and our community. We’re looking forward to a bright 2025,” said owner Jonny Barr.

Also included in the recent list of notables were restaurants in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Oakland (Burdell) and San Francisco (Azalina’s, Hed 11, Tiya). Ten other restaurants — primarily in Southern California — were added to the guide in March and five in May. This is the first nod to the North Bay this year.

Molti Amici in Healdsburg (Heather Irwin) — A wood-fired pizza at Molti Amici in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin)

“Wine Country certainly has no shortage of this sort of casual Italian eatery, with a menu featuring the expected wood-fired pizzas and housemade pasta — but few of them manage to hit their mark quite so dead on as they do here,” said Michelin Inspectors in a news release Wednesday.

“They may not be reinventing the wheel, but those pizzas are ideally blistered and feature simple but compelling toppings like squash blossom with fontina and balsamic, and the pasta, like a satisfying take on bucatini amatriciana topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, offers an ideally al dente chew,” the press release continued. “On one of Healdsburg’s not-infrequent balmy days, the enclosed patio, complete with bocce court, is indeed an excellent spot to gather with ‘many friends,’ as suggested by the name.”

Molti Amici opened in the former Campo Fina space last July with former SingleThread employees Jonny Barr and chefs Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc at the helm. McGaughey and Yanc, who are married, own Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor Bakery, Troubadour and Le Diner, a prix-fixe dinner hosted at Troubadour.

The restaurant was named among sonomamag.com’s “Best of 2023 Openings” for its stellar lineup of woodfired pizzas, fresh pasta and craft cocktails.

330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-756-3169, moltiamici.com

Papa Murphy’s Founders’ Italian-Style Petaluma Estate Listed for $12.5 Million

July 2024

By Karen Kizer

An Italian style family villa on 35 acres in west Petaluma is currently listed for $12,500,000. The four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom estate is named Terra Rosa in honor of the late owners, Terry and Rose Collins who built the Papa Murphy's take and back pizza chain. (Peter Lyons) — An Italian style family villa on 35 acres in west Petaluma is currently listed for $12,500,000. The four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom estate is named Terra Rosa in honor of the late owners, Terry and Rose Collins who built the Papa Murphy’s take and back pizza chain. (Peter Lyons)

Papa Murphy’s founders, Terrence and Rose Collins, built a business in the 1990s that made take-and-bake, restaurant-quality pizzas accessible to millions via the company’s compact takeout stores.

The couple topped off their accomplishments by building an Italian-style villa crowning a hilltop on 35 acres in west Petaluma. The four-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom estate — named Terra Rosa in honor of the late owners — is on the market for $12,500,000.

The grounds include bridges, water features and an olive grove. A variety of shrubs and plants dot the terrace.

The 11,000-square-foot dwelling has stately stone walls and arched doorways. Limestone floors throughout were harvested from a French monastery.

In line with their foodie inclinations, the Collinses included a chef’s kitchen with a large island, an outdoor dining room and a temperature-controlled wine cellar.

Papa Murphy estate — The grounds include bridges, water features and an olive grove. (Peter Lyons)

Entertainment amenities include a pool, bocce ball court, billiard room and movie theater. Add to the dream home checklist private access to the fifth hole at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club, which borders the estate.

The primary suite has a gym, copper soaking tub, a spa-like bathroom and a seating area.

According to the estate’s co-listing agent, Nicole Marzo, the home housed friends and four generations of family in summer and on holidays. The property’s one-bedroom, one-bathroom casita no doubt helped accommodate their guests.

The property includes five parcels, two of which are zoned for development. The remaining two are protected open space.

Co-listing agent Abe Matar says that “attempting to replicate such a marvel…would prove futile, given the scarcity of land of comparable size and in such a prime location.”

For more information about 11 Mount Rose Lane in Petaluma, contact listing agents Nicole Marzo, 707-217-1386, Compass Real Estate, and Abe Matar, 650-670-0890, Avenue 8 Inc., villaterrarosa.com

Healdsburg Home Offers Plentiful Gathering Spots for Wine Country Living

July 2024

By Karen Kizer

A four-bedroom, six-bathroom estate on 268-acres of the revered Chalk Hill viticultural region is currently listed for $6,495,000. (Nic Meerholz / SeaTimber Media)

A four-bedroom, six-bathroom estate on 268 acres of the revered Chalk Hill viticultural region in Healdsburg is currently listed for $6,495,000.

The property is fertile ground for someone wanting to lean into Wine Country living. There’s a 13-acre vineyard and a horse barn with a caretaker’s apartment and office. Adjacent to the garage are guest quarters and a worker space — perfect for winemaking, woodworking or exercising. For cooling off, there’s a pool and pool house.

The lot is made up of two parcels, opening up the potential to develop the area further. The current home’s parcel is zoned for renting.

Healdsburg home real estate — The light-drenched, open-concept interior warmed by honey-hued beams and wood floors throughout. (Nic Meerholz / SeaTimber Media)

The home is a 1995 build, with a light-drenched, open-concept interior, warmed by honey-hued wood floors throughout and beams lining the great room’s cathedral ceilings. Plentiful windows offer views of the Mayacamas mountains.

There are many spots to gather, such as the circular seating of the turreted living room or by one of the home’s three wood-burning fireplaces. There’s also an outdoor firepit, spa and a rounded nook of the pool, which seem to say, grab a glass and gather.

For more information about 12111 Chalk Hill Road in Healdsburg, contact listing agent Ryan Anderton, 707-244-7181, David Hunt, 707-244-7863, Sonoma Realty, webberranchestate.com

What’s New in Napa Valley This Summer: Where to Eat, Drink and Stay

July 2024

By Dana Rebmann

Silver Trident Winery potato chip pairing — The Potato Chip Extravaganza at Silver Trident Winery in Yountville features five wines paired with five different artisanal potato chips. (Silver Trident Winery)

The wait is finally over. Summer is here and with it, a good reminder of why Wine Country is a top getaway spot.

Warm, sunny days make it oh, so easy to spend more time outside. From lingering on winery patios, to watching movies under the stars, there’s a plethora of fun reasons to add Napa Valley to this summer’s must-do list. If it’s been a bit since you visited the county, here are a few of our favorite new spots to sip, eat, and call it a night.

Summer Sips

Back and Better Than Ever

After more than six years of planning and construction, the new Signorello Estate winery is open for daily tastings. Destroyed by the 2017 Atlas Fire, the new state-of-the-art winery is virtually fireproof, built into a hillside and is constructed of steel, concrete and glass. Solar-powered, it now operates entirely off-the-grid. Open daily by appointment. 4500 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707-255-5990, signorelloestate.com

Silver Trident Winery tasting room in Yountville — Silver Trident Winery is settling in to its new location on Washington Street in Yountville. (Silver Trident Winery)

Just Down the Block

Small production winery Silver Trident is settling in to its new digs on Washington Street in Yountville. The new location is just a short walk from the original, next to the Yountville Visitors Center and across the street from another recent newcomer, Thomas Keller’s RO Restaurant and Lounge.

Guests can choose from a traditional, sit-down wine tasting experience, or crunch their way through a flight of five wines paired with potato chips in Silver Trident’s Potato Chip Extravaganza tasting. The tasting room also carries a wide range of Ralph Lauren products, olive oil, coffee, tabletop goods, artwork and more. Open Thursday through Monday; reservations required. 6484 Washington St., Yountville, 707-945-0311, silvertridentwinery.com

Casual, Walk-In Wine Tasting

Wine label Adaptation now has a dedicated space to call its own at Odette Estate Winery in Napa. Part of the PlumpJack Collection of Wineries, the new tasting space is geared toward folks searching for a casual wine tasting experience.

The Adaptation Experience features four wines, including two vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Odette Reserve Chardonnay. Each wine is paired with a different flavored potato chip.

Cost is $60; bottle service is also available. 5998 Silverado Trail, Napa, 707-690-1213, odetteestate.com

New Look

The historic stone barrel room at St. Helena’s Ehlers Estate is fresh off a redesign. Dating back to 1886, the updated tasting room interiors showcase the building’s rich Napa Valley history. 3222 Ehlers Lane, St. Helena, 707-963-5972, ehlersestate.com

Robert's Tropical Table in Calistoga, owner Robert JOnes — Owner Robert Jones shaking things up behind the bar at Robert’s Tropical Table in Calistoga. (Robert’s Tropical Table)

Fresh Eats & Drinks

Grand Opening

If you needed another excuse to head to Calistoga, Robert’s Tropical Table is it. The outdoor space, located next to the Mount View Hotel on Lincoln Avenue, features tropical-inspired specialty cocktails and bites, including jerk chicken and a jerk pork belly slider. Raised in Jamaica, owner Robert Jones, has been a mixologist in Napa Valley for more than seven years with stints behind the bar at nearby Solage, and most recently Brasswood Bar & Kitchen in St. Helena. 1457 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, robertstropicaltable.com

Mother Nature’s Flavor

You’ll happily eat your veggies at the Grange Harvest Dinner Series at Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resorts Collection hotel in Napa. Celebrating local ingredients and the farmers that grow them, dinners are held at the property’s onsite chef’s garden, The Grange. July’s theme is tomatoes. Yum! 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa, 707-699-6200, aubergeresorts.com

A variety of pizzas, including the Old Grey Beard, left, featuring Italian sausage, Calabrian peppers, hot honey and orange zest, the Spayde, center, a square pan pizza with red sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, olive oil and fresh basil, and the Chingona, top, featuring olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, ricotta and fresh basil at PizzaLeah in Windsor, Calif., on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat) — Now through mid-October, a pizza pop-up at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia will feature a number of award-winning pizza chefs, including chef Leah Scurto, owner of PizzaLeah in Windsor. She’ll be in Napa preparing her signature pizzas Aug. 2 – 3. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)

Endless Summer of Pies

Pizza pies, that is. Now through November, The Grove restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia is hosting a pizza pop-up.

Diners will be able to try a variety of pizzas from around the world, including Napoletana, Siciliana, Okonomiyaki, New York, Chicago (deep-dish), California Neapolitan and more. Featured pizza styles will change every two weeks and guest chefs will drop by through mid-October to make pizza on The Grove’s outdoor terrace. Chef Leah Scurto, owner of PizzaLeah in Windsor, will be on hand Aug. 2 – 3. 500 First St., Napa, 707-967-2500, ciaatcopia.com

Celebrating 25 Years

2024 marks a quarter of a century for Gott’s Roadside and the eatery is celebrating with monthly seasonal specials. July choices include a wild coho salmon sandwich, wild coho salmon Nicoise salad paired with grilled street corn, and watermelon wedges with feta and mint. There’s also a rotating selection of milkshakes, with blueberry on the menu for this month.

Since its founding, Gott’s has grown from one restaurant to eight locations throughout the Bay Area. Along with the original location in St. Helena, there’s a second Napa Valley location in Oxbow Public Market. 933 Main St., St. Helena, 707-963-3486; 644 First St., Napa, 707-224-6900, gotts.com

Hotel Happenings

Calling All Art Lovers

Local artists have a new venue to showcase their talent. Hosted by Napa’s River Terrace Inn, the monthly Art Along the River series will feature a diverse selection of work, including ceramics, jewelry, oil paintings and other handmade items. It’s free to attend; artists will have their work available for sale, and food and drink will be available for purchase.

The Art Along the River series will be held along the River Terrace Inn’s riverwalk from 1 to 7 p.m. on select Saturdays, July 13, Aug. 17, Sept. 7, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. 1600 Soscol Ave., Napa, 707-927-2217, riverterraceinn.com

Moonlight Movies

The lush lawn at Carneros Resort and Spa is doing double-duty as an outdoor movie theater during the month of July. Onsite restaurant Farm will be offering seasonal small plates inspired by each featured movie. Moonlight Movies on the July calendar include Ratatouille (July 5), The Devil Wears Prada (July 12) and Wine Country (July 26). All movies start at sunset, between 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. Admission is complimentary; outside food, drinks and chairs are not allowed. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, 866-860-2328, carnerosresort.com

20 Favorite Hotel Pools in Sonoma County

July 2024

By Dana Rebmann

The pool area at Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. (Stephanie Russo / Flamingo Resort)

Wine Country is home to a long list of swanky hotels and resorts. More than simply places to rest your head, many of these properties also have sparkling pools that offer the perfect place to beat the heat and relax. Book a weekend away or a staycation — some of these pools can also be accessed with a day pass.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma: Sit back and relax or jump right in. The main pool averages 88 degrees. Day passes are available Monday through Friday and can be booked through the resort or ResortPass. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma

The geothermal mineral pools at the Willow Stream Spa flow from more than 1,000 feet below the surface. The spa pools and hot tub are open year-round for guests 18 years and older. There is a $49 fee for hotel guests to use the spa facilities. Non-resort guests pay $149. The access fee may be waived when booking a spa treatment, depending on the service selected, time and availability.

The Lodge at Sonoma, Sonoma: Enjoy the spirit of summer at the main pool and hot tub. If you are not staying at the hotel, you can purchase a day pass to the pool through ResortPass. 1325 Broadway at Leveroni and Napa Roads, Sonoma, 707-935-6600, lodgeatsonoma.com

MacArthur Place, Sonoma: Surrounded by trees and blooming gardens, this midcentury modern pool offers a quiet spot to soak up some vitamin D or make a splash. Day spa guests, who have booked a 50-minute spa treatment at The Spa at MacArthur, are welcome to use the pool. 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com

Gaige House, Glen Ellen: The serene setting along Calabazas Creek ensures a relaxing day in the pool or hot tub. Bring that book you’ve been meaning to read for the longest time. 13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-935-0237, thegaigehouse.com

Olea Hotel, Glen Ellen: This pool (heated year-round) and hot tub are open 24/7. It is only accessible to hotel guests. 5131 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, 707-996-5131, oleahotel.com

Kenwood Inn & Spa, Kenwood: In addition to the main pool and hot tub, this resort also features a warming pool. Cabana rentals are available Monday through Thursday for non-resort guests on ResortPass. Spa guests who book a massage can add on pool access Monday through Thursday for $50. 10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-1293, kenwoodinn.com

Flamingo Resort, Santa Rosa: After a $20 million renovation in 2021, the Flamingo Resort boasts a pool area that is poised to be more popular than ever. Hotel guests receive a wristband at check-in for pool access, and non-hotel guests can purchase day passes for the pool on ResortPass. Day guests are restricted to adults 21 and over; children are only permitted as hotel guests. Pool passes range from $38 to $54 depending on the day. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707- 545-8530, flamingoresort.com

Vintners Resort, Santa Rosa: This pool, located just outside the property’s Vi La Vita Spa, is for adults only. The spa also boasts an indoor caldarium with a heated soaking pool for guests 18 years and older. If you’re not staying at the hotel, but have an appointment at the spa, you get access to the pool and all spa amenities. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7350, vintnersresort.com

Farmhouse Inn, Forestville: Named among the best hotels in the country this year, this family-run inn has a lovely pool which is heated from April to October, depending on the weather. The hot tub is toasty year-round. Only accessible to hotel guests. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com

The Stavrand Russian River Valley, Guerneville: A day by the pool and hot tub at The Stavrand comes with views of the property’s awe-inspiring redwoods. 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707-869-9093, thestavrand.com

Boon Hotel & Spa, Guerneville: This saline pool is a popular spot to unwind with a good book or glass of wine. If the pool is not too crowded, day spa guests are permitted to use the pool and hot tub for a maximum of two hours before or after their spa treatment. 14711 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, 707-869-2721, boonhotels.com

The Madrona, Healdsburg: Located in the center of the property, the saltwater pool is flanked by citrus groves and the estate garden. Food and beverage service is available poolside. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-6700, themadronahotel.com

Montage Healdsburg, Healdsburg: Recently honored in the Forbes Travel Guide with its top five-star luxury rating, this resort boasts both a family pool and a zero-edge adult pool overlooking the surrounding vineyards. As long as space allows, spa-only guests that book a treatment 60 minutes or longer receive access to the pool. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707-979-9000, montagehotels.com/healdsburg

Harmon Guest House, Healdsburg: This solar-heated pool’s creekside location has a peaceful vibe and plenty of shade thanks to surrounding trees. Only accessible to hotel guests. 227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-922-5449, harmonguesthouse.com

Hotel Healdsburg, Healdsburg: Surrounded by a garden with roses, hydrangea, olive and fig trees, it’s easy to lose a day relaxing by the 60-foot pool and bubbling hot tub. Only accessible to hotel guests. 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2800, hotelhealdsburg.com

H2hotel, Healdsburg: Located steps away from the lobby, this pool is flanked by comfy loungers. Only accessible to hotel guests. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-2202, h2hotel.com

Hotel Trio, Healdsburg: The pool and neighboring bocce court are located in the center of the hotel property. Outside seating, fire pits and gas barbecue grills make the nearby patio area a favorite spot to enjoy the end of the day. Only accessible to hotel guests. 110 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-4000, hoteltrio.com

Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park: Live DJ entertainment by the pool is available daily along with food and drinks served poolside, which can be enjoyed on a plush daybed (starting at $150) or inside a private cabana (starting at $250). Pool day passes, which include one beverage with purchase, are $50 and are available at the resort’s gift and lobby shops. Must be a guest at the hotel or spa, have a pool day pass, or have daybed/cabana reservations to access the pool. Pool guests must be 21 or older. 288 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-588-7100, gratonresortcasino.com

Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville: Although you can’t stay overnight at this winery, its 3,600 square-foot pool still deserves a spot on this list. Swimmers and sunbathers can dry off and play bocce ball, dine at the Pool Café or Rustic restaurant and head inside the winery to visit the tasting room or check out Coppola’s collection of movie memorabilia. Cabine reservations are required. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, thefamilycoppola.com

Reality TV Celebrity Brings His Mexican-American Experience to New Local Restaurant

July 2024

By Heather Irwin

The Double Trouble Clarified Margarita with El Mexicano tequila blanco, coconut washed rum, Cointreau, lime, watermelon juice, Coco Lopez and rosé-mint-watermelon water with a plate of oysters from Arandas Friday, June 28, 2024 in Healdsburg. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Update: Nieto is no longer at the restaurant and quality has declined

The smell of dried chiles toasting in his mother’s kitchen is one of chef Adrien Nieto’s favorite childhood memories. As she prepared her homemade salsa with spicy chile de arbol, he would wake with a coughing fit, a sure sign that breakfast was ready.

“Basically, the stuff was pepper spray,” he said.

It’s also one of the most nostalgic recipes on the opening menu of Healdsburg’s Arandas restaurant. Located at the former Chalkboard restaurant space inside Hotel Les Mars, the new Mexican-inspired eatery is part of entrepreneur Bill Foley’s business portfolio, which includes Healdsburg’s Goodnight’s Steakhouse and Chalk Hill Winery, The Farmhouse Inn and restaurant in Forestville, sports venues, the Vegas Golden Nights hockey team and hotels.

In a town already rich with Mexican cuisine, Nieto focuses instead on creating dishes that express the complexity of being American-born while straddling his Mexican family’s history, culture and identity.

“I grew up with this duality, which is a really interesting experience for lots of us who grew up Chicano,” said Nieto, describing an identity that also encompasses his food.

“We say, ‘It’s ni aqui ni alla,’ not from here or there. It’s the soul of our family and our experiences as Americans.”

Executive Chef Adrien Nieto from Arandas Friday, June 28, 2024 in Healdsburg. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

La Pera Perfecta, front, an alcohol-free cocktail with prickly pear, lemon juice, agave, kiwi and egg white. Rear, a Churro-tini with brown butter washed rum, borghetti, espresso, cinnamon simple sugar topped with Drambuie cinnamon whipped cream from Arandas Friday, June 28, 2024 in Healdsburg. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

From server to celebrity

In 2011, Nieto was the runner-up on “MasterChef,” besting 16 home cook contestants on the Gordon Ramsay reality show. At the time, he was a 28-year-old server and vowed to keep cooking despite the loss.

The near-win catapulted Nieto into culinary jobs in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with his most recent stint in Dallas with “MasterChef” alums Jennie Kelley and Ben Starr at a private, invitation-only dinner party called Frank.

A web of chef connections landed him a tryout for the Arandas job in May, followed by a whirlwind month that included hiring staff and creating an entirely new menu after wowing the Foley team. The former Chalkboard restaurant was remodeled into a cozy, modern cantina with dramatic lighting, leather Equipal chairs and low, vaulted ceilings that enhance the warmth of the space.

The Cerdo Tacos are served deconstructed with green chorizo, radish, chili, artichoke, white bean & guajillo salad from Arandas Friday, June 28, 2024 in Healdsburg. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The menu

Just over a month after Nieto was hired, Arandas is a beautiful work in progress. The young kitchen staff are quickly jelling into a cohesive team. Nieto encourages them to contribute to the menu, meaning every dish has a backstory that only makes the experience of dining at the restaurant more charming.

Nieto’s sous chef, Felipe Hurtado, created one of the restaurant’s simplest dishes, Frijoles, $18. The preparation of heirloom Rancho Gordo beans cooked in dashi and piled onto local sourdough bread is an elevated version of a sick-day dish made by Hurtado’s mother. It’s incredibly comforting with a combination of mashed and whole beans topped with cheese.

“I want you to feel like you’re at my family’s house,” said Nieto, who expresses that sentiment on the menu.

“When you visit my family’s home, my relatives will ask you if you are hungry or thirsty, and if you shake your head ‘no,’ they will bring you a plate and tequila anyway. It’s that kind of soulful experience, of feeling you’re in our home, that I want to create here, at Arandas.”

Best bets

Guacamole Y Mas, $28: Fresh guacamole served with crispy chicharrones, pickled vegetables (escabeche) with mango and pineapple, and homemade tortilla chips made with Masienda heirloom corn masa. Served with Salsa de Alma, Nieto’s mother’s salsa made with tomatoes, tomatillo, onion, garlic and chile de arbol.

Ostiones, 3/$14, 6/$28: Nieto has a flair for presentation, and these oysters are a showstopper. Simple oysters get dolled up with tart, sunset-orange leche de tigre sauce with pops of turmeric, ginger and lemongrass.

Papas, $18: A can’t-miss dish. Nieto poaches baby potatoes in dashi broth and then roasts them to crispy perfection. Served with chili salt, avocado crema, chives, sesame seeds, furikake and topped with smoked trout roe.

Esquites, $18: A riff on the creamy corn street food, but, er, without corn (at least until corn season). It’s a flavor bomb of fresh vegetables from Chalk Hill Farm with huitlacoche emulsion, sumac tajin, guajillo-kimchee mayo and cheese. You can try to figure it all out or just enjoy the layers of sweet, savory, salty deliciousness.

Cerdo Tacos, $32: Nieto’s taco game is still evolving, but these green chorizo tacos with artichokes and white beans are the best of the bunch, a DIY affair with stunning blue corn tortillas.

Aztec Chocolate Terrine, $15: Leave ample room for Arandas’ desserts. A rum crème Anglaise is the base for a wedge of creamy chocolate flavored with cinnamon and smoked chiles. It’s inspired by spicy hot chocolate made by chef Felipe’s grandmother but takes it up a level with ground, spicy Takis and a cacao tuile.

Panna Cotta, $15: This button-cute dessert has layers of flavor, starting with a saffron horchata panna cotta topped with strawberries, almond granita and rose water crema.

Dillicioso Cocktail, $16: We were wary about this “savory” cocktail, but it’s a refreshing delight with gin, tomato-dill shrub, cucumber, celery bitters and coriander flakes. Trust us.

The menu also includes a large selection of tequila, mezcal and several Latin American wines.

Open daily for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., happy hour at the front bar from 4 to 6 p.m. 29 North St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8030, arandashealdsburg.com.

Petaluma Chef Re-Imagines Chicago Burger Icon in Sebastopol’s The Barlow

July 2024

By Heather Irwin

Hamburger, fries and a shake in Omaha Nebraska.

The end of an era for Chicago’s Cock Robin burger chain signaled a new beginning for Barlow owner Barney Aldridge. Now, he’s bringing the childhood memories of burgers and shakes to Sebastopol with the help of chef Jared Rogers of Petaluma’s Easy Rider.

Rogers, who co-founded the Southern-inspired Easy Rider in 2022, is reimagining the burger and milkshake menu as Cock Robin migrates from Naperville to its new home in Sebastopol.

The fast-casual, value-oriented restaurant replaces Seismic Brewing at the 12-acre outdoor marketplace. Seismic moved into the Golden State Cider tasting room in 2022 after vacating the high-profile, 4,000-square-foot space at the corner of Highway 12 and Morris Street.

Chef Jared Rogers from Easy Rider will consult on the new menu for Cock Robin in Sebastopol. (The Press Democrat)

A healthier spin

Though Chicago’s Cock Robin restaurants were known for artery-clogging burgers, milkshakes and ice cream, Rogers wants to put a healthier spin on the menu while keeping the family-friendly vibe.

“I want it to be as healthy and organic as possible,” Rogers said. Though the final dishes are still in development, he plans to include salads, sandwiches, plant-based dishes, and old-school classics with a modern spin.

“The staples will all be there,” he said, including the signature “One-in-a-Million” milkshakes and malts. Aldridge purchased the brand after the last Cock Robin closed in 2008 with hopes of recreating the same magic in Sebastopol.

Rogers will continue his work at Easy Rider, so fried chicken dinner lovers need not panic.

Restaurant designer Doug Washington will bring the Barlow space to life with a large, open kitchen and family-focused details, including an expansive outdoor patio. A September opening is anticipated.

Plus, a smoothie and juice bar

Rogers is also behind the menu at the recently opened Purple Acai smoothie and juice bar at the Barlow.

The health-conscious walk-up kitchen features hefty bowls filled with frozen, fair-trade acai, a South American berry hailed for its antioxidant qualities. Toppings and mix-ins include peanut butter, chia seeds, cacao nibs, flax seeds, coconut and protein powder.

If you go: Try the Mango and Greens Smoothie ($12) with mango, cashew milk, orange juice and spinach; the Toasty Rice Tea Fusion ($10), cold-pressed juice with a green tea and ginger kick; or the Nutty Bowl ($14) with acai, candied peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, flax seed, banana, honey and bee pollen.

6760 McKinley Ave., Suite 130, Sebastopol, 707-503-6412, purpleacai.net. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.