We’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Sonoma County — everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito.

To settle this once and for all, we’ve created the ultimate guide to the best burritos in Sonoma County — from the obvious to the undiscovered, including one that weighs 8 pounds. Along with our opinions, we’ve included direct quotes from Bite Club readers and foodies who responded to our callout for “the best burritos in Sonoma County.”

Sonoma

Juanita Juanita: Go for the Garlic Garlic Burrito and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” said Tony. Their Super Burrito is a favorite among locals; the next level up is the Big Ranch and the Super, grilled and topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com

La Bamba Taco Truck: Locals swear this is the ultimate nighttime spot for tacos and some of the best burritos the town of Sonoma has to offer. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cash only. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. Find them on Instagram.

Santa Rosa

Chelino’s: Chelino’s Super Wet Burrito is as flavorful as it is filling. Readers recommend carne asada for this large burrito, which is topped with a spicy verde sauce or a rich mole. 1079 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-7478, chelinosrestaurant.com

Cielito Lindo: “We ordered burritos (the super chicken burrito and a carnitas burrito),” said Elisa O. “They were both huge — stuffed with a lot of fresh deliciousness! We will definitely go again!” Come for the burritos and stay for the birria tacos and fresh ceviche. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070. Find them on Instagram.

Delicias Elenita Taco Truck: Authentic Mexican food served under the stars makes Delicias Elenita a fiesta after dark. “Their super steak burrito is not only mouthwateringly delicious, but is also cheap and affordable,” said Paul. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. Find them on Facebook.

El Patio: “Burritos and breakfast burritos are probably some of the best in our great city of Santa Rosa,” said Brooks. “My burrito was practically the size of a brick,” said Ricardo, who ordered the Pork Chile Verde Super Burrito. “They did not skimp on anything, including the star of the show, which was the pork.” 425 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, elpatio1.com; 901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-2222, elpatio2.com

La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. It is enough for two people and then some,” said Bite Club reader PepperHead. 590 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210, lapalapamexicanrestaurant.com

La Fondita: This downtown cantina brings the fiesta (and some of the best burritos in Sonoma County) to downtown Santa Rosa. The shrimp burrito is awesome, along with the Mole burrito. La Fondita is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881

Los Arcos: Los Arcos receives high praise from Facebook fans for its satisfying meat, egg and potato-stuffed breakfast burritos, with the chorizo breakfast burrito among the most highly recommended. The McDougall Deluxe Burrito is a great veggie option. 1791 Marlow Road, Suite 6, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858, losarcosrestaurantsr.com

Los Tres Chiles: The grande burrito is like the super wet burrito, but bigger. Made with a 14-inch tortilla and stuffed with, well, everything, this burrito can easily last for two filling meals. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com

Taqueria El Favorito: If you’re looking for Mission-style burritos, head to El Favorito on Sebastopol Road. “Get the super burrito al pastor,” said Crystal. “I would show you a pic, but I ate it with the voracity of a honey badger eating a cobra. Sorry.” 565 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444

Taqueria Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Avenue is a sleeper but popular among authentic Mexican street-food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and al pastor burritos are go-to choices. “It is HUGE and packed with perfectly tender and flavorful asada, refried beans, rice, avocado, sour cream and salsa with a hint of fresh lime juice,” said Walt about the Super Burrito with carne asada. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091

Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig’s Korean BBQ Burrito is a food truck mashup stuffed with Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed ground beef, kimchi, daikon, avocado and short-grain brown rice wrapped in a tortilla. It’s rib-sticking and hearty — not for dainty eaters. Our never-quite-full-enough digital editor gives it a thumbs up. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Rohnert Park

Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known for its pupusas, but readers really love the burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” said Brent. The Camarones Tropical Burrito with sautéed prawns, homemade Spanish rice and fresh tropical mango salsa is pretty delish, too. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com

Cotati

Galvan’s Beer Garden: Opened earlier this year in time for the Super Bowl, the game-day hangout by local food-truck favorite Galvan’s Eatery offers a variety of burritos alongside its popular quesabirria and carne asada fries. Also, find the pop-up food truck at local breweries such as Parliament, Old Caz Beer, Cooperage Brewing, Lagunitas and Petaluma’s HenHouse. 500 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati. instagram.com/galvanseatery

Petaluma

Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa, tomatoes, refried beans and guacamole, gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce.” The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho; the Gordo triples it. Also found in Cotati (at 7384 Commerce Blvd.). 800 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, eatmipueblopetaluma.com; 108 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-769-9066, eatmipuebloelcentro.com

Chunky’s Taqueria & Grill: Nestled in the Leghorn Marketplace, near the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma campus, Chunky’s is a Mexican-food mainstay in east Petaluma. The wet super burritos with pollo rojo or carne asada are a local favorite. 701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, 707-775-3325

Healdsburg

Agave: This restaurant from brothers Octavio and Pedro Diaz serves up a Diego’s Burrito, a favorite among our Facebook followers. It features al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. Regular and super burritos are available, too. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com

Casa del Mole: The Super Burrito Al Pastor is a favorite at this market and taqueria from the Diaz brothers. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way with dozens of ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4138, casadelmoletogo.com

Gallina D’Oro: The owners of Healdsburg’s El Farolito have renamed (and revamped the menu) of the longtime restaurant to Gallina D’Oro. The Barbacoa Burrito, with slow-cooked shredded beef and all the fixings, deserves a spot on our list of best burritos. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com

Taqueria Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best mole sauce!” said Sue. “It rivals a Mission (San Francisco) burrito — the gold standard,” said Christopher. “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa,” said Tina. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com

Sebastopol

Viva Mēxicana: While this Sebastopol eatery is known for its pop-up Persian nights, it’s also regarded for its breakfast and vegan burritos, among other hearty Mexican classics. 841 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol. 707-823-5555, vivamexicana.com

Guerneville

Guerneville Taco Truck: No one really remembers what this popular food truck is actually called (it seems almost too easy that it’s simply the “Guerneville Taco Truck”). What they do remember is that they have the best burritos around. Usually parked in front of Safeway. 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com

Multiple locations

El Roy’s: “Finally, a burrito spot that lives up to the hype,” said Damien. “I’m only mad about the fact that I didn’t eat here sooner. It’s practically perfect; I can’t think of a bad thing to say.” Shrimp Super Burrito and Carne Asada Super Burrito are popular picks. Find food trucks at 401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Brick-and-mortar restaurant at 602 Elsa Drive, Santa Rosa. elroysxpressmex.com

Lola’s Market: Latino grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices, too,” said Michelle. Locations in Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. lolasmarkets.com

Maci Martell and Owen Ruderman contributed to this article. 

The post Where to Get the Best Burritos in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

When you live in Sonoma County, you’re never lonely for out-of-town visitors. Family, friends, college roommates, even casual acquaintances are all eager to catch up with you and take in all that the region offers.

Now through New Year’s is high season for house guests, with the number of invading out-of-towners larger than the kids’ gift lists. For local hosts, it can be a challenge deciding where to take restless visitors, especially those on a budget. Farm-to-table restaurants and taquerias are a given. Winery tasting rooms? Natch.

Go any direction in Sonoma County, and you will wind up somewhere intriguing. You’re never far from good food, natural beauty and wine tasting. But with so many choices, we’ve creamed off a few foolproof excursions that will fill up a day and make your guests’ stay in Sonoma County more memorable.

Click through the gallery for a four-day itinerary that includes some not-so-obvious explorations of Sonoma County, guaranteed to please your guests as much as you.

Meg McConahey contributed to this article. 

Day 1: Into the Armstrong Woods and to the coast

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville is a great place to introduce visitors to the natural superlatives of Sonoma County. Magnificent, 1,200-year-old Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as coastal redwoods, tower in a way that makes humans feel very small and very serene. Redwoods are among the natural wonders of the world and among the planet’s oldest living organisms. And they’re an easy drive from anywhere in the county.

The Armstrong reserve features a 1½-mile, ADA-accessible trail, making this an easy outdoors experience for everyone in your group. Arrive early and with jackets to combat the marine chill. At 7:45 a.m., you’ll find an empty parking lot and the quiet woods, sans Segways and smartphone selfie-taking hordes. By contrast, visitors to Marin’s Muir Woods have to make a reservation.

After an hour among the gentle giants, depart as the parking lot begins to fill. Those arriving have had their breakfast, so now it’s time for yours. Coffee Bazaar in Guerneville provides house-roasted coffee and pastries. Or drive a little farther west, along the Russian River, to Duncans Mills’ Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery.

Founded in 1877, Duncans Mills is a quaint station on the way to the coast from the river towns, with a charming general store and a depot museum next to where the Northwestern Pacific Railroad once ran. If you still have Christmas shopping to do, then Duncans Mills is a good place to browse. Don’t miss Jim Raidl’s Jim and Willies, a real curiosity shop of quirky antiques and curios with a friendly proprietor.

On the road again, continue west. For some sea air and wide-open ocean views to amaze visitors from land-locked places, stop at the Vista Trail in Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some harbor seals.

After watching waves crash in the fresh sea air, you’ll be ready for the drive south on Highway 1 to Bodega Bay. This is the classic Sonoma Coast scene of crashing waves, and trails along the bluff are accessible to most people. Check out the whimsical wind spinners at Candy & Kites, the colorful array of saltwater taffy at Patrick’s and the Japanese prints at Ren Brown Collection Fine Art Gallery.

Start heading inland for a hit of Alfred Hitchcock in the tiny town of Bodega. Snap a “The Birds” selfie outside the old Potter School, immortalized in the scene where schoolchildren run screaming and flailing from their classroom. It’s a private residence, so stay on the road. Then swing by the nearby Saint Teresa of Avila Church, also featured in the film.

You’ll be hungry by now. For lunch, consider the Estero Cafe in Valley Ford just a few minutes’ drive away. The restaurant pays homage to local farmers with its hand-lettered chalkboard menus and homestyle food. Its inventive brunches, sandwiches and salads make it one of the county’s top foodie destinations.

Day 2: Healdsburg for the holidays

Start your day by taking in one of the most spectacular gems of Sonoma County — Lake Sonoma. Then head to Healdsburg (a 10-minute drive) for a leisurely breakfast at Costeaux French Bakery.

Costeaux French Bakery is a frequent winner in baking competitions, and its fresh breads are served in Sonoma restaurants. But not many people know that Costeaux serves great breakfasts and lunches.

After breakfast, let the bookworms and audiophiles in the group browse the fiction, vinyl and CD selection at Levin & Company. Take the stairs to the mezzanine for its collection of local art, jewelry and crafts. Next, visit the antique markets — like Shoffeitt’s Off the Square and Antique Harvest — all within easy walking distance of the plaza.

No Healdsburg visit is complete without a winery stop, or two. Lambert Bridge boasts a tasting room with a large fireplace, making it a cozy place for sipping wines in colder months. The Healdsburg Bubble Bar, nestled in a quaint 1906 Queen Anne Victorian near the plaza, offers a wide assortment of sparkling wines.

As the sun goes down, head to Barndiva for a craft cocktail and dinner, and watch the outdoor lights twinkle over the quirky art on the patio. Don’t miss the eclectic collection of British Cigarette Cards at the Gallery Bar.

Day 3: In search of lost time, and more wine, in Sonoma Valley

Winter is a good time to check out the new museum exhibit in Jack London State Historic Park. Even if it’s too cold or wet to hike, you can take cover in the House of Happy Walls museum dedicated to the great writer and his wife, Charmian.

Right outside the park gate, Benziger Family Winery offers vineyard tram tours that will get you out of the tasting room and among the vines, which have their own sculpted beauty in winter.

Make it an outdoorsy day at Sonoma Botanical Garden, one of Sonoma County’s secret spots. Few travel writers have discovered it, meaning you may have this 20-acre garden of rare Asian plants all to yourself. Easy paths wind past ponds and through dense plantings of trees and shrubs with something of interest in every season. There is a nice gift shop for garden lovers as well as golf cart tours by arrangement for those with mobility problems.

In the town of Sonoma, the walkable square offers places to sip, shop and dine. For celebratory sparkles during the holidays, there’s SIGH Champagne bar. No reservations needed, and they always offer three flights of French, Californian and other tantalizing sparklers. If you have teetotalers or beer drinkers in your party, this is a great tasting room option. They also offer draft beer, regular wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snack-sized bites, both savory and sweet.

Sonoma Plaza offers holiday cheer and attractions for history buffs, from the Sonoma Mission to the barracks and Toscano Hotel, all within two blocks. There’s a big parking lot behind the barracks on First Street East.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, consider Tasca Tasca (TT Tapas). Tasca stands for tavern or pub in Portugal. Chef Manuel Azevedo offers updated Portuguese tapas with a fresh Sonoma spin. They’re also open late. Or head down Broadway to HopMonk Tavern for bar bites and beer, washed down with live music on the weekends.

Day 4: Petaluma, Sebastopol and a farm-to-table finale in Forestville

The age of Petaluma, settled in the 1850s, might not impress visitors from Europe, but the downtown’s quaint storefronts, heritage homes and retro memorabilia will make even your English uncle or Swedish aunt melt. But first, start with breakfast at Della Fattoria, one of the country’s finest bread bakers, famous for its Meyer lemon rosemary boule. Try the breakfast toast with ricotta cheese, banana slices, toasted pecans and honey.

Downtown, check out the vintage guitars and mandolins at Tall Toad Music and the 1,800 varieties of heirloom seeds at The Seed Bank, owned by Baker Creek, one of the country’s leading purveyors of heirloom seed.

For the afternoon, get behind the wheel and drive the 17 miles to Sebastopol’s The Barlow. Designed to look like old farm industrial buildings — without the dirt and rust — this marketplace is good for browsing. Watch local makers in action at restaurants, wineries, breweries and cideries, and art, jewelry, glass, crafts, design and clothing studios.

If you want to arrange for a farm-to-table grand finale, you could make reservations at Farmhouse Inn’s upscale but surprisingly low-key Michelin-starred restaurant in Forestville. For a more affordable but still delicious option, Farmhouse Inn’s casual eatery Farmstand serves woodfired dishes and pizza.

The post Holiday Guests Coming? Here Are 4 Perfect Sonoma County Day Trips appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

As a symbol of renewal, fresh eggs get a lot of attention this time of year. Their sunny yolks and over-easy dispositions make them inescapable breakfast workhorses. Here are our favorite egg breakfasts. Click through the above gallery for more.

The Log Lifter

Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy with Scrambled Eggs
Baker & Cook

Originating in 19th century lumberjack camps, this gut-stuffing breakfast warms the heart and fills the belly for a long day of timbering—or couch surfing. $18.

18812 Highway 12, Sonoma. 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com

Greet the Meat

Midtown Corned Beef Hash
J&M’s Midtown Cafe

House-cured corned beef, crisp hash browns, and melted cheese lay a tasty base for gooey poached egg yolks that slowly drizzle over the beautiful mess. Chef’s kiss. $16.

1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-545-2233, jm-midtowncafe.com

Bling Your Benedict

Lox and Latke Benedict with Caviar
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar

This bougie breakfast substitutes crisp potato latkes and luxurious lox for the usual Benedict players. A schmaltz Hollandaise and caviar pile on the posh. $32.

308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa. 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

Hugs and Quiches

Deep Dish Quiche
Costeaux Bakery Cafe

The Godzilla of quiches, this mighty mountain of eggs, ham, bacon, cheese, and crust at this local institution absolutely crushes the competition. $15.

417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-433-1913, costeaux.com

Morning Nachos

Chilaquiles
La Texanita

Somewhere between crispy and soggy is the perfect texture of tortilla chips smothered in salsa rojo, cotija cheese, and onions, and topped with scrambled or poached eggs. Add carnitas if you’re feeling sassy. $20.

1667 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 707-527-7331, latexanita.com

The Mix Don’t Lie

Shakshuka
Pearl

The Arabic origins of this roiling red dish mean “mixed up,” but the piquant (not hot) combination of paprika, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, grilled Halloumi cheese, and baked eggs is more beauty than beast. $25.

500 First St., Petaluma. 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com

Morning Motivator

Breakfast Sandwich
Americana

Greet the day with this easy, handheld traveler of a sando. Two overhard eggs, Estero Gold cheese, spinach, and housemade aioli on buttery toasted sourdough.

$15. 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol and 205 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707-827-3309, americanasr.com

Très Français

French Folded Eggs
Willow Wood Market Cafe

Velvety curds of steamed egg stippled with fontina cheese and basil will leave you wondering why Americans insist on overcooking and overstuffing this breakfast classic.

$16.75. 9020 Graton Rd., Graton. 707-823-0233, willowwoodgraton.com

The post 8 Favorite Breakfasts in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Weary, somewhat bleary of the spin-sniff-sip-swallow-or-spit wine tasting experience? These Sonoma and Napa wineries offer a little something extra to pair with your cabernet.

Medieval fortresses and parterre gardens, swimming pools and outdoor art galleries, riding horses and trolleys — there’s plenty of reason to venture outside the tasting room on your next Wine Country trip.

A trip to Germany at Schug Carneros Estate Winery

French, Italian and Spanish accents abound at Sonoma and Napa wineries, so a visit to Walter Schug’s German-styled winery in Carneros is as refreshing as a trocken riesling.

Schug, who died in 2015 at age 80, grew up at Staatsweingut Assmannshausen in Germany’s Rhine Valley. Bit by the winegrowing bug, he eventually made his way to Napa Valley, as winemaker for Joseph Phelps Winery. In 1983, he founded his own winery estate yard in Sonoma Carneros, the production facility and tasting room designed with the peaked roof and timber framing typical in the Rhine. All the original winemaking equipment came from Germany and some of it remains, most strikingly the 669-gallon wood oval aging casks, some of them elaborately carved.

Riesling is no longer in the Schug repertoire, the grape not ideally suited to Sonoma’s sunny climate. Instead, Schug took the pinot noir (spatburgunder) route, adding chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and other varietals to the mix. His children continue the business, with German-American Johannes Scheid the winemaker.

The Cave Tour & Tasting Experience ($75) includes a walk around the property and through the production area and caves, followed by a seated tasting of current-release and Heritage Reserve wines, served with snacks.

602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma, 707-939-9363, schugwinery.com

Outdoor art gallery at The Donum Estate

Wineries have long been places for visitors to view art and photography on the walls of tasting rooms. Sculptures welcome guests at estate entrances and within sight of tasters.

Now, Donum has taken artistic displays well beyond the usual, dotting its 200-acre Carneros estate with 50-some large-scale, open-air sculptures from artists including Ai Weiwei, Keith Haring, Subodh Gupta and Doug Aitken. Adding to the high-end artistry: the tasting area designed by Danish architect David Thulstrup, known for his interior design of world-class Noma restaurant in Copenhagen.

The basic way to enjoy Donum is to book its Carneros Experience ($95), which includes a walking tour of the estate and tastes of its rosé, chardonnay and pinot noir. The Explore Experience ($175) is a two-hour, all-terrain-vehicle tour of the estate and tasting of wines served with seasonal bites and, of course, views of the artwork.

24500 Ramal Road, Sonoma, 707-732-2200, thedonumestate.com

Living history at Buena Vista Winery

Founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, Buena Vista is the second-oldest winery in California and is often referred to as the oldest premium winery in the state. (The oldest winery in California is D’Agostini Winery, which was founded in 1856.)

Haraszthy, a vivacious and eccentric pioneer, immigrated from Europe in 1840 in search of the good life. Following in the footsteps of the forty-niners, he found the perfect terroir for “purple gold” and, as the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista,” he established a reputation as an experimental vintner, a shrewd businessman and a flamboyant evangelist. (He died as he had lived — dramatically — in an alligator-infested river in the jungles of Nicaragua.)

The legend of Haraszthy and his winery is now recreated by Buena Vista owner Jean-Charles Boisset, a modern-day version of the eccentric count. The best way to get a taste of the winery’s history (and some wine) is to reserve the Barrel Tasting & Winery Tour ($50), which takes visitors on a stroll through the winery grounds and into the Champagne Cellar for a taste of current release wines. Next, the tour continues into the wine caves where guests can sample wine from the barrel.

18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Horsing around among the vines at Jack London State Park

They say, “don’t drink and drive,” but can you drink and ride?

At Triple Creek Horse Outfit in Glen Ellen, the riding is sensibly taken care of before the drinking. And what a ride it is. Triple Creek offers guided horseback tours at Jack London State Historic Park in the magical Valley of the Moon. The park features fine riding trails through Jack and Charmian London’s Beauty Ranch, which wind around acres of vineyards, through open oak woodlands and under shady groves of majestic redwoods.

All Triple Creek Horse Outfit rides include a complimentary wine tasting at nearby VJB Cellars in Kenwood. The winery also has a gourmet Italian deli and sells wood-fired pizza, gelato and more. Private rides (one hour to two hours) are $145 to $225 per rider. Questions are best addressed via email at triplecrik@gmail.com. Bookings can be made online.

2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-888-0034, triplecreekhorseoutfit.com

Humming bees and lavender fields at Matanzas Creek Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery in Bennett Valley has been a haven for wine enthusiasts and lavender-lovers since 1991. Guests to the winery can sip sauvignon blanc on a terrace overlooking fields of lilac and amethyst; the soothingly seductive perfumes wafting in the breeze to the hum of bees shifting busily among the blossoms.

The end of June/beginning of July is prime lavender season at Matanzas Creek Winery. The fields are organically farmed and are cut, bundled and hung to barn dry after reaching full bloom. Then the dried blossoms are used in culinary, bath, body and home products sold in the winery’s lavender market.

Tastings (from $35) are by appointment. Picnic tables (with bottle service) can be reserved for two hours ($25 on weekdays; $50 on weekends). Bocce courts can be rented for two hours daily ($20 per person).

6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com

An all-terrain adventure at Chenoweth Wines

Of the more than 400 wineries that call Sonoma County home, the grand estates have a knack for getting all the attention. But when you make the turn onto the retired tractor-lined driveway at Chenoweth Wines, it’s the unpretentious setting that makes you happy you’ve arrived.

With 800 acres of land, from redwoods to vineyards, the Chenoweth estate offers plenty to see. But it’s how you get to see it — buckled into an all-terrain vehicle — that adds even more bragging rights to a busy day of wine tasting.

ATV tours ($125 per person) take about 1 1/2 hours and traverse the Chenoweth ranch, redwood grove and vineyards and make stops for wine tasting outdoors. At tour’s end, guests can stay and enjoy their own picnic in the redwood grove. Tours are limited to eight guests and can be booked by calling 707-829-3367 or emailing joinus@chenowethwines.com.

5550 Harrison Grade Road, Sebastopol, 707-331-2734, chenowethwines.com

A taste of history at Three Sticks Wines

The historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe is the longest occupied residence in Sonoma and one of the town’s few remaining buildings from California’s Mexican period.

Constructed in 1842 by Captain Salvador Vallejo (the infamous brother of General Mariano Vallejo), the adobe has been carefully restored by Three Sticks owners Bill and Eva Price, who now house a private tasting room for their Three Sticks wine label in the historic building.

Visitors can tour the adobe and take in its history while tasting a flight of pinots and chardonnays ($65) or finish the experience with a food and wine pairing prepared in partnership with the celebrated chefs at El Dorado Kitchen.

New this season is the Oysters & Chardonnay pairing ($95) that includes a flight of three single vineyard chardonnays and half a dozen oysters on the half shell (three types of oysters). Guests get to learn about terroir (how environmental factors like soil, topography and climate impact the wine) and merroir (how the bivalves’ marine surroundings influence their flavor).

143 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-996-3328, threestickswines.com

Cabernet on a cable car, Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

Lack a designated driver? Think limousine tours are for tourists? Biking and wining a precarious pair? The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley might just be what you’re looking for.

Built from the blueprints of an 1890s San Francisco cable car, the trolley safely trundles wine enthusiasts on a six-hour ride through Sonoma Valley.

The journey begins at Sonoma Plaza and then makes three stops at local wineries for private tasting experiences (the stops change with the seasons and include wineries such as Ravenswood, Imagery Estate, Paradise Ridge, Gloria Ferrer and B.R. Cohn).

Included in the package is a guide, a boxed lunch, views of the bucolic Wine Country landscape and plenty of bottled water. Daily Sonoma tours begin at 10:15 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. The tour is $125 and reservations can be made online. Tasting fees at the wineries range from $30 to $40 per person.

sonomavalleywinetrolley.com

Wine wonderland at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Bringing the kids on a wine tasting trip may not seem the best of ideas, that is unless you are destined for Francis Ford Coppola’s winery.

The famous filmmaker’s Geyserville estate is a wonderland with wine: film memorabilia (including Don Corleone’s desk from “The Godfather”) and Oscars are on display; its two swimming pools (3,600 square feet in total) are surrounded by chaise lounges, cabanas and bocce courts; and there is always plenty of wine for the adults.

Seated tastings on the terrace are $40. Bocce courts can be reserved 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday-Monday. ($50 per person, plus tax; available for parties of eight to 24 guests).

Cabana reservations, which is the only way to access the pool, become available on the winery’s website in late spring. (The pool is typically open from mid-June to early October.) It is a popular place to be during summer in Wine Country, so make sure to make your cabana reservations early.

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, thefamilycoppola.com

Tulips and trees at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

Ever experienced a tulip emergency? Healdsburg’s Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery has a tulip hotline set up in the late winter/early spring months for fans eager not to miss the winery’s 10,000 tulips in bloom.

The five-acre winery gardens also feature over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, a variety of perennials and annuals (the tulips and daffodils take center stage in the spring), waterfalls that flow into fish-filled ponds and bronze sculptures from renowned artists Dennis Smith, Douglas Van Howd and Jane DeDecker.

The Italian/French parterre gardens accentuate classic geometric shapes. The enclosed garden at the front of Villa Fiore (the estate winery) has a parklike setting, its design more relaxed and its emphasis on color and texture.

Take in views of the gardens and surrounding vineyards from the winery’s Sycamore Grove terrace during the Wine & Brunch experience (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays; $85 per person).

The brunch includes a flight of reserve wines paired with a seasonal, Italian-inspired menu with dishes such as Prosciutto Benedict with roasted potato and estate garden greens; Yannis Sausage & Farm Fresh Egg Strata topped with Valley Ford Estero Gold Cheese; and TCHO Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta for dessert. Advance reservations and prepayments are required (reservations are refundable up to 72 hours prior to visit).

8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-6700, ferrari-carano.com

Portal to the middle ages at Castello di Amorosa

It’s no surprise that some refer to Dario Sattui, a fourth generation vintner and the man behind Castello di Amorosa, as a modern-day Don Quixote.

Some 20 years ago, Sattui began a 15-year quest to build a medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley as a place to showcase his wines. The result: a 107-room, eight-level, 121,000-square-foot castle complete with drawbridge, secret passageways, torture chamber and tasting rooms.

Seated and standing tastings ($60 and $50) give visitors access to the two main levels of the castle via a self-guided tour (strategically posted QR codes make it easy to learn about the winery at your own pace).

The Diamond Estate Tour & Reserve Wine Tasting ($70) and the Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Pairing Tour ($85) include guided tours that take visitors through the two main levels and also into the production area, underground cellars, torture chamber and armory. Reservations required for all tastings.

4045 St Helena Highway, Calistoga, 707-967-6272, castellodiamorosa.com

Gondola glides to the tune of old English bells at Sterling Vineyards

A one-of-a-kind aerial tram glides you on a 360-degree scenic ride up a tree-covered hill to the winery. Debarking at the summit, visitors can then begin to explore the chalk-white stuccoed, many-verandaed winery. Its architectural inspiration? The Greek villages on the island of Mykonos where Sterling founder, Peter Newton, once lived.

High in the towers at Sterling Vineyards are eight bells that once hung in London’s Church of St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East. When the Anglican church, founded in the Saxon 10th century, was badly damaged by the Great Fire of 1666, it was repaired and a Christopher Wren steeple added. (St. Dunstan’s was much later mortally damaged during the London Blitz in 1941.)

The bells found their way to Calistoga in the 1970s and soon visitors can continue to enjoy the timelessness of their reverberations at Sterling Vineyards.

1111 W. Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 800-726-6136, sterlingvineyards.com

Linda Murphy and Dana Rebmann contributed to this article. 

The post 12 Unique Winery Experiences in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Forestville’s unofficial motto is “The Good Life,” and it’s not hard to see why. A summer destination for bohemians and artists since the early 1900s, the rural town has majestic redwoods and river access, great restaurants, and laid-back, small-town style. Click through the above gallery for a few of our favorite things to do in Forestville.

Josephine Clements, Sofia Englund and Claire Weber contributed to this article. 

The post 14 Things to Eat, Drink and Do in Forestville, CA appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

If you already knew everything there was to know about where you live — well, that wouldn’t be much fun, would it? To wander off the beaten path, if only for a day, is surely worth the leap of faith in this new year. Here’s our list of 50 secret Sonoma destinations and insider tips, all meant to be shared.

Click through the above gallery for a peek at our favorite secret spots in Sonoma County.

3 Secrets from Nature Photographer Jerry Dodrill

Based in Bodega, Jerry Dodrill travels the world teaching photo workshops, from Kyrgyzstan to Death Valley — but he always comes back to Sonoma eager to capture the latest sunset or stellar view. His secret spots:

“To the south of Stump Beach in Salt Point State Park are wild tafoni rock formations. To the north, when the rains are right, there’s a stunning coastal waterfall at Phillips Gulch. And north of Fisk Mill Cove is a coastal prairie with whimsical rock formations along the bluff.” Download maps at parks.ca.gov.

“Hidden in plain sight, Mount St. Helena lies at the crossroads of Sonoma, Lake, and Napa counties. The North Summit, guarded by an arduous walk or bike up a steep service road, beginning on the Napa side in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, is the highest point around at nearly 4,500 feet. Spectacular 360-degree views stretch all the way to the Sierra on a clear day.” parks.ca.gov.

“Fort Ross Road offers a visual feast, especially on days when the coast is socked in with fog. You can drive or, if you feel ambitious, bike up the steep single-lane road from Highway 1. Once out of the deep forest and above the fog, take in big views up and down the coast range at sunset.” East of Highway 1 near Fort Ross State Historic Park.

Just Like Paris

At night, the narrow alley alongside La Gare French Restaurant in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square is a magical dining spot, as lights twinkle overhead and retro favorites like cherries jubilee flambé glow against the red-brick walls. As a line cook told us, “People call up and reserve the alley because it’s the only place they want to eat.”

208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa. 707-528-4355, lagarerestaurant.com.

Midcentury Marvels

Think Prometheus meets the Jetsons: The retro, free-standing fireplaces from Malm have been built by a family-owned business in Santa Rosa since 1960. Made of porcelain, brass, copper, or stainless steel, the designs are coveted by collectors around the world.

368 Yolanda Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-523-7747, malmfireplaces.com.

Mini Popsicles

Miracle Plum is a downtown wine and kitchenware shop full of treasures. But our most delightful discovery there? The 2-inch paletas in the freezer, just $1 each, and just right for a messy preschooler — “or a not-very-hungry grown-up,” quips co-owner Sallie Miller.

208 Davis St., Santa Rosa. 707-708-7986, miracleplum.com.

Camp Like a Rock Star

Hit the road less traveled with the keys to a Land Rover Defender 110 in your hand and a rooftop tent overhead. Bohemian Highway Travel Co. provides the uber-cool Rover, camping equipment, and a map. You bring your sleeping bag and sense of adventure.

707-204-9660, bohohwy.com.

Flowers on Your Honor

On Sundays during growing season, the designers at Dragonfly Floral leave the week’s leftover blooms out on a cart in front of the farmstand. It’s take what you like and pay what you will — or leave a small gift like a jar of jam in trade.

425 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-3739, dragonflyhealdsburg.com

Sweet-Tasting Mushrooms

Candy cap mushrooms, which taste sweet and smell like maple syrup, are foraged along the Sonoma Coast, mixed with spices like star anise and cloves, then extracted with rye spirit to create Alley 6 Craft Distillery’s Candy Cap Bitters. Co-founder Jason Jorgenson recommends them in a Manhattan or Old-Fashioned, or, above all, in this warm winter cocktail, dubbed “The Fun Guy.”

1401 Grove St., Unit D, Healdsburg. 707-484-3593, alley6.com.

“The Fun Guy” Recipe

• 1½ oz Alley 6 Rye Whiskey
• ½ oz Alley 6 Nocino walnut liqueur
•  ½ oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
• A few dashes of Alley 6 Candy Cap Bitters
• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail glass. Stir together with ice and garnish with burnt orange peel.

One-of-a-kind Coffee

Café Scooteria is an only-in-Sonoma mash-up of scooter mechanic shop and open-way-early coffee stand. Their lattes are pretty darn terrific.

455 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 707-938-0800.

Three Little-Known Weekend Drives

Visit stunning Knights Valley, taking Highway 128 from Alexander Valley near Healdsburg east toward Calistoga. Along the way, you’ll pass a trout farm, a Wagyu cattle ranch, and several remote wineries all nestled in a quiet valley where it seems as if time has stopped.

Coleman Valley Road, heading west from Occidental to the coast. Once it emerges emerge from the woods and the road plateaus into prairie pastureland (but before it descends to Highway 1) is one of the best spots around to watch the sunset.

Stewarts Point—Skaggs Springs Road from Lake Sonoma to Stewarts Point is a delightfully curvy run through the redwoods and passing over the charming truss Haupt Creek Bridge, with plenty of pullouts for vistas and trails along the way. The prize at the end: A delicious lunch at Twofish Baking at the tiny Stewarts Point Store.

Owl Hot Spot

Hard-core birdwatchers use “owl” as a verb, as in, “Let’s go owling tonight.” And one of the best spots to owl is at the wooded corner of Salmon Creek Road and Fitzpatrick Lane, a few miles northwest of the town of Bodega (there’s a small pullout along the road, with space for a few cars). Really, it’s more “bird listening” than “birdwatching,” as just after dusk, you will start to hear high-pitched pygmy owls with their sharp hoots, followed by saw-whet owls, and, if you’re really lucky, perhaps a spotted owl. Happy night-birding!

Just One Tree

Nearly hidden alongside Juilliard Park in Santa Rosa, the Church of One Tree was built in 1873 from a single, massive, 18-foot-wide, 275-foot-tall redwood tree milled in Guerneville.

492 Sonoma Ave. 707-543-3733, srcity.org.

Best Pop-Up Bakery

From baguettes to brioche, all of the breads and pastries from the new Deer Park Bread Project are crafted from naturally fermented sourdough with an emphasis on organic, ancient grains and flours. deerparkbreadproject.com.

Winery as Museum

The world-class open-air sculpture collection at the Donum Estate, nestled in the southern Carneros, can come as a surprise to guests focused more on single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tastings include a tour of works from Yayoi Kusama, Ai Weiwei, and other superstars.

24500 Ramal Rd., Sonoma. 707-732-2200, thedonumestate.com.

The Labyrinth Builder

Lea Goode-Harris describes herself as not only a Ph.D., but also “an artist for the body, mind, and soul.” If that seems puzzling, put it this way: her hand-built labyrinths are mesmerizing, experiential works of land art, meant to be walked, retraced, and cherished from a bird’s-eye view. For an introduction to her work, try the lavender labyrinth at Bees N Blooms (3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa) or the Snoopy Labyrinth at the Schulz Museum (2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa).

707-418-0019, creativelabyrinths.com.

Best New Live Music

The Lost Church isn’t a church at all — it’s a new, speakeasy-style music hall shepherded by local bandleader Josh Windmiller. Featuring a varied lineup of jazz, blues, and singer-songwriter types, it’s just the kind of small-scale independent performance space we need. A must-go this winter.

Enter on Ross Street between Mendocino Avenue and B Street, Santa Rosa. Show schedules at thelostchurch.org.

3 Secrets from Interior Designer Gina Gutierrez

Gina Gutierrez recently opened Storia Home in Sebastopol to share her thrill of discovery with others. Here are a few places she loves, plus a rare find from her own shop.

“Elizaberry Shop is a woman-owned, primarily online small business in Forestville that makes stunning polymer clay earrings, drawing inspiration from the desert, coast, and flowers.”

Follow @elizaberry.shop on Instagram for info on in-person popups. elizaberryshop.com.

 

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“I always love dropping by B-Side Flower Farmstand, where in winter, owner Lennie Larkin has seasonal dried wreaths perfect for your front door as well as ranunculus bulbs ready for planting.”

3855 Roblar Road, Petaluma. 617 407-9272, b-sidefarm.com.

“Storia Home, my shop, has decor, art, textiles, and furniture, and everything tells a story. Check out the antique butter press from the late 1800s —it would make a showstopper of a coffee table.”

961 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol. 415 501-0024, storiahome.com.

Nature Play

Climb atop a logjam, glide down an embankment slide, or get comfortable in the super-sized replica of a red-tailed hawk nest at Taylor Mountain’s Red Tail Play Area.

3820 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa. 707-539-8092, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Quick North Coast Day Trip

Hike past lush ferns and towering redwoods to stick your toes in the sand on the isolated beach at Stillwater Cove Regional Park. After that, it’s a 20-minute drive north for a meal in the newly-renovated dining room at The Sea Ranch Lodge.

Stillwater Cove, 22455 Highway 1, Jenner. 707-847-3245, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. The Sea Ranch Lodge, 60 Sea Walk Drive. 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com.

3 Secrets from Chef Melanie Wilkerson

It should come as no surprise that Melanie Wilkerson of Sonoma’s FolkTable knows where to find the good stuff — after all, the restaurant was just named a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Sonoma Garden Park: “When you think of community, think Sonoma Garden Park. From vegetable and pollinator gardens to space for yoga and meditation, it gives that sense of grounding we all desire.”

19996 Seventh St. E., Sonoma. 707-996-4883, sonomagardenpark.org.

Valley Bar + Bottle: “It’s one of my favorite places — maybe not as much of a secret now. The wine list is approachable and imaginative, and their cuisine shows off the locally curated menu and the attention to detail I love as a chef.”

487 First St. W., Sonoma. 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com.

Goguette Bread: “If you can get your hands on this perfection, it’s worth the wait. I was introduced to them when I first arrived in Sonoma in 2020, and have dreamed of their bread ever since.” Order ahead online.

59 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. goguettebread.com.

Rare Finds

In Petaluma’s historic district, Maude Rare Finds is an exquisitely assembled boutique full of hand-loomed textiles and small-batch perfumes. And after a few years moonlighting as a small shop in the back room of Maude Rare Finds, mother-daughter team Laural and Lily Reid just opened the standalone version of Good Gray, their housewares and design boutique, in nearby Penngrove. The airy, modern space is a wonderland of difficult-to-find treasures such as Japanese stationery, linen aprons, beeswax candles, and more.

10 Western Ave., Petaluma. 707-763-1858, maudeshop.com. 9591 Main St., Penngrove. 707-755-4535, goodgray.com.

Gravity Hill

A rite of passage for many a bored local teenager, and the inspiration for a song from indie singer Danny Sorentino, Gravity Hill is a surreal spot up in the hills overlooking Sonoma State University, where it feels like your car breaks the laws of nature. Instructions: The spot is located 2.4 miles up Lichau Road off Roberts Road, which is off Petaluma Hill Road. At the top of the hill on Lichau Road, look for a sign that says “Gracias Santiago.” When you cross the cattle guard, look for a sloping grade that clearly seems to run downhill. Go forward about 20 feet, stop, throw the car in neutral, and get ready to lose your mind as the car appears to roll uphill back toward the cattle guard. Trippy, right?

Pantry of Wonders

The extraordinary display of canned goods — house-made preserves, ketchup, and vinegars — at reopened slow-food mecca The Naked Pig is well worth a look. Weekend brunch is super-yum (try the whiskey-caramel waffles), and chef/owner Dalia Martinez says she is adding dinner service two nights a week in the new year.

640 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707-978-3231, thenakedpigcafe.com.

Another Awesome Mash-Up

Jack’s Filling Station in Sonoma is the only place we know (probably the only place anywhere!) where you can fill up your tank and walk out with a vintage vinyl record and a bottle of natural wine from an up-and-coming winemaker. We love their tiger sweatshirts, too — locals-only swag for sure.

899 Broadway, Sonoma. 707-343-7203, jacksfillingstation.com.

Ring of Fire

Witness the creative process as master bronze sculptors at Santa Rosa’s Bronze Plus Art Foundry pour liquid metal into molds or fire-polish designs destined for galleries and libraries.

120 Todd Rd., Santa Rosa. Open by appointment; call 707-829-0716.

Landmark Watering Hole

It’s been decades since Ernie Sr. put up a sign at Ernie’s Tin Bar advertising “$1.75 Cold Beer” at the corner of Lakeville Highway and Stage Gulch Road. It may well be one of the cheapest beers you can swill in a bar ’round here. But just so you know, you’ll be getting Hamm’s in the can. “People usually just have one of those, and then go to a beer they can actually stand,” says Ernie Jr.

5100 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma. 707-762-2075.

3 Secrets from Master Distiller Ashby Marshall

Ashby Marshall is a devotee of the organic, grain-to-glass movement at Spirit Works Distillery in Sebastopol. Her favorite local bars share an undiscovered, independent spirit.

“The Starling Bar in Sonoma is extra-awesome because of its secret menu of cannabis-infused spirit cocktails. You have to ask at the bar to see it.”

19380 Hwy. 12, Sonoma. 707-938-7442, starlingsonoma.com.

“Another great place is the extra-divey Whiskey Tip in Santa Rosa. Not only do they make Manhattans with Spirit Works rye whiskey, but their Friday night karaoke events are very popular. “They’re as good — and as bad — as you can imagine.”

1910 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 707-843-5535

“Valley Ford’s Rocker Oysterfeller’s has expanded dining options in the gardens, among mounds of discarded oyster shells, and it’s really lovely. But the real secret is this: Their ‘hot butter’ sauce is great on oysters, but it’s even better in your Bloody Mary. You’ve got to ask the bartender for it.”

14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford. 707-876-1983, rockeryoysterfellers.com.

Breathe Green

Botany Zhi is an urban jungle of carefully cared-for indoor plants, featuring an enormous, overarching monstera plant that practically takes over the store.

311 D St., Santa Rosa. 346-289-4004, botanyzhi.com.

Lumberyard Studio

Barn 5400 is a new marketplace and maker space inside a former lumberyard outside Petaluma. One of many standouts here: Kickwheel Sonoma, the working studio of ceramicist Andrew M. Kontrabecki, who has created custom designs for chefs, and offers ceramics classes to the public (kickwheelsonoma.com).

5400 Old Redwood Highway N., Petaluma. barn5400.com.

Borrow Away

From routers to stud finders to wheelbarrows, the Santa Rosa Tool Library lends tools for free to any Sonoma County resident over the age of 18. That’s right — totally free. Why? Because it’s the neighborly thing to do, and founder Dustin Zuckerman believes money shouldn’t prevent weekend warriors from basking in all their DIY glory.

642 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. 707-2293949, borrowtools.org.

Gorgeous Geodes

As much museum as shop, Sebastopol’s Sagestone Gallery is filled with fossils, crystals, agates, ammonites, and polished round stones that look for all the world like crystal balls straight out of a Disney movie.

112 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707-827-6316, sagestonegallery.com.

Surprise Decor

More and more, restaurateurs are incorporating unique finds into the design of their spaces.

At Healdsburg’s The Matheson, the walnut wine tasting table was custom-carved in the shape of the state of California (thematheson.com).

The Lodge at Sonoma features a vintage horse trailer turned into a poolside bar (thelodgeatsonoma.com).

And at the Seismic Brewing Co. tasting room at The Barlow in Sebastopol, a swoopy, floor-to-ceiling wood-paneled nook with a built-in bench is perfect for settling in with a made-in-Sonoma craft beer (seismicbrewingco.com).

You don’t have to be religious to marvel at architect James Hubbell’s Sea Ranch Chapel, a wondrous creation of local wood, wrought iron, stained glass, and slate. The magical winged roof is just visible from nearby Highway 1.

40033 Highway 1, The Sea Ranch. thesearanchchapel.org.

New Year’s Wishes

The branches of a beautiful, century-old live oak tree, surrounded by vineyards at the Belden Barns winery, are flush with hopes and dreams.

5561 Sonoma Mountain Rd., Santa Rosa. 415-577-8552, beldenbarns.com.

Culinary Students Feed Us Well

The Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Café and Bakery is a cutting-edge training kitchen for chefs on the rise (Steven Vargas of Petaluma’s Table Culture Provisions trained there). Try a Korean fried-chicken sandwich with kimchi slaw (just $12) or a winter salad with beets and Cara Cara oranges grown by sustainable ag students at the college’s Shone Farm ($9). The café was closed last fall because of the pandemic but hopes to reopen in February.

1670 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-522-2796, culinary.santarosa.edu.

Candy Heaven

If you’ve never stopped at the little pink-and-white striped building along Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, you’re missing out. Patrick’s of Bodega Bay stocks more than 80 flavors of salt water taffy, including sugar-free varieties and our pick, peppermint.

915 Highway 1, Bodega Bay. 707-875-9816, patricksofbodegabay.com.

The post 50 Secret Spots in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

As Valentine’s Day nears and love is in the air, it might be time to plan ahead to take your sweetie out for a date. From a romantic spaghetti dinner to a hidden gem wine bar, there are plenty of romantic spots in Sonoma County for your night on the town. Click through the gallery above to see our top picks.

The post The Most Romantic Restaurants in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

As if warm baguettes, flaky croissants, buttery sandwiches and rustic boule (round loaves of crusty bread) weren’t enough gluten-y temptation in these winter months, Sarmentine Bakery in Santa Rosa is baking authentic galette des rois, or king cake, throughout the month of January.

The round, crown-shaped cakes are a French tradition to celebrate the Epiphany, when the three wise men visited the baby Jesus. The fun of the traditional sweet dessert shared with family and friends is discovering the “feve” (bean) hidden inside the cake. The fortunate person who finds the bean in their slice is assured luck and prosperity and is named king, or queen, for a day.

For a local twist, Sarmentine has replaced the bean with a tiny porcelain Snoopy for the king or queen to find. This is Santa Rosa, after all, and the “Peanuts” puppy is a local icon. Along with luck and prosperity, the person with the fortuitous slice has the tab covered for next year’s cake.

You’ll have to sign a waiver to buy the cakes, however, taking personal responsibility if someone breaks a tooth or accidentally swallows the hidden treasure. We kid you not — a lawsuit about gobbling up a porcelain pup is no laughing matter.

Prices are $18 and $25 for the brioche galette de rois and $32 and $40 for the frangipane version. Order by calling 707-623-9595 or emailing order@sarmentine.com. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa, sarmentine.com

Easy Rider Opening: A Southern-inspired restaurant with California flair is slated to open in Petaluma this week, featuring dishes like hush puppies with strawberry jalapeño jam, wild mushrooms and whipped goat cheese on a Meyer lemon loaf and Duroc pork chop with sweet potato grits and green beans.

Easy Rider will open in the former Drawing Board/Whisper Sisters space at 109 Kentucky St. The interior has been revamped to evoke a roadhouse feel, and there will be a large by-the-glass wine list, local beers and specialty cocktails. Chef Jared Rogers and restaurateur Dustin Sullivan of Marin’s Guesthouse are behind the project, with Executive Chef Mario Chivarria (Picco, Zero Zero) helping to craft the menu. Expect dinner daily and a boozy Southern brunch menu to come. More details at easyriderpetaluma.com.

The post Traditional King Cakes Get a Local Twist at Santa Rosa Bakery appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Gazing into the crystal ball to predict what we’ll be eating and drinking in the coming year is always one of my favorite stories to write as the new year approaches. It’s a combination of guesswork, wishful thinking and piecing together the breakout ideas of the previous 12 months that have gained traction.

During the pandemic, however, there have been few straight answers, though more frequent shifts that have moved the entire food industry in new directions.

Here are some of the innovations I predict will continue in 2022, finding new audiences or becoming significant trends for Sonoma County eaters.

Plant-based everything

If you’re still calling a plant-based diet vegetarianism, catch up. Reducing meat, dairy and egg consumption has gone mainstream, and most of us already have tried meatless burgers, Meatless Mondays and increasingly creative meatless dishes at restaurants that are less about “going without” and more about enjoying without.

We’ll see a continued explosion of alternatives for grocery staples (egg-less “eggs,” meatless frozen entrees, jackfruit everything) as well as chefs adding even more meatless menu items as demand grows.

Santa Rosa’s Cozy Plum Bistro (1899 Mendocino Ave., 707-526-3333, cozyplum.com) has created a comforting, approachable menu with dishes like “loaded tots,” crispy tater tots with taco “meat” made with soy, nondairy cheese, cashew sour cream and pico de gallo; and Philly cheesesteak with meatless steak, peppers, onions and a vegan herb cheese sauce. Little Saint is a plant-based restaurant slated to open in Healdsburg in February. Branch Line, another meatless eatery, opens in Railroad Square this spring.

Restaurants open fewer days

Staffing issues have forced restaurants to rethink their hours. Restaurateurs simply can’t afford to stay open on a sleepy Wednesday afternoon or a ghostly Monday night. Instead, they’ll only open during peak times.

After struggling to find back-of-house workers, John Ash & Co. at Vintner’s Inn and Resort recently announced they’ll be closed two days a week. Reservations are becoming required more often everywhere, and you may be directed to reservation apps like Tock that require you to enter a credit card number with your reservation. That way, if you don’t show up, you might have to pay a hefty fee, which discourages no-shows that dent restaurants’ bottom lines.

Diversified business models

Restaurants aren’t simply restaurants anymore. They sell pantry items, kitchen goods and lifestyle home goods, too, to bring in more revenue. Stockhome (220 Western Ave, Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomepetaluma.com) sells Swedish candies and home goods along with jewelry, clothing and other locally made products. Franchetti’s Gasthaus (1229 N. Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-526-1229, franchettis.com) rents their restaurant kitchen during off-hours as a commercial kitchen to caterers and up-and-coming food businesses.

Local delivery options

National delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash and UberEats have almost entirely cornered the market on food delivery, and the hit on restaurants — up to 30% of the tab — is brutal. Local delivery options like Redwood Food Taxi, Petaluma Food Taxi and Sonoma Food Taxi keep dollars local and work with restaurants to make the process more equitable.

High-end dining isn’t going away

Luxury dining is booming. After being holed up at home, many want to spend their dollars on a food experience that delivers, whether that’s hosting clients with deep pockets or a special splurge for a couple. Expensive restaurants like Single Thread (131 North St., Healdsburg, 707-723-4646, singlethreadfarms.com) and The Matheson (106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-723-1106, thematheson.com) are booked out for months. Cyrus restaurant, a reprisal of Chef Douglas Keane’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant that closed in 2012, is expected to open in late 2022.

Streamlined menus with hyperlocal ingredients

Lengthy menus with everything but the kitchen sink will be curated so restaurants can cut down on skyrocketing meat prices, take advantage of seasonal products and insulate themselves from supply-chain issues.

Expect menu prices to keep increasing as the cost of ingredients and operations rise for restaurant owners who can’t offset those costs with volume or cheaper ingredients. We’ll also see prices rising at supermarkets as consumers question the environmental and other impacts of industrial farming and meat production and supply issues become the norm.

Luxury steaks

Concerns about the environmental impact of beef are growing, pushing many consumers to buy from smaller-production ranches. And there are only so many cuts of prime rib and filet on a cow, making them increasingly expensive.

Watch for more braised meats from cheaper parts, ground meat, creative uses of offal (still a tough sell for many Americans) and consumers willing to buy high-end, sustainable steaks as a luxury at restaurants. At home, meat CSA (community-supported agriculture) options like Panizzera Meat Co.’s subscription boxes will allow local meat producers to sell directly to consumers, lower costs and offer locally raised meat (panizzerameatco.com).

A whole new cocktail hour

Booze drinking is evolving. Takeout cocktails are a boon to restaurants with full liquor licenses and will continue in the state of California post-pandemic (whenever that is).

Lower-alcohol or alcohol-free cocktails are rising in popularity, focusing on flavor rather than buzz potential. Brands like Seedlip have pioneered nonalcoholic spirits, and a new generation of zero-alcohol gins that express the botanical qualities are exceptional. On the other side of the fence, canned full-strength cocktails are on the rise, with several local companies jumping on the bandwagon. Cappy Shakes Cocktails from former Duke’s founders Cappy Sorentino and Steven Maduro lead the pack with not-too-sweet versions of gin and tonic, Tiki-inspired Sidewinder Fang and Cucumber Cooler. Griffo Distillery, Zaddy’s, Alley 6 and Barrel Brothers are also making top-notch canned party-starters.

Mushrooms as tonic

Mushrooms aren’t just for pizzas anymore. The healing properties of funky fungi are becoming big business. Farmacopia (95 Montgomery Drive, No. 90, Santa Rosa, 707-528-4372, farmacopia.net) is one local seller with a lot of variety.

Commercial kitchens as launchpads

Unused or lightly used commercial kitchens are worth their weight in gold for new restaurant entrepreneurs looking to get a foothold.

Old Possum Brewing in Santa Rosa (357 Sutton Place, 707-303-7177, oldpossumbrewing.com) has helped several restaurant concepts come to fruition, including Austin’s Southern Smoke BBQ and Bayou on the Bay. The combo of a brewery and outside food service has become big business, allowing each to stick to what they know best. We’ve also seen a boom in local food truck traffic at places like Shady Oak (420 First St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-7687, shadyoakbarrelhouse.com), Cooperage Brewing (981 Airway Court, Santa Rosa, cooperagebrewing.com), Hen House Brewing (322 Bellvue Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-978-4577, henhousebrewing.com) and others.

The post Here’s What the Local Dining Scene Will Look Like This Year appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Of all the meaty dishes I thought never could be delicious without meat, charcuterie tops the list.

Creating the smoky, spicy, fatty flavors of traditional fermented meats is an art that requires time, precision and skill. But the owners of Renegade Foods have cracked the code on recreating the mouthfeel, umami and spice of excellent charcuterie with an entirely plant-based lineup of salumi that will enliven your next cheese board.

Iona Campbell and Kalie Marder have followed a vegetarian diet for most of their lives and went vegan several years ago. The like-minded sisters-in-law share a passion for food, but as plant-based eaters they were unsatisfied by traditional imitation meats on the market.

“They were so boring and had no flavor,” Marder said.

Campbell became interested in meat preservation and charcuterie — despite not eating meat — while living in Spain and working in the food industry throughout Europe.

The experience inspired her to think about how to incorporate the smoking process, fermentation and spices of traditional charcuterie into a meatless product. While living in Sonoma in 2010, she started testing recipes and sharing the results with friends and family.

Now the recipe is perfected. Campbell and Marder mix seitan (wheat gluten), herbs and spices to make a dough that is smoked and fermented to create meatless salumi that mimics the texture and flavors of smoky chorizo, spiced soppressata and sweet Toscana. They also make a winter salami with Champagne and truffles. With traditional salumi-making processes, their meatless products develop a rich, marbled interior and deep-red color.

“It’s been a lot of trial and error, but what we find is … fermentation and slow smoking bring out the umami flavors,” Campbell said.

Renegade Foods salumi is made in Petaluma and is available at several Sonoma County wineries, including Gloria Ferrer Vineyards and Three Sticks Wines in Sonoma, Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood and Thumbprint Cellars in Healdsburg. It’s a product that works well in Wine Country, where many like to share their meals over a glass of wine.

While vegans and vegetarians are a target market for Renegade Foods, Campell and Marder also are hoping to entice flexitarians, who embrace a primarily vegetarian diet but occasionally eat meat.

“People are realizing that they don’t need to go vegan,” Marder said. “It’s about little changes and providing a delicious alternative.”

So how does the salumi taste? The mix of smoke and fermentation flavor, spices and texture is rock-solid. The taste of seitan is pronounced, so if you’re not into that (or you’re gluten-intolerant), you might not like it so much. Paired with vegan or traditional cheese, it’s an excellent addition to any charcuterie board, no meat required.

A three-pack sampler is $39.75, available at renegadefoods.com.

The post Rethinking Charcuterie: Local Brand Creates Plant-Based Meats appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.