Modern updates blend beautifully with the home’s vintage design. (Open Homes Photography)
An updated 1950s home, just west of the Sonoma Plaza, is listed for $949,000. The home at 158 Church St. has two bedrooms and one bath and every inch of its 896 square feet has been sweetly decorated and tended to, from exquisite styling by listing agent Laura Parker to dual pane windows and a new 7-foot fence.
The modern styling makes the vintage home sing. Charcoal accent walls give focus to the rooms and offers pretty contrast to the caramel colors of the floors and furnishings. This natural palette plus lots of sunlight—thanks to the home’s windows and glass-paned doors—create a sense of spaciousness. Witty touches of color throughout, like a lime green door outside, are pleasing design surprises.
Despite the modern updates of new tiles, appliances and light fixtures, many old-school design elements remain. There are vintage wood floors, built-in shelves, exterior horizontal siding and a front porch. One of the best parts of this home, however, is its proximity to downtown Sonoma — shops, restaurants and tasting rooms at just a 5-minute walk away.
For more information on this property at 158 Church St. in Sonoma, contact listing agent Laura Parker, 650-275-2602, laura.parker@compass.com, Compass Real Estate, 135 W. Napa St., Suite 200, Sonoma, 707-939-9500, compass.com
The last time I went barhopping and stayed out past midnight was several years ago – okay, maybe it’s been more than a decade. It’s not just that I’m getting older, but that late nights have long been hard to accomplish in Wine Country. Sidewalks generally roll up early here and nightlife destinations can be hard to find.
Downtown Napa is finally changing that. Some new places are – gasp – open until 2 a.m.
Chispa
The stunning, glittery setting and exotic spirits selection lets us know Napa is truly arrived. Some 80 Tequilas and 40 mezcals showcase boutique, family-owned labels from across Mexico City and tequila-producing villages. There are also a few craft beers (try the Farmer’s Valle Mexican Style Lager brewed with estate grown sushi rice) plus a tight list of international wines (a divine Territorio Cepa La Casa de las Locas Godello from Spain).
At Chispa in downtown Napa. (Haley Robinson)
Sip: My three friends and I shared four drinks, because it was challenging to choose from the delicious sounding choices curated by bar manager Marco Garcia. The pretty-in-pink Side Eye blossoms with Lalo Blanco tequila, hibiscus, herbaceous Granada Vallet liqueur from Hidalgo, Mexico and lime, while the Scenic Sling beckons with Cimarron Blanco Tequila, fresh lemon, seasonal Silverado Trail strawberries, floral Cocchi Rosa Italian red wine and fresh lemon.
For more mainstream but still invigorating drinks, go for a Highball or El Tesoro Blanco and Ultra carbonated soda water, or the House Margarita of Libélula Joven Tequila, blue agave, orange liqueur and fresh lime.
At Chispa in downtown Napa. (Haley Robinson)
Nosh: There’s the same “choice challenge” with chef Mac De Chavez’s (formerly of St. Helena’s Charter Oak) intriguing takes on bar bites with accents from his Filipino heritage. So we nibbled on a handful of delights, including crispy, pork stuffed lumpia drizzled in a flame-throwing hot chile sauce with chile threads and more fiery, sliced chiles on top. Kung Pao octopus is the must-get dish, the seafood so firm and tender, and laced with peanuts, peppers and chilies in a silky, milder sauce.
Where: 1500 First St., Suite 140, Napa, (no listed phone), chispabar.com
Hours: 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Fink
Owner Judd Finkelstein has always adored lounge life, even as he ran his Judd’s Hill winery in Napa (insiders knew he entertained with a pop-up tiki lounge there). This “real” lounge wows with some 70 cocktails, divided into geographical categories like L.A. to Bay, Gotham City, Latin America, Caribbean, and Europe. Cool bonus: The Napa Riverfront space is decorated like an ancient ship (if such ships had leather couches and Persian rugs).
Sip: Master bartender Andrew Salazar makes all his own syrups, tinctures and milks, and comes up with some outrageous joys. Try something really wild, such as the Queen Anne’s Revenge, in a crazy tasty mix of Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof rum with Cynar, pineapple gomme syrup, and Ohm coffee bitters. Cynar is an Italian aperitif made from 13 herbs and plants, predominantly artichoke. Gomme syrup is gum arabic that adds a hint of pleasing viscosity, and the bitters are handmade from Napa’s Ohm Coffee Roasters beans.
Iuka’s Grog includes dark Jamaican rum, Demerara rum, lime, pineapple and passionfruit juices, and a signature “The Fink” swizzle stick at The Fink, a new craft cocktail bar with the theme of an old boathouse in Napa. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)The decor at The Fink, a new craft cocktail bar, goes with the theme of an old boathouse in Napa. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Nosh: Simple fare is more of an afterthought, with chile-braised beef tacos, a mini margherita pizza, and hummus with pizza. But some nights, you might be surprised with “lobsta rolls” dolloped in Tsar Nicolai caviar (this is the new Napa, after all).
Hours: 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Bitter Bar
The section of Main Street between Third and Second streets is called The Block Party, because owner Mick Salyer operates ZuZu, La Taberna, Hank’s Takeway, and The Bitter Bar all within that stretch. You have to know where this speakeasy spot is, hidden behind the sidewalk café takeout window of Hank’s – you pull on a coatrack on a mirror door in the foyer, and voila, you’re transported to a dark, sexy, pre-Prohibition-style room lined with fern and flora wallpaper, glittering crystal chandeliers, a curved, polished wood bar backed by mirrors, and small tables and velvet booths set with flickering votives.
Sip: A short list of cocktails adds extra cool-factor, baby, with such unlikely combinations you’ll want to adventure through them all. The Afterglow sings with Ron Colón Salvadoreño Red Banana Oleo Rum (real banana), Oloroso dark sherry, citrus, berries, lemongrass and sparkling. Dive in, too, for a crisp Don’t Hit Me James, a twist on Pimm’s Cup with gin, melon, citrus, and a dash of earthy black sesame soda.
Bites from La Taberna can be ordered to Bitter Bar from Hank’s Takeaway window. (Nicola Parisi)The Bitter Bar. (Nicola Parisi)Empanadas from La Taberna. (Nicola Parisi)
Nosh: Order some bites from Salyer’s other spots. Hank’s is open to 9 p.m., sending out to-go tapas from ZuZu and La Taberna like boquerones (Spanish white anchovies with sliced egg and remoulade on grilled bread), wild mushroom and goat cheese empanadas, beef cheek empanadas, and ham bocadillo with avocado, sherry aioli and piparras peppers.
Owners and casino/nightclub entrepreneurs Mike LeBlanc and Adam Snyder know how to put together a vibrant hangout. This beautifully designed spot is high fashion, from its bolted stainless-steel bar flanked by weathered brick to a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and an outdoor cabana lounge with individual firepits.
Sip: Craft cocktails like the Hot Piece of Houston mixing Milagro Blanco with pineapple, guajillo chile syrup and lime, or the delicious, zero-proof Green Flash drink of kiwi, pineapple and sparkling apple cider over crushed ice (you’ll love the slurpable boba hidden at the bottom). Draft beer refreshes – the creative, seasonal Mare Island Brewery selections are standouts – and there are lots of fine California wines, like the limited production Cattleya Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.
At The Lincoln in downtown Napa. (Kristen Loken)Burger from The Lincoln in downtown Napa. (Kristen Loken)Cocktails from The Lincoln in downtown Napa. (Kristen Loken)
Nosh: “Hash mac.” Really. It sounds like a starchy, gloppy nightmare, threatening with a marriage of macaroni and cheese and hash browns, but it is a mouthwatering marvel. The sauce is sublimely creamy and studded with zingy Fresno chiles over the fusilli pasta, and the browns come as a 30-layer potato au gratin chunk that somehow remains pillowy with a buttery inside and a crisp crust.
Hours: Happy hour 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. plus full bar 3:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
ZuZu
Longtime local favorite ZuZu expanded last fall, adding a global, gin-based cocktail bar to its Spanish-inspired restaurant. Gin is beloved around the world, crafted in London, France, Spain, Vietnam, Ireland, India, Mexico City, Scotland, Italy, Japan, Healdsburg and Chicago, among other spots. Sit at the sleek white tiled bar, or at the surrounding wood bistro tables, and explore the world in your glass.
Sip: You can select from the house crafted list – the Early Girl Spritz is a standout, with Manchego gin, tomato water, sparkling wine, golden balsamic and simple syrup. Or select from one of nearly 20 global gins (try Ki No Tea from Kyoto, Japan, brimming with notes of yuzu, bamboo, gyokuro tea, and sansho pepper), choose your tonic from a rainbow list, and make a custom G&T.
Nosh: Savor tapas all day and night, then nibble late night snacks such as fire roasted mussels, fire roasted shrimp, and chicken croquettas.
Where: 829 Main St., Napa, 707-224-8555, zuzunapa.com
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, with late night bites running until “closing,” which is generally 11-ish.
At Stellina Alimentari in Petaluma. (Emma K Creative)
Restaurateurs are a brave lot, and few are braver than those who dive head-first into opening a restaurant while the economy continues to slump, raw food costs are higher than ever, diners are spooked by skyrocketing menu prices, staffing shortages are still very real, and negative social media can sink a restaurant in short order. Even in the best possible world, most don’t make it to five years, no matter how good they are.
Despite the barriers to entry, new eateries open almost every week in Sonoma County, and restaurateurs brave the odds despite the very real possibility that their hard work won’t find traction in a saturated market.
That makes successful new restaurants notable and worth celebrating. In what’s become an annual — and very subjective — look at the year’s dining landscape.
More than 50 restaurants opened this year in Sonoma County, and narrowing the list to 10 stand-outs wasn’t easy. But what these ten spots have in common are previous successes (such as chefs moving from pop-ups to brick-and-mortars); a great kitchen crew, serving staff and management team; an interesting, well-executed menu; comfortable atmosphere; and good marketing (the last can be a silent killer if ignored). I have an almost perfect record of knowing if a restaurant will be a success or failure simply by the font they use on their menu. It’s a little detail, but shows whether the owner knows their audience and has aesthetic acuity.
Millennial owners and chefs make up most of this year’s winners. Ranging between their late 20s and early 40s, they’re bringing fresh ideas, taking risks with non-traditional concepts, and attracting younger diners (often from San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area).
Here are the Best Sonoma County Restaurant Openings of 2023:
Overall Winner: Molti Amici (June)
At Molti Amici in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
SingleThread alums Jonny Barr, and Sean McGaughey remained close friends after their stints at the Michelin-starred restaurant. McGaughey and his wife, Melissa Yanc, opened Quail & Condor Bakery, Troubadour and Le Diner in 2021 and 2022, often with Barr helping. Tapping several other friends for the project, the group opened Molti Amici last summer with a stunning bar program, fresh pasta menu, wood-fired pizzas with ever-changing seasonal ingredients and excellent desserts. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and the restaurant has filled a social gap left by the closure of Campo Fina.
Why It Matters: Their luxury dining backgrounds bring cred to this bustling bistro, but there’s nothing stuffy or formal about the food or the atmosphere. A mix of locals and visitors speaks to Molti Amici’s authenticity. 330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, moltiamici.com
The Redwood (February)
Scallop Crudo, made with fennel, kumquat, oil-cured olives, and pink peppercorn, at The Redwood in Sebastopol on Friday, February 24, 2023. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
When Khom Loi alums Geneva Melby and Ryan Miller soft-launched The Redwood in late February, I planned to stop in for a glass of cloudy natural wine and maybe a courtesy nibble of charcuterie. Ninety minutes later, I was still eating (and drinking) because once the first dishes came to the table — crisp cubes of potatoes with pimenton aioli and a plate of fresh pita with the best baba ghanoush I’ve ever eaten — had me stuck to my seat, where I settled in for the night.
Why It Matters: A young team passionate about natural wines has created a welcoming space for anyone interested in low-intervention winemaking. Food, however, isn’t an afterthought but a loving pairing to these food-friendly wines. It’s a much-needed fresh take on wine bars. 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com.
Second Story (July)
A pour of miso at the table over Summer Vegetables with Smoked Tomatoes from the vegan prix fixe menu from chef Stu Stalker on weekends at Second Story, the new upstairs restaurant at Little Saint in Healdsburg September 8, 2023. (Photo John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Last summer, the owners of Little Saint (formerly SHED) quietly opened the doors of their renovated upstairs dining room with a prix-fixe menu that’s surprisingly modest for the quality of food prepared in the state-of-the-art upstairs kitchen. At the helm is Chef Stu Stalker, an alum of Copehagen’s Noma (considered one of the world’s best restaurants). Each dish is meticulously planned and plated, a testament to what can be accomplished without using animal products.
Why It Matters: Plant-based dining gets much-needed inspiration from a world-renowned chef who takes it very seriously. Here, playful experimentation leads to innovation in the evolving realm of meatless cuisine.
Valley Swim Club ( October)
Cashew Queso with a side of Jimmy Nardello Peppers from opening day at the Valley Swim Club restaurant in Sonoma, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
A second, more casual Sonoma restaurant from the Valley Bar + Bottle Team shows how much talent this awesome foursome has to spare. Chefs Emma Lipp and Stephanie Reagor, along with friends Tanner Walle and Lauren Feldman made Bar + Bottle a must-visit through the troubled times of the pandemic. The ultra-casual poolside vibe (there’s actually no pool) explores seafood classics with Asian and Mexican twists. Their passion for natural wines extends to their pairings in both locations.
Why It Matters: The new restaurant is a more approachable extension with broad appeal to the SF crowd and locals. 18709 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, valleyswim.club.
Goose & Fern (August)
Scotch egg at The Goose & Fern in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
It’s not easy to take over a much-loved English pub with another English pub, but Clyde and Brittany Hartwell have won us over with their fish and chips, Guinness beef pie and British desserts. Clyde’s a hale and hearty host, and the food’s as comforting as pulling on your favorite jammies straight from the dryer. Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com.
Why It Matters: The closure of Toad in the Hole was a loss, but the new owners have kept the fun, pubby atmosphere with a new focus on food.
Augie’s (October)
Mussels & Frites with cider, shallots, and Dijon créme fraîche from Augie’s French Tuesday, November 28, 2023 on Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. (Photo John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Mark and Terri Stark’s new restaurant isn’t about fiddly French food and meticulous plating. It’s about hearty onion soup, braised boeuf Bourguignon with creamy potatoes and bowls of steaming mussels swimming in creamy Dijon sauce that’s begging to be soaked up with a crusty baguette. Augie’s is a truffle-buttered bear hug of a restaurant where the Champagne starts flowing at 3 p.m. and the skinny fries come in a gold-handled rondeau pan because they can.
Why It Matters: With eight restaurants and hundreds of employees, the Starks matter in the Sonoma County culinary scene. They’ve taken chances on locations for their restaurants (such as Railroad Square for Stark’s Steak and Seafood), and this downtown Santa Rosa location speaks volumes about their dedication to the revitalization of the Fourth Street corridor. Plus, who doesn’t like French food? 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-531-4400, augiesfrench.com.
Marla Bakery (October)
Crebble, a croissant-like muffin covered with cinnamon and sugar, from Marla Bakery. (Marla Bakery)
Marla isn’t just a bakery; it’s a community. Owners Amy Brown and Joe Wolf moved their family to Sonoma County in 2020 and have operated out of a small Windsor production kitchen. Opening a retail shop lets them expand their distribution, but more importantly, create a warm and welcoming space for locals to ruminate over coffee and pastries in the former Miracle Plum location.
Why It Matters: Amy isn’t just a baker — she’s a trained chef with serious chops. Her creativity in sweet and savory pastries, bread, and patisserie is one thing, but she’s expanding to include fried chicken and brunch pop-ups along with Thirsty Thursdays with paired bites. 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4098, marlabakery.com.
Stellina Alimentari (November)
Sandwich and salads from Stellina Alimentari in Petaluma. (Emma K Creative)
“The best trattoria this side of Rome” is how I’ve described this tiny cafe from the owners of Stellina Pronto. Sandwiches are their bread and butter, with meaty porchetta on rosemary lemon bread and lighter schiaccita (think focaccia) with grilled artichoke relish and roasted mushrooms. The menu extends to include fried snacks, charcuterie and salads. 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, stellinaalimentari.com.
Why It Matters: Almost everything is made in-house, and owner Christian Caiazzo is serious about his passion for Italian cooking. Stellina Pronto has become a staple of Petaluma’s food scene, and Alimentari is headed in the same direction.
Kapu (January)
The Tropical Itch Kapu Bar, tiki bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Petaluma on Keller street February 1, 2023 (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Tiki is a lifestyle choice for General Manager Michael Richardson who has been slinging mai tai’s for decades. The bar is a maximalist mashup of faux Polynesian, Pacific pirate, midcentury modern, beachcomber, Indiana Jones, and pinup Americana with Hawaiian and Pacific-rim-inspired eats. Sipping rum drinks tucked into a faux grass shack is a vibe.
Why It Matters: The themed bar is a fun experience, but Richardson takes his drinks seriously (he’s literally written the book on tiki drinks). Chef Mike Lutz brings approachable flavors to dishes that match the island-y adventure. 132 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-559-3665, kapubar.com.
Iggy’s Organic Burgers (June)
Iggy’s Organic Burgers with duck fat and beef patty, buttery brioche, organic American cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions caramelized with a secret sauce, and pickles are served on the plaza, Friday in Downtown Healdsburg June 30, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
One of the best options for a family night on the Healdsburg Plaza is the new Iggy’s Organic Burgers and Angela’s Organic Ice Cream shop housed together in one space. Owned by a mother and son, the casual burger spot is something Healdsburg needed — ultra-casual takeout dining (there are a few tables, but not many). The burgers are absolutely incredible in a fast-food sort of way — the thin patty, the mushy bun, the “Million Island” sauce. Plus, there’s ice cream and cheesecake in the same store!
Why It Matters: Healdsburg needed a break from yet another fine dining establishment.
Bonus Addition, Maison Porcella (March)
At Maison Porcella in Windsor. (Kim Carroll/For Sonoma Magazine)
Though the charcuterie shop didn’t open in 2023, Chef Marc-Henri and Maude Jean-Baptiste’s cafe-style lunch and dinner program officially launched this spring. Leave any thoughts of a rushed meal at the doorstep because Maude insists you enjoy your meal without racing from one dish to the next. And she’s not afraid to enforce that very continental philosophy through her charm. Some dishes take up to 20 minutes to prepare, and they’re so worth it.
Why It Matters: The food is undeniably French, as is the Sonoma-meets-Lyon atmosphere. The magic of this little bistro makes it a truly special find. 8499 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor. 707-955-5611, maisonporcella.com.
3/2/2014: B1: TOASTING WINE COUNTRY: College friends from Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College pose for a picture at Truett Hurst in the Dry Creek Valley. The annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting, which draws many young tasters, continues today and next weekend.
PC: College friends from SSU and SRJC pose for a picture at Truett Hurst in the Dry Creek Valley. The 36th Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting continues on Sunday and next weekend.
Winter might be considered the off season for many of the world’s hottest travel destinations, but a Wine Country visit between December and March may be even more enchanting than a stay during the summer months. Much of the scenery is more resplendent and picturesque during the winter as grasses on the rolling hills turn from the pale yellow hue of late summer to verdant green and dry creek beds flow once more with water from seasonal rains.
It is a time of year that beckons the savvy traveler, without tourist crowds to contend with or the bustle that often accompanies them. In winter, you can visit Wine Country for a fraction of the cost of other times of year as local hotels, wineries and restaurants roll out special deals to entice guests. The best time to come is during the week, before hotel prices peak and popular restaurants and wineries get booked up.
Mild winter weather
Some like it hot, but Wine Country can be truly magical in the milder months. The region’s temperate climate means that it never gets too cold, even in the dead of winter, making outdoor excursions and activities pleasant during much of the season. Morning coastal fog can create a cozy or even mystical atmosphere depending on your inclinations. And, just as in legendary Camelot, the fog often burns away as the day progresses, revealing a radiant California sun that lights up the area’s stunning landscapes.
Winter is a perfect season to take long walks on beaches such as Salmon Creek and Goat Rock, go whale watching at places like Bodega Head or Stillwater Cove Regional Park, and take in the lush greenery of nature on hikes through state and regional parks like Tolay, Crane Creek, Helen Putnam and Annadel. For hikes that pair strolls through vineyards with wine tastings, Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma and Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg are among the vintners that invite guests to explore their grounds.
One of the more accessible places to see a waterfall in winter is at Sonoma Creek Falls in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
Gushing waterfalls
The region’s waterfalls roar to life again in winter. One of the more accessible places to see a waterfall is at Sonoma Creek Falls in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. The 25-foot waterfall can be reached by a few routes, but the easiest path is on the relatively level lower Canyon Trail, a walk of just a third of a mile.
For a dramatic view of waterfalls that break over the rugged coastal cliffs out onto the beaches below, Phillips Gulch at Salt Point State Park and Stengel Beach at The Sea Ranch are among the best. The scenic drive to these falls along coastal Highway 1 is an added bonus.
Selfies in the mustard field
A visit to Wine Country wouldn’t be complete without taking selfies in front of the region’s iconic backdrops and, if you time your visit just right, you may even capture a mustard field in full bloom. From Alexander Valley to Dry Creek Valley to Carneros Valley, there are plenty of good spots in Wine Country to find photogenic fields of mustard. They can be found on the side of the road or among the vineyard rows (B.R. Cohn Winery, Kunde Family Winery, Paradise Ridge Winery, Gloria Ferrer Vineyards) in regional and state parks (Joe Rodota Regional Trail), and in the fields of local farms. Find more mustard fields here.
NA visit to Wine Country wouldn’t be complete without taking selfies in front of the region’s iconic backdrops and, if you time your visit just right, you may even capture a mustard field in full bloom. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
Special treatment at local wineries
For a taste of the VIP experience, there is no better time to visit a winery than in winter. After the busy harvest season, and before the vines begin to grow again, there is a sweet spot for those interested in a more intimate and leisurely winery visit. There are more opportunities to join in friendly chats with winemakers who, on slower days, might also be more inclined to pour you vintages not always available to the public.
Family-owned wineries like Frick Winery in Geyersville, whose owner Bill Frick has been a one-man show producing small-lot wines for 47 years, are perfect venues for just these kind of special encounters. Inman Family Wines in Santa Rosa, run by Kathleen Inman, and Enriquez Estate Winery in Forestville, run by Cecilia Enriquez and her parents, Ana and Eduardo, are other local family-owned wineries worth a visit. Wineries such as Anaba Wines, Benovia Winery, Pachyderm Station and Three Sticks Wines at the Adobe are particularly cozy spots for sipping wine in a warm and inviting ambience.
Winter is also a time to experience pruning season in Sonoma Wine Country, when winemakers and vineyard workers shape the dormant vines for the coming harvest season and wineries invite guests for special tours and tastings. Beltane Ranch in Glen Ellen hosts an all-day pruning festival each year in late February or early March. Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood offer special vineyard hikes (including dog hikes) that allow guests to see the vines up close. And at Capo Creek Ranch in Healdsburg, visitors can admire old-vine Zinfandel planted over 40 years ago while a small crew prunes the vines over six weeks, often beginning in late January.
Flowers Vineyards and Winery’s Sonoma Coast vineyard in winter. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Reservations at trendy restaurants
If waiting in line or waiting in vain to dine at a noteworthy restaurant is something you would rather avoid, winter is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Popular restaurants such as Single Thread, Cyrus, Farmhouse Inn, The Matheson, and Valette are usually not quite as crowded, making it a better time to book a reservation for a truly gourmet dining experience. These delicious prospects are enough to whet anyone’s appetite.
And special deals on meals
Not only is it easier to find a table during winter, it is also easier to find special restaurant deals. Wine Country is replete with more affordable dining options during Restaurant Week, which runs from Feb. 24 to Mar. 2 in 2025. It is a time when restaurants showcase their talents and highlight local ingredients with special menus and prices — a perfect opportunity for diners to explore and discover the region’s bountiful culinary options. Last year, nearly 100 restaurants offered prix fixe menus that included two and three courses for a fixed price, ranging from $10 to $15 to $25 for lunch, $25 to $35 to $55 for dinner and a “sweet perk” for $5.
The Mid Winter in Sonoma includes Kushi Oyster, Passmore Ranch Caviar and Alyssum Flower from Single Thread Farms Restaurant in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
A coveted beer
It only happens once a year, and if you aren’t in Wine Country—or rather Beer Country—during the chosen time, you just might miss it.
Russian River Brewing plans to make its Pliny the Younger available at its Santa Rosa and Windsor pubs March 21-April 3 in 2025. Technically, that puts the official release a few days into spring next year (before 2022, the release typically took place in February).
However, for the last two years, the ultra-coveted, limited-release Triple IPA began making its way to bars and restaurants throughout the Bay Area in February, weeks in advance of its March release. Likewise, the brewery says it will distribute kegs of Pliny the Younger in February 2025 to its draft accounts throughout California and beyond.
But there is nothing quite like seeing or experiencing first hand the energy and anticipation exuded by the hundreds of Pliny the Younger devotees who typically line up hours in advance for the annual releases at Russian River Brewing.
One-of-a-kind seasonal events
The Pliny the Younger release is not the only local epicurean event that occurs just once a year. The 32nd annual Wine Road Winter Wineland takes place over two days (Jan. 18-19, 2025) at 60 participating wineries throughout Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville, Forestville, Sebastopol, Cloverdale and Geyserville.
After checking in at the first winery of the day, participants receive a glass, wristband and event map to partake in wine tastings at any of the event’s participating vineyards. You will need to select your check-in winery to start, this is where you will get your glass, wristband and event map, then you may visit any participating winery you would like for the weekend.
Wine Road hosts a similar Barrel Tasting event over two days (March 1 and 2, 2025) that allows participants to go into the wine cellars and taste directly from the barrels. Wineries will be selling futures of these wines which are often limited and sell out before they are released.
Crabfeeds are another event popular during the winter months. The 35th annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest takes place Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, just one of many crab feeds hosted by nonprofits and organizations throughout Sonoma County during January and February.
The 18th Annual Celebration of Pigs & Pinot takes place at Hotel Healdsburg March 21-122, 2025. Chef Charlie Palmer hosts this series of intimate dining and educational events that feature master sommeliers, winemakers and celebrity chefs as part of a weekend showcasing pairings of Pinot Noirs and pork dishes.
Click through the above gallery for a peek at some winter highlights and favorite destinations in Sonoma County.
Standing in front of a hot stove trying to get the lumps out of Grandma’s gravy just isn’t a festive thought. Nor is washing a mountain of dishes after everyone else has retired for a long winter’s nap.
So ditch the toil and trouble and go out for dinner.
Here’s a list of where to go in Sonoma County on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if you don’t feel like cooking, or cleaning. Or you can pick up a decadent meal (and desserts) and claim it as your own. We won’t tell.
Dec. 23
The Spinster Sisters: Feast of the Seven Fishes is a multicourse seafood dinner celebrating the Italian tradition of a fishy feast just before the holidays. $125 per person, 401 S. A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com
Christmas Eve Dinner
Chalkboard at Hotel Les Mars: Five-course dinner available from 3 to 9 p.m. for $125 per person. 27 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4211, hotellesmars.com
Della Fattoria: Tamales for the holidays are a Latin tradition happily adopted by many households in California. The Della team will make a buffet of tamale pies, lime Jell-O salad, dessert and wine. $50 per person. Also available for takeout. 141 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, dellafattoria.com
Farmhouse Inn: The Holiday Truffle Menu runs Thursday, Dec. 21, through Dec. 30, but Farmhouse Inn will offer a five-course tasting menu with Perigord, Burgundy and white truffles on Christmas Eve. Dinner includes Maine scallops with black truffle, cabbage potage with white truffle, beef strip loin in Perigord sauce and apple mooncake for dessert. $275 per person. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com
Flamingo Resort: This prix-fixe dinner with a few tastes of sunnier locales includes first and second courses of butternut squash soup, grilled sunchoke or jumbo prawns with smoked yuzu butter. Main courses include Busan Hot Chicken celery root puree, grilled New York steak with Yukon potatoes or sweet potato tart with wild mushrooms. There’s vanilla custard tart for dessert. $100 per person. 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530, flamingoresort.com
John Ash & Co.: Prix fixe at the upscale, white-tablecloth Vintner’s Resort includes lobster bisque, portobello Wellington, beef tenderloin and Bouche de Noel for dessert. $125 per person. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, vintnersresort.com/john-ash-co
Layla at MacArthur Place: Open for Christmas Eve and Christmas-Day brunch ($65 per person) or dinner ($110 per person). 29 E. MacArthur St., Sonoma, 707-938-2929, macarthurplace.com/food-drink/layla-restaurant
Stark’s Steakhouse: Open from 4 to 8 p.m. with their regular menu. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkssteakhouse.com
The Madrona: A luxurious dinner that starts with oyster chowder with black truffle cream or Dungeness crab salad, followed by beef Wellington with potato puree and red wine sauce and persimmon pudding for dessert. Fireside cocktails are served before and after dinner in the parlor. $175 per person. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-6700, themadronahotel.com/dine-drink
Wit & Wisdom: Christmas-Eve dinner includes holiday dishes and everyday menu favorites. At The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, witandwisdomsonoma.com
Christmas Day
Benicia’s Kitchen: An impressive Christmas Day buffet that’s sure to fill you with cheer. Starters include a seasonal salad, fresh seafood and local artisan cheese and charcuterie. Herb-crusted prime rib roast, smoked pork belly, miso cod, cavatelli pasta and asparagus au gratin are among the main dishes. There will be holiday tarts and pies for dessert. $89 for adults and $35 for children. Located in The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-931-3405, thelodgeatsonoma.com/dine/benicias-kitchen
Sante at Sonoma Mission Inn: A seafood platter anchors this three-course dinner, served with family-style side dishes. $125 per person. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-938-9000, fairmont.com/sonoma
Spoonbar: Three-course Christmas-Day feast with choices of roasted honey-nut squash soup, hamachi tartare, blue cheese-crusted beef tenderloin, smoked pork chop, mushroom cassoulet and a dessert buffet. $89 per person. 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-7222, spoonbar.com
Meals you can pick up
Della Fattoria: Pies, rolls, panettone and other holiday sweets are available for pre-ordering. 141 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, dellafattoria.com
Little Saint: A vegan holiday feast with celery-root puff pastry entree, three side dishes and dessert for $300 (serves four to six people). Holiday tarts, wine and flowers are sold separately. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com
Ovello Sonoma: Holiday menu available for Dec. 24 pickup from this Italian eatery near Sonoma Plaza. A la carte dishes include blanched lobster with pickled vegetables, wild boar terrine, mushroom risotto, lasagna, rotisserie-roasted goose with truffle sauce, panettone and cannoli. 248 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-721-1478, ovellosonoma.com
Pascaline: A la carte soups, sides, entrees and desserts for pickup on Dec. 24. Selections include caramelized sunchoke velouté, roasted beets, potato gratin, green beans in Mornay sauce, stuffed guinea hen and braised short ribs. Pick up yule logs in chocolate hazelnut, mocha or Meyer lemon flavors. 1021 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-7151, pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com
Stockhome: Order their Swedish Julbord to go with a bounty of Nordic flavors (including glog). The meal features cold herring, dill-cured salmon, chicken liver mousse, mustard-baked Christmas ham, spare ribs, Jansson’s Temptation, cabbage and traditional rice pudding. $180, serves two people. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, stockhomepetaluma.com
Desserts
Quail and Condor: Holiday cookie box, sticky toffee pudding and Christmas stollen are available by pre-ordering. 149 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Stellina Pronto: Italian-style tarts (raspberry, Meyer lemon and chocolate French silk); lemon cheesecake; tiramisu; assorted cookies; and handmade truffles satisfy your Christmas sweet tooth. On the savory side, preorder lasagna Bolognese, truffle mushroom lasagna and brisket. 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com
Christmas party time. Young people toasting with champagne flutes. Multiethnic friends congratulating each other with new year. Celebration and nightlife concept, holiday background, selective focus
It’s time to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024. From family-friendly parties to classy feasts and dancing, here are 15 places around Sonoma County that are hosting parties to celebrate the new year.
Santa Rosa
Barrel Proof Lounge: A 21+ New Year’s Eve party with comedy, live music and food. A fajita dinner from Tipsy Taco and cupcakes from Chelsea Got Cakes will be served at 7 p.m. Comedy follows at 8 p.m. with headliner Chelsea Bearce. The music starts at 9:45 p.m. featuring Jimmy Buffet tribute band “A License to Chill.” There will be a champagne toast at midnight. General admission, which includes only the comedy show and music, is $40. The VIP ticket is $100 and includes dinner, drinks and front-row seats. Purchase tickets at barrelprooflounge.com/events. 501 Mendocino Ave., 707-852-2196. barrelprooflounge.com
Charles M. Schulz Museum: A midday New Year’s Eve Celebration takes place at the Schulz Museum, featuring crafts for kids, balloon drops at noon and 3 p.m. and a “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!” watch party. The cost of the event is included in museum admission, and is free for members. Doors open at 10 a.m., and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 2301 Hardies Lane, 707-579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.
Poppy Bank Epicenter: A New Year’s Eve family party with arcade games, bowling, a buffet and more. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m., and features a 9 p.m. balloon drop to ring in the new year. Admission ranges from free for kids 2 and under to $45 for adults, which includes a buffet and “Pick 2” activities pass. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/3tftNML. 3215 Coffey Lane, 707-708-3742. visitepicenter.com
Flamingo Resort & Spa: Two 21+ New Year’s Eve parties themed after the “White Lotus” television show. The “Season 1” party, in The Ballroom, transforms the hotel into a Hawaiian paradise, complete with Mai-Tais, champagne and live dance music. The “Season 2” party takes place in the Vintage Space music lounge and is inspired by a vacation to Sicily, featuring house music. Semi-formal vacation attire is encouraged for the “Season 1” party, while European-inspired cocktail attire is encouraged for “Season 2.” Tickets run from $75 to $95, depending on the party. Purchase tickets for “Season 1” at pdne.ws/4agAT4b and for “Season 2” at pdne.ws/3tmUdw5. All prices include a glass of champagne for the midnight toast. Both parties run from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2777 Fourth Street, 707-545-8530. flamingoresort.com
The “Season 2” party at Flamingo Resort takes place in the Vintage Space music lounge and is inspired by a vacation to Sicily, featuring house music. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
John Ash & Co: Five-course prix fixe dinner, with party favors and sparkling wine. Dinner starts with hamachi crudo, followed by truffled leek and potato soup. The third course is burrata ravioli with a dried late summer heirloom tomato butter sauce, and the fourth is surf-and-turf — a roasted Wagyu NY strip and half Maine lobster tail. Wind down with a dessert of vanilla bean and raspberry cremeux dome. Prices start at $165 per person. Reserve a table at pdne.ws/3uVnxu5. 4350 Barnes Road, 707-575-7350. vintnersresort.com
Monroe Hall: DJ Steve Luther hosts a New Years Eve party from 7 to 11 p.m. The event begins with a dance lesson and is followed by a dance party. No partner or experience is necessary. No advance registration required. Prices range from $10 to $15 at the door. 1700 West College Ave., 707-824-1008. monroe-hall.com
Spinster Sisters: Kick-start your New Year’s Celebration with a three course meal at The Spinster Sisters. The first course has four options, including Dungeness crab and crispy pork belly. The main course also has four options, featuring a seared angus filet mignon, Hokkaido scallops and ricotta gnocchi. Finish with three options for dessert; brown butter crepe cake, apple tart tatin or pavlova. Dinner is $98 per person, and optional oysters, wine pairings and champagne specials are available for purchase. Reserve at table at pdne.ws/3tmIXA0. 401 South A St., 707-528-7100. thespinstersisters.com
Healdsburg
Cyrus Restaurant: New Year’s Eve dinner with caviar and champagne in the Bubbles Lounge. Dinner begins with a glass of grower producer champagne and features aged Ossetra caviar. The regular lounge menu will be available, but options to customize include a glass of Krug Grande Cuveé and dessert for two. Reservations start at $95 and are available at pdne.ws/3RhucWX. 29 North St., Geyserville, 707-318-0379. cyrusrestaurant.com
Little Saint: A plant-based New Year’s Eve dinner takes place at The Second Story restaurant. Dinner includes by-the-glass champagne offerings. Dinner is $160 and offers wine pairings that range from an additional $85 to $250, as well as add-on truffles at market price. Downstairs, Little Saint is hosting a champagne Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Special bottles of champagne and sparkling wine will be poured to toast as the ball drops in Times Square. Make reservations for The Second Story at pdne.ws/4aiV0yQ. 25 North St., 707-433-8207. littlesainthealdsburg.com.
Spoonbar: Ring in 2024 with a candlelight dinner party featuring a prix fixe menu ($110 per person). For the first course, choose from dishes like lobster bisque and cauliflower sformato. Main courses include choices of grilled swordfish and procini tagliatelle, while dessert options include candy cap crème brûlée, apple tarte tatin or triple chocolate verrine. Live soul, pop and jazz music from John Schott and Marc Capelle accompanies the meal. Additional wine pairings are available for $55. Book a table at pdne.ws/4agSoS9. 219 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-7222. spoonbar.com.
Sonoma
The Lodge at Sonoma: An elegant 21+ New Year’s Eve party featuring live music and complimentary party favors and midnight sparkling wine toast. A balloon drops ushers in the new year. Tickets can be purchased at pdne.ws/48baQcR for $60. The event begins at 9 p.m., and guests are encouraged to wear cocktail party attire. 1325 Broadway At Leveroni & Napa Roads, 707-935-6600. thelodgeatsonoma.com
Wit and Wisdom: New Year’s Eve dinner with a special menu featuring caviar and truffle-topped dishes paired with favorite menu items, along with a curated wine and champagne list. Make reservations at witandwisdomsonoma.com. 1325 Broadway At Leveroni & Napa Roads, 707-931-3495. witandwisdomsonoma.com
At Wit & Wisdom in Sonoma. (The Lodge at Sonoma, Autograph Collection)
Glen Ellen
Glen Ellen Star: Prix fixe dine-in menu. Start with fried saltine, smoked sturgeon salad and ostera caviar. For the mains, enjoy toasted black walnut, celery root remoulade and anise bavorios, along with a curry butter brioche pull apart, and choose between wood baked diver scallops, marble potatoes and New England style chowder or grilled Snake River Farms sabouton, with red wine braised cabbage and pommery mustard bordelaise yellow endive. Share baked Japanese sweet potato with a truffle butter crispy shallot topping along with freshly grated perigord truffles. Finish with “something chocolate.” Dinner is $135 per person, plus drinks, gratuity and tax. Make reservations at pdne.ws/3RiDcLD. 13648 Arnold Drive, 707-343-1384. glenellenstar.com
Petaluma
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum: The museum presents the 15th annual New Year’s Eve Gala Concert. Classic music will ring in the new year in Carnegie Hall, with pieces from Schubert’s “Trout Quintet” and members of the Santa Rosa Symphony. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive when the doors open at 6 p.m. to hear pre-concert Strauss waltzes and enjoy complimentary wine and cheese. Balcony seats ($70) include elite beverage service. General admission is $50. Purchase tickets at pdne.ws/3Tq5Pt6. 20 Fourth St., 707-778-4398. petalumamuseum.com
Cinnabar Theater: Celebrate 2024 with the music of Billie Holiday, performed by Bay Area Jazz musicians. Dessert delicacies, chocolates, party hats and noisemakers are included in the price of the ticket ($80). The new year is celebrated at midnight Eastern Time. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets at cinnabartheater.org/concerts. 3333 Petaluma Blvd., 707-763-8920. cinnabartheater.org
Sebastopol
Blue Ridge Kitchen: Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes will perform at Blue Ridge Kitchen at The Barlow from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). There will be hors d’oeuvre from chef Matt d’Ambrosia, free champagne toast at midnight and prizes and games throughout the evening. Pre-sale tickets on Eventbrite are $35; $40 at the door. 6770 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-222-5040. brkitchen.com
On the coast
Coast Kitchen: A five-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner with menu standouts like oysters, scallops, Dungeness crab, lamb loin and dry-aged New York strip. After dinner, dance along to live music from The Sun Followers from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The dinner and party is $155 per person. Make reservations at pdne.ws/3v1Nto8. 21780 Highway 1 in Jenner, 707-847-3231. coastkitchensonoma.com
A tropical Brunch at the Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Clockwise from left, Loco Moco, Aloha Waffle, Magic Mushroom Avocado Toast and the Tropical Fruit Parfait. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Californians have a special relationship with Hawaii. And our cousin to the west has close ties to Pacific-Rim cuisine that have strongly influenced our own culinary landscape with a comfort-food twist. Think Spam musubi, Hawaiian barbecued ribs or loco moco (fried eggs, hamburger, rice and gravy).
That’s why new Hawaiian restaurants are always much anticipated in Sonoma County. Two new spots are on the horizon — Hapa’s Mainland in Larkfield and Luau Hawaiian BBQ, a new Hawaiian restaurant near Oliver’s Market on Stony Point.
Hapa’s is a new project from the owners of Sweet T’s Restaurant in Windsor. The newly constructed restaurant is located on the grounds of the former Cricklewood Restaurant (4618 Old Redwood Highway), which burned down in 2017, along with many homes in the nearby Mark West Springs area.
The Tropical Itch at Kapu Bar, tiki bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Petaluma on Keller Street. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)The Fink Bomb at Kapu Bar, tiki bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Petaluma on Keller Street. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
“Hawaii is a melting pot of ethnic cultures, and nowhere is this influence more profound than in its cuisine: a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Filipino and Chinese influences,” says the forthcoming restaurant’s website (hapasmainland.com). “Hapa’s will merge the attraction of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, the warmth and hospitality of the aloha spirit and beautiful island design to transport our guests to the Big Island.”
The restaurant will have a tiki lounge featuring an extensive rum and sake selection and will be “an elevated but approachable dining experience fit to become a neighborhood favorite,” according to the website. More details to come, but the restaurant is anticipated to open in 2024.
The new Hawaiian restaurant near Oliver’s Market (447 Stony Point Road), Luau Hawaiian BBQ, is still under construction, with few details other than signage announcing the new eatery.
Here are some other great Hawaiian-inspired restaurants in Sonoma County:
Kapu Bar: A richly themed tiki bar with a pan-Asian/Hawaiian menu. Best bets include garlic chicken, adobo rice, poke nachos, fried noodles and their authentic Mai Tai. 132 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-559-3665, kapubar.com
Hawaiian Grill & BBQ: Walk into what looks like a chicken-wing restaurant, and you’ll find a hidden Hawaiian barbecue menu. There’s nothing fancy here, but the barbecue chicken, chicken katsu and short ribs are legit. 342-A Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa, 707-308-4294, hawaiiangrillbbq.com
Ohana Hawaiian Barbecue: The half-and-half combos are a steal at this casual chain restaurant. Favorites include kalua pork with cabbage, chicken katsu and pineapple chicken. The macaroni salad is the best in the area. Saimin (noodle soup), spam musubi and Hawaiian Sun juice are a taste of the islands. 2150 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-571-8882, ohanasantarosa.com. Also located at 205 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.
Aloh-o: A quick-bite stop for fried takoyaki and popcorn chicken. Serviceable ramen, poke and sushi rolls plus bubble tea. 2032 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-303-7008, aloh-o.com
Mario Ausiello, Debbie Ausiello, Armand Ausiello, Leeanna Kane, Matthew Kane are co-owners of the new Ausiello’s Homeslice. Not pictured is Casey Ausiello, also an owner. (Photo: Nicoletta Camerin)
The former Ricky’s Eastbound in Rincon Valley (5755 Mountain Hawk Drive, Santa Rosa) has reopened as Ausiello’s Homeslice, a new restaurant from the owners of Ausiello’s Fifth Street Bar and Grill in Santa Rosa.
In a whirlwind transformation, Leeanna Kane, daughter of Ausiello’s founder Armand Ausiello, announced her family’s intention to open a family-friendly, cocktail-forward restaurant in late September, just days before Ricky’s shuttered. Kane will co-own the restaurant with her husband, Matt; her parents Debbie and Armand; and brother and sister-in-law Mario and Casey Ausiello. It’ll be very much a family business.
The opening menu looks promising, with face-smashers like hot cheese dip with toasted crostini, pesto bread rolls with ranch sauce, tri-tip sliders, a smash burger, smoked baby back ribs, salads and pizzas, including a Korean short rib pizza with gochujang barbecue sauce and kimchi slaw. There is a kid’s menu with picky-eater-friendly macaroni and cheese, pizza and a burger.
Grown-ups can enjoy a full bar with signature cocktails (the Sesame Street has chile-infused liqueur, lime, coconut, charred pineapple and sesame-seed syrup) along with mocktails, wine and beer.
Open 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday for dinner (closed Tuesday), with happy-hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. 707-595-3923, ausielloshomeslice.com
The Napa Valley Wine Train is moving full steam ahead with plans to refurbish its entire locomotive fleet in order to reach new environmental targets.
The first of these locomotives, designed to meet more stringent air quality standards, is rolling out of the station with the moniker “1864.” Three more engines are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024 as part of the company’s aim to transition the fleet by the beginning of 2025, the Napa Valley Wine Train said in a statement.
Called the 1864 in honor of the rail line’s founding year, the new train car features an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier-4-compliant engine that was made in the United States.
“While we eagerly embrace clean, cutting-edge technology, we celebrate and remain committed to the historic nature of our Pullman passenger cars as a window into the past,” Napa Valley Wine Train general manager Nathan Davis said in the statement, noting that the debut of the new locomotive marks the rail line’s 160th anniversary.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the country’s remaining historic passenger railroads, featuring vintage Pullman rail cars that have been restored to evoke a feeling of early 20th century luxury train travel while catering to the sensibilities of contemporary passengers.
Embarking from downtown Napa, the rail line offers a variety of leisurely journeys that include multi-course gourmet meals, sparkling wine and afternoon tea, as well as stops for tastings and photo opportunities at vineyards along the way. Train cars are furnished with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and plush armchairs.
The Napa Valley Wine Train said that its new locomotive will be “nearly silent and odorless,” enhancing the passenger travel experience as it complies with environmental regulations.
Manufactured by Rolls-Royce and commissioned through the Knoxville Locomotive Works, the 1864 engine is designed to run with low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions that meet or exceed current EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) Tier 4 emissions classifications.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District and The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program made possible some of the funding for the 1864 Tier-4 Locomotive purchase through grants.
Seattle-headquartered Noble House Hotels & Resorts Ltd. has owned the Napa Valley Wine Train since its purchase of the line in 2015.
This 1970s two-bedroom, one-bathroom home sits on three woodsy acres overlooking Sonoma Valley. It is listed for $995,000. (Paul Rollins)
A 1970s A-frame featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom on three woodsy acres at the top of Sonoma’s Gehricke Road has hit the market for $995,000. The home combines cozy Alpine style with sweeping views of Sonoma Valley below and San Francisco in the distance.
While the kitchen and bathroom could benefit from some updates, the wood-paneled walls provide a rich backdrop for furnishings and ample windows let in plenty of light and provide views of oak trees and the surrounding nature. The open floor plan and vaulted ceilings make the 1,035-square-foot home feel spacious and modern. A wood-burning stove puts a bow on the #cabinlife vibes.
Click through the above gallery for a peek inside the property at 17515 Gehricke Road in Sonoma.
For more information on this property, contact listing agentsMatt Sevenau at 707-934-5630 or Maurice Tegelaar at 707-484-8088. Compass Living In Wine Country Group, compass.com
