It’s an Interesting Time for Wine Groupies in Healdsburg. Here Are 5 New Tasting Rooms To Explore

Overshine Wine. Co in Healdsburg
The new Overshine Wine. Co in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Leigh Ann Beverley)

Tasting rooms abound in Healdsburg (27 in downtown, alone). But for wine groupies who also enjoy following the industry’s increasingly changing owners, investors and labels, it’s an interesting time. Some new operations are like macramé, knotting together several proprietors and brands under one roof, and with winemakers taking multiple roles at a single business.

Sip some wine, follow along with these emerging “family trees,” and see how many new names you can — well, name.

Overshine Wine Co. tasting room in Healdsburg
Tasting at Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg. (Leigh-Ann Beverley)

Overshine Wine Co.

Set on Dry Creek Valley’s former Armida Winery hillside property that was built in 1989, Overshine opened its doors in June. But the retro tasting room and facility stays true to its original groovy style, designed like a giant Quonset hut and with nifty touches like record players to spin vinyl.

The work of Sonoma County winegrower/former Google exec David Drummond, varietals salute the classics, too, focusing on Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, plus assorted grapes from Overshine’s Il Campo vineyard.

Another notable twist: rising star winemaker and new Overshine general manager Sam Bilbro will be curating grapes from Drummond’s Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley for his own Italian-style Idlewild brand that Drummond just acquired, and making Drummond’s new Comunità Italian-style brand, too. Look for those labels on the Overshine tasting list as the boutique operation gains steam.

2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-2222, overshinewines.com

The Mascarin Family Wines tasting room is located at the under-the-radar 32 Winds property, a gorgeous site with a wood barn, olive trees, towering walnut trees and views of the famous Dry Creek. (Mascarin Family Wines)
The Mascarin Family Wines tasting room is located at the under-the-radar 32 Winds property, a gorgeous site with a wood barn, olive trees, towering walnut trees and views of the famous Dry Creek. (Mascarin Family Wines)

Mascarin Family Wines

You might not have heard of the boutique 32 Winds Wine, but the company is owned by third generation vineyard manager Ed Mascarin and his daughter Mia Mascarin-Oven. So this year they debuted a new label, named, of course, Mascarin.

You’ll find an introductory three flavors: a single vineyard Chardonnay from Sebastopol’s secret gem, two-acre Dalya Estate; a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast’s Moonshine Vineyard; and a complex Red Field Blend of co-fermented Rhone and Loire varietals from the Mascarin’s own Angelo vineyard near Healdsburg.

You visit at the under-the-radar 32 Winds property, a gorgeous site with a wood barn, olive trees, towering walnut trees and views of the famous Dry Creek.

1010 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-1010, 32windswine.com

Truett Hurst Winery in Healdsburg
Picnickers enjoy a glass of wine in Adirondack chairs at Truett Hurst Winery in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll)

Truett Hurst and VML

This March, Phil Hurst regained control of the lauded Truett Hurst and VML brands he founded in 2008 but sold 10 years later to the large Washington-based Precept Wine Co. He wasn’t able to swing buying the ultra-pricey 24-acre Dry Creek Road estate he had established, but working with new partner Ken Wilson of the expansive Wilson Wines portfolio, he recently moved into a new tasting space next to downtown Healdsburg’s roundabout.

(Truett’s old location at 5610 Dry Creek Road was quickly snatched up and is now the Aesthete winery and tasting room.)

You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see the giant red chair out front — it’s a salute to Truett’s Adirondack chairs that graced his original property along Dry Creek. Now, staff pours both the Truett Hurst and Hurst’s other VML labels in the same brick and slate lined shop, with signatures like Three Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, a North Coast Burning Man Petite Sirah and a White Sheep Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

113 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-433-9545, truetthurstwinery.com or vmlwine.com

Comstock Wines tasting room at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg
At the new Comstock Wines tasting room at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg. (Comstock Wines)

Comstock Wines

The Comstock family already has a lavish tasting room at its nine-year-old estate winery at 1290 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. But this summer, they opened a second one, 2.9 miles away. The space is set up in Bacchus Landing, a collective of boutique wineries just outside downtown Healdsburg.

The idea is to attract wine lovers wanting more of a casual, hip and perhaps impromptu experience without much of a drive from central Healdsburg, said general manager Kelly Comstock Ferris. Besides tastings, there’s bottle service, bocce ball games, and a collection of classic board games, such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Battleship. Bring your dog, linger and sip.

For something a bit different, remind yourself to try the standout Dry Creek Valley Blanc de Blanc sparkling, the Russian River Valley Viognier and the Sonoma Valley Grenache.

14210 Bacchus Landing, Healdsburg, 707-723-3011, comstockwines.com

At Stressed Vines Cellar in Healdsburg. (Stressed Vines Cellar)
Stressed Vines Cellars tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. (Stressed Vines Cellar)

Stressed Vines Cellars

Stressing a vine by withholding water is actually a good thing, as it helps increase concentrated fruit flavors. But founder and vintner Rob Barney wants guests to relax at the tasting room he opened steps from the Healdsburg Plaza in July.

Barney began making wine in 2016, sourcing from a variety of vineyards across Sonoma and Napa counties for his signature Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Pinot Noir. Texas wine lovers know him — Barney is from there and has his original tasting room in Richardson.

243 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-385-4658, stressedvines.com

Folktable Becomes 2nd Michelin-Recognized Restaurant to Suddenly Close in Sonoma County This Week

Chef Casey Thompson of Folktable restaurant in Sonoma, which closed in November of 2024. (Courtesy of Folktable)

It’s been a rough week for Michelin-noted restaurants in Sonoma County as both Healdsburg’s Molti Amici and Sonoma’s Folktable suddenly announced their closures. Both left goodbye posts on social media, prompting questions about the challenges many local restaurants are facing after a slow summer and challenging winter ahead.

Folktable, which closes Sunday, is connected to controversial Sonoma developer Ken Mattson, who is currently under federal investigation and facing several lawsuits for investment fraud.

The restaurant, along with other Sonoma businesses like The Depot restaurant and The General’s Daughter event space, is part of Mattson’s Sonoma’s Best Hospitality Group. It was one of a few businesses that had remained in Mattson’s once substantial portfolio, which has dwindled in the wake of bankruptcies and lawsuits.

Mattson also owns Cornerstone marketplace, where Folktable is located. Since the developer purchased Cornerstone from Darius Anderson (managing partner of Sonoma Media Investments, owner of The Press Democrat) in 2019, the once dynamic retail marketplace, restaurant hub and test garden for Sunset magazine has languished with high vacancies and a decline in foot traffic, according to businesses located there.

Mattson and his attorneys did not respond to a request for comments.

Folktable garnered a Michelin Bib Gourmand, given to notable restaurants with “good food at a moderate price,” in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The closure of the Sonoma restaurant hit consulting executive chef Casey Thompson especially hard.

Casey Thompson of Folktable restaurant in Sonoma
Chef Casey Thompson of Folktable restaurant in Sonoma. (Erika Cole)

Thompson, who competed on three seasons of “Top Chef,” was hired as the executive chef of Sonoma’s Best Hospitality Group in 2019. She recently appeared on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions culinary showdown with chefs from around the country.

“While this is not the ending I had envisioned, I am filled with gratitude for the support, warmth and love we’ve received from our community and beyond over the years,” she wrote in an email.

“I remain hopeful that this is not a goodbye, but a step toward new beginnings,” she continued. “I would love to continue to cook good food for the community of Sonoma which has been our home for five years … I hope Sonoma will welcome us all with open arms after these tumultuous years.”

Meanwhile, Molti Amici, a Healdsburg restaurant founded by three SingleThread alums, closed unexpectedly Sunday.

The bocce court outside the back patio at Molti Amici in Healdsburg Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The bocce court outside the back patio at Molti Amici in Healdsburg on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The restaurant announced its closure Nov. 3, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat file)

The restaurant, which replaced Campo Fina, opened to critical acclaim in July 2023 and received a Bib Gourmand award in August of this year. In June, however, the restaurant was involved in an allegation of embezzlement.

The Press Democrat reported that the allegation, outlined in a brief entry in a Healdsburg police log, surfaced when someone claiming to hold ownership in Molti Amici called the police and told a Healdsburg officer that a “co-owner/business partner” had “failed to make deposits into the business account for several months,” from September 2023 to February 2024. The accusation was later recanted but the investigation remains open.

General manager Jonny Barr, who was the public face of the restaurant and listed as an owner on the restaurant’s website, has since moved out of state.

Molti Amici CEO Jason Cutrer told The Press Democrat that “the restaurant was just not in a good financial position to continue. We are all bummed and wish the staff and everyone who visited us, and loved us, the best.”

Chefs Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc, who worked together with Barr at SingleThread restaurant and helped him open Molti Amici and create its menu, said they had left the restaurant last summer to focus on their own business ventures, including Quail and Condor bakery, Troubadour Bread & Bistro and its evening alter ego, Le Diner, a multicourse dinner experience.

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

Sonoma and Napa Destinations Named Among Most Laid-Back Small Towns in California

The pool at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs in Calistoga. (Courtesy Calistoga Spa Hot Springs)

Geography site WorldAtlas recently released a list of the most laid-back small towns in California. Of the 11 locales named, one is in Sonoma County and three in Napa County.

Acknowledging we could all use a vacation from the stress of everyday life, WorldAtlas tracked down the best destinations for relaxing in the “chill state of California.” Local laid-back towns featured include Sonoma, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena.

Read on below to discover what makes these towns ideal destinations for low-key leisure.

Sonoma

Avocado toast from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)
Avocado toast from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)
Obsidian Base Camp tasting room in downtown Sonoma. (Obsidian Wine Co.)
Obsidian Base Camp tasting room in downtown Sonoma. (Courtesy of Obsidian Wine Co.)
Shaded chairs for a relaxing, laid-back time at Three Sticks Wines in Sonoma
Shaded chairs for a relaxing, laid-back time at Three Sticks Wines in Sonoma. (Courtesy of Three Sticks Wines)

It doesn’t get much more laid-back than sipping wines on a lazy Sunday in the heart of Wine Country. WorldAtlas stated Sonoma “encapsulates what a true small-town California life feels like,” noting its historic downtown plaza surrounded by cafes, theaters and tastings rooms.

Start with a sunny brunch of waffles and mimosas at Sunflower Caffé, seated at the cafe’s dreamy garden patio. Then sip some wines in a Japanese-style garden at Sonoma’s new Obsidian Base Camp tasting room, followed by a show at the historic Sebastiani Theatre.

WorldAtlas also recommends going on a local sip-and-stroll with friends via Gourmet Food and Wine Tours, offering immersive wine and food pairing tours in both Sonoma and Napa. Other laid-back wineries and tasting rooms to check out include the Sigh bubble bar, Three Sticks Wines and the 120-year-old Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery.

Planning to spend a whole weekend in Sonoma? We’ve mapped out the perfect three-day fall getaway to make the most of your time in the charming town.

Calistoga

Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort in Calistoga laid-back pool
Experience a Tuscan villa-like retreat in Wine Country at Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort. The Calistoga resort has world-renowned natural geothermal water and mud bath traditions. (Courtesy Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort)
House specialty Green Chile Apple Pie with walnut streusel, cheddar crust, whipped cream and a red chile honey drizzle and an Adaptogenic mushroom tea from the House of Better at the newly renovated Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
House specialty Green Chile Apple Pie and an Adaptogenic mushroom tea from the House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs in Calistoga on July 6, 2021. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

With an abundance of spas and natural hot springs, Calistoga excels in rejuvenating relaxation. WorldAtlas highlights Calistoga Spa Hot Springs and Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort for massage treatments, volcanic ash mud baths and geothermal mineral pools.

A favorite is Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, which has an on-site Southwestern health food restaurant, House of Better. The chile apple pie is a must-have. Other hot springs in Calistoga include Solage, Indian Springs Calistoga, Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa and Golden Haven Hot Springs and Resort.

The Napa town is home to popular attractions like the Old Faithful Geyser of California and award-winning Sharpsteen Museum. Both destinations are great opportunities to learn about Calistoga’s geology and history.

Explore more of the area’s laid-back resorts, restaurants, tasting rooms and historic sites with our guide to the best weekend getaway in Calistoga.

Yountville

Pepperoni pizza with basil and drizzled with spicy honey at Ciccio in Yountville, Monday, July 10, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Pepperoni pizza with basil and drizzled with spicy honey at Ciccio in Yountville, Monday, July 10, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Tacos de Pescado with fried fish, chipotle mayo, cilantro, cabbage and lime from La Calenda, a Thomas Keller Restaurant Group project in Yountville. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Tacos de Pescado with fried fish, chipotle mayo, cilantro, cabbage and lime from La Calenda, a Thomas Keller Restaurant Group project in Yountville. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Regarded as the “Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley,” Yountville is a real foodie’s destination. WorldAtlas noted the town’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant The French Laundry as well as another Thomas Keller standout, Bouchon Bistro.

If French fine dining isn’t your idea of laid-back, try the unpretentious, country western-inspired Ciccio. The Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant offers Italian fare, like housemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, in a rustic setting. La Calenda is another Bib Gourmand winner and one of the least formal of Keller’s restaurants. The Mexican restaurant specializes in traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Try the fish tacos made with stone-ground tortillas and enchiladas with a showstopping mole negro.

After getting your fill of world-renowned cuisine, WorldAtlas recommends feasting your eyes on the Wine Country town and surrounding countryside with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides.

St. Helena

Beringer is one of the best Napa wineries for first-time visitors.
Beringer in St. Helena is one of the best Napa wineries for first-time visitors. (Courtesy Beringer Vineyards)
A dish (fruits de mer?) at PRESS Restaurant Napa Valley in St. Helena. (John Troxell/Courtesy Suited Hospitality)
A dish at PRESS Restaurant Napa Valley in St. Helena. (John Troxell/Courtesy Suited Hospitality)

This small town’s greatest charm, according to WorldAtlas, “lies in its historic downtown, which is dotted with lovely restaurants, galleries, and shops to leisurely while away your afternoon.”

Sites to see include Beringer Vineyards — the longest continuously operating winery in Napa — as well as the contemporary fine art destination Christopher Hill Gallery and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

For dining, try the Michelin-starred Press, which boasts the largest collection of Napa wines in the world. For more relaxed ranch vibes, try the Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, excelling in farm-to-table fare.

These Healdsburg Vintners Want To Give You a Slice of the Good Life

Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg
Vintners David Drummond and Sam Bilbro of Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg. (Joshua Harding/Courtesy Overshine Wine Co.)

“It was serendipitous,” says Sam Bilbro of the first time he met David Drummond back in 2018. Drummond, the retired chief legal officer of Google and a former football wide receiver at Santa Clara University, had recently realized a lifelong dream by purchasing a 550-acre ranch in Sonoma. But there was a problem.

“It was 2019 and the grape glut had set in,” says Drummond. “I didn’t have any long-term contracts, so it was a very lean year for me.”

Bilbro, who specializes in Italian-style winemaking, convinced Drummond to take a leap into the Italian wines they both loved. They regrafted the entire vineyard over to 46 different types of Italian grapes, many of which are quite rare in California. Six years later, and the vines are thriving. Now, the two partners are diving headlong into a new venture called Overshine Wine Co., showcasing a trio of distinct brands.

In June, Drummond purchased Idlewild from Bilbro, who has stayed on as managing partner and winemaker. Drummond also bought Armida Winery, reimagining it as Overshine, a name inspired by the hip-hop band Onyx, and their newest label, Comunità, recently made its debut.

Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg
Vintners David Drummond and Sam Bilbro of Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg. (Joshua Harding/Courtesy Overshine Wine Co.)

If wine brands were musical bands

“Overshine might be Sly and the Family Stone, maybe updated with a hip-hop beat,” says Drummond, whose brother Ray Drummond is a well-known jazz drummer. “And Comunità would be more of a blend of what formed me musically, something like Robert Glasper, a jazz guy who leans heavily on soul and hip-hop.”
At the other end of the spectrum, “Idlewild would be the Clash,” says Bilbro.

Everybody under the tent

“The ethos of Overshine as a company is about openness, diversity and welcoming folks,” Drummond says. “Fine wine is sometimes exalted in a way that makes it seem not accessible to lots of people. So, we talk about doing that differently, using cultural signposts, whether it’s music, or the way we talk about wine, or the way we talk about our place, to make it clear that everybody is welcome…We’ll talk about how it feels to drink the wine, how it feels to be out there on the patio on a sunny day, listening to Grover Washington Jr.”

Introducing Overshine

“In reworking the tasting room, and fully remodeling the interior, we want it to be a spot where you want to come and spend your afternoon,” Bilbro says. “You’re not here for a transactional experience, standing at the bar, and then you get out of here. It’s more about: you come sit on the couch and lounge and enjoy your time and listen to some music, and have some great wines, and really enjoy that slice of the good life.”

2201 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-2222, overshinewines.com

Sonoma County Shakes It up With First Craft Cocktail Week

Bartender Ashleigh Grace prepares the cocktails at Easy Rider in Petaluma on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Yes, we live in Wine Country, but sometimes you just want a cocktail. If you’re not sure where to go when you’re craving something boozy, Petaluma’s got you covered.

Lorraine Barber, co-owner of Barber Lee Spirits, is organizing the first ever Petaluma Craft Cocktail Week, taking place Nov. 8 – 17. Ten local businesses will join in on the fun and mix up their take on a classic cocktail.

“The craft cocktail scene in town has really evolved over the last few years and there are so many great places that are doing cool things,” said Barber. “I really wanted to shine a spotlight on everyone, for both locals and visitors to explore all the great spots we have in town.”

The weeklong event will focus on the Whiskey Sour cocktail. Expect everything from traditional recipes to innovative twists.

Barber Lee Spirits in Petaluma Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Barber Lee Spirits’ take on the Whiskey Sour. Lorraine Barber, co-owner of Barber Lee Spirits, has organized Petaluma’s first Craft Cocktail Week. The event will focus on the Whiskey Sour cocktail, with 10 businesses participating. (Courtesy of Barber Lee Spirits)

“[The Whiskey Sour] has such a rich and luxurious texture and you can really take it in so many directions that it seemed like a great cocktail to start cocktail week off with,” Barber said.

In addition to Barber Lee Spirits, savvy sippers are encouraged to visit other local participating businesses. They include Brixx Pizzeria, Easy Rider, Kapu, Luma Bar & Eatery, Seared, The Shuckery, The Big Easy, The Block Petaluma and Torches.

“Petaluma has long been a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts, and I am excited that we are elevating our town’s reputation with a focus on craft cocktails,” said Jazmine Lalicker, owner of Luma Bar & Eatery and Shuckery.

Petaluma's Luma Eatery's pumpkin spin whiskey sour
A Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Sour from Luma Bar & Eatery in Petaluma. (Courtesy Luma Bar & Eatery)

Drink prices will vary from one location to the next. Cocktail enthusiasts committed to being thorough can pick up a stamp card at any of the participating locations. Anyone who makes it to all 10 participating businesses by the end of the week will have a commemorative sticker waiting for them at Barber Lee Spirits.

“I’ve been wanting to do a collaborative project for a while with the other spots in town,” said Barber. “This, I hope, will help introduce people to some places that they weren’t familiar with previously and showcase some of the cool craft cocktail work that everyone is doing that might be under the radar right now.”

The idea is to hold more craft cocktail weeks in the future. Depending on how November shakes out, a Christmas craft cocktail week is a possibility.

“We’re really just at the beginning of this idea, and I know that it will evolve with time,” said Barber.

Since all of the participating businesses are in downtown Petaluma, it’s easy to walk from one location to another. Rideshares, LumaGo (Petaluma’s free, on-demand rideshare service) and designated drivers are all highly encouraged. Check out @petaluma_cocktail_society on Instagram for the latest updates.

New Burger and Milkshake Spot in Sebastopol Slated To Open in November

Hamburger, fries and a shake in Omaha Nebraska.

Sushi Kosho restaurant chef/owner Jake Rand has announced that his second Barlow restaurant, Oyster, will simplify its menu and be renamed Oyster Bar at Kosho.

The Parisian-style bistro, located across the street from the sushi restaurant, will continue to offer raw oysters, ceviche, tuna carpaccio, salads, baked oysters and octopus à la plancha as well as Champagne. Larger seafood entrées, including burgers, fish sandwiches, fish and chips and po’boys, will no longer be offered. The Sushi Kosho (6750 McKinley St.) menu will remain unchanged.

Oyster at The Barlow in Sebastopol
Spanish Octopus a-la-plancha with Shitake dressing, crispy fingerlings and black garlic aioli at Oyster in The Barlow, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Sebastopol. (Darryl Bush / for The Press Democrat)

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Cock Robin, a fast-casual burger and milkshake restaurant replacing Seismic Brewing at the 12-acre outdoor marketplace, is slated for a possible November opening.

Chef Jared Rogers of Petaluma’s Easy Rider is working with Barlow owner Barney Aldridge on the menu. It will include burgers, sandwiches, plant-based dishes and old-school classics with a modern spin.

Fundraiser for J & M’s Midtown Café

Louisiana Hash with onions, bell peppers, bacon, potatoes, cheddar, eggs, herbs, mushrooms and spicy seasoning from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Louisiana Hash with onions, bell peppers, bacon, potatoes, cheddar, eggs, mushrooms and spicy seasoning from J & M’s Midtown Cafe, Jan. 18, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The need for extra staff after emergency surgery and a long road to recovery for J & M Midtown Café chef/owner Joel Shaw has created serious financial hardships for one of Santa Rosa’s favorite breakfast and brunch spots.

In order to keep the restaurant afloat, Shaw and his wife have created a $6,000 fundraising goal to bridge the temporary gap in finances. If you’re interested in helping, go to pdne.ws/3NH9UVp or stop by the café for a Benedict. 1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-2233, jm-midtowncafe.com.

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

New Menu Brings a Clearer Focus to Monti’s Restaurant in Santa Rosa

Fish and butter beans at Monti’s in the renovated Montgomery Village space in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of Monti’s)

By now, word has spread that Monti’s restaurant in Montgomery Village has reopened after a summer remodel and menu update. Gone is the rotisserie; many dishes have been reimagined or sent to the great menu in the sky. But change is good, and many new Mediterranean-inspired dishes are excellent.

Starters like Spreads & Bread ($19) are a dipper’s delight with creamy hummus, whipped beet feta, sweet and spicy eggplant and warm, zaatar-seasoned flatbread. Terri’s Favorite Little Neck Clams ($18) has been one of the most talked about dishes, infused with garlic butter and charred lemon. Spring for the Smoked Lamb Ribs ($18) with sticky pomegranate barbecue sauce that’s finger-licking good.

Regulars will recognize the Monti’s Cristo ($18) and Lamb Burger ($19). There’s also a new take on the roasted salmon, now served with lemon couscous and pomegranate vinaigrette ($32).

Monti's in Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa
Breads & Spreads at Monti’s in the renovated Montgomery Village space in Santa Rosa. (Courtesy of Monti’s)
Butter Beans at Monti's restaurant in Montgomery Village. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Butter Beans at Monti’s restaurant in Montgomery Village. The beans are soft-as-silk and infused with garlic, tomato and herbs, as well as a crispy garlic crust on top. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Though the Braised Butter Beans ($12) are quietly listed as a side, the soft-as-silk white beans are infused with plenty of garlic, tomato and herbs with a crispy garlic crust on top. Plan to fight with your tablemates over these.

A broader selection of made-to-order pizzas is a great addition, and you can see the dough being stretched (as well as all the kitchen action) through a new peek-a-boo window in the dining room. It’s entertainment for the whole family or a conversation starter on awkward dates. I loved the sweet-savory combination of Black Mission fig, ham and Cambozola cheese ($24). Housemade pasta is another terrific menu addition. We were especially taken with Short Rib Agnolotti with a kick of fresh horseradish ($28).

Save room for (or just go for dessert first) the Warm Bourbon Toffee Date Cake ($14). A former pastry chef friend at the table said it was one of the best desserts she’d had, infused with cozy autumn spices, sticky toffee, sweet dates and creamy gelato melting into the whole mess.

Warm Bourbon Toffee Date Cake at Monti's restaurant in Montgomery Village. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Warm Bourbon Toffee Date Cake at Monti’s restaurant in Montgomery Village. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Monti's in Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa
The newly renovated dining room at Monti’s Restaurant in Montgomery Village. The space, according to co-owner Terri Stark, is lighter and more modern with Mediterranean blue and rattan accents. (Courtesy of Monti’s)

Well-made (and not stingy on the booze) cocktails are a Stark restaurant staple, and Monti’s has added a few newcomers. Greece Is The Word ($14) isn’t for everyone, but if you like Ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek libation known to take down the strongest of tipplers, you’ll be on board. The tongue-tingling liqueur is cut with lemon, honey and mint — intense flavors that temper the Ouzo.

Removing the dark shutters has brightened the interior, vibing with the rattan lighting and Turkish tiles that bring the restaurant a sunny, Mediterranean atmosphere.

Change has brought a new cohesion to the 20-year-old Santa Rosa restaurant, offering more focus and interest to the Mediterranean-inspired menu. I’ll be back.

Monti’s menu also features many gluten-free and plant-based options. Reservations are highly recommended. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for indoor and outdoor seating.

714 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 707-568-4404, montismv.com

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

Odyssey Wine Academy Offers Wine Education in Spanish To Meet Community Need

Julie Rothberg, president of Medlock Ames Winery, with a glass of the 2019 The Flag Cabernet Sauvignon, sold as a three-bottle set complete with a custom collector’s box, at the tasting room in Healdsburg on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)

Julie Rothberg launched Odyssey Wine Academy at Healdsburg’s Bacchus Landing in 2021 to provide classes with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, or WSET, an internationally recognized certification pursued by many industry professionals. As president of Medlock Ames winery, Rothberg knows that the formal study of wine makes good business sense — not only for those who work in tasting rooms and other hospitality roles, but also for those who work in the vineyard.

Medlock Ames co-founder Ames Morison agrees. “Our vineyard team has such incredible site knowledge. They understand every idiosyncrasy of the vineyard and how that influences the fruit,” Morison said. “But they didn’t have a lot of knowledge about wine itself. I wanted to help them understand how their hard work was contributing to the final wine through the WSET’s universally recognized training.”

But finding a local WSET teacher fluent in Spanish was difficult. So Morison, who is fluent in Spanish, decided to become a WSET-certified instructor. And in August 2023, Morison taught his first course to a group of Medlock Ames vineyard employees.

Ames Morison, co-founder of Medlock Ames winery, is the first to teach a wine education course in Spanish at the Odyssey Wine Academy in Healdsburg. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Ames Morison, co-founder of Medlock Ames winery. Morison is the first to teach a wine education course in Spanish at the Odyssey Wine Academy in Healdsburg. In addition to the customized course, Julie Rothberg and Morison want to continue the WSET Level 1 class in Spanish. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Julie Rothberg launched Odyssey Wine Academy
Julie Rothberg, president of Medlock Ames Winery, at the tasting room in Healdsburg on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. She launched Odyssey Wine Academy at Healdsburg’s Bacchus Landing in 2021 and the first classes began in 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)

Agustin Santiago is a vineyard manager who has worked at Medlock Ames for 24 years. He was one of the first to complete the six-hour program.

“The class helped me learn how to taste wine and understand the flavors,” said Santiago. “It also helped me understand the aromas in the wine and what techniques I can use in the vineyard to improve those aromas. It will help me in my career because it improved my understanding of wine and opened my mind to new opportunities.”

The class experience was enlightening, but there were also some obstacles.

“One of the challenges I didn’t anticipate is that many of the students had never taken a formal exam,” said Rothberg.

With WSET’s standardized curriculum and mandatory 30-question exam, there was little Rothberg could do to modify the course for nontraditional learners.

Julie Rothberg, president of Medlock Ames winery, during a wine education class focusing on a few varietals from France and Spain at the Odyssey Wine Academy founded by Rothberg and held at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg, Tuesday, March 15, 2022. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Julie Rothberg, president of Medlock Ames winery, during a wine education class at the Odyssey Wine Academy. The classes are held at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)

Rothberg and Morison are now partnering with Sonoma County Winegrowers to develop a new, customized course targeted specifically to local vineyard workers, with Morison as the instructor. They hope to launch the partner program within the next year.

“These classes will be really geared toward native Spanish-speakers who live in the community and may or may not work in wine,” said Rothberg. “For those who do work in wine, these classes can help them communicate with other Spanish speakers who may understand things better in their native tongue. We talk a lot about diversity and inclusion in the wine industry, but there are few resources for Spanish speakers.”

In addition to the customized course, Rothberg and Morison would like to continue to offer the WSET Level 1 class in Spanish as an option for those interested in formal certification. For Francisco López, co-owner of Bacchus Landing and Aldina Vineyards in Healdsburg, these options fill a critical niche in the community.

“It’s important we create these types of programs to educate people who have been historically overlooked — especially in our community where many Spanish speakers work behind the scenes in the wine industry,” said López. “Hopefully, these classes can help foster a more equitable and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds can thrive.”

Rothberg is looking forward to this next chapter. “I do this because I feel strongly about wine education and creating access for our community,” said Rothberg. “The more people know about wine, the better. It’s really a labor of love.”

odysseywineacademy.com

This article is a shortened version of a Press Democrat story. Read the full story here.

A Sonoma Home on the Famous Spreckels Family Property Listed for $11.5 Million

View from above. (SeaTimber Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)
View from above. (SeaTimber Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)

A modern estate on the Sonoma property once belonging to Adolph and Alma Spreckels, of the Spreckels family sugar dynasty, is currently listed for sale. For $11.5 million, on offer is a 7,000-square-foot dwelling on 2.26 acres rich with vegetation and luxury amenities.

The property on Sobre Vista Drive has a history of welcoming celebrities during the early 1900s. According to The Press Democrat, Alma Spreckels hosted such guests as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, John Barrymore and boxing champion Gene Tunney at their illustrious estate.

A modern estate on a parcel of the Sonoma property once belonging to the Spreckels family is currently listed for $11.5 million. (Sea Timber Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)
A modern estate on a parcel of the Sonoma property once belonging to the Spreckels family is currently listed for $11.5 million. (Sea Timber Media / Sotheby’s International Realty)

The airy and modern home was built in 1968 and renovated in 2019. Notable elements include seven ensuite bedrooms, a billiards room, a gym and four vintage brick fireplaces (some with interesting inlays to hang artwork).

The illuminated grounds, designed by Penney Magrane, include manicured elements, raised garden beds, a saltwater pool, tennis court and outdoor kitchen. A partially enclosed spa with copper soaking tubs sits off in the yard among wildflowers.

For more information on this estate at 1245 Sobre Vista Drive in Sonoma, contact listing agent Tina Shone, 707-799-7556, 707-933-1515, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage, sothebysrealty.com

This Russian River Tiny Home Has Its Own ‘Redwood Fairy Ring.’ It’s All Yours for $124,900

This tiny home in Guerneville with its own enclosed yard is currently listed for $124,900. (In D Sky Homes)
This tiny home in Guerneville with its own enclosed yard is currently listed for $124,900. (In D Sky Homes)

Tiny home seekers may find a buying opportunity just outside of downtown Guerneville. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny home with a private yard and its own “fairy ring” of redwood trees is currently listed for $124,900.

The mobile home, built in 2021, keeps to just 226 square feet but boasts a separate bedroom from the main living area as well as solid pine interior logs, roof and flooring. Plus, the home is located near the Russian River, prized for its beauty and seclusion.

Great room. (The Woodland Stylists)
Great room in the Russian River tiny home in Guerneville. (The Woodland Stylists)

Prolific home designers Woodland Stylists staged the home to its sparkling potential, showing there’s nothing little about tiny home style. A vaulted ceiling and lots of windows lend an airiness. A built-in closet and efficient layout maximize the space. A covered porch adds “curb appeal” and a spot for protected lounging among the trees.

According to listing agent Carlos Cabarcos, the Redwood Grove community is transitioning to a tiny home community.

For more information on 14755 Armstrong Woods, #15, in Guerneville, contact listing agent Carlos D. Cabarcos, Vanguard Properties, 415-519-3504, carlos@vanguardproperties.com. vanguardproperties.com