Local Cheese Shop and Creamery Featured on ‘Check, Please!’

Grilled Cheese with Hwy 1 Fontina, rosemary ham and kimchi with a side of garden pickles from the Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery in Valley Ford. (John Burgess/Sonoma Magazine)

Karen Bianchi-Moreda’s family-run Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery is an udder-to-table experience that’s uniquely Sonoma County. Last week, “Check, Please!” roving food reporter Cecilia Phillips got the scoop on the popular cheese factory and general store for the KQED program.

Meeting up with Bianchi-Moreda and her sons, Joe Jr. and Jim, at the dairy, Phillips tromped among the grass-fed cows that make Estero Gold, Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery’s flagship cheese (as well as others sold by the creamery).

Phillips also visited the creamery’s cheese shop where she tasted melty raclette-style Highway One cheese and some of the cafe’s fresh-baked pastries and sandwiches.

The family has been making cheese for over 100 years in Sonoma County. Bianchi-Moreda is a fourth-generation dairywoman who makes more than 8,000 wheels of cheese annually with her son Joe. Jr. Moreda’s son Jim manages the herd of more than 80 cows that wander the 640-acre ranch in Sonoma’s west county.

See the segment on Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery on “Check, Please!” in the gallery above.

Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery, 14390 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford. 707-293-5636, valleyfordcheese.com

Guy Fieri’s Favorite Sonoma County Restaurants

Guy Fieri at Hank’s Creekside in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Guy Fieri may be a household name around the country, but he’ll always be Santa Rosa’s native son. Home to his first restaurants and the beneficiaries of his philanthropy, Fieri still lives and works in Sonoma County and loves giving extra props to his fellow restaurateurs. That’s why we’re calling out all of the local restaurants he’s featured on his hit Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”

For most, national recognition means a huge bump in business and notoriety even long after the show airs (here’s one local example). You’ll know you’ve arrived at one of them by Fieri’s flashy signature somewhere in the restaurant — a little Easter egg worth finding. Click through the above gallery for all the details.

Come for the Wine and Views, Stay for the Food at La Crema Winery in Windsor

Pork Rillette eclair with pickled mustard seed and pinot noir grape jam at La Crema Winery in Windsor (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

An increasing number of Sonoma County wineries are saying goodbye to cheap chocolates and Cheeto pairings with their tasting flights. Instead, they’re upping the game with executive chefs creating elevated food and wine-tasting experiences that inform and entertain consumers.

At La Crema Winery in Windsor, Executive Chef Tracey Shepos Cenami has created a four-course pairing that includes deviled eggs with tobiko caviar, éclairs with pinot noir grape jam, pork rillette éclairs, Mycopia mushroom and squash tostadas with homemade mole sauce, and finishing with macarons ($85 per person).

You can also dial things back with a la carte small snacks like charred eggplant dip and toast ($8), fennel pollen and olive oil popcorn ($6), or lemon Parmesan potato chips ($8) with suggested pairings ($40 per person, complimentary for wine club members). Wine and caviar ($150) or a pairing of sparkling wine with a dozen oysters ($80) are also options if you’re looking to impress someone.

The tasting room at La Crema Winery in Windsor. (La Crema)
Inside La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard in Windsor. (La Crema)

The cozy downstairs tasting room at the Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard lets guests sit at tables overlooking the vineyards with knowledgeable hosts who walk you through La Crema’s limited-release wines — these aren’t the everyday grocery store wines most of us are familiar with — highly recommended for out-of-town visitors who want an authentic wine country experience.

Reservations are required for the experience, and the multicourse tasting, oyster pairing, and wine and caviar pairings are only available on weekends.

3575 Slusser Road, Windsor. 707-525-6200, lacrema.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Sonoma, Napa Counties

The Martin Luther King Jr Memorial located on the National Mall on the Tidal Basin in Washington DC. (Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock)

The upcoming federal holiday recognizing the life and work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. falls on the third Monday each January. This year it lands on Jan. 15 — King’s birthday.

King was a nonviolent activist and the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, which began in the 1950s and sought to end Jim Crow laws at the state and local levels that had enforced racial segregation meant to marginalize Black people.

Considered a controversial figure, he was the object of numerous incidents that were meant to hinder or stop the progress of the movement. Ultimately, King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Despite this, the Civil Rights Movement sparked numerous advancements, such as the desegregation of interstate travel, and the passages of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

MLK Jr. Day is one of only two holidays in the U.S. that are also designated Days of Service (the other being Sept. 11). As a result, people across the country are encouraged to spend the day doing something to uplift their communities.

In the spirit of King’s mission and ideals, various community events are being held across Sonoma and Napa counties during the long weekend. Here are a few ways to get involved:

FOR USE ANYTIME - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial for his "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington, D.C. Aug. 28, 1963. Thursday April 4, 1996 will mark the 28th anniversary of his assassination in Memphis, Tenn. The Washington Monument is in background. (AP Photo/File)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledges the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial for his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, D.C. Aug. 28, 1963. (AP Photo/File)

Calistoga

MLK Day Mount St. Helena Hike: The Mendocino County Outdoor Recreation Group is hosting its annual MLK Day hike of Mount St. Helena. This 10-mile hike is rated as hard, and hiking boots and poles are recommended for the first 1.5 miles. Bring lunch and water and dress in layers. The event will be canceled if it rains. Meet at 9 a.m. Monday at 4625 Lake County Highway. The hike will end at about 3:30 p.m. For more information, go to pdne.ws/47wTtTp.

Jenner

MLK National Day of Service: Lend a hand at Jenner Headlands Preserve in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Participants will plant native trees and help restore the Russian Gulch Food Plain. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Space for this free volunteer event is limited to 15 people. Meet at the Gateway to Jenner Headlands parking lot, 12001 Highway 1, beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 15. Work ends at 1 p.m. For more information, and to reserve a spot, go to pdne.ws/48qG93Z.

Napa

Learn about California Reparations: The Napa Valley Unitarian Universalists will offer a slideshow depicting the harm of slavery, the terror amid the Jim Crow era and how discrimination has continued today. A review and discussion of the policy recommendations of the California Reparations Task Force will follow. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. in the sanctuary at the church, 1625 Salvador Ave. For more information, go to pdne.ws/47tpdIT.

MLK Day Bike Trail Cleanup: The Napa County Bicycle Coalition is inviting volunteers to participate in its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a cleanup of the Vine Trail, an important shared-use path. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at The Hub bike shop, 2500 Jefferson St., and clean until 11:30 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be available. For more information, and to sign up, go to pdne.ws/3vybbbJ.

MLK Day of Service Weed Removal: Join the city of Napa and the Napa County Weed Management Area folks to identify and pull the invasive French broom plant during a day of service. All the necessary tools will be provided, but those interested should bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, clothes suitable for gardening, and water and snacks. Meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the parking lot of Westwood Hills Park, 3107 Browns Valley Road. Work ends at noon. For more information, and to register, go to naparcd.org/events/mlk2024.

Napa Valley’s Celebration of Compassion & Action: Head to Justin-Siena High School to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in a multi-day event that honors his vision of a beloved community. The Commemoration Ceremony takes place Sunday, while the day of Community Service takes place Monday. The entire celebration runs from 9 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Monday at the high school, 4026 Maher St. For more information, and to sign up for volunteer opportunities, go to pdne.ws/3Hf24PN.

Petaluma

MLK Day of Service: Head to the Petaluma Bounty Community Farm for a Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers will work on the farm while reflecting on MLK Jr.’s legacy and service. Participants can choose to stay for the entire time, or can choose to leave early. Meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the farm, 55 Shasta Ave. For more information, go to pdne.ws/4aLEPub.

Santa Rosa

“King, The Radical!”: Join the Sonoma County Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Committee for a celebration of King’s legacy. This year’s celebration will feature performances from the Sonoma County MLK Community Choir and MLK Praise Dancers, as well as speakers, community recognition and student awards, local artists and more. The event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Montgomery High School, 1250 Hahman Drive. The event is also hosted on Zoom and Facebook Live. For more information, visit the committee’s Facebook page at pdne.ws/3SbpdrB.

MLK Day of Service: The Community Baptist Church is hosting a cleanup at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Volunteer activities include picking up litter, spreading mulch, weeding, building community and more. Tools and light refreshment will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their friends and family. Meet from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at 1208 Hendley St. For more information on this free event, and to register, go to pdne.ws/3tBVWy1.

MLK Jr. Workday: Sonoma County Regional Parks encourages members of the community to embrace the spirit of community and service for a workday at Andy’s Unity Park. Volunteers will work to improve the park by spreading mulch, improving paths and pulling weeds. Tools and supplies are provided, along with snacks and drinks. Afterward, lunch will be served. Meet in the parking lot at 3399 Moorland Ave. beginning at 9 a.m. Monday. Work runs until 12:30 p.m. Registration for this free event is required. For more information, and to register, go to pdne.ws/48NpWG6.

Luma’s New Menu Hits the Mark in Downtown Petaluma

The bar and main dining room at Luma Bar and Eatery in Petaluma Thursday, February 16, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

I wasn’t overwhelmed when I first visited Petaluma’s Luma restaurant in late 2022. The restaurant from Shuckery co-owner Jazmine Lalicker was brilliant in concept — primarily meatless, focused on sustainability — if not in execution.

Small slices of beef were served on small plates, a la carte, without context. Duck wing rillette was fine, but again, it wasn’t exactly clear how to consume a ramekin of duck without crackers or other accoutrements. The flatbread was a flop.

But with a substantial menu overhaul, time and maturity, Luma has become luminous. It still keeps its focus on mindful eating and locally sourced ingredients.

The menu still focuses on plant-based dishes. But it now includes a wider variety of meat, including stand-up-and-take-notice lamb meatballs in piquant harissa marinara ($16), McFarland Springs trout with bell peppers and gigante beans ($38), roasted chicken with Brussels sprouts ($32), or Greek flatbread with ground lamb, herbed goat cheese and roasted peppers ($24).

Now, meat has meaning on the menu rather than being a confusing side dish.

The Changeling cocktail with Aquavit and gin from Luma Bar and Eatery in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The Changeling cocktail with Aquavit and gin from Luma Bar and Eatery in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Best bets include fat steak fries ($10) with a trio of dipping sauces (the chimichurri is the winner).

The kitchen understands precisely how to do beans, cooking them to a toothy outside and creamy inside. The plump gigantes in the Bean Gratin appetizer ($16) is served with caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, chimichurri, and herbed goat cheese for a satisfying winter warmer.

Fancy Toasts (three for $22) are a great share plate, covered with toppers like ricotta, pears and hot honey; Brie and pistachios; or bacon jam and herbed goat cheese.

The biggest winner of the evening, however, was the Winter Polenta ($24) with roasted seasonal vegetables (in this case, several types of root vegetables) and creamy polenta with cheese and breadcrumbs.

The portions aren’t exactly small, but they’re not heaping helpings, and added to some appetizers and flatbread, more than substantial. Do not miss the Tau Fu Fa ($12) for dessert, a spiced coconut pot de crème with fresh citrus.

Cocktails are still a focus, with plenty of creative twists, and the restaurant has added a happy hour with $10 drink specials and a Stemple Creek burger for $20.

A small brunch menu is available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Located at 50 East Washington St., Petaluma, it is also open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., happy hour daily from 3 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays — more details at lumaeatery.com.

Guide to Sonoma County Crab Feeds 2024

Guests dig into a feast of crab and all the fixings during the 31st annual Russian River Rotary Crab Feed at Shone Farm, in Santa Rosa. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

It’s the time of year to celebrate the arrival of our beloved crustaceans. A plethora of local nonprofits and organizations will be hosting crab feeds throughout Sonoma County in January and February. Some feeds are all-you-can-eat, others feature no-host bars and most include raffles or auctions benefiting charities. Here is a list of some of the crab feeds in the area.

Jan. 20

37th Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crab and Pasta Feed, Friedman Center, Santa Rosa

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the annual feed, which is “Luau Style” this year. Attendees will enjoy Hawaiian music, local wines, a silent auction, raffles and other entertainment. Funds benefit local nonprofits, as well as West County high school seniors. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at russianriverrotary.ejoinme.org/tickets. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-478-1805.

Jan. 21

Spoonbar Crab Feed, Spoonbar, Healdsburg

As a part of their Seafood Sundays, the Spoonbar restaurant is hosting a family-style crab feed. The meal is $59 per person and includes fresh crab with all the fixings. The crab will be paired with local chardonnay. Other items on the menu include focaccia, chicory salad, and macaroni and cheese. For more information, go to spoonbar.com/events. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com.

Jan. 26

PWC All You Can Eat Crab Feed, Petaluma Women’s Club Event Space, Petaluma

Drive-through takeout or dine-in with live auction. Dine-in is $75 per person and includes all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab, salad, French bread, butter, beer, wine, soda and cake from 6 to 9 p.m. The live auction begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $120 for “Take-Out for Two,” which includes Dungeness crab, salad, French bread, butter and cake. Pickup is between 3 and 5:30 p.m. For more information go to petalumawomansclub.com. Tickets can be purchased at pdne.ws/3Hc7sD4. 518 B St., Petaluma, 707-762-4271.

Jan. 26-27

Gualala Lions Club Feed, Gualala Community Center, Gualala

Starting at 6 p.m., this 46th annual two-night feed features cracked crab, garden salad, garlic bread and wine. In addition to the food and drinks, guests can enjoy raffle prizes and other fun activities. Tickets are $55 per person. Purchase tickets at Four Eyed Frog Books, or call Lion Richard Ryder at 707-884-9606. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3tMdcAA. 47950 Center St., Gualala, 707-884-9606.

Jan. 27

Cloverdale Lion’s Club 21th Annual “All You Can Eat” Crab Feed, Cloverdale Citrus Fair Exhibit Room, Cloverdale

All-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad, rolls and ice cream, as well as a silent auction and 50/50 raffle and door prizes. From 6 p.m., guests can enjoy a no-host cocktail hour. At 7 p.m., dinner will be served. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased with cash or check at the following local businesses: Cloverdale Saw and Mower Center, Moe’s Eagles Nest Deli, Sawmill Saloon, Ace Hardware of Cloverdale, Citrus Fair Office or through any Lion member. For more information, go to facebook.com/CloverdaleLionsClub. 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale, 707-953-9408.

Dunham School PTO 13th Annual Crab Feed, Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma

A 21+ only crab feed featuring crab, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. The feed begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. In addition to enjoying food and drinks, guests can participate in a silent and live auction. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at pdne.ws/48IipJ3. For more information, go to dunhamsd.org. 860 Western Ave., Petaluma, dunhamptotreasurer@gmail.com.

Forestville Chamber of Commerce, Holy Ghost Hall, Forestville

The Forestville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its crab feed from 5 to 10 p.m. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes crab, pasta, salad and bread. Tickets are $70 per person, and can be purchased by calling 707-481-5565. 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol, 707-481-5565, forestvillechamber.org.

Piner High School’s 15th Annual Crab Feed Dinner, Friedman Event Center, Santa Rosa

Piner Athletic Hall of Fame will host its 16th annual crab feed, benefiting the organization and its activities. This event also serves as a reunion for high school staff, students and alumni. A no-host bar with beer and wine will open at 5 p.m., and guests will be able to place bids for a silent auction and purchase raffle tickets. The dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at any of the five Oliver’s Market locations in Sonoma County. You can also mail in payments following instructions at pinerhalloffame.org. 4676 Mayette Ave., 707-571-7420.

Feb. 3

34th Annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest

The 34th annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest is put on by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and is the largest in California, maybe even in the US, according to the organization. The event is held at the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa and features a reception with Sonoma County beer, wine and spirits and a silent auction (at 4 p.m. in the Hall of Flowers), followed by dinner, live music and a live auction (at 6:30 p.m. in the Grace Pavilion). Individual tickets are $165 (you also can book an entire table). Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s agricultural education activities. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa sonomafb.org/crab-feed

61th Annual Forestry Crab Feed, Holy Ghost Hall, Sebastopol

From 5 to 10 p.m., enjoy an all-you-can-eat feed including crab cioppino, marinated crab, shrimp salad, garlic bread and wine. The event also will feature dancing and other fun activities, as well as a raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at pdne.ws/3vxsfi7. 7960 Mill Station Road, forestrycrabfeed.com.

Maria Carillo 24th Annual Crab Feed and Auction, Friedman Center, Santa Rosa

Doors for the all-you-can-eat feed open at 5 p.m. Dinner includes crab, clam chowder, Caesar salad, bread and dessert, with beer and wine available for purchase. A silent auction kicks off the night, followed by dinner and a live auction at 6:30 p.m., and lastly dessert and entertainment at 8 p.m. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at pdne.ws/3vszIz0. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa.

The Montgomery Education Foundation, Saint Eugene Cathedral, Santa Rosa

The Montgomery Education Foundation will host their 14th annual crab feed, starting at 5:30 p.m. Dinner includes crab, clam chowder, salad and bread, with a dessert table hosted by Project Grad. Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase at a no-host bar. There will be an auction, as well as performances by Montgomery High students. Tickets are $45 for takeout, $70 for dining in and $600 for a VIP table. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/3vobc1K. 2323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa.

Rohnert Park Rotary, Sally Tomatoes Event Center, Rohnert Park

From 5:30 to 9 p.m., the Rohnert Park Rotary Club will host its 5th annual Crab Feed and Seafood Festival. Tickets are available through registration before Jan. 31 and start at $85 per person. Table sponsorships are also available. For more information, go to rotaryrpc.org. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/3S15DhE. 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park.

Feb. 10

14th Annual Kenwood Firefighters Association Crab Feed Benefit, Kenwood Fire Station, Kenwood

Kenwood’s Firefighters Association will host a crab feed with three seatings, at 4:30, 6 (sold out) and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person and can be purchased at the Kenwood Fire Station between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 707-833-2042 with any questions or for help purchasing a ticket. For more information, go to pdne.ws/3vDR5wz. 9045 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-2042.

21st Annual Crab Feed for Kids, Friedman Event Center, Santa Rosa

The Active 20-30 Club – Chapter 1029 “Ladies of the Redwood Empire” will host their 21st Annual “Tropical Shellebration” Crab Feed For Kids from 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad and garlic bread. There will be a silent auction and raffle prizes, plus a live band and dancing. Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased at pdne.ws/3RLh64s. Friedman Event Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa.

Sebastopol Rotary’s Annual Crab Feed, Holy Ghost Hall, Sebastopol

All-you-can-eat fresh, home-cooked crab, as well as clam chowder, salad, bread, dessert and wine. The bar opens at 4 p.m., and the first dinner seating is at 5 p.m. while the second is at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music by The Fabulous Luv Rusters. Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased at pdne.ws/48tgrMa. 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol, 707-477-6510.

‘Hot’ Crab Feed Fundraiser, Rohnert Park Community Center, Rohnert Park

All-you-can-eat crab feed hosted by the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy ‘hot’ crab and Mary’s Pizza Shack pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Activities include a heads or tails game, a raffle and a no-host bar. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event ends at 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $75; $85 after Jan. 19. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/47y1VSd. 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, 707-584-1415.

Feb. 10 – 11

Petaluma Riding and Driving Club, Petaluma

Dine in with an all-you-can-eat selection of food (Feb. 10 only) or drive by to pick up your crab feed (Feb. 10 and Feb. 11) at the Petaluma Riding and Driving Club. The menu includes crab, homemade pasta, salad, French bread and homemade dessert. For dining in, doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. and a no-host bar. For pickup, arrive between 3 and 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 or between noon and 2 p.m. on Feb. 11. Dine-in tickets are $87 for non-members, and $85 for members. Pickup is $72 for non-members and $70 for members. Purchase tickets at petalumaridingclub.com. 1820 Skillman Road, Petaluma, 415-420-3808.

Feb. 23

Sonoma County Democratic Party, Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, Santa Rosa

The Sonoma County Democratic Party will host their 36th Annual Crab Feed featuring crab, pasta by Sally Tomatoes, a silent auction, guest speakers, a no-host bar and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for check in and the silent auction and cocktail hour. Dinner and the rest of the program follows at 7 p.m. Tickets are $70 and can be purchased at pdne.ws/3vt6CPU. 351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-575-3029, sonomademocrats.org.

Soon-to-Open Sparkling Wine Bar in Healdsburg Will Let Guests Stay Overnight

Cuvée House, a two-bedroom rental, by owners Sarah Quider and her sister, Samantha Tilley, next to their new Bubble Bar, a sparkling wine tasting room in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

“There’s something about sparkling wine, says winemaker Sarah Quider. “It’s a happy drink, and I want to make people happy.”

Quider and her sister, restaurateur Samantha Tilley, are set to open their new Bubble Bar in Healdsburg this Valentine’s Day. As a longtime senior vice president at Foley Family Wines, Quider knows her bubbles, and she is excited to showcase both well-known sparklers and more obscure finds from around the world. Tilley will curate appetizers to go alongside—caviar, pâté, charcuterie plates, and more.

The tasting room, housed in a beautifully renovated 1906 Queen Anne Victorian, also has an apartment upstairs for rent to overnight guests. But whether folks come for a tasting or an entire weekend, they’re sure to experience some lovely hospitality.

“Being a winemaker for 28 years, I like to try new wines,” explains Quider. “There are so many beautiful wines in the world.”

healdsburgbubblebar.com

Click through the above gallery for more new wine bars to check out in Sonoma County. 

San Francisco Design Firm Creates Wine Country Compound in Sonoma. Take a Look

A young family of four, based in San Francisco, enjoys a blissful weekend existence in their Sonoma home, surrounded by vineyards, a creek, an olive grove and oak and manzanita trees. To create more living space for hosting and entertaining guests, the homeowners worked with Regan Baker Design.

The San Francisco design firm was tasked to create a “Wine Country compound” on the 3-acre property. They realized the vision with a two-bed, two-bath, 1,200-square-foot ADU, a 600-square-foot garage suite, and 290-square-foot cabana structures. 

The new living spaces combine a bright and airy modern aesthetic with functionality. In the ADU, the kitchen blends seamlessly with the adjoining living room, with a white-paneled refrigerator, white cabinets that look like bookcases, and a kitchen island designed to resemble a piece of furniture. The dining table is on the covered patio, just outside the kitchen-living area. Storage adjacent to the laundry area has been maximized with ceiling-height custom millwork to store pantry, gardening and pool items. The garage suite features a kitchenette, coffee bar and bathroom.

Outside, an entertainment pavilion with a bar and grill is located at the end of the ADU’s patio. Here is also one of the property’s highlights: an outdoor bath installed by Regan Baker Design just outside the main residence, shaded by a large oak tree and nestled in the garden overlooking a vineyard. Plumbing from the home was carried out to the concrete tub to allow for hot soaks. 

Click through the above gallery for a peek at the property.

Luxury New Build Near Downtown Sebastopol Listed for $1.8 Million

This newly built four-bedroom, five-bathroom home, with an ADU, is within walking distance of downtown Sebastopol. The asking price is $1,789,000. (Prosper Real Estate)
This newly built four-bedroom, five-bathroom home, with an ADU, is within walking distance of downtown Sebastopol. The asking price is $1,789,000. (Prosper Real Estate)

A newly built home within walking distance to downtown Sebastopol and its popular community hub, The Barlow, has hit the market for $1,789,000. The luxury four-bedroom, five-bathroom home, complete with an ADU, is something of an anomaly. 

Listing agent Adam Meconi explains, “There has always been a demand to live near downtown (Sebastopol) but the area, in general, is nearly fully built out with very few vacant parcels.”

The 3,280-square-foot home at 7095 Fellers Lane has a modern aesthetic and features three bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms with book-matched slab showers and radiant heat in the primary suite. The “entertainment-style” kitchen has a live induction range and an open layout to the dining room and great room. 

In addition to the spacious ADU, the property also has a separate garage and covered parking spaces that can accommodate up to six cars. Click through the above gallery for a peek inside.

For more information on this property at 7095 Fellers Lane, please contact listing agents Adam Meconi, 707-396-2687, or Sarah Kluckznik, 707-799-7274, Prosper Real Estate, 413 King St., Santa Rosa,  prospermoves.com

The Best Restaurant Dishes Our Dining Editor Ate Over the Holidays

My fork never sleeps. Even over the holidays, I hit up a handful of restaurants I’d either been meaning to try (or re-try) for a while.

Expect more details on some of these noshes in the upcoming weeks. Until then, click through the above gallery for some of the highlights of my recent dining adventures.