Page 8 – Sonoma Magazine

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Sonoma County

March 2025

By Maci Martell

Benjamin Fouts celebrates after finishing the St. Patrick’s Day 5K all-ages race, on Sunday, March 12, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California. Participants received a commemorative mug at the finish line and there was even a little leprechaun dash for the kids 5 and under. RAMIN RAHIMIAN for The Press Democrat)

No need to book a trip to the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day this year — the best place to celebrate the holiday in the Bay Area is right here in Sonoma County. Personal finance website WalletHub recently ranked Santa Rosa as the No. 4 best city in the U.S. for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, even beating San Francisco (No. 18).

While San Francisco ranked No. 3 in most Irish pubs and restaurants per capita, Santa Rosa, which placed at No. 10 in WaletHub’s ranking last year, received a higher overall score for best places to go due to its cost, weather, safety and accessibility rankings.

The city of Santa Rosa kicked off festivities as early as March 1 with its Leprechaun Treasure Hunt, which runs through March 28. Participants can scout out city parks to find elusive, 1-foot-tall leprechauns on laminated stock cards, the back of which includes directions on where and how to collect a prize of chocolate gold treasure.

Beyond Santa Rosa, various Sonoma County locales will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with dinners, dancing, parades and more. Read on below for a list of local events, and swipe through the gallery above for scenes of past St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Cara Darpino runs in a leprechaun costume during the St. Patrick's Day 5K all-ages race, on Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa, California. Participants received a commemorative mug at the finish line and there was even a little leprechaun dash for the kids 5 and under. RAMIN RAHIMIAN for The Press Democrat) — Cara Darpino runs in a leprechaun costume during the St. Patrick’s Day 5K all-ages race, on Sunday, March 12, 2017, in Santa Rosa. (Ramin Rahimian / for The Press Democrat)

The Block Petaluma, March 14-17

Petaluma’s live music and food park will kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with music from the Timothy O’Neil Band at 6 p.m., March 14, and Celtic folk band Lucky Ol’ Bones at 6 p.m., March 15. A Sunday supper of smoked corned beef and cabbage, accompanied with an Irish playlist, will start at 4 p.m., March 16. The Gentlemen Soldiers band will close out the St. Paddy’s fest with a performance starting at 4 p.m., March 17. 20 Grey St., Petaluma, 707-775-6003, instagram.com/theblockpetaluma

Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, March 15

The rotary club will host a “Luck o’ the Irish” dinner celebration starting at 4 p.m., March 15, at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Building. The evening will include a traditional corned beef dinner with all the trimmings (vegetarian option available) as well as fun games, live music from the Shots String Band, Irish dance performances and more. There will also be a raffle with a grand prize of $10,000. Dinner tickets are $75 per person (includes one drink ticket) and raffle tickets are $50 each. Proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley nonprofits and education programs. Purchase tickets online. Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, 126 First St. W., Sonoma, sonomavalleyrotary.org

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, March 15

A number of bars in Santa Rosa will participate in a city-wide bar crawl to celebrate the holiday, from 4 p.m. to midnight, March 15. Start the crawl at the designated check-in location, Beer Baron Bar & Kitchen (614 Fourth St.), and show the staff your ticket QR code to receive a lanyard and event badge. The event badge will include drink vouchers that can be redeemed at each participating location. Locations, which will also have drink specials, include Barrel Proof Lounge, Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom, Civilization Brewing Co. and Flagship Taproom. Tickets are $30, plus fees. Learn more and purchase tickets online at Crawl With Us. Santa Rosa, crawlwith.us/santarosa/stpattys

Petaluma Elks Lodge 901, March 15

The lodge will host its annual St. Patrick’s dinner for Elk members and their guests starting at 5 p.m., March 15. In addition to the corned beef and cabbage dinner at 6 p.m., the evening will include no-host cocktails with appetizers and a performance by the Keenan Irish Dancers. $30 per person. Limited seating. Purchase tickets online. 2105 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-763-0901, elks901.org

Coyote Sonoma, March 15

Bar, tasting room and showroom Coyote Sonoma will host a St. Paddy’s Day party featuring Santa Rosa-based ’90s rock cover band JOOSE. Food vendor Casa Nostra will start serving at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., March 15. Purchase tickets online. 44 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4444, coyotesonoma.com

The Big Easy, March 15

Petaluma’s underground nightclub will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring live music from eclectic rock band Strange Cabbage and special guest Paul ‘Corned Beef’ Riley, March 15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. There’s a $10 suggested donation. 128 American Alley, Petaluma, 707-776-7163, bigeasypetaluma.com

Larson Family Winery, March 15-16

In lieu of its usual “Larson Limerick Contest” for St. Patrick’s Day this year, the winery will host a festive weekend full of exclusive discounts and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15-16, at the tasting room. Book on Tock. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Guinness Braised Beef Pie with mushrooms and toasted carrots and a side of greens from The Goose & Fern, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The Goose & Fern, March 15-17

Typically closed on Mondays, this British-style pub will be open on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate, as well as the whole proceeding weekend. There will be live music, food and drink. Regular menu items include Scotch egg, sausage roll, bangers and mash, Shepherd’s pie and Guinness-braised beef pie. All ages welcome. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

John Gerhardt runs toward the finish line of the St. Patrick's Day 5K on Santa Rosa Avenue near Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa on Sunday, March 13, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat) — John Gerhardt runs toward the finish line of the St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Santa Rosa Avenue near Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa on Sunday, March 13, 2022. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosa’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K, March 16

Fleet Feet will present its annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K, benefiting Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks, starting at 10 a.m., March 16, at Courthouse Square. The run/walk race is chip-timed and open to all ages and abilities. Participants will receive a commemorative mug and finisher medal. A judged costume contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. during a post-race celebration, which will also include music, drinks, activities, Irish dancers and sponsor giveaways. Registration fees are $23.39 for youth 12 and under and $60.83 for those 13 and over. Find more information and register on Race Roster. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, srcity.org

Dancers of Keenan Irish Dance School rehearse for an upcoming St. Patrick’s Day open house at their new location in Petaluma. Photographed on Monday, March 4, 2025. (Crissy Pascual/Petaluma Argus-Courier)

Keenan Irish Dance School, March 16

Petaluma’s school of traditional Irish dance will kick off St. Patrick’s Day week with an open house and refreshments from 2-4 p.m., March 16, at the dance studio. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Contact keenan5678@att.net for more info. 211 Liberty St., Petaluma, 707-479-1128, keenanirishdanceschool.com

Penngrove Pub, March 16

The Penngrove Pub will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring live music from the Timothy O’Neil Band, from 6-9, March 16. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. General admission is $5 online, $10 at the door; wear green to get $2 off entry. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 10005 Main St., Penngrove, 707-992-0121, thepenngrovepub.com

Meghan Tripp of Healdsbug, the Healdsburg St. Patrick's Day princess, with her court, Ireland Heyfron, 7, left and Katelyn Filben, 6, right, on Friday, March 17, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) — Meghan Tripp, the Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day princess, during the Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day parade, March 17, 2017. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Concert, March 17

The city of Healdsburg will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with its annual parade from 7-8:30 a.m. and Celtic concert from noon to 1:30 p.m., March 17, in downtown Healdsburg. The parade starts at Sanderson Ford (453 Healdsburg Ave.) and weaves around Healdsburg Plaza and back. Later, Bay Area-based Celtic rock band Tempest will light up the Plaza, accompanied by a performance from the Shiloh Step Irish Dancers. The parade and concert are free to attend. Downtown Healdsburg, healdsburg.gov

Murphy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, March 17

Sonoma’s premier Irish pub will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from noon to 9:30 p.m., March 17. An Irish blessing with Guinness will kick off the day, followed by performances from rock band Bacchus, Lola O’Brien the Irish Hawaiian, the Kerry Daly Band, Irish dancers and Glory Dayz band. A full bar will be open late. Murphy’s also has traditional Irish dishes on its menu, such as corned beef, cottage pie, bangers and mash, and Irish lamb stew. 464 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-935-0660, sonomapub.com

Music, Irish dancing, Guiness, and the wearing of the green signaled it was St. Patrick’s Day at Murphy’s Irish Pub on First Street East on March 17, 2023. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune) — A St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Sonoma on March 17, 2023. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune)

The bar area at McNear's Saloon & Dining House in Petaluma. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism) — The bar area at McNear’s Saloon & Dining House in Petaluma. (Mariah Harkey / Sonoma County Tourism)

McNear’s Saloon & Dining House, March 17

Petaluma’s historic McNear’s Saloon will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at 4 p.m. March 17. The party will include festive drinks and Irish food, including traditional corned beef and cabbage. Dancers from the Keenan Irish Dance School will perform. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-765-2121, mcnears.com

Rio Nido Roadhouse, March 17

The Rio Nido Roadhouse will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a feast and live music by North Bay duo Tumbleweed Soul from 4-7 p.m., March 17. The event will include a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner and Guinness on draft. All ages welcome; no cover charge. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com

Sally Tomatoes, March 17

Catering service Sally Tomatoes will host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner buffet and movie showing from 4-8 p.m., March 17, at the SOMO Village Event Center. The buffet will include traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, buttered carrots and potatoes, minted mushy peas and housemade soda bread. Drink specials include Guinness, Irish car bombs, green beer, Irish mules and Irish coffee with Bailey’s. There will be a showing of the 1952 western romance “The Quiet Man” starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 per child. Call 707-665-9472 to reserve. SOMO Village, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com

Windsor Kiwanis Club, March 17

The Kiwanis Club of Windsor will host its Corned Beef and Cabbage Drive-Thru Dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m., March 17, at the Windsor Community United Methodist Church. Each dinner with all the trimmings is $25. Deadline to reserve and pay is at 9 p.m., March 14. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite. 9451 Brooks Road S., Windsor, 707-620-0303, kiwaniswindsor.org

The Elephant in the Room, March 17

Healdsburg bar and music venue Elephant in the Room will host a St. Patrick’s Day party featuring Celtic band Lucky Ol’ Bones from 5-8 p.m., March 17. The party is free to attend. 177 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, elephantintheroompub.com

Petaluma Woman’s Club, March 20

The Petaluma Woman’s Club will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6:30-9 p.m., March 20. The evening will include a traditional Irish feast (vegetarian options available) as well as prizes for the best green attire and best-told joke. $30 per person. RSVP membership@petalumawomansclub.com by March 15. 518 B St., Petaluma, 707-762-5485, petalumawomansclub.com

St. Patrick’s Day treats

Stellina Pronto, Petaluma

The Italian cafe has St. Patrick’s Day meals and treats on the menu for pickup between March 15-17. Preorder deadline is 7 p.m., March 14. The menu includes Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage dinners with all the trimmings (each dinner order serves two), pistachio cake, mini chocolate Guinness cake and clover-shaped shortbread cookies. Order online. 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com

Village Bakery, Santa Rosa

The bakery will be taking special holiday orders on March 14 and March 17. There will be two varieties of Irish soda bread available: raisin and caraway seed. Order over the phone by walk-in. Batches are limited. 3851 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-829-8101, villagebakerywinecountry.com

Sarmentine, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Petaluma

French bakery Sarmentine will have St. Patrick’s Day specials available starting March 15 at all three of its locations. Specials include a tartelette filled with praline pistachio and layered with génoise and pistachio bavarois; and a braided croissant filled with pistachio cream and topped with pistachio praline drizzle. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

Nom Nom Cakes, Bodega Bay

Coastal home bakery Nom Nom Cakes has St. Patrick’s Day specials available, including green Irish cake pops with gold sprinkles, almond-flavored sugar cookies shaped as shamrocks and beer mugs, and “Luck of the Irish” chocolate cupcakes — filled with Irish whiskey ganache, frosted with Baileys buttercream and decorated with four-leaf clovers, gold sprinkles and gold-wrapped chocolate coins. Order online for delivery or pickup. 390 Calle Del Sol, Bodega Bay, 805-350-0680, nomnombaking.com

Where to Celebrate Pi Day in Sonoma County

March 2025

By Maci Martell

A Blueberry Lattice pie stays warm near the oven at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, January 24, 2025. Pies at Hazel are baked once a week every Friday. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Pi Day, March 14, is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant “pi” (rounded to 3.14) — the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. But you’re not here for math. The best way to celebrate Pi Day, in our humble opinion, is to tuck into any circular food, such as pie, pizza and quiche.

For pizza lovers, check out our roundup of the best pizza in Sonoma County. For those with a sweet tooth, find our list of the county’s best pies.

With so many great local options, we’ve narrowed down some of the best of Sonoma County’s round delights (as well as some local events) to celebrate Pi Day (or enjoy any day of the year, no math required).

Pi Day events

A plum frangipane pie with lattice top crust by pastry chef Jenny Malicki. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat) — A plum frangipane pie with lattice top crust by pastry chef Jenny Malicki of Buttercup Baking. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Buttercup Baking pop-ups, Sebastopol

Local baker Jenny Malicki of Buttercup Baking is planning two special Pi Day pop-ups on March 14 in Sebastopol. Malicki will be serving strawberry rhubarb and gluten-free Atlantic Beach (lemon-lime) mini pies on a first come, first served basis starting at 7 a.m. at Retrograde Coffee Roasters. (Recite pi to the first 14 digits to get $1 off.) Then, pop on over to pizza favorite Psychic Pie, where Malicki will be slinging slices (flavors unannounced) from 4 p.m. until sold out.

Retrograde Coffee Roasters, 130 S. Main St., Suite 103, Sebastopol, 707-827-8065, retrograderoasters.com; Psychic Pie, 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com

Purim Pi Party, Petaluma

Since the Jewish holiday of Purim falls on Pi Day this year, the Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma will host a Purim Pi Party starting at 4:30 p.m., March 14. The family-friendly event will include a mad science show featuring entertaining experiments, a Purim math mystery challenge, dinner, hamentashen and, of course, pie. Come in costume to receive a prize. Tickets are $10 per child and $15 per adult. Sponsorships range from $180-$540. Purchase tickets online.

205 Keller St., Suite 101, Petaluma, 707-559-8585, jewishpetaluma.com/pi

Best pies

Apple Crumb pie at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, January 24, 2025. Pies at Hazel are baked once a week every Friday. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat) — Apple crumb pie at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Pies at Hazel are baked once a week every Friday. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Hazel, Occidental

Our dining editor Heather Irwin has tapped the pies at Hazel as some of her favorite desserts in Sonoma County. “Co-owner Michele Wimborough’s pies are legendary,” she noted, citing such delicious pies as peanut butter, blackberry, Dutch apple and lemon meringue.

3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com

Noble Folk, Healdsburg and Santa Rosa

The Press Democrat food and cooking reporter Jennifer Graue has called the peanut butter mousse pie at Noble Folk “9 inches of decadence, and it is worthy every single, silky bite.” An Oreo cookie crust is filled with peanut butter mousse and topped with fresh whipped cream. Also delectable (and round) is the Moustache-o cookie sandwich — sweet vanilla buttercream between two dark chocolate cookies.

116 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4426; 539 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-978-3392, thenoblefolk.com

Apple cranberry pie, bottom, wild blueberry and blackberry pie, and chocolate hazelnut pie, at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Petaluma Pie Company, Petaluma

The Petaluma Pie Company has long been a supporter of Pi Day — formerly hosting a “Piku” (pie haiku) contest. While the contest has since ceased, the new owners are still celebrating the day with some of the best pies in town. The maple pumpkin, apple pecan crumble and Elvis (chocolate, banana and peanut butter) pies are favorites.

125 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite B, Petaluma, 707-766-6743, petalumapiecompany.com

Mom’s Apple Pie, Sebastopol

Nothing says “as American as apple pie” as this classic roadside bakeshop in west county. According to the shop’s Facebook, Pi Day is also the birthday of owner Betty Carr’s youngest son, so supporting them on Friday will be extra special. Go for the traditional double crust apple pie for that slice of Americana.

4550 Gravenstein Highway N., Sebastopol, 707-823-8330, momsapplepieusa.com

Best pizza

Bora Bora pizza at Sonoma Pizza Co. in Forestville. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma Pizza Co., Forestville

This west county pizzeria gained much-deserved recognition since opening in 2022, using long-fermented dough for its signature pizzas. From the traditional, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas like the simple Margherita to the wonderfully loaded and umami-laden Funky Fungi, the pies here do not disappoint.

6615 Front St., Forestville, 707-820-1031, sonomapizzaco.com

Slow Co. Pizza, Cotati

Newcomer Slow Co. Pizza also uses a long-fermented dough for its seasonal pizzas, focusing on traditional, locally sourced toppings. The Living on The Veg pizza is topped with seasonal offerings, such as delicata squash and radicchio, while the Pep in Your Step brings the heat with Calabrian chiles and spicy honey — each topped with Estero Gold Reserve cheese.

8197 La Plaza, Cotati, 707-796-5124, slowcopizza.com

Clockwise from top left, Hogwarts Express, Pep in Your Step, The Bird, Living on the Veg and the Pretty Fly for a Fungi pizza from Slow Co. Pizza, Dec. 20, 2024, in Cotati. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

L'Oro di Napoli in Petaluma — Patate e Porchetta pizza from L’Oro di Napoli Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at their second location in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

L’Oro Di Napoli, Santa Rosa and Petaluma

The beloved, Neapolitan-style pizzeria and trattoria — which recently opened its second location in Petaluma to wide acclaim — features a wood-fired oven imported from Naples, so you know they’re not messing around. Our dining editor “fell in love” with the pistachio pizza, topped with smoked cheese, pistachio pesto, mortadella, provolone cream and basil. The patate e porchetta pizza with roasted pork, potatoes and pecorino cheese is also impressive.

629 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6394; 208 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-981-7175, lorodinapolica.com

NY Pie, Santa Rosa

If it’s late at night and you have yet to acquire a round treat for Pi Day, fear not, for NY Pie will be slinging slices until 10 p.m. The Longfellow Ave. is a classic, with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and artichoke hearts. Or you could be adventurous with the Union Square, topped with mozzarella, garlic, onions and anchovies (not for romantic date nights).

65 Brookwood Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-9743, nypie.pizza

Other round delights

Salted Egg Morning Bun from Quail & Condor bakery Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Oatmeal cream pies at Quail and Condor Bakery in Headlsburg, Thursday August 8, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Quail & Condor, Healdsburg

There’s a reason this bakery was recognized in The New York Times — all of its baked goods are just that good to deserve national praise. For Pi Day, go for the morning buns, oatmeal cream pies and savory gougères, puff pastries with gruyère, chives and black pepper. 149 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com

Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Healdsburg

This gem of a bakery in downtown Healdsburg has an assortment of delicious treats, and it just so happens that some of the best are round and perfect for Pi Day. Favorites include the baby fruit galettes, chocolate cream puffs and hot cross buns (a special Easter treat). 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com

BurtoNZ Bakery, Windsor

This New Zealand-style bakery features savory meat pies to switch up the sweet pie focus on Pi Day. 9076 Brooks Road S., Windsor, 707-687-5455, burtonzbakery.com

Warren Burton founded BurtoNZ Bakery in Windsor when he couldn't find meat pies he grew up eating in New Zealand. The bakery serves eight varieties of meat pies, a sausage roll and scotch eggs. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — Warren Burton founded BurtoNZ Bakery in Windsor when he couldn’t find meat pies he grew up eating in New Zealand. The bakery serves eight varieties of meat pies, a sausage roll and scotch eggs. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Goguette, Santa Rosa

On Friday, this bakery serves coup de coeur: brioche buns filled with dark chocolate and topped with fruit. 59 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, goguettebread.com

Criminal Baking & Catering Co., Santa Rosa

Find sweet pies and savory pot pies, as well as mini bundt cakes and fruit tarts. 808 Donahue St., Santa Rosa, 707-888-3546, criminalbakingcompany.com

Water Street Bistro, Petaluma

Head here for some of the best quiches around, like the classic bacon and swiss or the spinach, goat cheese and red pepper. 100 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-9563, waterstreetbistropetaluma.com

Sweet Pea Bake Shop, Sonoma

Available Friday through Sunday only, find deliciously flakey cronuts, filled or coated in cinnamon sugar. 720 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-934-8797, sweetpeabake.shop

Need a Pick-Me-Up? Join the Bottle Babies Breakfast Club at Goatlandia

March 2025

By Dana Rebmann

Goat time: Volunteer with Santa Rosa’s Goatlandia, a sanctuary farm for rescued farm animals such as goats, pigs and chickens. Meet the animals by helping the farm with feeding, coop cleaning and other fun projects. Volunteer regularly (12-week minimum commitment) by applying on their website, or schedule an appointment to volunteer on a one-time basis with no commitment necessary. (John Burgess/Press Democrat)

Unless you’re a celebrity, there aren’t many occasions that can make you feel more popular than stepping into a barn stall that’s home to a handful of cuddly and hungry baby goats. They’re like puppies, but if possible, even more smile-inducing.

“It’s heart-opening. The whole experience is heart-opening,” said Goatlandia founder and executive director Deborah Blum.

Every year, Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol rescues mostly male baby goats, almost exclusively from the dairy industry. Unable to produce milk, the newborn males have no value. Babies must be bottle-fed and are cared for until they can be adopted into forever homes — many become part of the herd at City Grazing, a goat-powered landscaping nonprofit based in San Francisco.

Baby goat at Goatlandia in Sebastopol — A rescued baby goat at Goatlandia in Sebastopol. (Goatlandia)

But raising a baby goat isn’t cheap. From milk and hay to veterinary and staff care, the nonprofit estimated expenses for the first three months of a baby goat’s life run, on average, a bit more than $5,000. Unable to nurse from their mother, when goats are very young, they may need to be fed up to eight times a day.

Baby goat being fed from a bottle at Goatlandia in Sebastopol — A rescued baby goat being bottle-fed at Goatlandia in Sebastopol. (Goatlandia)

That’s where the Bottle Babies Breakfast Club comes in. For a $250 donation, up to four people can get quality one-on-one time with the charismatic bundles of joy. The bottle feeding goes by oh, so fast, but once every goat’s belly is full, you can expect nonstop kid cuddles while learning about goat care and rescue.

Goatlandia strives to educate visitors about plant-based eating and to increase compassion for all animals. Blum adopted a vegan lifestyle many years ago after watching a detailed video regarding animal agriculture. In addition to rescued goats, the 36-acre sanctuary is home to horses, cows, geese, peacocks, ducks and, most recently, cats. The rescue group found homes for more than a dozen cats it took in after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, but a majority of the sanctuary’s residents are goats.

“We save lives. We raise [goats]. We do the hard part of bottle feeding and castration. We send them out, they get to be grazers. Grazing companies don’t have to breed. It’s just a win, win, win,” said Blum.

While spring is typically a busy time of year, the Baby Bottle Breakfast Club runs whenever the nonprofit organization rescues baby goats. Dates through April are currently available for booking. Visit the Goatlandia website and @goatlandia_sanctuary on Instagram for the latest updates.

1567 Cunningham Road, Sebastopol, 707-541-6216, goatlandia.org

Theatrics Don’t Take Away From the Food at Petaluma’s New L’Oro Di Napoli

March 2025

By Heather Irwin

Parmigiana de Zucchine, baked zucchini, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and pecorino fondue from L’Oro di Napoli Friday, February 28, 2025, at their second location in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

It’s hard to know whether I’m delighted or horrified by the baseball bat-sized pepper grinder headed toward my table. Death by Spice would be such an embarrassing obituary. But as our server approaches with this cannon of seasoning, I also notice slices of mortadella flapping on a tiny trapeze headed toward a neighboring table from the corner of my eye.

I’m in a bad Fellini movie, or Petaluma’s newest Italian hot spot, L’Oro di Napoli, is as much theater as it is a restaurant.

Located in downtown Petaluma’s historic commercial district, the 8,000-square-foot building at 208 Petaluma Blvd. North is a worthy backdrop. Built in 1870, the exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and sky-high windows set the stage for a tableau of Neapolitan life, complete with shuttered “windows” overlooking the dining room and bar, and a faux balcony above the dining room similar to the Santa Rosa restaurant. Cheeky laundry lines full of clothes — like the ones decorating the Fourth Street restaurant — will be installed soon.

“We want you to feel like you’re in Italy when you’re here,” said co-owner Domenico De Angelis in thickly accented English. A native of Naples, he’s imported not only the feel of his hometown but authentic Italian ingredients and a Southern Italian staff mostly made of friends from home. When you’re at De Angelis’ restaurant, which he owns with Roberto Sbaraglia, you’re truly part of a family.

That includes plenty of intentional cacophony that the owners say is part of the fun. When I asked about the rising decibel level as the night progressed — Americans tend to be sensitive about that kind of thing — the answer was that Naples can be loud and chaotic, and they wanted to recreate that atmosphere.

An expanded space, expanded menu

More than double the size of the flagship Neapolitan-style pizzeria and trattoria in Santa Rosa, the second outpost of L’Oro di Napoli opened in early March at the former Thai Issan.

Santa Rosans have been flocking to the original L’Oro di Napoli on Fourth Street since it opened in 2022. The thin-bottom, leopard-spotted Neapolitan-style pizzas are the real deal, using imported ingredients and De Angelis’ pizzaiolo skills. The six-layer lasagna is stuffed with beef Bolognese, béchamel, tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese. It’s the best nonna-style lasagna you’ll ever eat.

In Petaluma, not only is the space larger, but so is the menu. Offerings include a long list of antipasti, such as fried calamari, Brussels sprouts with pecorino, salads and most importantly, fresh pasta, plus new entrées like zucchini Parmesan and branzino with a lemon-wine sauce. The one thing you won’t find is the legendary lasagna — De Angelis wants to keep that a Santa Rosa specialty.

Despite the many little surprise and delightful moments at L’Oro di Napoli, the food never takes a back seat. De Angelis and his crew know how to make the comforting, approachable Southern Italian cuisine of their ancestors. The Pompeii-style wood-fired oven, imported from Naples, would be recognizable to ancestors from millennia past, cooking the same style of bread and round dough unearthed by archaeologists.

L’Oro di Napoli is a joy to experience, from the moment you walk in the doors to your last bite of tiramisu. Enjoy the show.

A charcuterie board at L'Oro di Napoli in Petaluma. (L'Oro di Napoli) — The charcuterie board at L’Oro di Napoli in Petaluma. (L’Oro di Napoli)

Best Bets

Charcuterie board, $27: You’ve never seen a meat and cheese board like this. Slices of mortadella hang like trapeze artists on a line stretched between two dowels with cheese wedges below, offering a safety net if anything falls. You have to appreciate the sheer silliness of it all. Though slightly over-the-top, when was the last time your food did a circus act?

Frittatina, $16: Think mozzarella stick meets arancini ball. Bucatini pasta with béchamel sauce, peas and Bolognese ragu is rolled into a patty, breaded and fried — a perfect bar snack with a Hugo spritz cocktail.

Homemade bread, $5: Fresh, crusty bread served with chimichurri and balsamic butter. It’s wonderful, but keep a couple of slices to sop up sauce.

Caprese con burrata, $15: A fist-sized ball of soft mozzarella stuffed with cream is never a bad choice. This version doesn’t need much gussying up, served with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic. You’ll be spoiled for any other version.

Pappardelle al tartufo, $28: Black truffle cream sauce, sausage and mushrooms cling to wide strips of fresh pasta that are both silky and toothy.

Pistachio pizza, $25: Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas are the soul of L’Oro di Napoli. You can’t go wrong with any variation, from simple Margherita to the elaborate patate e porchetta with roasted pork and potatoes, plus smoked and pecorino cheese. I fell in love with the pistachio pizza, topped with smoked cheese, pistachio pesto, mortadella, provolone cream and basil. I shared a nearly identical pizza with friends in Split, Croatia, on one of the happiest days of my life — so I may be a little biased.

Tiramisu, $12: This classic Italian dessert made with lady fingers, mascarpone, chocolate and espresso liqueur isn’t the best version I’ve ever had, but it’s undoubtedly the most entertaining. Served in a moka pot — the iconic octagonal espresso maker on every Italian stove — it’s a delightful surprise for the end of a meal.

L’Oro di Napoli is at 208 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-981-7175, lorodinapolica.com. Open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesdays.

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

How to Spend a Perfect Day in Sebastopol

March 2025

By Dana Rebmann

The outdoor dining patio at Handline in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Handline)

A highlight of west Sonoma County, Sebastopol offers an enchanting mix of rural charm, culinary delights and artistic flair. Whether you’re savoring farm-fresh foods, exploring quirky public art or winding through scenic vineyards, this peaceful town offers something for every traveler. Follow this itinerary for a perfect day of local flavors, outdoor adventures and unforgettable experiences in Sebastopol.

Where to go

Begin the morning with a croissant at Sarmentine (6760 McKinley St., Suite 150), a favorite French bakery with a relatively new location at The Barlow. The popular, strollable outdoor marketplace includes shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and a terrific natural wine bar, The Punchdown (6770 McKinley St., Suite 130). Hop in the car for a quick tour down Florence Avenue to take in the whimsical public art pieces (382 Florence Ave.) made from recycled metal and other castoffs by Brigitte Laurent and her husband, Patrick Amiot.

Izzy Juarez, left, and Wesley Hammond stocking the wine cooler at The Punchdown Natural Wine Bar + Bottle Shop during a friends and family soft opening on Friday, May 12, 2023 in the Barlow in Sebastopol. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat) — Izzy Juarez, left, and Wesley Hammond stock the wine cooler at The Punchdown Natural Wine Bar + Bottle Shop. The wine bar is located in The Barlow in Sebastopol. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)

Next, head to Ragle Ranch Regional Park (500 Ragle Road), best known as the setting for the signature Gravenstein Apple Fair each August. The park’s Veterans Memorial Grove is a sheltered cluster of redwoods atop a beautiful knoll, and the Peace Garden is a good spot to pause and come back to center, especially after tackling 3 miles of rolling backcountry trails.

Outside of town, wind along the Bohemian Highway to reach the solar-powered, biodynamically farmed Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery (11400 Graton Road), run by Marimar Torres and her daughter Cristina Torres, whose family’s winemaking history stretches back to the 1600s in Spain. Settle into the welcoming tasting room for a glass of Albariño or Godello, with housemade tapas inspired by Marimar Torres’s native Barcelona.

Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery in Sebastopol. (Sonoma County Tourism)

From there, stop at Gold Ridge Organic Farms (3387 Canfield Road), whose name celebrates the town’s rich Goldridge soils, which helped put this agricultural region on the map. Farmer Brooke Hazen risked everything to transform this 88-acre cattle ranch into an award-winning olive operation with 13,000 olive trees as well as hundreds of apples and other fruits. Now through March marks the brief season for olio nuovo, the new release of freshly milled olive oil, which you can taste at the farmstand.

Back downtown, stroll past the shops before seeking out playful vibes at neighborhood standout Third Pig Bar (116 S Main St.), where craft cocktails come served in vintage glassware or — our favorite — a pink pig tiki mug.

Piggy Punch at Third Pig Bar in Sebastopol. (John Wesley Brewer)

Handline was built on the site of the old Foster's Freeze in Sebastopol and they continue to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — Handline was built on the site of the old Foster’s Freeze in Sebastopol. The restaurant continues to keep soft serve ice cream on the menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Nearby at Handline Coastal California (935 Gravenstein Highway S.), a family- friendly dinner spot, you’ll be faced with a difficult decision: linger over a bowl of cioppino or excellent fish tacos, or pay tribute to the eatery’s humble beginnings as a Foster’s Freeze with a burger topped with St. Jorge Fonduta cheese and a side of hand-cut French fries. It’s all delicious, especially when you finish up with a root beer float, made with local Strauss soft serve.

For more tasty, farm-to-table eats in Sebastopol, find our favorite restaurants here.

Region’s Best Wines Go Head to Head in the Annual North Coast Wine Challenge. Here’s How to Enter

March 2025

By Maci Martell

Bianca Nicastro serves as an associate judge during the North Coast Wine Challenge in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

The Press Democrat’s annual North Coast Wine Challenge, a regional competition exclusively focused on wines produced and bottled in select Northern California AVAs, is calling on local producers to enter by March 21.

Eligible North Coast AVAs include those in Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino, Lake and Solano counties. Top-tier wine professionals — including noted sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, wine writers and more — will judge the wines. Gold-winning wines will be publicly announced in The Press Democrat and winners will be invited to pour at its North Coast Wine & Food Festival, June 14, where over 1,200 people attend every year.

How to enter

To enter, log into EnofileOnline or register for an account and enter wines in the competition online. Entry fee is $85 per wine. Deadline to enter is March 21 and wine shipments (addressed to Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge) must arrive at Express Wine Delivery (7970 Cameron Drive, Windsor) by 5 p.m., March 24.

Official entries should include four 750-ml bottles per wine entry or equivalent, such as eight bottles/cans of 375 ml each. For containers larger than 1 liter in volume, send two units. Boxes should be marked “2025 PDNCWC” on all sides. Mark boxes “1 of 2,” “2 of 2,” etc. to ensure entire shipment is received. Download shipping labels here.

Judging will take place April 1-2.

For more information, email contact@pdncwc.com or visit pdncwc.com.

Valette Celebrates Its First Decade in Healdsburg

March 2025

By Heather Irwin

Valette in Healdsburg was the only North Bay restaurant to make OpenTable’s 2015 list of 100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America. (JOHN BURGESS/The Press Democrat)

When chef Dustin Valette opened his namesake restaurant just off the Healdsburg Plaza in 2015, the luxe food scene of the northern Sonoma County town was still in its infancy.

Michelin had all but forsaken Healdsburg after the 2012 closure of Cyrus. SingleThread hadn’t officially opened, and wine magnate Bill Foley’s ventures, including Brass Rabbit and Goodnight’s Steakhouse, weren’t yet on the horizon. Zin Restaurant, owned by Jeff and Susan Mall and one of the early adopters of farm-to-table cuisine, had closed the previous year, leaving a gaping hole in the fledgling foodie town.

Valette saw an opening — literal and figurative — in the former Zin space and an opportunity to carry on the Malls’ ingredient-driven ethos. It didn’t hurt that his grandfather owned a bakery at the location 75 years ago.

Chef Dustin Valette in the kitchen at his restaurant, Valette, in Healdsburg. (Chris Hardy)

At Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine) — At Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Chris Hardy)

In late 2014, the Healdsburg native left his position as chef de cuisine of Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and dove headlong into restaurant ownership with his brother Aaron Garzini. The dream was to create a casual yet elegant space where diners could sit at the bar with a glass of wine and an appetizer or take an hourslong journey into the “trust me” tasting menu.

In March, Valette marks its 10th anniversary as a Wine Country dining staple that has weathered fires, floods and COVID-19. To celebrate, the restaurant will host a series of wine dinners March 10-16, with favorite dishes from the last decade.

I sat down with chef Valette (who also owns The Matheson and Roof 106 in Healdsburg) to discuss his decade in Healdsburg’s food scene.

How would you describe Valette?

Valette was born from two brothers’ lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts.

What would you tell yourself 10 years ago about owning a restaurant?

You’re gonna get gray hair and it’s going to be the most stressful and most fulfilling thing in your life besides your children.

Valette Healdsburg — Scallops en croute is a puffed pastry topped with squid ink, hiding a giant scallop in creamy Champagne beurre blanc at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Steven Freeman / Sonoma County Tourism)

What dish did you know you had to have on the opening menu?

Scallops en croute. It’s a dish I created at Dry Creek Kitchen. Everyone would come from all around for it. I just served it on Saturday to Guy Fieri. The scallop is steamed and it really shows its beautiful simplicity. It’s got sweet, sour, salty and acidic flavors — it’s fricking terrific. That, and the charcuterie we make in-house, we can’t take off the menu, they’re such staples of the restaurant.

What were the highest and lowest points over the last 10 years?

The lowest point was on Jan. 16, 2022. We had weathered the COVID storm and kept all our employees, but we ran out of money. I sold my car, took out a loan and mortgaged everything we had. I told myself we had until Feb. 1 for things to level out or we would have to close. We reopened for regular dining service on Jan. 17 of that year.

The highest point was when we got a Wine Enthusiast Top 100 nod the year we opened. It showed me very quickly that this crazy idea of two brothers bucking all the trends would work.

What celebrity would you love to have at the restaurant?

Chef Thomas Keller from The French Laundry.

At Valette — Peppercorn crusted New York steak with wild mushroom fondue and roasted bone marrow, served with potato and pepper hash by chef Dustin Valette at Valette restaurant in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

What food trend from 10 years ago would you love never to see again?

Inedible garnishes on the plate.

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

A winemaker. I would love to tell the story of an entire year through a glass of wine. I love making garage wine and started a commercial wine brand. (Valette works with star winemakers David Ramey, Tom Rochioli, Bob Cabral and Jesse Katz to produce limited-edition Valette wines.)

What are your hopes for the next 10 years?

I would love to celebrate 20 years in this location. I hope we can continue on our path, telling the story of Healdsburg, Sonoma County and its artisans and makers who love their jobs. I want to continue that passion and sense of place.

How has Healdsburg changed in the last 10 years?

Healdsburg has changed for the better. People come from all over to visit and get a sense of our lives here, be part of our community and live the dream we have every day we wake up. But how it’s changed for the worse is the same reason. We have to share our heaven with everyone else. It’s the same answer. If you have a cake, the best part is to share it with everyone.

Dustin Valette and his father Bob — Dustin Valette and his father, Bob, at the Vallete restaurant in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Your dad, Bob, is a regular fixture at the restaurant, visiting with diners and sharing stories of his life as a former Cal Fire pilot. Why is that?

One of my favorite parts of the restaurant is that my dad spends nights talking to guests, enjoying himself and making people happy. My dad was focused on protecting our community as a firefighter but never got to reap the rewards. I watch my dad with a glass of wine at the restaurant, and it’s nice to see him sit back and enjoy people.

What keeps you in this business?

For 10 years, we have created a place to come and relax and forget about the worries of life — the crazy world outside our doors. You can sit here and have a bourbon at the bar; it feels like coming home. I want to create a place that gives people warmth in their souls. What we do puts such a big smile on my face. I can’t shake how lucky I am.

Valette is at 344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, valettehealdsburg.com

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

Sonoma, Napa Wineries Mix It Up With Beer

March 2025

By Carey Sweet

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery in Napa. (St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery)

There’s long been an inside joke among winery folks that their favorite beverage is beer.

Every year during harvest, when I stop by local hot spots like El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma or the Restaurant at North Block in Yountville, I can count on finding groups of winemakers hanging out at the bars, holding craft brew mugs in their grape-stained hands.

They love wine but they’ve had enough, they’ll admit. And so, perhaps, have younger drinkers, according to recent statistics.

It’s no secret that the wine industry is facing challenging times, as Gen Z and millennial consumers are exploring alternatives to wine, like cocktails, hard seltzers and beer — or nonalcoholic drinks. Many traditional wine tasting destinations are feeling the pain, with visits declining.

To meet new demands, the industry is pivoting. Winery behemoth Constellation Brands Inc., for example, just reported that beer now represents nearly 82% of its sales, according to the company’s annual earnings report. Last week, Constellation even entered negotiations to sell its entire wine portfolio to two other top producers.

So it won’t surprise me to see more wine tasting rooms entering into partnerships, offering beer and other drinks in their expensive-to-operate spaces. Here are some of my current local favorites pouring wine and beer.

Mad Fritz Brewing Co. and Jessup Wine Cellars

Napa beer — The “Local Origins, Farmer’s Ale” at Mad Fritz Brewing Company in St. Helena, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

The Mad Fritz taproom opened last spring in Yountville, sharing a charming stone and clapboard cottage with Jessup Wine Cellars on Washington Street. The tiny-batch, high-end beers have been a cult favorite around Napa Valley for more than a decade, poured at The French Laundry and Solage Calistoga among other upscale joints and so coveted that there is a waiting list for the members club.

Husband-and-wife owners Nile Zacherle and Whitney Fisher (both longtime winemakers, by the way) use craft-malted single-variety barley and French oak barrels to age the double or triple fermented beers for up to 12 months.

Flavors change seasonally and the beers usually have delightful names referencing Grimms’ Fairy Tales, such as The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg, a funky, dry saison with a hint of pineapple. My favorite is the mildly bitter and spicy Peach Project, made with organic peaches from Cervantes Family Vineyard in St. Helena and Triumph hops from the Alexander Valley Hops farm in Sonoma County.

The beer bar is tiny — it used to be the Yountville town jail long ago — but hip with its record player and vinyl collection. A sign encourages you to “Yo! Be your own DJ!” and select records (but please heed a newly taped-up sign that says, “Now! Don’t steal them!”).

Step into the adjacent lounge and you’ll find the Jessup Wine Cellars wine bar, a comfy spot to sip standouts like the 2019 Juel blend of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Petite Verdot.

“We definitely get couples where one wants wine and the other wants beer,” Zacherle said. “I think, as a collective property, we offer a lot of variety.”

Technically, that couple would not sit together, given licensing differences between a beer and a wine business. But with the shared footprint and open wall between the two rooms, the happy pair can toast each other mere feet apart.

6720 Washington St., Yountville, 707-968-5058, madfritz.com

6740 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-5620, jessupcellars.com

Coyote Sonoma and Wilson Artisan Wines

Wine from Coyote Sonoma. (Coyote Sonoma) — Wine from Coyote Sonoma in Healdsburg. (Coyote Sonoma)

Ken and Diane Wilson own 11 wine businesses across Sonoma and Mendocino counties, including Coyote Sonoma in Healdsburg. The Coyote space used to be the Sonoma Cider taproom, so it made sense for the Wilsons to fill it with local craft beers, alongside their own wine selections.

Beer lovers will find 18 craft brews on tap, from local producers like Parliament Brewing, HenHouse Brewing, Cooperage Brewing and Russian River Brewing.

Wine lovers have two options. There’s a full tasting room with wine and optional food pairings, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. There’s also a wine list in the taproom, which is open 4 p.m. until the bar closes Wednesday through Saturday.

Niclole Marden performs with her band, as they open for the 2nd Annual Fall Show Benefit Concert featuring Dustin Saylor Band for TLC Child and Family Services at Coyote Sonoma in Healdsburg, Saturday, November 18, 2023. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat) — Niclole Marden performs with her band as they open for the second annual Fall Show Benefit Concert featuring Dustin Saylor Band for TLC Child and Family Services at Coyote Sonoma in Healdsburg, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Coyote Sonoma hosts live music almost every Friday and Saturday night and has launched a Coyote Sonoma Locals Club that offers complimentary or discounted tickets to most live music events. For $25 per month, club members get one bottle of wine that can be enjoyed on site during a show with free corkage.

“It’s really affordable and particularly attractive at a time where people seem to be more conscious of expenses,” said Wilson marketing specialist Katie Ambrosi. “Even if someone isn’t much of a wine lover, they enjoy the club because it brings such great access to music at a venue with a healthy beer selection.”

44-F Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-395-8846, wilsonartisanwines.com

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery

St. Clair Brown opened on the edge of downtown Napa in 2013 as a Wine Country wonderland featuring an industrial-chic facility making handcrafted small-lot wines and microbrew beers surrounded by lavish culinary gardens with a café in an English-style greenhouse.

Owners Elaine St. Clair (winemaker and brewmaster) and Laina Brown (winery executive) pulled out all the stops and paid attention to details, like the retro typewritten labels that are tied to the bottles with twine.

I remember the first time I visited back then and how delighted I was when the Napa Valley Wine Train chugged by on the tracks mere feet from that greenhouse. The conductor honked the locomotive’s horn in a long, soulful hello and all of us café guests shared friendly waves with the train riders.

The experience is just as magical now as we can taste flights of wine, beer or even housemade nonalcoholic garden cocktails, with optional food pairings.

You’ll definitely want to try the food, which is presented in jewel box nibbles that highlight produce from the garden, which was planted by organic culinary gardener Peter Jacobsen (he is the owner of Jacobsen Orchards in Yountville and grows specialty fruits, herbs, vegetables and edible flowers for several Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry).

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery in Napa. (Emma K Creative)

I still dream of my last visit, when I savored pork rillettes tucked into a glass jar with fig-apricot-lemon compote, and a pretty salad of farro and Rancho Gordo quinoa dotted with pickled radishes, Pinot Grigio-soaked golden raisins, sweet pea sprouts and blossoms.

Check the website calendar, too, for pop-ups in the cellar that turns into a sophisticated speakeasy. To get in, look for the neon peace sign, knock twice and share the password (that changes weekly). Then slip inside for DJ-spun music, wine and beer by candlelight and dancing amid the fuchsia-strobe-lit stainless steel tanks.

816 Vallejo St., Napa, 707-255-5591, stclairbrown.com

How to Spend A Perfect Day in Petaluma

March 2025

By Dana Rebmann

The Petaluma River. (M. Woolsey / Sonoma County Tourism)

A blend of historic charm and modern creativity, this riverside town invites exploration at every turn. Its walkable downtown is packed with eclectic boutiques, vintage treasures, and a thriving food scene that highlights local and global flavors. Whether you’re savoring fresh pastries, wandering through indie record stores or hiking rolling green hills, Petaluma offers a perfect balance of easygoing charm and unexpected delights.

Where to go

With eclectic small boutiques, antique shops and tons of great restaurants, Petaluma’s downtown is charismatic and intimate. Jumpstart the day at the grab-and-go counter at legendary bakery Della Fattoria (143 Petaluma Blvd. N.). The cinnamon twist is a harmony of savory and sweet — odds are you’ll be covered in some highly coveted crumbs before you make it out the door.

Paris Brest at Della Fattoria in Petaluma. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)

Paradise Found Records in Petaluma — Paradise Found Records in downtown Petaluma. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)

Browse sustainable clothes and apothecary goods at Estuary (120 Petaluma Blvd. N.); get lost among stacks of vinyl at Paradise Found Records & Music (316 B St.); stock up on heirloom seeds at Petaluma Seed Bank (110 Petaluma Blvd. N.); or lose an hour or two at Copperfield’s Underground (140 Kentucky St.), a treasure trove of rare and used books.

A short walk away, everyone loves the Swedish meatballs (with extra lingonberries, please) and falafel kebabs at family-owned Stockhome restaurant (220 Western Ave.). Don’t leave without a bag of colorful candies from the glass jars that line the counter for your own version of the Swedish custom of lördagsgodis, or Saturday morning sweets. From there, a quick stop at Cottage Gardens of Petaluma (3995 Emerald Drive) provides inspiration for future flowery goodness, with paths lined with roses, succulents and bubbling fountains.

Stockhome Petaluma — Airy Swedish understatement at Stockhome in downtown Petaluma. (Emma K Creative/Stockhome)

A lake at Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)

Lush and green, the hillsides at Helen Putnam Regional Park (411 Chileno Valley Road), a short drive from town, shine this time of year. If it’s been a rainy week, the paved Ridge Trail is a go-to. When the ground is firm, the park’s 6-mile looped trail system weaves together quiet spaces for reflection with panoramic views of the city and rolling pasturelands.

Back in town, celebrate all those steps from a comfy seat near the window at Barber Lee Spirits (120 Washington St.). Whiskey drinkers will certainly feel at home here, but the family-owned distillery is also well-known for crafting spirits that aren’t widely produced in the United States, including anise-flavored absinthe and lambanog, a traditional 100-proof liquor from the Philippines with an alluring slight sweetness.

Barber Lee Spirits in Petaluma Whiskey Sour Cocktail — A whiskey sour cocktail from Barber Lee Spirits in Petaluma. (Barber Lee Spirits)

From the tasting room at Barber Lee, it’s less than a 15-minute walk to a memorable dinner at Table Culture Provisions (312 Petaluma Blvd. S.). What started as a fried chicken pop-up during the pandemic has blossomed into an ambitious, multicourse tasting menu that reminds us of the bounty in our backyard.

For more things to do in the vibey town of Petaluma, check out some favorite date ideas, outdoor art and best destination restaurants.

The Best Places To Go for a Classic Sonoma County Experience

March 2025

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Apple Crumb pie with ice cream at Hazel Restaurant in Occidental, Friday, January 24, 2025. Pies at Hazel are baked once a week every Friday. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Boasting dozens of historic restaurants and iconic vineyards throughout the land, Sonoma County harbors many classic gems we couldn’t fathom living without. From favorite watering holes only locals know about to legendary experiences you have to try at least once, here is just a handful of our favorite Sonoma classics.

Ernie’s Tin Bar, Petaluma

Since 1923, this watering hole on Lakeville Highway has offered respite from the bustling world outside its door. Snack on all the shelled peanuts you want, but keep your cellphone tucked away — their use is frowned upon. Instead, strike up a chat with your neighbor. “If you sit down, you’re going to end up in a conversation with somebody,” says third-generation proprietor Ernie Altenreuther. 5100 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, 707-762-2075, facebook.com/erniestinbar

Ernie's Tin Bar on Lakeville Highway in Petaluma. November 22, 2019. (Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine) — Ernie’s Tin Bar on Lakeville Highway in Petaluma, Nov. 22, 2019. (Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)

Friday Pie Day at Hazel, Occidental

Michele Wimborough’s Friday pie day is legendary, with picks ranging from peanut butter and blackberry to Dutch apple and lemon meringue. You never know what she’ll be making, which is half the fun of your pie adventure. 3782 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com

Pliny the Younger, Santa Rosa and Windsor

Why is there a long line of folks standing out in the cold — even sometimes in the spring rain — along Fourth Street in Santa Rosa? It’s a rite of passage that goes back over two decades: the annual release of the Pliny the Younger beer. The triple IPA packs a punch at over 10% alcohol and is available at Russian River Brewing Co.’s pubs in Santa Rosa and Windsor for only two weeks, starting in late March. Waiting in line for a pint of Pliny is a classic, only-in-Sonoma experience that you’ve got to try at least once. 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa; 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor, 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

Server Cerra Modar carries a tray of Russian River Brewing Co. 20th anniversary Pliny the Younger triple IPA for guest on the first day of the limited release at the brewpub in Santa Rosa, Friday, March 22, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

People mill around the bar at the Geyserville Gun Club and Lounge in the Odd Fellows Building. (The Press Democrat) — People mill around the bar at the Geyserville Gun Club and Lounge in the Odd Fellows Building in Geyserville. (The Press Democrat)

Geyserville Gun Club, Geyserville

This former Masonic lodge masquerades as the most next-level bar in the county. Though their craft cocktails would spit in your eye if you called them that, selections like the She Devil, with mezcal, cherry liqueur, a squeeze of citrus and a dusting of ghost pepper are certainly creative. The bar menu is a munchie fantasy: fat Korean tacos with Kewpie mayo and bonito flakes, for example, and some of the tastiest burgers around. 21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0036, geyservillegunclub.com

The Swiss Hotel, Sonoma

There’s no better place to take in the scene on the Sonoma Plaza than from one of these outdoor tables, a well-mixed Negroni in your hand. This historic hotel and restaurant has been around for well over a century, and the sense of history shows. A collection of beer steins hang above the bar, black-and-white photos of sportsmen and Hollywood actors cover the walls, and the menu is filled with classic Italian, family-style favorites like pastas and chops. There’s an epic wall of wine bottles, many rare and historic, in the main dining room. 18 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-2884, swisshotelsonoma.com

Historic photos fill the walls in the bar of the Swiss Hotel on West Spain Street on Thursday, August 4, 2022. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune) — Historic photos fill the walls in the bar of the Swiss Hotel on West Spain Street in Sonoma. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune)

People dine on fresh seafood at Fishetarian in Bodega Bay. (Kim Carroll)

Fishetarian, Bodega Bay

This easy-going seafood shack right on the Bodega Harbor boasts fresh-caught fish daily and picnic table seating just steps from the water. You can’t go wrong with the menu here, with picks like platters of fat oysters served raw or barbecue-style, Boston-style clam chowder, fish tacos and crab cakes. Stock up for the fridge back at home at the fresh seafood counter. 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com

The Casino Bar & Grill, Bodega

Oh, Casino, how we love you — and we hope you never change. This classic waystation in the town of Bodega was overseen by the legendary Evelyn Casini for 75 years. Evelyn passed away last September at age 97, but Casino keeps going, fueling ranchers, fishermen and lucky visitors to this tight-knit town of 200. The Casino hosts rotating popups from various local chefs. 17000 Bodega Hwy, Bodega, 707-876-3185, facebook.com/thecasinobarandgrill

The town of Bodega turned out to celebrate 75 years of Casini ownership of the Casino Bar & Grill in Bodega, Monday, July 1, 2024. Evelyn Casini and her husband Art, now both deceased, took over the operation on July 1, 1949. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat) — The town of Bodega turned out to celebrate 75 years of Casini ownership of the Casino Bar & Grill in Bodega, Monday, July 1, 2024. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Jack's Filling Station on Broadway in Sonoma not only sells gas, beer and wine, but you can pick up a vintage vinyl record, a canned candle, and any number of sundries and unique items. The retro vibe is prominent throughout the building, and there are many small vintage still life paintings scattered around the store, on Thursday, June 24, 2021. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly) — Jack’s Filling Station on Broadway in Sonoma not only sells gas, beer and wine, but you can pick up a vintage vinyl record, a canned candle, and any number of sundries and unique items. The retro vibe is prominent throughout the building, and there are many small vintage still life paintings scattered around the store. (Robbi Pengelly)

Jack’s Filling Station, Sonoma

It’s the only place we know where you can both fill up your gas tank and walk away with a vintage vinyl record and a six-pack of craft beer or a bottle of natural wine from an up-and-coming producer. The Little Lou’s food truck is parked at the side most mornings, with gigantic breakfast burritos and some of the best burgers in town. 899 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-7203, jacksfillingstation.com

Washoe House, Petaluma

This fun roadhouse on the rural outskirts of Petaluma and Cotati is one of the oldest buildings in the county, dating back to 1859. Over the decades, it’s been a stagecoach station, a dance hall and a locals’ watering hole, with pinned-up dollar bills and handwritten messages absolutely plastering the ceiling. The food is good, from barbecue oysters and steaks to Henhouse fried chicken and fried cheese curds. 2840 Roblar Road, Petaluma, 707-795-4544, washoehouse.feastbuffet.site

Patrons sit at the bar at Washoe House in Petaluma on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat) — Patrons sit at the bar at Washoe House in Petaluma on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

A pit stop at Dry Creek General Store in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll)

Dry Creek General Store, Healdsburg

This distinctive green-and-white clapboard 1881 general store and restaurant is the place to stop on a wine-tasting tour through rural Dry Creek Valley west of Healdsburg, near the Lambert Bridge. It’s the heart of this small rural crossroads, with cellar staff stopping in for takeout deli sandwiches during harvest and mixing it up with dressed-up visitors having a glass of wine on the porch. The adjoining bar is back with its distinctive saddle barstools, and everyone’s having a good time. 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-4171, drycreekgeneralstore1881.com