Page 91 – Sonoma Magazine

Meet the Sommelier Behind One of Sonoma’s Hottest Wine Bars

June 2023

By Sarah Doyle

Valley Bar + Bottle in Sonoma. (Emma K Creative)

Kasraa “Kaz” Khosrowmanesh credits his father’s stellar cooking for spurring a lifelong passion for food, dining, and eventually, wine. Born in Los Angeles to a first-generation Mexican American mother and an Iranian father who worked as an executive chef, Khosrowmanesh says good food was something that piqued his interest early on— especially when his dad prepared Persian food or his grandmother’s recipe for carnitas en lechuga.

“My dad’s version of my grandma’s carnitas is amazing,” he says. “Those big chunks of braised pork—it is one of my favorite things ever.” These days, however, Khosrowmanesh’s appetite for flavor is focused on wine, which he brings to his role overseeing the drinks program at Valley Bar + Bottle in Sonoma, known for a wine list that celebrates low-intervention, sustainably produced wines.

Valley Bar + Bottle sommelier Kasraa Khosrowmanesh, Sonoma April 5, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat) — Valley Bar + Bottle sommelier Kasraa Khosrowmanesh. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

A certified sommelier, Khosrowmanesh developed a close friendship with Valley’s owners when they worked together at Sonoma’s Scribe Winery.

“I thought it was the best restaurant in Sonoma County before I began working there, and I still do,” says Khosrowmanesh. “The owners have created a food menu that stays dynamic according to the season, but with a common thread that makes it feel cohesive. It’s such a special little place.”

Khosrowmanesh sources the restaurant’s 75-bottle wine list and small retail selection. About onethird of the wines are produced domestically, while two-thirds are sourced from Europe or beyond.

“My job is to be cognizant of what people enjoy while also introducing them to new wines,” says Khosrowmanesh.

A glass of wine, he believes, is like a time capsule of what happened in that particular vineyard— everything from the weather to the soil to the field-workers who tended and picked the fruit.

“It’s easy to wax poetic about it, but there really is something magical about the way wine can transport you to a certain place and time. It’s truly sunshine in a glass.”

Three to try

Khosrowmanesh finds these wines particularly magical for early summer. His picks focus on family-owned Sonoma labels and are part of the wine list at Valley Bar + Bottle. 487 First St. W., Sonoma. 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com

Ryme Cellars, 2021 Fiano, Rancho Coda, Russian River Valley

“Grown on a vineyard perched 1,000 feet above sea level. The position above the fog line results in a crisp, refreshing and food-friendly bottle.

White peach tea and honeysuckle with mineral, textured mouthfeel. A gorgeous example of this variety’s potential within the county.”

Lotis, 2021 Vermentino, Las Brisas Vineyard, Carneros

“This wine was all I wanted to drink last summer. Whole-cluster, coolclimate Vermentino from a site at the end of the Petaluma wind gap. Laserfocused acidity, key lime, and crushed seashells.”

Darling Wines, 2021 Pinot Noir, Turnstone Vineyard, Sebastopol Hills, Sonoma Coast

“This is Thomas Darling’s newest wine and possibly his best. Whole-cluster Pinot Noir grown 10 miles from the Pacific. Beautifully balanced with juicy, concentrated cherry fruit. Fragrantly spiced and ethereal.”

‘Big West Wine Fest’ Brings First Natural Wine Festival to Sonoma County

June 2023

By Tina Caputo

Geneva Melby, who pours a glass of wine, and Ryan Miller will open The Redwood, a natural wine bar, in Sebastopol in late 2022. (The Redwood)

There’s a new wine festival in town and it’s only natural. Literally.

On June 24, makers and fans of low-intervention wines will converge on Guerneville for Big West Wine Fest: a Natural Wine Festival for Sonoma County. Along with local food vendors and live music, the inaugural event will feature more than 45 local wine producers dedicated to Earth-friendly farming methods and minimalist winemaking practices.

Conceived with a relaxed, intimate vibe in mind, Big West Wine Fest will take place in a grove of redwood trees at Solarpunk Farms, a queer-run experimental farm property 1 mile from Guerneville’s downtown hub.

Big West’s walk-around tasting format may feel familiar, yet the wines will be anything but the usual suspects. Instead, attendees can expect to find wines made in a variety of styles, from grape varieties not commonly found in Sonoma County vineyards.

Among the participating vintners are many standouts in California’s natural wine scene, including Two Shepherds Wine, Little Trouble, Emme Wines, Bedrock Wine Co., Leo Steen, Scribe and Martha Stoumen.

Photo by ALLAN ZEPEDA — Scribe Winery is among the participating wineries at the Big West Wine Fest in Guerneville. (Allan Zepeda/Scribe Winery)

Food vendors will include Marla Bakery — set to take over the former Miracle Plum space in Railroad Square — along with local caterer Dim Sum and Then Some, and The Redwood, a new natural-wine bar and restaurant in Sebastopol.

“We were seeing so many awesome small wine projects popping up in Sonoma County, and I felt like the wines didn’t have enough places to be shared and enjoyed,” said Emily Weber, who co-founded Big West Wine Fest with Nina Kravetz.

Weber met Kravetz, the marketing director at Martha Stoumen Wines in Sebastopol, while working at Miracle Plum. When the Santa Rosa gourmet market and wine shop closed in early 2023, Weber and Kravetz saw an opportunity to showcase the natural wines Miracle Plum had championed.

“We wanted to create a space that celebrates these kinds of wines in Sonoma County, where they’re being produced,” Weber said.

What the producers share, she explained, is a commitment to growing grapes using practices such as organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming, as well as low-intervention winemaking.

“All of the producers we’ve invited are making very few manipulations in the cellar,” Weber said, from foregoing fining and filtration to utilizing native yeasts for fermentation.

The end result is distinct from the highly polished wines many people are accustomed to, and that’s just what Big West Wine Fest seeks to highlight. Tickets for the kid-friendly event are now available at $50 per person, not including food.

Big West Wine Fest, Solarpunk Farms, 15015 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, bigwestwinefest.com

New Restaurant Goldfinch Is Stealing Hearts in Sebastopol

June 2023

By Heather Irwin

Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Walking into Goldfinch restaurant in Sebastopol feels a little like cheating.

The former occupant, K & L Bistro, was a hardworking, beloved community restaurant that somehow managed to elevate simple dishes into Michelin-worthy meals. It was always there for us, with strong martinis and French onion soup.

When K & L owners Karen and Lucas Martin closed the restaurant in 2022, it was a tough goodbye, the end of a lovely culinary relationship.

Less than a year later, Goldfinch has taken its place. And it’s already stealing hearts.

Crispy Fried Calamari with smoked chili remoulade and shaved parm from Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Lime Cured Shrimp with avocado, cucumber, jicama and cilantro from Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The new restaurant is part of the in-progress Livery on Main project in downtown Sebastopol. Upon completion later this year, it will also include a food hall, event and coworking space operated by Farm to Coast Collective, a subsidiary of local development company the Beale Group.

The interior of Goldfinch, first off, got a stunning makeover with open wicker pendant lights casting a golden glow above cozy tall-back booths. The exposed brick walls and banquette of K & L remain, but the tablecloths and carpet are long gone.

It feels younger and fresher, a place for dates, with plenty on the menu anyone can enjoy. The drinks are just as strong, the staff just as experienced and the large open kitchen (with bar seating) is just plain sexy.

Chef Rodrigo Mendoza’s (formerly of Willi’s Seafood and Charro Negro) dishes are organized into Bites, Small Shareable plates and Large Shareable plates. It’s a similar format to the new Redwood wine bar nearby, which serves small-plate and main dishes to go with its natural wines.

Whole Grilled Bronzino with a side of Broccoli Tabbouleh and homemade pickles from Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Co-owner Nick Izzarelli serves up a plate of oysters to patrons at the Goldfinch bar Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Fire Roasted Beets with caramelized yoghurt, pistachios and quick pickled onion from Goldfinch restaurant Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Bites are $8, including focaccia pull-apart rolls with rosemary and a simple dish of cracked cucumber with tart yuzu vinegar.

Stock up on the Small Shareables ($12 to $18) like fire-roasted beets with sweet caramelized yogurt, pistachios and pickled onions ($15). Pan-seared asparagus (a seasonal offering) is cooked perfectly, with creamy yuzu miso mayonnaise and fluttering bonito flakes ($13).

Most smaller plates are plant-focused, like grilled maitake mushrooms with risotto ($18), zucchini with burrata ($15) or heirloom carrots with honey and garbanzo purée ($13).

Larger entrees are meant to share, and entrees like the vegetarian ricotta tortellini with fava beans, peas and asparagus in a delicata squash purée ($22) are as beautiful as they are delicious. The roasted lamb kofta with shakshuka and preserved lemon was flavorful, despite the kofta being a bit overcooked ($28).

The cocktail menu ($14 each) is a little heavy on rum, bourbon and whiskey, but lighter drinks, such as the Fizz Fuzz with tequila and orange flower water, are summery quenchers. The wine list is thoughtful, though not wildly imaginative, with decent by-the-glass pours.

The restaurant opened in late May, so falling madly in love with Goldfinch feels a little premature. But we’re certainly ready for a second date.

135 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-827-9800, goldfinchsebastopol.com

Steakhouse, Asian Pop-Up Coming to Healdsburg

June 2023

By Heather Irwin

The Charlie Hustle fried chicken sandwich from Jam’s Joy Bungalow in Cotati and Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Jamilah Nixon-Mathis)

On Plaza Street in downtown Healdsburg, there’s a lot of action these days. The on-again, off-again Burdock Bar (107 Plaza St.), “temporarily closed” since late 2022, will reopen Monday, June 5, as a pop-up spot for chef Jamilah Nixon-Mathis.

Known for her Southeast Asian fusion dishes she sells through her Jam’s Joy Bungalow food truck and retail locations (101 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati and 150 Weeks Way, Sebastopol), Nixon-Mathis is bringing her Joy Bungalow menu to Burdock for takeout and to Duke’s Spirited Cocktails next door (111 Plaza St.).

Watch for longtime favorites like the mouth-bending Charlie Hustle & Hot Mama fried chicken sandwiches, banh mi and fried chicken skins. New items will include specials like Nixon-Mathis’ Crying Tiger steak frites and mochi fried oyster mushrooms.

Pop-up service begins on Tuesday, June 6, in conjunction with the weekly Tuesdays on the Plaza music events (running through late August). The pop-up also will be open 1 to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday through September.

The collaboration with Duke’s Spirited Cocktails, owned by winemaker Bill Foley’s entertainment group, will “bring our unique and affordable food to downtown Healdsburg,” Nixon-Mathis said.

Burdock formerly provided food to Duke’s, but the relaxed, munchie-friendly Jam’s Joy Bungalow menu feels like a much better fit. Nixon-Mathis will operate independently of Duke’s and the Foley organization.

Meanwhile, Goodnight’s Bourbon + Chop House will open this summer at 113 Plaza St., another Foley-owned property. The much-anticipated steakhouse promises to be “a local pioneer in a new frontier of classic Western-styling dining experiences,” according to the website. The restaurant is named for Texas Ranger Charles Goodnight, the inventor of the chuck wagon.

New chef at The Madrona: Chef Patrick Tafoya has been named executive chef at The Madrona following the departure of longtime toque Jesse Mallgren. Tafoya most recently was executive estate chef at Round Pond Estate in Rutherford. He has worked at the Duck Club and owned a restaurant called P/30 in Sebastopol, which closed in 2011. Stay tuned for an interview with Tafoya and his visions for the revitalized Healdsburg restaurant and inn.

Don’t Take It Off the Menu: 37 Dishes Locals Can’t Live Without

June 2023

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Truffle fries from Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (Willi’s Wine Bar)

If they ever took the truffle fries off the menu at Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa, we’d lose our minds. Same with the fig salad at Sonoma’s The Girl and The Fig or the scallops en croute at Healdsburg’s Valette.

We asked our readers what local dishes they can’t live without. Read below to find out what they said and click through the above gallery for a peek at the dishes.

Santa Rosa

Curried Crab Tacos and Truffle Fries at Willi’s Wine Bar. 1415 Town and Country Drive, 707-526-3096, starkrestaurants.com

Everything Greens and fried oysters at Bird & The Bottle. 1055 Fourth St., 707-568-4000, birdandthebottle.com

Neoclassic Buffalo Wings and Truffle Fries at Jackson’s Bar & Oven. 135 Fourth St., 707-545-6900, jacksonsbarandoven.com

Rainbow Avocado Toast (among the best in the county) at Brew. 555 Healdsburg Ave., 707-303-7372, brewcoffeeandbeer.com

Rainbow toast at Brew in Santa Rosa, one of the best Sonoma County restaurant dishes of 2017. Heather Irwin/PD — Rainbow toast at Brew in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

best local dishes at El Coqui — An employee of El Coqui takes plates to guests in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Chef Jackie Roman credits her culinary skills to her mother and grandmother’s cooking. From left, bacalaito, rear center, cubano sandwich, front center, canoa con carne molida, right, a sandwich containing Puerto Rican-seasoned and marinated chicken thighs, served with plantains. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Sandwich Cubano, Pollo Al Horno, Empanadas (rocky-style) and Canoas at El Coqui. 400 Mendocino Ave., 707-542-8868, elcoqui2eat.com

Tri Tip Sandwich at Canevari’s Delicatessen. 695 Lewis Road, 707-545-6941, canevarisdeli.com

Conchinita en Pibil at Delicias Elenitas. 816 Sebastopol Road, 707-575-7021, deliciaselenita.site

Tacos Al Pastor at Taqueria Molcajetes. 1195 W. College Ave., 707-544-8280

Gnocchi at Ca’ Bianca Ristorante Italiano. 835 Second St., 707-542-5800, cabianca.com

Maccabi Bowl with farro tabouleh, falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, beet & walnut dip, olives, mixed greens, whole wheat crisps from Matt Spector, chef and owner of Zoftig Eatery in Santa Rosa. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The Maccabi Salad at Zoftig Eatery. 57 Montgomery Drive, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Duck Fat Fries at Beer Baron. 614 Fourth St., 707-757-9294, beerbaronsr.com

Petaluma

Tuna Melt Piadina at Della Fattoria in Petaluma. 143 Petaluma Blvd. N., 707-763-0161, dellafattoria.com

The fried chicken sandwich, brisket and ribs at Brewsters Beer Garden. 229 Water St., 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com

The Gordo Macho Burrito at taqueria Mi Pueblo. 800 Petaluma Blvd. N., 707-762-8192, eatmipueblopetaluma.com; 108 Kentucky St., 707-769-9066, eatmipuebloelcentro.com

Swedish Meatballs at Stockhome restaurant. 220 Western Ave., 707-981-8511, stockhomerestaurant.com

Meatballs and mashed potatoes at Stockhomeis one of best local dishes — Meatballs and mashed potatoes at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Courtesy of newrevmedia.com)

The bruschetta trio at Sugo Trattoria in Petaluma. (Courtesy Sugo Trattoria)

The bruschetta at Sugo Trattoria. 5 Petaluma Blvd. S., Suite B, 707-782-9298, sugotrattoria.com

The Pizza Bianco at Central Market. 42 Petaluma Blvd. N., 707-778-9900, centralmarketpetaluma.com

The BBQ Chicken Plate at What a Chicken. 706 E. Washington St., 707-971-7549

The Joint – aka “the biggest damn hot cake you ever did see” – at Sax’s Joint. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com

Sonoma

Fig Salad at the girl & the fig. 110 W. Spain St., 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Ahi Tacos, Nachos Verde, Mole Enchiladas, Seafood Cocktail and Fish Tacos at El Molino Central. 11 Central Ave., 707-939-1010, elmolinocentral.com

Ahi Tuna Tartare and Truffle Fries at El Dorado Kitchen. 405 First St. W., 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com/el-dorado-kitchen

Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Fettuccine at Mary’s Pizza on the Sonoma Plaza. 8 West Spain St., 707-938-8300, maryspizzashack.com

Glen Ellen

Brussels Sprouts at Glen Ellen Star, prepared in a wood fired oven. 13648 Arnold Drive, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com

Windsor

Fried Chicken and Hushpuppies at Sweet T’s Restaurant + Bar. 9098 Brooks Road S., 707-687-5185, sweettssouthern.com

Healdsburg

Scallop En Croute and Ahi Poke at Valette. 344 Center St., 707-473-0946, valettehealdsburg.com

Scampi at Baci Café and Wine Bar. 336 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-8111, bacicafeandwinebar.com

Geyserville

Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli’s. 21047 Geyserville Ave., 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com

Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli's is one of the best local dishes — Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli’s in Geyserville. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)

Salsiccia Pizza and house-cured Salami and Cheese at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria. 21021 Geyserville Ave., 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com

Graton

Polenta and Egg Salad at Willow Wood Market Cafe. 9020 Graton Road, 707-823-0233, willowwoodgraton.com

Sebastopol

Mocha Shake at Screamin’ Mimi’s Ice Cream. 6902 Sebastopol Ave., 707-823-5902, screaminmimisicecream.com

How to Celebrate Pride Month in Sonoma County

June 2023

By Elissa Torres

Kevin Witham, center, waves a pride flag as and other Sutter Health Santa Rosa employees participate in the Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa, California, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Pride Month is here and in Sonoma County there are several ways to celebrate the diversity, resilience and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Recognized nationwide in June, Pride Month provides an opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and its allies to come together and celebrate. It is also a significant period for fostering acceptance, promoting equal rights and raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.

Local events include drag performances, wine events, dance shows, pool parties, parades and more. Some events will dedicate a portion of the money raised back into the community for local LGBTQ+ nonprofits and services.

Here’s a roundup of events through the end of June:

Thursday, June 1

Pride Event in the Sonoma Plaza: To kick off the first day of Pride Month, an extra flag will be raised over Sonoma City Hall to honor the Valley’s LGBTQ+ community. The public is invited to take part in the Sonoma Valley Pride Flag Raising Ceremony with Mayor Sandra Lowe, who will be welcoming attendees. There will also be a procession around the square. Free. 5:30 p.m. 453 First St. E, Sonoma. pdne.ws/3Mz7MOF

Friday, June 2

Pride Movie Night on Old Courthouse Square: Grab a blanket, your low-back lawn chairs and order dinner from a downtown Santa Rosa restaurant for an outdoor showing of the LGBTQ+ favorite, “Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” The event is hosted by Jan Wahl. It’s open seating and Pride Bar opens at 6 p.m. The movie starts at 7 p.m. Free. 6 p.m. 600 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/428hs8o

Friday, June 2

Pride Fiesta “Al Cien”: This is a Latinx dance party with DJ Rotten Robbie at La Rosa Tequileria and Grill. The event is 21 and older. $20. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/3q6xsKV

Saturday, June 3

Sonoma County Pride 2023: The 38th annual Sonoma County Pride Celebration is three days worth of events and activities. The theme for the celebration is “Community,” which aims to honor how each person is a unique individual, yet united. Music and performances will be held throughout the event. The parade begins at noon in Old Courthouse Square. Free 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 600 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/435qlBe

The Sonoma County Pride Parade in Santa Rosa, California, on Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Alvin A. H. Jornada / The Press Democrat)

Saturday, June 3

GayDars’s Boogie Nights After Party: Join Lolita Hernandez and her radical drag sisters Aubrey D O’night, Deja More and Billie Jean Queen as they dazzle with a drag show at the Flamingo Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa.The queer dance party continues with the beats from DJ Lady Char and Luke Dice. There’s also a Studio 54 Lounge where attendees can groove to disco tunes under the mirror ball or chill out with divas of the 1970s. This event is 21 and older. $20. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/437tgt8

Saturday, June 3

Queer Pride Matinee Concert and Eli Conley Album Release at the Lost Church: Indie folk singer-songwriter Eli Conley and soulful self-proclaimed “queer Jewitch song-tender” Lauren Arrow are playing a Queer Pride Matinee Concert at the Lost Church in Santa Rosa. The show is all ages and wheelchair accessible. $15. 1-4 p.m. Between Ross Street and Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa (Use 427 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa for GPS). pdne.ws/43HHsZR

Saturday, June 3

Standing on Ceremony: Join the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center for a staged reading of “Standing on Ceremony” or “The Gay Marriage Plays,” a series of vignettes focused on marriage within the LGBTQ+ community. The show is recommended for those 13 and older. $10. 7:30 p.m. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. pdne.ws/3q6ZaYa

Sunday, June 4

Wigs and Waffle Drag Brunch: Graton Resort and Casino hosts Sonoma County Pride’s 2nd annual “Wigs and Waffles” Pride Brunch at 630 Park Steakhouse. The over-the-top and most fabulous brunch is hosted by Sonoma County native Mrs. Princess Panocha with Mary Vice and Kochina Rude. Guests may have to share tables. Show begins at 11 a.m. $85. 10:30 a.m. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park. pdne.ws/3q4lAsV

Sunday, June 4

Aqua Boogie Pool Party: Performances by Kiesza, Mo Heart and Crystal Waters at Graton Resort and Casino. DJs for the event are DJ John Parker, Luke Dice and Joe Gauthereaux. $35 and up. 1-6 p.m. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park. pdne.ws/3MpQRhi

Sunday, June 4

Queens in Wine Country Drag Brunch at Fairmont Sonoma: Enjoy a delicious brunch, celebratory cocktails and glittering live performances by some of the most fabulous Kings and Queens in the business including Bobby Friday, Kylie Minono, Mahlae Balenciaga and Hera Wynn. Tickets include a brunch buffet and a mimosa or Bloody Mary to get the party started. VIP ticket holders can enjoy all of the above plus bottomless mimosas. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Face2Face Sonoma County. This event is 21 and older. $89 or $139 for VIP. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma. pdne.ws/43mlf3L

Saturday, June 10

Love Wins in Windsor Pride Festival: The 2nd annual event celebrates identity, inclusivity, community and love at Windsor Town Green. Activities include a music festival, kid zone and street fair. Free. 2-8 p.m. 701 McClelland Dr., Windsor. pdne.ws/3MTXKJn

Saturday, June 10

LGBT Pool Party: Fountaingrove Lodge will host a pool party. Food and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to the event. Price: TBD. 1-4 p.m. 167 North High Street Sebastopol. pdne.ws/4344r12

Saturday, June 10

Phoenix Pride Benefit Showcase: The Phoenix Dance Team is putting on a community benefit performance in support and celebration of LGBTQ+ organizations in Sonoma County at the Californian. The event includes musical and drag performances by local performers, a dance party with DJ Danny D. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Sonoma County organizations that support the local LGBTQ+ community, including Positive Images and Translife Sonoma. $20 to $25. 7:30-11 p.m. 528 Seventh St., Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/3IGxTCm

Friday, June 9-Sunday, June 11

Out Watch Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival: All films will be shown at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol.

“Maybe Someday” will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday. The movie follows a non-binary photographer in her 40s who is battling depression as she attempts to move across the country amid a separation from her wife.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, “Wildhood” will be shown, a film that follows a teenager who lives with his toxic father and younger half-brother. The two brothers discover one of their mothers may still be alive and run away for a better life while reconnecting with their Indigenous heritage.

“Commitment of Life” will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday. It’s a true story of a group of people living with HIV/AIDS in early ‘80s Los Angeles and those who changed the course of the epidemic and saved lives.

“Unsettled” will be shown at 4 p.m. Sunday. The documentary shares stories of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers who have fled their home countries and have resettled in the U.S.

The festival will conclude Sunday with a 7 p.m. showing of “Big Boys,” a coming-of-age comedy about a teenage boy who falls for his cousin’s straight boyfriend while on a camping trip.

$15 for general admission and $13 for seniors 65 and older. 6858 McKinley St., Sebastopol. pdne.ws/3IGtaAl

Saturday, June 17

Pride Open Mic Night: The festivities will include up-and-coming drag queens ready to strut their stuff on the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center stage. The event is hosted by Nathanya Neurotica. Bring your dollar bills and come support the acts. $10. 7:40-9:45 p.m. 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. pdne.ws/43xW1it

Wednesday, June 21

Queer Art Club: Every third Wednesday of the month, the Sonoma Community Center hosts a safe and inclusive space for teens ages 10-17 to find their artistic voice through radical self-expression. Each month they explore a new art theme, including a demonstration from a professional artist and all the materials needed to make the project. This club offers an artistic community of inclusion for all identities of gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity. Register in advance. $5 to $25 (suggested donations). 6-8 p.m. pdne.ws/3MxA5x0

Thursday, July 1

Pride Night: Transcendence Theatre Company is celebrating Pride with the performance of the “Beat Goes On” under the stars at Belos Cavalos Ranch. It’s an evening where LGBTQIA+ folks and allies come together to showcase their pride. Attendees can enjoy a pre-show picnic with vendors, including signature cocktails, performances, specialty provisions and more. A portion of all wine and beverage sales will be donated to Face2Face, Positive Images and local participating LGBTQ+ nonprofits. $45 to $180. 5 p.m. 687 Campagna Lane, Kenwood. pdne.ws/3MUHWGb

Friday, July 14-Sunday, July 16

Gay Wine Weekend: The three-day annual event makes a move to the Russian River Valley and Healdsburg wine region of Sonoma County, with all-new venues, wineries and restaurants. Proceeds benefit Face2Face, ending HIV in Sonoma County. $40 to $950. Location: TBD. pdne.ws/434AZYV

Friday, July 21

Queens and Kings Drag Night at Epicenter: Poppy Bank Epicenter in Santa Rosa will be shutting down Victory House and Chuck’s Bowling Bar early for the event hosted by Danny D of Resonance Entertainment. There will be drag performances by queens and kings, dancing and queeraoke. Chuck’s Bowling Bar will offer specials on bowling during the event. Event organizers suggest bringing dollar bills to tip the performers. This event is 21 and older. $10. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa. pdne.ws/45BiDk2

Monday, July 31-Monday, Aug. 7

Lazy Bear Week 2023: A fundraising event featuring the biggest, hairiest, beefiest, burliest, craziest, laziest guys around. Lazy Bear Fund Inc. puts on one of the largest and most successful “bear” gatherings in the world. For over 25 years they have entertained thousands in Guerneville during their annual event. Attendees enjoy pool parties, dance parties, campfires, live entertainment and DJs. All events are ages 21 and older. All of the profits for the event go to charity. The organization has raised over $2.2 million for worthy causes. $200. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. pdne.ws/3oqdjzd

Guide to Sonoma County Summer Festivals 2023

June 2023

By Maci Martell

Summer is unofficially here, now that we’ve passed Memorial Day. And while in the last few years, some of our beloved local festivals and events have struggled to adapt to changing conditions yet keep crowds coming, it seems this summer most if not all of the longstanding events, and newer ones, have returned.

We’ve gathered a list of 17 of the most prominent in Sonoma County, covering country music to food and wine. So make plans to get out with your friends, your kids or anyone else ready to enjoy long days and entertainment outdoors.

Many events have special discount pricing for early-bird tickets, which could run out fast.

Music

Railroad Square Music Festival: After a two-year hiatus, the Railroad Square Music Festival returned last year and is back again June 11 in Santa Rosa, with a lineup of Bay Area artists and family-friendly activities. The diverse lineup of nearly 30 acts includes local talent such as Banda La Congora, Tru Lyric, Sebastian Saint James, The Musers, Damion Square and Brittany Aquamarine. The event is free and entirely volunteer-run. At Santa Rosa Railroad Square off Fourth Street, railroadsquaremusicfestival.com

Country Summer Music Festival: This three-day country music extravaganza June 16-18 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds will feature more than 20 artists — including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Ella Langley, Halle Kearns and Lewis Brice. Single-day, two-day and three-day passes are available online, ranging from $99-$269, plus VIP add-ons and parking passes. 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-837-3921, countrysummer.com

Healdsburg Jazz Festival: The 25th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival will be a nine-day celebration of jazz, past and present, from June 17-25. Concerts will feature locally and nationally known jazz artists, including Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, John Santos, Stella Heath’s Billie Holiday Project and more. Concert tickets can be purchased online and range from $25-$500 (including VIP passes). Various locations in Healdsburg, healdsburgjazz.org

Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series: Rodney Strong Vineyards and Luther Burbank Center for the Arts will present the 31st annual Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series all summer long, featuring Grammy-winning artists. The lineup includes Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin starting at 6 p.m. on June 17; The Wood Brothers and ZZ Ward at 5 p.m. on July 15; Chris Isaak at 5 p.m. on July 30; and Larkin Poe at 5 p.m. on Aug. 26. Tickets range from $59 to $125 and can be purchased online at lutherburbankcenter.org, by phone at 707-546-3600 or in person at the Luther Burbank Center box office at 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. The concerts are held at Rodney Strong Vineyards, 11455 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg. 707-431-1533, rodneystrong.com/summer-concert-series

Petaluma Music Festival: The 16th annual Petaluma Music Festival featuring more than a dozen bands kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on July 29 at Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Local food and merchandise vendors will be on site as well as an artist booth for meet-and-greet sessions. General admission is $60, tickets for students 13-17 are $25 and children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. VIP tickets are $169 and include a shaded seating section and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Tickets will be available starting June 16 at The Next Record Store in Santa Rosa or at McNear’s Restaurant in Petaluma. All proceeds benefit music education programs at Petaluma public schools. Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, petalumamusicfestival.org

Cotati Accordion Festival: Cotati’s annual Accordion Festival will have more than 30 artists playing accordion-centric music, from polka to zydeco, on Aug. 19-20 at La Plaza Park. Tickets can be purchased online and range from $17-$32. Kids 15 and under enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. La Plaza Park, Cotati, 707-664-0444, cotatifest.com

Food-centric

Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market: Santa Rosa’s popular summer Wednesday Night Market series brings together local vendors and bands from 5-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Aug. 9. Live concerts are free to attend and a range of vendors sell food, drinks, art, clothes and more. A kids space is available with games, exhibits and interactive activities. Fourth Street and Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, wednesdaynightmarket.org

Beerfest — The Good One: Sonoma County’s beer festival will offer tastings from more than 40 Northern California breweries and cideries from 1-4:30 p.m. on June 10 at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Net proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Face2Face, supporting people living with HIV. Tickets are $50-$65 and can be purchased on EventBrite. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, f2f.org/beerfest

North Coast Wine and Food Festival: Celebrate the best of the region’s wine and cuisine at this festival sponsored by The Press Democrat and featuring 25 top local chefs and 90 award-winning wines, from 1-4 p.m. on June 17 at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. General admission is $95 per person, and designated driver tickets are $50 per person. VIP tickets are $160 per person and include early entrance at noon and access to the VIP Lounge. Purchase tickets online or in person at the Luther Burbank Center box office. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, 707-521-5231, northcoastwineandfood.com

Taste of Sonoma: The Sonoma County Vintners presents the Taste of Sonoma wine and food festival at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens from noon to 4 p.m. June 24. Guests can taste wines from more than 100 wineries, eat at food trucks (included in the ticket price) and attend guided wine seminars and garden tours. General admission is $200 until June 23 and $220 on the day of the event. VIP admission — which includes access to the VIP Club Reserve area, a wellness spa lounge and a special wine and food pairing — is $245 until June 23 and $265 on the day of the event. Purchase tickets and add-on experiences on EventBrite. 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, tasteofsonoma.com

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival: The 27th annual Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival will feature live entertainment, kids activities, local cuisine, wine and beer tastings and a craft and fine-art marketplace. The weekend event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Watts Ranch in Bodega. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Tickets for seniors, military and first responders are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets for youth ages 12-18 are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, and children under 12 enter free. Part of the proceeds will benefit Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods. 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega, bodegaseafoodfestival.com

County fairs, arts and crafts

Sonoma County Pride: A month of pride activities is in store for the county, with the main festival kicking off at noon Saturday, June 3, in downtown Santa Rosa on Courthouse Square. The 38th annual Sonoma County Pride Celebration will include live music, exhibits, local vendors, a pride artwalk and a pre-festival pride parade from 11 a.m. to noon along Fourth Street and Mendocino Avenue. The festival is free to attend; check online for more information on other ticketed Pride Month events. 2665 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, sonomacountypride.org

Head West Marketplace: The Head West outdoor marketplace features live music, food, dozens of local merchants and community booths one weekend each month through December at The Barlow in Sebastopol. The kid- and pet-friendly marketplace is free to attend, with food, drinks and merchandise available for purchase. Summer dates are June 10-11, July 8-9, Aug. 12-13 and Sept. 9-10. 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, headwestmarketplace.com

Sonoma-Marin Fair: The Sonoma-Marin Fair, from June 21-25, will feature live concerts, carnival rides, exhibits, a junior horse show and Petaluma’s trademark World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, plus local food and merchandise vendors. Gate admission is $22 for people ages 13-64 and $15 for seniors (65 and older) and children ages 4 to 12. Tickets can be purchased online. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, 707-283-3247, sonoma-marinfair.org

Rivertown Revival: Petaluma’s 12th annual Rivertown Revival will celebrate community and the surrounding river at Steamer Landing on July 22-23. The festival will include water activities, live local music, food and drinks, interactive art and a children’s play area. Tickets range from $5-$40 and can be purchased online. Steamer Landing Park, Copeland Street, Petaluma, rivertownrevival.com

Sonoma County Fair: This year’s county fair is a Jurassic jubilee that will have animatronic dinosaurs, carnival rides, live concerts, a flower show, the NorCal Brew Fest, rodeos and horse races, a monster truck derby and more, from Aug. 3-13. General admission is $15 for people 13 and older and $12 for children ages 6-12. Fair tickets can be purchased online, including tickets for specific events. 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-4203, sonomacountyfair.com

Gravenstein Apple Fair: The 50th anniversary of Sebastopol’s renowned Gravenstein Apple Fair will be a weekend full of lively fair fun and apple treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 12-13, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. Festivities will include live music, apple-themed contests, kids activities, farm exhibits, local vendors and all the apple foods you can eat, down Apple Alley. Advance general admission tickets are $23 for adults and kids 13 and older, $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and younger. Purchase tickets online. Ragle Ranch Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol, 707-837-8896, gravensteinapplefair.com

Gary Saperstein’s Favorite Places in Sonoma County

May 2023

By Karen Kizer

“When was the last time you were dancing in a vineyard?”

That’s the question Gary Saperstein of Sonoma’s Out in The Vineyard likes to ask when describing the events of Gay Wine Weekend, which he puts on each summer. Wine is poured, dancing bursts out, and positive community vibes overflow. Events have featured an aerialist pouring wine while hanging from a sphere, stilt walkers in light-up fantastical costumes, and a drag queen jumping onto the brunch table.

All fun and flourishes aside, the events raise crucial funds—over $500,000 to date—for Face to Face, a nonprofit supporting HIV-positive Sonoma residents, and Positive Images, which works with LGBTQ+ teens.

Saperstein likes to support the brands “that think outside of Pride month and want to communicate with and engage with the community.” He adds that when companies raise money for LGBTQ+ causes, “we know they’re being authentic about it. Over the years, more and more wineries are doing that… You don’t have to put the rainbow flag on your website,” he advises.

“Images go a long way. If you can show two men or two women or an interracial couple, that speaks volumes to people. It means you recognize us, recognize us as people.”

Click through the above gallery to see some of Gary Saperstein’s favorite places in Sonoma County.

To Taste the Best Beer in Sonoma, Join the ‘Drink Fresh’ Movement

May 2023

By Tina Caputo

Jake Nichols, left, and Cassidy Barber, both of Rohnert Park, toast each other with some brews during HenHouse Brewing Company’s Freshtival beer festival at SOMO Village Event Center in Rohnert Park. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)

At a typical beer festival, the focus is mainly on presenting a variety of tasty brews — some local, others from farther-flung locations. But last month, at SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, a Sonoma County brewery hosted a different kind of event.

At HenHouse Brewing’s “Freshtival,” every beer served was less than one week old. The fest brought together more than 50 California brewers, including more than a dozen from Sonoma County — all disciples of a growing “drink fresh” movement.

“Freshness is as important a quality factor as anything that happens in the brew house,” explained Sayre Piotrkowski, brand manager for HenHouse Brewing. “Time, temperature and travel have the ability to drastically transform the way your beer tastes.”

Toasting fresh beer at the 2023 Freshtival_courtesy HenHouse Brewing — Toasting fresh beer at Henhouse Brewing Company’s 2023 Freshtival in Rohnert Park. (Henhouse Brewing Company)

Some of the 130 different beers brewed by Henhouse Brewing Co. in the past year. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Beer that is exposed to warm temperatures in transit or at a retail location may take on a cardboard-like flavor, he said, or it simply might not taste as good as it did when it left the brewery. This kind of degradation is a problem for craft brewers that obsess about every detail from hop selection to yeasts to mash temperatures.

“All these things have very subtle impacts on the way the beer tastes and particularly on hop aroma, which is the principal character driver in our most popular beers,” said Piotrkowski.

When beer starts to break down, he added, “It won’t be world class, so we’re fighting the fight to make sure consumers don’t have to go and purchase their beer directly from a brewery. You shouldn’t have to make any extra effort to encounter beer the way the brewer intended.”

Brewers take control

In pursuit of optimum freshness, Sonoma County brewers such as HenHouse are now opting to self-distribute their beers via refrigerated trucks and restrict sales to local outlets. HenHouse started out delivering its beers in a converted ice cream truck and now has a fleet of 10 temperature-controlled vehicles. Barrel Brothers in Windsor will even deliver beer by the can or keg directly to consumers in a refrigerated truck.

“The main thing that a brewery can do is keep the beer cold,” said Piotrkowski. “Now, we’re taking some steps to make sure the other [human] links in the chain between us and the end consumer are being educated and encouraged to do the right thing.”

That includes selling only to retailers that ensure that the beer is kept cold from the minute it arrives in their stores. Likewise, sales representatives monitor order sizes to make sure accounts are not bringing in more beer than they can sell during its freshness window.

The brewery also prints a “best by” date on its cans, which has become a trend among many local brewers, and offers a quality app that lets customers know when the beer they’re purchasing is in its prime.

How to find the freshest beer

While buying beer directly at the brewery or taproom is the most reliable path to fresh beer, there are other ways that beer lovers can avoid buying past-their-prime brews.

“If the beer is outside of a cooler, don’t even look at it,” Piotrkowski advised. “That says a lot about that retailer’s regard for you as a customer and what they feel you deserve. Number two, always check the best-buy date.” (Typically, craft beers should be consumed within 60 days of production.)

Buying local, rather than purchasing brands with national distribution, is another key strategy for buying beer at its best, he said.

“When I go to Los Angeles, I drink different coffee than I do at home and I’m excited to do so. That should be your relationship to beer,” said Piotrkowski. “The beer you drink every day, the beer that you purchase when you go to the grocery store, should be made around the corner.”

Dustin Dodgen, who works in sales and brewery operations at Barrel Brothers, agrees that hometown brews have an advantage. “That’s definitely the best way to get the freshest beer,” he says. “Sometimes the hops are hand-selected from local farms and the flavors are so much more intense and tropical.”

Eric Grimes pours a glass of Atlas Blonde Ale at Fogbelt Brewing Companys Fogbelt Station in Healdsburg on Friday, August 12, 2022. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat) — Eric Grimes pours a glass of Atlas Blonde Ale at Fogbelt Brewing Company’s Fogbelt Station in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Three ‘freshness first’ breweries

Seeking out brewers that have made a commitment to freshness is another good strategy, and there are plenty to choose from in Sonoma County. Here are three of our favorite local breweries to seek out at your favorite beer shop or restaurant, or to visit in person.

HenHouse Brewing

The brewery started out in Petaluma in 2013 making just two beers: a coriander-scented saison and a stout brewed with local oysters. HenHouse has since expanded to a larger production facility and taproom in Santa Rosa and will open a sleek new gastropub in Fairfax in June. Along with the original oyster stout, HenHouse now offers a range of fun IPAs and other well-crafted brews.

Fogbelt Brewing Company

Expressing a sense of place is Fogbelt’s jam; the brewery uses locally grown hops and names its brews for California’s coastal redwood trees. Flagship brews include a tasty trio of IPAs (try the piney Del Norte), as well as the Atlas Blonde and Sapling Crushable Ale. The brewery operates a cozy taproom in Santa Rosa and a mini beer garden in Healdsburg.

Old Caz

Based in Rohnert Park, Old Caz gets its name from Old Cazadero Road, a forested path in west Sonoma County that connects the towns of Guerneville and Cazadero. Beers are similarly Sonoma focused, from the Acreage IPA to the Cavedale Porter. Stop into the taproom to sample beer flights and pick up some cans to go.

For more like-minded brewers in Sonoma County and beyond, see the list of 2023 Freshtival participants.