Page 8 – Sonoma Magazine

20 Best Restaurants in Sebastopol

March 2026

By Heather Irwin

From left, the Pickle Plate, Yakitori (from top: Chicken Tsukune, Hokkaido Scallop, Broccoli and Wagyu Short Rib) and Maguro Poke from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Quiet Sebastopol is quickly becoming one of the hottest food scenes in the North Bay. A new generation of chefs is making its mark in the small town, long resistant to change, while seasoned restaurateurs are finding eager new audiences, making it one of Sonoma County’s most interesting dining destinations.

As a new west county resident, I’ve eaten at nearly every restaurant in town and have been largely impressed. Sebastopolians have strong opinions about fresh ingredients and expect restaurateurs to consider vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options, and they aren’t afraid to make their preferences known. Here are a few of my Sebastopol favorites.

Portico

Fresh pasta, made daily, is a signature of this Italian-owned trattoria. Menu highlights include cacio e pepe, Bolognese pappardelle with saffron cream and the famous 12-layer lasagna. Don’t miss the tiramisu for dessert. 110 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-9136, porticosocialfood.com

La Bodega Amaretto Tiramisu with Kahlua, espresso, house vanilla, mascarpone, chocolate and Italian lady fingers at the Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

La Bodega Kitchen

For 16 years, Bryan Cooper and Meekk Shelef have run their low-slung Sebastopol roadhouse, which they insist isn’t a restaurant. The space functions as a bottle shop, a kind of social club and something like a lived-in family dining room — rearranged for a gathering that feels both impromptu and familiar. There are banquettes and sturdy wooden tables that shift around to accommodate parties large and small, and no one seems in a rush to turn anything over. The entirely vegetarian menu is unique, even for Sebastopol. 2295 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-1832, sonomawineshop.com

Viva Mexicana

By day, it’s a Mexican restaurant with the usual burritos, tacos and quesadillas alongside a wide range of gluten-free and plant-based options. But from 4-8 p.m. daily, the dining room shifts into a pop-up Persian café, drawing deeply from owner Sima Mohamadian’s roots — and from her mother’s recipe box. 841 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol. 707-823-5555, vivamexicana.com

Quince Stew Sampler with lamb, plum, saffron and warm spices from the Persian menu at Viva Mēxicana Oct. 29, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Quince Stew Sampler with lamb, plum, saffron and warm spices from the Persian menu, Mondays and Tuesdays at Viva Mēxicana Oct. 29, 2025, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Fern Bar

A vibey lounge and restaurant with craft cocktails and shareable plates. It’s a favorite summer spot for sitting outside and people-watching and equally ideal for a cozy winter supper with friends. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com

Handline

Sustainable seafood, tacos and great burgers in the coastal California tradition. Family-friendly and fast casual with outdoor and indoor dining. Handmade corn tortillas, excellent al pastor, soft serve and fresh daily produce specials that impress. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Acre Pizza

Detroit pizza is always a winner, with a deep, crispy crust and melted cheese, but you can’t go wrong with any of the pies. Get a side of housemade ranch dressing for a chef’s kiss experience because here you won’t get side-eye for dipping. 6761 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-827-3455, acrepizza.com

The Redwood

Natural wine is the focus of this casual wine bar, but the kitchen shines with creative riffs on Mediterranean classics, seasonal plates and current specialties. 234 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9730, theredwoodwine.com

Goldfinch

Chef Rodrigo Mendoza’s (formerly of Willi’s Seafood and Charro Negro) dishes are organized into bites, small shareable plates and large shareable plates. There is a full bar and great cocktails. 119 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-9882, goldfinchsebastopol.com

Ramen Gaijin

Sonoma County’s required ramen spot, but there’s more to love on this menu. The izakaya and donburi selections include sashimi, fried chicken (karaage), bao buns and gyoza. Super-fresh, seasonal salads shouldn’t be overlooked. Plus, a full bar. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com

A&M Barbecue — Texas Toast, cornbread muffins, pork ribs, links, brisket and tri-tip, barbecue chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and collard greens at A&M BBQ in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

A&M BBQ

Arguably Sonoma County’s best barbecue, brisket, pulled pork and beef ribs are a must-order. Outstanding sides include collard greens, honey cornbread and potato salad. Brisket nachos with Carolina Gold sauce are a signature dish. Leave room for banana pudding. 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-1315, ambbqllc.com

Sushi Kosho

Top quality, affordable donburi and poke bowls for lunch and the county’s top sushi (my tippy top fave) and excellent Japanese izakaya. 6750 McKinley St. (at The Barlow), Sebastopol, 707-827-6373, koshosushi.com

Americana

A second outpost of Santa Rosa’s favorite breakfast (served all day) and lunch cafe. Everything on the menu is sustainably sourced from local farms and ranchers. But this isn’t fussy food, it’s classic American favorites like burgers, milkshakes, fried chicken and onion rings. You can snooze away the morning and still get biscuits and country gravy, omelets and huevos rancheros until 3 p.m. 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-3309, americanasonomacounty.com

Khom Loi

Authentically inspired Thai cuisine from the Ramen Gaijin team. The indoor-outdoor space pays homage to the cuisine of Chiang Mai and nearby Laos, with nods to central and southern Thailand. There’s nothing shy or demure about the spicy, sweet, sour and bitter flavors of East Asia in every one of the dishes. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com

Psychic Pie

Roman-style slices are cut to order and weighed to determine the price, so you can have small tastes of several or a large piece all to yourself. You’ll find seasonal, farm-fresh toppings like chevre with fresh lemon and herbs; potato with chile oil, mozzarella and crème fraîche; or hot coppa with Estero Gold cheese, mozzarella and hot honey. Traditionalists fear not — pepperoni and plain cheese are always on the menu. 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com

Lunch Box

Their signature Burger Harn is a messy, smushy, everything-that’s-good-about-beef masterpiece you rarely find. Paired with “dirty fries” (crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini), you’ll need a handful of napkins and a stout appetite. Menu additions include chicken Parmesan sandwiches and meaty hoagies. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com

Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine

Inspired versions of the fine cuisine of Peru. The kitchen uses authentic ingredients and techniques but isn’t bound by tradition. 799 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-861-9057, incasrestaurant.net

Osito Style Tacos

Street tacos, burritos, tortas and bowls in a casual outdoor setting. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 140, Sebastopol, 707-494-1416, ositostyletacos.com

Muir’s Tea Room

A bright and cheery tea room with finger sandwiches, scones, soup and salads. The menu is entirely plant-based. 330 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-634-6143, muirstearoomandcafe.com

Sarmentine Bakery

A Barlow outpost of a favorite Santa Rosa patisserie. Caneles, croissants and baguettes are winners, but eclairs always steal the show. 6760 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com

Patisserie Angelica

This luxe French bakery does everything from gasp-worthy wedding cakes and high tea to galettes, macarons and flaky croissants. You’re guaranteed not to leave this charming cafe empty-handed. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com

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

March 2026

By Dana Rebmann

Cousins, from left, Audrey 9, Charlotte, 13 and Silas, 11, feed rescued baby goats at Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 in Sebastopol. The Bottle Baby Breakfast Club is a fundraiser for the farm whenever they bring in a new group of rescued baby goats. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Unless you’re a celebrity, few moments make you feel more popular than stepping into a barn stall filled with cuddly, hungry baby goats.

“The whole experience is heart-opening,” said Deborah Blum, founder and executive director of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sebastopol.

Each year, Goatlandia rescues mostly male baby goats, almost all from the dairy industry. Because they cannot produce milk, newborn males are typically considered to have little economic value. At the sanctuary, the babies are bottle-fed and cared for until they can be adopted into permanent homes. Many eventually join the herd at City Grazing, a San Francisco nonprofit that uses goats for vegetation management and wildfire prevention.

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

Raising a baby goat is not inexpensive. From milk and hay to veterinary care, the nonprofit estimates that expenses for the first three months of a kid’s life average just over $5,000. Unable to nurse from their mothers, very young goats may require feeding as often as 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, groups of up to four people can spend time with the charismatic youngsters while helping feed them their morning bottles. The feeding goes quickly, but once every belly is full, visitors can expect plenty of kid cuddles — along with a primer on goat care and rescue.

Goatlandia also aims to educate visitors about plant-based eating and foster greater compassion for animals. Blum adopted a vegan lifestyle years ago after watching a detailed video about animal agriculture. In addition to rescued goats, the 36-acre sanctuary is home to horses, cows, geese, peacocks, ducks and, more recently, cats. After the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the organization helped place more than a dozen displaced cats in new homes, though most residents remain goats.

The Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary helps find homes for unwanted boys born into the dairy industry, since they cannot get pregnant and make milk. The Bottle Baby Breakfast Club is a fundraiser for the farm, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, whenever they bring in new rescued baby goats. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

“We save lives,” Blum said. We raise [the 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.”

Spring is typically the busiest season, but the Bottle Babies Breakfast Club runs whenever the organization rescues newborn goats. Dates through early April are currently available. For updates and reservations, visit Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary online or follow @goatlandia_sanctuary on Instagram.

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

Casini Ranch Family Campground Named Among Most Unique Camping Spots in the US

March 2026

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

The Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills. (Sonoma County Tourism)

With warmer weather on the horizon, spring is an ideal time to start planning camping trips. In Sonoma County, campers have no shortage of scenic options — including one that has earned national recognition in the 2026 Campspot Awards.

Casini Ranch Family Campground has been named one of the top unique campgrounds in the country, according to the camping reservation website Campspot.

The winning campgrounds “stand out for their distinctive charm, offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” the site said.

Just a short drive from the Sonoma Coast, the campground in Duncans Mills has been welcoming visitors since 1965. The family-owned RV park and campground sits on a 110-acre ranch tucked among rolling hills beside a winding stretch of the Russian River.

A horse stands on a hill overlooking the Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat) — A horse stands on a hill overlooking the Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Casini Ranch features a mile of riverfront property where campers can paddle along the Russian River, fish from the shore or spend time with horses grazing on nearby hillsides. Families can also bounce on a giant jumping pillow, a feature highlighted by Campspot as part of the campground’s appeal.

The Willow Creek Environmental Campground recreation area, part of Sonoma Coast State Park, sits adjacent to the property, making it easy for campers to explore miles of coastal trails. Touring bikes are available to rent at the campground, along with golf carts and watercraft from the Boat Shack, which operates from May through October.

Tom Schmidt, of Novato, fishes with his daughter, Isabella, 10, on the beach at Casini Ranch Family Campground, along the Russian River, in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat) — Tom Schmidt, of Novato, fishes with his daughter, Isabella, 10, on the beach at Casini Ranch Family Campground, along the Russian River, in Duncans Mills on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

The events barn at Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Visitors can fill their days with a range of activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. During peak season and holidays, Casini Ranch hosts family-friendly events such as bonfires, hayrides, movie nights, dance parties, ice cream socials and themed weekends, including Halloween celebrations.

Other winners in the unique campground category include Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s Camp-Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Palmetto Shores RV Resort in Summerton, South Carolina; Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, Pennsylvania; and Brialee Family Campground in Ashford, Connecticut.

Wherever you choose to pitch a tent or park an RV, if you want to be a happy camper, it pays to plan ahead and check availability early — especially as spring and summer trips begin to fill up.

Casini Ranch Family Campground, 22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills, 1-800-451-8400, casiniranch.com

Graton Casino Announces $40 Million Rooftop Restaurant and Sports Bar

March 2026

By Heather Irwin

A rendering of Aya, a 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar designed with two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills. It is scheduled to open in May. (Graton Resort & Casino)

In the latest phase of its $1 billion expansion, Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park will debut three new dining venues on May 4: a rooftop restaurant, a sports bar and an artisanal doughnut and dessert shop.

To lead the broadened culinary program, the resort has tapped Roy Ellamar and his wife, Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar, veterans of the Las Vegas dining scene.

The largest and most ambitious addition is Aya, a 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar designed with two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain and the surrounding hills. The $40 million project includes a walk-through wine tunnel and a $1 million cellar.

A rendering of the forthcoming Aya restaurant at Graton Resort & Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026. (Graton Resort & Casino)

The menu will center on coastal California cuisine with Asian accents, highlighting local oysters, wild-caught seafood and meats — including Japanese wagyu — cooked over a wood-burning grill. Produce and other ingredients will also be drawn from the resort’s 40-acre farm, according to a news release.

Renderings depict a warm, contemporary interior with amber and chocolate-brown tones, gold accents, and layered lighting to evoke a polished night-out atmosphere.

A rendering of the forthcoming Aya restaurant at Graton Resort & Casino, scheduled to open in May 2026. (Graton Resort & Casino)

In a notable shift, Aya will feature a dedicated exterior entrance, allowing diners to bypass the casino floor — and the smoking areas that have long posed a challenge for some guests. The expansion also includes a 144,000-square-foot nonsmoking gaming floor.

Playbook Sports Bar, another addition, is built around a central bar wrapped in television screens, with additional wall-mounted displays and individual table screens. The menu leans classic and crowd-pleasing: Detroit-style pizza, Buffalo wings and a pastrami bánh mì with pickled vegetables and Kewpie mayonnaise.

A rendering of the forthcoming sports bar at Graton Resort & Casino. (Graton Resort & Casino)

A rendering of the upcoming dessert and doughnut shop at Graton Resort & Casino. (Graton Resort & Casino)

Soco Dough, the third concept, brings a high-gloss dessert bar sensibility to the property. Doughnuts — made throughout the day — come in flavors such as vanilla buttermilk glaze finished with Maldon sea salt, pistachio rose with rosewater cream, ube honeycomb layered with pastry cream and honeycomb streusel, and Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk drizzle. The shop will also serve fresh gelato, dessert-inspired drinks capped with cold foam and other sweets.

To support the expansion, the resort plans to hire more than 430 employees, including 160 culinary and beverage professionals who will work alongside the Ellamars.

The casino currently operates four full-service restaurants: 630 Park Steakhouse, Bistro 101, Boathouse Asian Eatery and Tony’s of North Beach. Its marketplace includes outlets such as The Habit Burger Grill, Starbucks, La Texanita, Slice House, and Everett & Jones Barbeque.

‘Analog Reunion’ Bringing Indie Music, Connection to the Russian River

March 2026

By Matt Villano

A couple relax in a hammock at Wildhaven Sonoma near Healdsburg. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Connections are intentional for husband-and-wife duo Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll.

In 2021, the Healdsburg residents founded Cosmico, an independent music festival designed to introduce music lovers to up-and-coming bands across multiple genres. They also run the nonprofit Launch Pad Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting people who build community through creativity and collaboration.

Most recently, Schultz published “Analog: How To Love Your Work, and Not Wait for Retirement To Live the Good Life,” a book about what it means to live and work with intention, a theme Schultz says is a throughline in the couple’s collaborations.

“Whether it’s a festival, a book, or a local project, our mission is the same: help people find their path, trust their calling, and choose themselves,” he says.

This year’s Cosmico — now called Analog Reunion — is scheduled for May 15-17, and Schultz and Driscoll have already announced early additions to the weekend lineup, including folk rock artist Alex Amen and soul rocker Maggie Koerner. Tickets on sale now at cosmi.co.

Cosmico music festival founders Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll — Chris Schultz and Anne Driscoll, founders of Cosmico Fest, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2025, in Healdsburg. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

The Cosmico difference

Chris: A lot of festivals aim for the same things: the biggest bands, the most commercial success. We are, by design, smaller and more independent. We are more discovery-focused; people trust us to introduce them to new music. We work hard to book awesome bands you’ve never heard of. We want you to be able to see a show at Cosmico, then see the same band years later and say, ‘I saw them at Cosmico first.’ That’s the goal.

Changing venues

Anne: We are moving locations. Last year we had the festival at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. This year we’re bringing it back to Healdsburg, to Wildhaven Sonoma, a glamping spot on the Russian River on the north end of town. We’re also calling it a reunion this year, because of the idea that people keep coming back to it.

All about connection

Chris: The book is an effort to reflect on the things in life that have been important to me. It’s about putting your hands on the wheel of your life. Finding joy through analog experiences is the way I describe it. It’s really about connection. Connecting with people in the community; being connected with your family. The title also references the disconnection we feel in our digital lives. Ultimately, I think the path to meaning is through service and helping people. That’s a big part of what we try to do with Cosmico.

Calling Sonoma County home

Anne: We are so lucky to live somewhere where people are creative and constantly thinking of ways to celebrate the incredible resources we have at our fingertips. Between the two of us, we’ve seen a lot of the world. There’s no place quite like this one.

10 Sonoma County Spots for Seeing Mustard in Bloom

March 2026

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

3/20/2014: B1: PC: Malisa Bruno turns a cartwheel while frolicking in a field of mustard at the Brown Farm, in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Following winter rains, mustard flowers blanket vineyards and valleys across Sonoma County in vibrant yellow, adding a seasonal splash of color to the landscape and to countless Instagram feeds.

If you’d like to take in the scenery or capture it with a camera or smartphone, here are several public spots known for mustard flower views. In true Sonoma style, we’ve also noted nearby places to stop for a bite or a glass of wine.

As always, be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property. No trespassing.

Alexander Valley

Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley abounds with mustard flowers in late winter and early spring. Just after turning from Alexander Valley Road onto Highway 128, both sides of the road are lined with fields of bright yellow flowers.

Sonoma Valley

The iconic “mustard flower hill” at B.R. Cohn Winery turns yellow and white each spring, creating a striking view along Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road while passing. Stop in afterward for a glass of Chardonnay. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

mustard fields in Glen Ellen — Early morning sun filters on to the B.R. Cohn vineyards fronting Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. At left is Sonoma Mountain. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

mustard at Kunde — An old vine at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood is surrounded by mustard in bloom. (Rebecca Gosselin / for Sonoma Magazine)

Mustard flowers also surround Kenwood’s Kunde Family Winery in February and March. Afterward, head to Palooza Gastropub for craft beer and pub fare on its spacious patio. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-5501, kunde.com

Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley

The Joe Rodota Regional Trail, which runs between downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, borders mustard fields in late winter and early spring. It’s a popular route for cyclists and walkers. Note that the properties bordering the trail are private. Ride the trail to Sebastopol and stop at The Barlow for a snack or drink.

At Paradise Ridge Winery, outdoor sculptures are often framed by mustard blooms. Visitors can enjoy wine and small bites on the veranda overlooking the vineyards. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

A portion of the art installation Empyrean, by Laurence Renzo Verbeck and Sylvia Adrienne Lisse, is on a hillside at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa on Thursday, March 4, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) — A portion of the art installation Empyrean, by Laurence Renzo Verbeck and Sylvia Adrienne Lisse, on a mustard-covered hillside at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)

Imwalle Gardens, a small family-run market on Third Street in Santa Rosa, is surrounded by homes and, during spring, fields of mustard flowers. Pick up picnic supplies or flower starters for your garden, but remember that the surrounding fields are private property. 685 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0279, facebook.com/p/Imwalle-Gardens-100057055376943

Another viewing spot is the Laguna Environmental Center, off Occidental Road near Sebastopol. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood, but across the street from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the mustard flowers shine brightly. The mustard fields surrounding the center are private property and fenced with barbed wire. Viewing the flowers is permissible, but public entry is not. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunadesantarosa.org

After admiring the blooms, head to Balletto Vineyards for a glass of sparkling Brut rosé on the patio.

mustard fields — Mustard highlights the sunset at the Laguna Center near Sebastopol. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Carneros Valley

Carneros Valley has a cooler climate than much of Sonoma County, ideal for both Pinot Noir and mustard flowers. One of the best vantage points is the terrace at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, where visitors can sip sparkling wines and enjoy Spanish-style tapas while overlooking mustard-covered vineyards. 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-933-1986, gloriaferrer.com

Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast

For a scenic drive, head toward Dillon Beach on the Sonoma Coast. Along Tomales Road near Petaluma, rolling countryside is dotted with dairy farms and mustard flowers.

Before heading to the ocean, stop in downtown Petaluma at Petaluma Creamery (711 Western Ave.) to pick up some Spring Hill cheese curds.

Storm clouds hang over a field of mustard blooming along Hardin Lane in Petaluma, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat) — Storm clouds hang over a field of mustard blooming along Hardin Lane in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Dry Creek Valley

West Dry Creek Valley Road offers a quieter, more intimate drive than its parallel, Dry Creek Valley Road. In late winter and early spring, mustard flowers brighten the roadside, and lighter traffic makes it a pleasant route for cyclists.

Stop by Quivira Vineyards & Winery to taste wine and learn about pollination in the winery’s organic gardens. Continue to Martorana Family Winery & Vineyards for a glass of Zinfandel, or head to Mounts Family Winery for sweeping valley views paired with a pour of Grenache.

Looking for more spring flowers in Sonoma County? Check out where the season’s lupines are painting the county a vibrant purple.

Healdsburg’s New Martha Stoumen Tasting Room Is for Night Owls

March 2026

By Sarah Doyle

Martha Stoumen Wines just opened its first tasting room, an inviting spot just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza. (Courtesy of Elli Lauren)

After more than a decade of cultivating a fervent following for her exuberant wines through pop-ups and events, winemaker Martha Stoumen finally has a tasting room to call her own.

A darling of the natural wine space, Stoumen opened her new tasting room last fall in downtown Healdsburg. It’s an intimate location that’s open late and ready to lure in both longtime fans and new customers.

For the Sebastopol native, a tasting room was a dream that seemed out of reach, but that changed last summer when Stoumen joined The Overshine Collective, a sextet of wine brands led by founding partner and investor David Drummond.

From left, Noah and Kelly Dorrance, Sam Bilbro, Martha Stoumen and David Drummond at Overshine Wine Co. in Healdsburg Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Michael Richardson, hospitality manger for the Martha Stoumen Tasting Room, looks over the event list for the upcoming opening of the tasting room in Healdsburg, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

“I’m really excited to have this huge container for creativity,” says Stoumen, who calls the work to refurbish the space, previously home to other tasting rooms, a “home-grown effort” that included input from team members Alyssa Julian, who worked on design, and hospitality manager Michael Richardson, doing much of the buildout. Stoumen’s parents pitched in, too.

When envisioning her new tasting room, Stoumen drew on her own life experience, where sensory details are at the heart of her craft.

“I thought about the experiential side of drinking wine — not the taste or smell — but the textures, the lighting, the sound of the room,” she says, noting the goal is “to make people feel sexy and relaxed.”

Martha Stoumen tasting room — Martha Stoumen Wines just opened its first tasting room, an inviting spot just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza. (Courtesy of Elli Lauren)

Stoumen, who spent years abroad working harvest, yearned to create an environment where guests feel transported — whether to a European café or a place that she calls “intangibly familiar.”

“I love spaces that feel both comfortable and familiar, even though you’ve never been there,” she says.

Ambition achieved. The tasting room is undeniably inviting, with cozy seating areas grounded by redwood trim, burlap, and cork paneling. The copper tabletops, which gleam like new pennies, will develop a patina over time, yet it’s a detail Stoumen embraces.

Unlike many tasting rooms that close before the dinner hour, Stoumen’s tasting room offers something for night owls, taking tasting reservations until 9 p.m. on weekend nights.

Martha Stoumen wine tasting — Martha Stoumen Wines just opened its first tasting room, an inviting spot just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza. (Courtesy of Elli Lauren)

Wines are offered by the glass, flight, and bottle. Flights feature six tastes which might include Italian varietals such as Nero d’Avola and fan favorite Vermentino, as well as blends of both French and Italian varietals with cheeky — sometimes romantic — names like Post Flirtation Red and Honeymoon, a marriage of Colombard and Chardonnay. Stoumen makes nearly two dozen wines each year, so guests can expect something new and interesting on each visit.

Ready-to-serve food items are also available, with a menu that changes regularly.

“In the beginning, we’ll offer a little bit of ‘choose your own adventure’ to see what people gravitate towards,” says Stoumen. “We want to see what the community wants and needs. That’s most important.”

325 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-473-8266, marthastoumen.com

A longer version of this story was originally published in October of 2025 in The Press Democrat. Read the full, original article here.

Bijou’s $16 Benedict Is Bucking Sonoma County’s Brunch Inflation

March 2026

By Heather Irwin

Eggs Florentine at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Somewhere between 2025’s egg shortage and the great butter spike, eggs Benedict went from brunch staple to splurge.

Last March, as egg and butter prices climbed amid national shortages, restaurants faced a difficult choice: trim breakfast menus or raise prices. Most opted for the latter. Eggs Benedict, lavish in both butter and eggs, drifted into luxury territory, landing at $24 or more.

A year later, the landscape has shifted. Egg prices have fallen nearly 35% from a national wholesale high of over $6 per dozen during the avian flu outbreak to just over $2.50, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. California’s prices, which soared to $13 per dozen at one point, have also eased. Butter costs have moderated as increased production steadies the market.

So why, as brunch-goers scan menus across Sonoma County, are Benedicts still clocking in at $19 to $25?

Restaurants face many financial pressures, including rent, utilities, labor and insurance. Nearly everything costs more than a few years ago. Hollandaise, made properly from scratch, requires skill and a steady hand. Even so, the math doesn’t always add up.

Customers have brunch at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

At Petaluma’s Bijou, there’s no hand-wringing over the numbers.

“Although food costs have gone up significantly over the last few years — and like everyone else, we feel that — we’ve always made a conscious decision to keep our prices fair and approachable while maintaining our level of standard,” said chef Stéphane Saint Louis.

Finding one of the county’s best Benedict values at a year-old bistro known for polished French cooking, silken sauces and meticulous Parisian desserts was not on my bingo card.

Especially for $16.

Brunch favorites

Opened in late 2025, Bijou is the more casual sibling to Saint Louis and Steven Vargas’ Michelin-noted Table Culture Provisions. While the latter focuses on an elegant, multicourse prix fixe, Bijou offers a looser, neighborhood feel. Dinner might include boeuf en croûte, red wine-braised oxtail, grilled Cornish game hen, or savory French onion soup, each prepared with precision. Pastry chef Sylvain Parsy completes the picture with neatly layered opera cakes and delicate tarts.

Opera cake at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

“Bijou is meant to be a neighborhood restaurant with serious cooking behind it,” said Saint Louis, who is often framed in the pass-through window, expediting plates.

Brunch at Bijou feels easygoing but thoughtfully executed. Granola with Straus yogurt and fruit ($9) and a three-egg omelet with Gruyère and ham ($15) are polished versions of diner standards. Heartier plates — Saint Louis’ fried chicken and biscuit ($18) and a tidy Croque Madame ($17) — justify the drive.

“We want guests to feel comfortable ordering freely, without feeling like they are committing to an upscale dining experience,” Saint Louis said. “Our goal is to make sure the pricing reflects that balance.”

The dining room reflects the same mix of sophistication and down-to-earth style, with warm woods, an uncluttered design and natural light streaming through wraparound windows. Service is attentive without fuss. A full bar offers creative cocktails, including an elegant riff on the mimosa to start or finish the weekend deliciously.

Eggs Florentine at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Best bets

Eggs Florentine, $16: Crisp English muffins topped with smoked salmon and blanched baby spinach are capped with properly poached eggs and a glossy, well-emulsified hollandaise. There is no reinvention here — and none needed.

Croque Madame, $17: Petite and neatly trimmed, the sandwich makes an appearance from the dinner menu and layers creamy béchamel, sharp Gruyère and Black Forest ham beneath a fried egg, served with a modest pile of greens.

Fried Chicken and Biscuit, $18: Saint Louis built a following selling fried chicken by the order during the pandemic at Table Culture Provisions. Here, it arrives in brunch form, paired with a buttery biscuit and surrounded by hot sauce, gravy and honey.

Fried chicken and biscuits at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Chris Arntz pours a Violette Royale cocktail at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat) — Chris Arntz pours cocktails at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Bubbles a L’Orange, $15: You’ll never look at a mimosa the same way again. This classy cocktail is a mix of fresh orange juice, dry Curaçao, vodka and Champagne. Anything else is barbaric.

Bijou Burger, $18: As close to burger perfection as I’ve come recently. A soft brioche bun cradles a well-seared patty with honey bacon and cheddar. Shoestring fries arrive hot and crisp. Order the extra aioli and thank me later.

The Bijou Burger with fires at Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Opera Cake, $12: Precise layers of chocolate ganache, coffee buttercream and sponge cake rest atop vanilla cream.

If You Go

What: Brunch at Bijou

Where: 190 Kentucky St. in Petaluma.

Bijou Restaurant in Petaluma — Bijou Restaurant at the corner of Washington Street and Kentucky Street in Petaluma Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

When: Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served from 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. A new happy hour, 4-6 p.m., features $10 appetizers, and lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday.

Good to know: A 5% service charge is added to cover staff costs. Reservations are recommended.

Information and reservations: restaurantbijou.com

Heather Irwin is the Dining Editor for The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine. Reach her at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com.

Artfully Remodeled Ranch Home in Sonoma Hits the Market

March 2026

By Karen Kizer

A 1950s-era ranch home that has undergone a truly artful transformation is currently listed for sale in Sonoma. The renovated 1,543-square-foot dwelling is enhanced with several outdoor spaces as well as premium and fine art finishes that create an intriguing modern aesthetic. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a pool, the home’s list price is $1,700,000.

Geometry is a central tactic of the design. Symmetrical and organic patterns in black, white and gray create a sense of movement and define the home’s spaces.

At the door is a sleek fence with thin slats in varying widths. The angular style is echoed in repeating rectangular door lites and concentric squares in the outdoor floor tile.

Living room in remodeled Sonoma home — Living room. (Open Homes Photography)

Pergola at remodeled Sonoma home — Pergola. (Open Homes Photography)

Pool and lounge area. (Open Homes Photography)

The living room has a circular pattern play. Spheres are neatly stacked in the fireplace, which features a cement-and-plaster finish created by fine artist Tricia Rissmann. Her artwork hanging above the sofa and mantel features abstract circles. A rounded pattern circles back to the yard via floor tile under the pergola. The tile continues around the lap pool.

The design transitions to edgier abstract angles on the patio around the outdoor bar. This space is accessible via a glass roll-up door that connects to the “wine den,” currently styled with a black accent wall for a moody vibe in which to sip, lounge or listen to music.

“Wine den” at remodeled Sonoma home — “Wine den.” (Open Homes Photography)

A linear pattern wows in the bathroom shower. The repeat of humble, hand-drawn lines on Italian tile are designed by artist Kasia Zareba.

Classic elements like French doors and a generous quartzite kitchen countertop blend with the modern elements to create a pleasing transitional feel in the vintage home.

For more information about his home at 775 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, contact listing agent Rachel Swann, 415-225-7743, 415-474-1750, Coldwell Banker Realty, 3927 24th St., San Francisco, coldwellbanker.com/ca/sonoma/775-boyes-blvd/lid-P00800000H64hoflOkPmTWpz5xGCWmNwwfSuEC2h

A Hilltop Home in Healdsburg Offers a Farmhouse Fantasy

March 2026

By Karen Kizer

Farmhouse and ADU overlooking the valley at sunset. (Clear Shot Creations)

Offering a farmhouse fantasy, a modern home with an accessory dwelling unit has hit the market in Healdsburg. The home, completed in 2023, epitomizes farmhouse style with an all-white, board-and-batten exterior, black accents and airy, open-concept interiors. With a total of six bedrooms and six bathrooms set among an expansive countryside, the estate is listed for $6,495,000.

The home and similarly styled ADU sit atop a hill in the Chalk Hill AVA, the high point of a 100-acre property full of mature trees, a pond with docks, and a private bridge extending over a seasonal creek. All rooms in the 5,132 square feet of living space have panoramic views of the Mayacamas, Mount St. Helena, vineyards and valleys.

The main home has a light-drenched great room with a kitchen that sparkles with quartzite countertops and premium appliances. The room’s dining and lounging areas enjoy forever-views through large sliders that lead to a deck and bocce ball court.

Great room in Healdsburg farmhouse — Great room. (Clear Shot Creations)

Kitchen area of great room in Healdsburg farmhouse — Kitchen area of great room. (Clear Shot Creations)

Covered patio with bocce court at Healdsburg home — Covered patio with bocce court. (Clear Shot Creations)

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom ADU has a great room with a fireplace and more views. It’s located above a six-car garage and workshop.

The fenced-off property also includes boat docks and an RV by the pond, plus an orchard and gardens.

For more information on this property at 9110 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, contact listing agents Brooklyn Nordby, 707-321-3106, 707-939-2230, Sotheby’s International Realty; or Richard A. Frank, 707-322-8849, Sterling California Properties, brooklynnordby.com/sale/listing-details/b079102e-a034-4b6b-bc1e-87e850931c53