Stories abound about people who leave the corporate world to pursue life among the vines. The tale of Dutcher Crossing began that way until a wine-loving teacher convinced the original owners to help her realize a dream.

The story

Before launching Dutcher Crossing Winery in 2005, Bruce Nevins and Jim Stevens had already made their mark in the beverage world as the co-founders of Perrier North America. Turning their attention to wine, the partners purchased land in Dry Creek Valley and opened Dutcher Crossing Winery — named for a spot on the estate where Dutcher Creek and Dry Creek meet — with Kerry Damskey as founding winemaker.

Nevins and Stevens planned to run Dutcher Crossing for a decade before selling, but Debra Mathy had other ideas. Two years after the winery opened, she approached the partners at an industry event and made an offer. Her enthusiasm for the property and wines convinced them to sell early.

A Wisconsin native, Mathy fell in love with wine during a high school class trip to France. When she returned home, she told her father she wanted to own a winery someday. Mathy became a teacher but never forgot her high school dream.

Years later, when her dad was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, he encouraged her to follow her passion and offered help. Mathy’s father died a few months before the Dutcher Crossing sale was finalized.

Mathy has since expanded the winery’s estate vineyards from 35 to 75 acres and grown its portfolio from five wines to more than 30. Bordeaux and Rhone varieties are the focus of the winery’s 10,000-case annual production. Each year, Dutcher Crossing releases a wine called CFM Tribute in honor of Mathy’s father, with all proceeds supporting melanoma research.

The vibe

The drive to Dutcher Crossing is especially beautiful in late winter, when bright yellow mustard flowers bloom amid gnarled old vines that speak of Dry Creek Valley’s long and storied history.

The farmhouse-style tasting room features vaulted ceilings and leather wingback chairs arranged by a crackling fireplace. Large windows frame views of the estate vineyards carpeting the hillsides. Because Mathy is an avid cyclist, bicycles feature prominently in the artwork. A replica of the penny-farthing bicycle her father gave her — also pictured on Dutcher Crossing’s labels — sits alongside the tasting bar.

Outside, vineyard-facing tables sit in a covered breezeway, beneath a pergola, on a paved patio and alongside a pétanque court. Wine Country doesn’t get much prettier than this.

On the palate

Winemaker Nick Briggs, who took over from Damskey as head winemaker in 2017, has an affinity for small-lot wines and single-vineyard bottlings. He uses vessels ranging from concrete tanks to large wooden vats to make more than two dozen wines.

The 2023 Kupferschmid White ($46) from Dry Creek Valley, an unconventional blend of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, is an aromatic pleaser with notes of peaches and apples. The 2019 Pritchett Peaks Vineyard Rockpile Zinfandel ($53) has a mouthwatering aroma of black cherries with a touch of oak, along with red-fruit flavors. The 2021 Cut Root Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ($61) is a medium-bodied wine with a silky texture and bright, red-berry flavor.

Experiences include bar tastings at $20 per person and outdoor seated tastings with an optional charcuterie board ($40-$65). Picknickers can reserve a spot under the pergola ($50 per table), and pétanque players command the court for $90 per group, including bottle service.

Beyond the bottle

Lots of wineries these days are working to cultivate a community-friendly vibe. Dutcher Crossing is leaning into that trend with a wine-friendly book club. Held quarterly, “Sips & Stories” pairs a featured reading selection with wines and snacks. The kick-off event, set for Feb. 26 from 5-7 p.m., highlights “The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It.” It’s free for wine club members; for everyone else, wines by the glass and snacks will be available for purchase.

Dutcher Crossing is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 8533 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville. 707-431-2700, dutchercrossingwinery.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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Tucked between Diavola and the Geyserville Gun Club, Pastasciutta is the latest venture from restaurateurs Dino Bugica and his wife, Sonja. While it’s Dino’s mustachioed face locals recognize, the charming bottega is very much Sonja’s creation.

Opened in late November, the Geyserville shop offers a carefully curated selection of handmade pasta, Italian meats, fresh focaccia and roasted chicken, with shelves stocked with sauces, pickles, pastes, international liqueurs, dried pasta and wines from near and far.

The space is packed to the rafters — you might need provisions while shopping for provisions.

The hot case beckons with gargantuan meatballs in tomato ragù, roasted winter vegetables and racks of Tuscan ribs, while several cold cases feature fresh pasta, imported meats and cheeses, and tidy stacks of tiramisu. Made-to-order cannolis are a particular draw, though the fresh anchovies may be an acquired taste for some.

“I haven’t spoken this much Italian in a long time,” Dino Bugica remarked, noting the older Italian men who come for their niche cuts of headcheese and salumi. Authenticity isn’t lacking here.

Sonja, who hails from the Ligurian coast of Italy, has infused the menu with flavors that reflect her roots: pickled puntarelle (chicory shoots), rosemary-topped focaccia, cheese-and-herb ravioli, green pesto lasagna and a slow-simmered tomato sauce.

“I wanted to bring a piece of Italy here,” she said, pointing to the breaded cotoletta used in her sandwiches. After years of teaching pasta-making, the shop finally gives her a place to showcase her culinary skills.

For the holidays, Pastasciutta offers a $96 panettone from Bay Area baker Roy Shvartzapel — the same one Ruth Reichl once called “the fruitcake of your holiday dreams.” The website calls the obsessively perfected Italian holiday bread his personal Mt. Everest of baking.

Naturally, I had to pick it up, admire it and then gently set it back down. I spent 20 minutes trying to justify the purchase, even enlisting Sonja and Dino in my internal debate. “You’ll be a holiday party hero if you bring this,” Dino suggested.

Ultimately, I left without the cake (though I did pick up ravioli, meatballs and tiramisu). Still, I refuse to enter 2026 without knowing if a fruitcake can really be that good. Perhaps Santa will leave one in my stocking.

Open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 21023 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, Instagram.com/pastasciutta707

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Nick Peyton’s job is to make people happy. As maître d’ of Michelin-starred Cyrus restaurant in Geyserville, which he co-owns with chef Doug Keane, his job is to make every guest feel like a celebrity — from the moment they walk in the door until their final goodbye.

For 50 years Peyton has managed the front-of-house for some of the Bay Area’s toniest restaurants, anticipating the needs of every diner and remaining cool as a cucumber while smoothing any service wrinkles. If the cook has quit, the kitchen is on fire, and the reservation system has gone kaput, he makes sure guests never know it.

In June, he received the 2025 California Michelin Guide Service Award for creating “the antidote to the traditional, snooty fine dining experience,” according to the international restaurant guide.

He’s flattered, but he’s got Champagne glasses to fill and guests to seat as another evening service at Cyrus begins. It’s showtime.

The job description

It’s about making the experience personal. You don’t know what people have gone through to get here, so you figure it out. Maybe they’re not in the best mood and need a little extra attention to elevate the situation. Maybe they want us to stand back or leave them alone. You know when people leave if they’ve had that cathartic experience we would like them to have, because they float out of here. I want their thought on the way to the parking lot to be, “It was worth everything to do that.” But it takes the team to really make sure they have the Cyrus experience.

Industry changes

In the ’60s and ’70s restaurants weren’t all about chefs or cuisine — it was about the maître d’. There was an imperious guy at the front door looking down his nose at you and he was the gatekeeper. Just a reservation didn’t get you the VIP treatment, you had to establish yourself. I’m more of an egalitarian. That couple who comes to Cyrus for their second anniversary made a tremendous commitment, and we make sure they have a fabulous time just like guests who come two times a month.

On the critics

Back in the day, Michael Bauer at the Chronicle was all-powerful and all your investors and all your staff have a lot riding on this one guy. We would track the names and phone numbers he used for reservations. If we knew he was coming, we would kind of stage a table in the back. He liked to see the whole room. But a Herb Caen story had the biggest impact that I ever witnessed. He mentioned Masa’s and our phones just lit up. We were getting 400 to 500 calls for reservations a day.

A partnership

Doug and I trust each other. We’ve worked together for decades. I’ve worked with a lot of chefs who want to be all-powerful at the expense of the betterment of their restaurant. I know he’s going to produce great food, and he knows I’m here to make things smooth up front. We both have to work without ego.

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Northern Sonoma County combines rolling hills and petite valleys with redwood forests, vineyards, and charming small towns — from sophisticated Healdsburg to “Wild West” Geyserville to down-to-earth Cloverdale. Home to Alexander and Dry Creek valleys, the region is a magnet for fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Taste

Aesthete Farm & Winery

If relaxing in Adirondack chairs on the banks of Dry Creek while sipping top-notch Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, and Pinot Noir is your idea of a great way to while away the afternoon, this is your spot. Set on the creekside estate formerly owned by Truett Hurst Winery, the winery includes multiple patios and garden nooks, along with friendly farm animals — be sure to bring a few quarters for the goat food dispenser — plus picnic tables for bring-your-own feasts. Reservations encouraged. 5610 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-431-4444, aesthetewines.com

Trattore Farms

In a region known for scenic vistas, Trattore Farms takes the concept to new heights with 360-degree views of Dry Creek Valley from the winery’s expansive terrace. Wines are inspired by France’s Rhône Valley, from Roussanne to Syrah-based red blends. The farm also cultivates olive trees and makes its own oils, which guests can sample on their own or alongside a flight of wines. Food is part of the fun, with panini and charcuterie boards on the menu, plus wood-fired pizza on Sundays through October. Reservations recommended. 7878 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville. 707-431-7200, trattorefarms.com

More wineries worth seeking out:

At frills-free Unti Vineyards, explore easy-to-love wines made from grape varieties commonly found in Italy and southern France — including Fiano, Grenache, and more. Tastings by appointment. 4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-5590, untivineyards.com

Family-owned Nalle Winery is home to century-old Zinfandel vines and a friendly, rustic atmosphere with tables and chairs set among the vineyards. Reservations required Wednesday through Friday and Sundays. 2383 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 707-527-2595, nallewinery.com

Marine Layer Wines on the Healdsburg Plaza is known for its modern, design-forward vibe and small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Sonoma Coast — including single-vineyard showstoppers. 308 B Center St., Healdsburg. 707-395-0830, marinelayerwines.com

Dine

Acorn Cafe

Set in the former Oakville Grocery space on the Healdsburg Plaza, Acorn is a casual, order-at-the-counter affair that’s great for all-day breakfast, sandos, and late afternoon snacks with a glass of local wine. Don’t miss the next-level Lemon Ricotta Hotcake made with housemade lemon curd and topped with lemon-lavender ice cream. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg. 707-955-7001, acornhealdsburg.com

Cyrus

This Michelin-starred destination in Geyserville features a progressive journey that moves from room to room — from the lounge to the “chocolate room” — with each incredible dish. For a more casual experience, hit the Bubbles Lounge or snag a spot for the intimate Sunday Family Meal of Korean-style fried chicken. 275 Highway 128, Geyserville. 707-723-5999, cyrusrestaurant.com

El Milagro

This under-the-radar find is beloved by locals for its authentic, regional Mexican fare — especially the signature moles and stews. Last year, the Cloverdale-based eatery added a location at 14 Matheson St. in Healdsburg, which recently reopened in a new, larger spot on Healdsburg Avenue with an expanded menu. 241 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-385-4672, elmilagrohealdsburg.com

The Beet

This cozy downtown space doubles as a wine shop and restaurant. Lunch and dinner menus are eclectic, and ingredients are locally sourced. Night owls take heart: The Beet is open until 11 p.m. on Friday nights for a weekly dance party. 116 E. First St., Cloverdale. 707-669-5080, cloverdalebeet.com

Explore

Ponder your next meal while walking 3 miles of scenic trails at the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, just a five-minute drive from downtown. Arabian Way, Healdsburg. ci.healdsburg.ca.us

Start the weekend early with free Thursday night music sessions at Little Saint’s upstairs venue, The Second Story. The vibrant space showcases diverse acts, including the “Dad Country” series. 25 North St., Healdsburg. 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Stroll the Cloverdale Sculpture Trail downtown to admire an array of playful works from a dozen respected sculptors. cloverdalesculpturetrail.org

Insider Tip

Hunt for “Fairy Doors” on the Healdsburg Plaza

Hidden at the bases of building exteriors around town are more than a dozen whimsical miniature doors waiting to be discovered.

Get Buzzed at La Ruche

Book a tasting at the honey boutique to sample local and internationally sourced honeys paired with charcuterie and mead. 409A Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-909-0514, laruchehealdsburg.com

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There was a time when kids and Wine Country was not a great pairing. But that is changing. A new breed of family-friendly wineries are welcoming wine-loving parents and their (well-behaved) offspring for some fun in the vineyard — children sipping grape juice while parents relax, wine in hand.

Here are some of the most kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties.

Sonoma County

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

One of Sonoma County’s most famous family-friendly destinations, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has an expansive pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Wine and food is delivered to parents poolside, while kids can play bocce and board games. A museum inside the winery features props from Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula. Reservations required for pool access. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Preston Farm & Winery

This cat-friendly winery (leave your dog at home) has gardens, bocce and sheep, in addition to the cats that live on the property. If you’re lucky, your little one can help bottle-feed a lamb. Bring a picnic, pick up one of the winery’s famed Rhône wines, and enjoy the rustic, old-world charm of this west county spot. Don’t miss the farm shop, which sells fresh farm-grown produce. 9282 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3372, prestonfarmandwinery.com

Larson Family Winery

The Larson family has been farming land in the Carneros region for over 120 years. After they started making wine in the 1970s, they turned their farmhouse into a family- and pet-friendly destination. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. Larson Family Winery offers bocce, cornhole and other kid-friendly games and has an expansive lawn that makes for a great location for a game of tag. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Landmark Vineyards

Founded by the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere, Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at its Kenwood and Hop Kiln estates. After rounds of bocce ball at either property, parents can relax with a picnic and wine tasting while the kids play in the grass. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Benziger Family Winery

It’s not just in the name. Benziger Family Winery is truly a family operation; generations of Benzigers have been raised on the property, known for its organic and biodynamic wines. The winery tour is a must for any first-time visitor to Wine Country. Kids and adults love riding the tram through the property while learning about agriculture, as well as biodynamic and organic winemaking practices. Sheep and cows make appearances along the route and the tram even travels into the wine caves. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Cline Family Cellars

Founded in 1982, Cline Cellars is a family-run winery that offers unpretentious tasting experiences in an updated farmhouse, outdoor cabanas and by a pond. Kids will love the property, and parents the wine. Take a guided tour through the estate to the barrel room, where guests can learn about the history of the winery. Or, pack a picnic to enjoy pondside after a self-guided walking tour of the historic ranch, where the family can meet the winery’s resident donkeys and other farm animals. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Buena Vista Winery

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. The historic property offers wine tastings for adults and an educational and interactive experience for kids. Schedule a tour guided by period actors, who will guide your family through the winery, including the old wine caves and the historic Wine Tool Museum, which features a colorful multimedia presentation that feels like a blend between Wine Country and Disneyland. Don’t miss the hedge maze and the giant crocodile. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Napa County

Castello di Amorosa

The closest thing to Disneyland in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a 121,000-square-foot replica of an Italian castle from the Middle Ages. It took 15 years to build and even a bored 15-year-old will be impressed. Book a guided tour, which features everything from gargoyles and knights in shining armor to a dungeon and an opportunity to meet the winery cats. There are also peacocks, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Kids can sip grape juice (included in their $25 general admission ticket) and color their hearts out in their own play area while parents enjoy vino. Please note: Strollers are not allowed inside the winery. 4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, 707-967-6272, castellodiamorosa.com

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards offers yet another family-friendly experience in northern Napa Valley. The winery is only accessible via an aerial tram, which takes visitors 300 feet from the ground to the mountaintop estate. Upon arrival, kids will receive age-appropriate backpacks filled with a drink, snack and game. After a self-guided tour of the winery, parents can enjoy wine tasting overlooking Napa Valley. Please note: Children are welcome at the “Sterling Stroll” and “Tour and Terrace” experiences, but the tasting experiences in the Hilltop areas are strictly 21 and over. 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 800-726-6136, sterlingvineyards.com

The River Club

Founded by two local family-owned wineries, Belong Wine Co. and Paper Planes Wine Co., the newly opened River Club welcomes children and pets (be sure to meet estate dog Peaches on your visit) to its cheery, laid-back tasting room space, nestled on the edge of the Napa River. Parents can sip Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre while taking in expansive river views, as the children play games, read books and color with provided art supplies in the kids’ corner. A kids’ snack pack is also available for purchase. Tastings are just $25 per person, and the next-door River Studio offers equally affordable riverside grub. 101 S. Coombs St., Napa, 707-234-5814, exploretock.com/riverclubnapa

Grace Yarrow and Maci Martell contributed to this article. 

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Just north of some of Sonoma County’s most populated towns, Alexander Valley houses over 30 wineries and 15,000 acres of vineyards across pristine landscapes.

In a Nov. 15 article, Condé Nast Traveler named Alexander Valley one of the best places to go in North America and the Caribbean in 2025. The local destination was the only California spot on the list of 10, which also included Alaska, Cuba, Greenland and Canada.

Alexander Valley made the curated list for its fine Bordeaux varietals, dining experiences and anticipated Pocket Peak American Viticulture Area (AVA).

“Pocket Peak AVA — a wine-growing region within the valley defined by its steep, undulating hills and volcanic and gravelly loam soils — [is] expected in fall 2025,” according to the Condé Nast Traveler article.

The article spotlights The Residence at Skipstone, an 8,344-square-foot luxury lodging in Geyserville. The home is on a private, 200-acre estate — 27 of those acres housing wine vineyards, olive groves and culinary gardens. It can host large parties and sleeps up to 10 guests.

The private vineyard is home to Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots for residents to try. Skipstone Winery is also available to visit by appointment with tasting experiences for $125 per person.

Other wineries Condé Nast Traveler recommended include Stonestreet and Devil Proof Vineyards, both located in Healdsburg.

Stonestreet offers a 90-minute, single-vineyard tasting for $75 per person, a 90-minute seasonal library tasting for $125 per person and a private, guided mountain excursion for $200 per person.

Devil Proof Vineyards is now offering a limited tasting experience showcasing diverse Malbecs for $195 per person at Aperture Cellars.

For foodies looking for exquisite meals, the Condé Nast article highlights Cyrus, Geyserville Gun Club and Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, all in Geyserville.

Cyrus offers a fine dining experience for its guests with multicourse meals served at a single table. Reservations are required for the dining journey, which includes libations in the Bubbles Lounge, dinner at a personal table and a “mysterious Chocolate Room.” The dining journey is available on the hour from 4-8 p.m. The Bubbles Lounge is open for reservations and drop-in visits from 5-9 p.m. Cyrus is open Thursday through Sunday.

Geyserville Gun Club is open from 5-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant offers cocktails and bar bites, and also hosts regular events.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s onsite restaurant Rustic is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday. There is cozy indoor seating as well as outdoor seating with a view of the Alexander Valley. After a seasonal, traditional Italian dish at Rustic, explore the winery’s collection of movie memorabilia.

In October, Condé Nast Traveler named Healdsburg among the best cities in the country. The Alexander Valley town boasts Michelin-recognized restaurants and hotels, as well as a quaint, walkable downtown area.

For more places to stay, eat and drink in Alexander Valley, visit Sonoma County Tourism.

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A visit to Sonoma Wine Country doesn’t have to break the bank. You can fill your belly at inexpensive restaurants, spend the night at chic and affordable hotels and, perhaps most importantly, enjoy free or cheap wine tastings.

From quaint small town tasting rooms to sprawling wine gardens, Sonoma County offers wine sipping opportunities that will please your palate as well as your pocketbook. Click through the above gallery to discover wineries where you can taste wine for free or cheap ($20 and less).

Tina Caputo, Sarah Doyle and Linda Murphy contributed to this article. 

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Click through the above gallery for a sneak peek inside the new Cyrus restaurant. 

The California Michelin Guide has tapped the recently-opened Cyrus in Geyserville as one of 37 new restaurants on the radar of Michelin inspectors.

The announcement of the guide’s latest round of “New Discoveries” offers a preview of restaurants usually considered too new for Michelin stars but still worthy of note. Star rankings for the 2023 California Guide will be announced Dec. 5 during a live ceremony at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. It’s an event that most restaurateurs and food lovers anticipate all year as favorite eateries either get chosen – or sometimes snubbed – by the international restaurant guidebooks.

“Celebrated wine country chef Douglas Keane has returned to the fore with his re-launch of Cyrus in Geyserville. Dinner is an ebullient experience that progresses from canapes and Champagne in the lounge to small bites in the kitchen and concludes with substantial compositions in the dining room,” read the Michelin announcement.

Cyrus reopened in September after a 10-year hiatus and several false starts for co-owners Douglas Keane and Nick Peyton. The original restaurant, located at the Les Mars Hotel in Healdsburg, closed in 2012 after a dispute with owner and wine magnate Bill Foley. (Read the review of the new Cyrus.)

“We hope that these regular revelations and updates to the selection throughout the year will provide opportunities to highlight the profession and invite everyone to discover and support the restaurants around them,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

Other new California restaurants selected for the “New Discovery” distinction include Oakland’s buzzy Hi Felicia; and Ken, Osito, Yuji and Itria restaurants in San Francisco. Los Angeles and Southern California restaurants, which in previous years had limited inclusion by the Guide, received 30 Michelin nods. Earlier this year, The Matheson in Healdsburg was named a New Discovery by the California Michelin Guide. (New Discoveries are featured on guide.michelin.com)

The complete list of New Discoveries, with Michelin inspector notes, follows.

AMA Sushi (Montecito): It’s worth going all in on the omakase to sample the chef’s artistry, which begins with a trinity of bites from soba noodles and fried eggplant to sesame tofu.

Asterid by Ray Garcia (Los Angeles): The evolving menu draws from seasonal local produce and Latin American, Asian and European influences with Chef Garcia’s distinctive Angeleño point of view.

Bar Le Côte (Los Olivos): Slide in to one of the booths or banquettes and settle in for a meal that is an ode to the sea and is best enjoyed with shared plates.

Bird & Buffalo (Oakland): Picnic tables gift-wrapped with colorful plastic tablecloths and unhurried, nonchalant service readily evoke the casual roadside restaurants scattered throughout Thailand — and happily, so do the multifaceted, punchy flavors.

Caboco (Los Angeles): This airy, industrial-chic space welcomes guests with a well-rounded menu of deeply flavorful and thought-provoking modern Brazilian dishes.

Camphor (Los Angeles): Camphor plates seriously good French fare with a sprinkle of spicing from India and Southeast Asia. Creative cocktails, including the refreshing Saint-Germain, complete the experience.

Chulita (Venice):
Tacos are served all day at this spot where Oaxacan-style, California-influenced Mexican food rules.

Cyrus (Geyersville):
Celebrated wine country chef Douglas Keane has returned to the fore with his re-launch of Cyrus in Geyserville. Dinner is an ebullient experience that progresses from canapes and Champagne in the lounge, to small bites in the kitchen, and concludes with substantial compositions in the dining room.

Damian (Los Angeles):
Housed within a repurposed warehouse with polished concrete, exposed brick and pendant lighting, Damian has that industrial chic look down pat, and the menu speaks to a kitchen that is rooted in the nuances of Mexican cooking.

The Dutchess (Ojai):
This quirky concept features a bakery/cafe by day and a trendy Burmese restaurant by night. Come hungry, as this heartfelt menu is brimming with snacks, salads, curries and large plates designed for sharing.

Ember (Arroyo Grande):
Its inviting industrial-rustic interior is the perfect setting for their heartfelt and down-to-earth cooking. You’ll likely never tire of the contemporary menu filled with comforting favorites.

The Hatch (Paso Robles): It’s all hail to the bird at The Hatch. This downtown Paso Robles restaurant reveres the rotisserie and roasted chicken is indeed the must order.

Hatchet Hall (Los Angeles):
This is open-flame cooking, rendered with a Southern twang and seasonal focus thanks to an abundance of local product.

Hi Felicia (Oakland): The transformation of a popular underground supper club into a fully formed brick and mortar may sound like a familiar tale, but rest assured that there’s nothing formulaic about this East Bay iconoclast, whose name is a clue to the kind of exuberant irreverence diners should expect.

in bloom (Paso Robles):
Executive Chef Kenny Seliger and Executive Sous Chef Ron Frazier take the now-classic Californian menu and give it a clever update (sweet parsnip cannoli, anyone?) at in bloom. Their cooking is confident, and their dishes really come alive.

Itria (San Francisco):
This welcoming, easygoing retreat draws in a lively crowd with Italian cooking that’s appealingly modern. Chef Daniel Evers employs a confidently uncomplicated approach, bringing a light touch to classic flavors and allowing simplicity to shine.

Ken (San Francisco): The city has its share of intimate omakase counters, but few offer quite as much cozy charm as this six-seat gem in the Lower Haight.

Kingfisher (San Diego): A striking central bar provides the perfect perch for thirsty guests to wet their beaks with a terrific assortment of inventive cocktails, which serve as excellent complements to the mouth-watering menu of inspired Vietnamese cooking.

Kinn (Los Angeles): Chef Ki Kim delivers something special with Kinn and his experience in upscale restaurants informs the menu, which features dishes retooled with a Korean bent.

Kodō (Los Angeles): Off-menu specials, such as the Japanese sea snail, are especially memorable, while sea bream and octopus are impeccable. A steaming bowl of little neck clams, garlic and butter is dreamy.

LA Cha Cha Chá (Los Angeles): This sister spot to Mexico City’s Terraza Cha Cha Chá delivers on its name with its upbeat atmosphere. The menu is refreshingly uncomplicated yet inventive with a round-up of botanas, platos principales and well-crafted desserts.

Les Petites Canailles (Paso Robles): Meals begin with a warm gougère before moving on to a selection of hearty appetizers. The menu features several entrées, though most eyes land on the perfectly cooked steaks.

Matū (Beverly Hills): The inviting ambience is elevated by a visible kitchen with views of the action, and the warm, courteous wait staff rounds out the experience.

Meteora (Los Angeles): Chef Jordan Kahn means to cast a spell with his highly inventive cuisine, which defies neat categorization, making use of ancient cooking techniques like hot stones and live fire while utilizing a uniquely modern tapestry of eclectic, global ingredients.

Nate’s on Marsh (San Luis Obispo): Nate Long is the consummate host and the service is exceptionally warm, though it certainly doesn’t hurt that the menu is loaded with classics and riffs on favorites that will have you coming back for more.

Osito (San Francisco): Chef Seth Stowaway puts his heart, soul, and even his nickname (osito means “little bear”) into this rustic, lodge-like spot where live fire cooking takes center stage. Warmth radiates from the central hearth and from the supremely hospitable staff.

Peasants FEAST (Solvang): It may seem impossible to be even more charming than its Solvang surroundings, but peasants FEAST doubles down, and delivers. This daytime-only café from Michael and Sarah Cherney spotlights the seasons on its sandwich-driven menu.

Pizzeria Bianco (Los Angeles): Those who think Los Angeles can’t compete with New York when it comes to pizza obviously haven’t been to Pizzeria Bianco. There is a reason long lines snake through ROW DTLA and queue up at the takeout window with diners hankering for a taste of Chef Chris Bianco’s pizza.

Ramen & Tsukemen TAO (Buena Park): This unassuming spot in an easy-to-miss location in an open-air mall belies the wondrous steaming bowls found within.

Rebel Omakase (Laguna Beach): As its name suggests, omakase is indeed the name of the game here, and with its seasonal, ever-changing fish selection, you’re sure to have a unique experience at each visit.

Saffy’s (Los Angeles): From the hitmakers behind Bavel and Bestia comes this breezy space awash in shades of Starburst pink and orange marmalade. Lamb and pork kebabs cooked on long metal skewers are the main event, but appetizers easily hold their own.

San Laurel (Los Angeles): Expect modern Californian dishes with Spanish leanings from a talented team put together by visionary chef, José Andrés.

Sushi Kaneyoshi (Los Angeles): Great care is taken with every detail, whether it’s the quality of ingredients or the artful plating — some of the dishes are handmade by Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue.

Valle (Oceanside): The name is a reference to the Guadalupe Valley of Baja California, Mexico’s premier viticultural region, which furnishes the restaurant’s wine list, and serves as inspiration for Chef Roberto Alcocer’s refined, modern expression of Mexican cuisine.

Yangban Society (Los Angeles): Katianna and John Hong are behind Yangban Society, a DTLA multihyphenate that is equal parts deli, mini-mart and restaurant offering a multicourse prix fixe featuring straight-up comfort food with Korean flair.

Yuji (San Francisco): Specializing in kappo cuisine, the 12-course menu similarly reflects the seasons, featuring a progression of dishes spanning a series of delicate bites, both hot and cold, and culminating in a hearty dish of steamed rice (which might be enriched with hairy crab or a similar delicacy), paired with pickled and savory miso soup.

Yunomi Handroll Bar (Los Angeles): Chef David Movsisian’s Yunomi Handroll is located on a stretch of East 3rd Street that has become a hotbed of terrific restaurants and nightlife, and this cool, inviting spot is certainly keeping up with its neighbors.

The post New Geyserville Restaurant Noted by Michelin Guide appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

After 10 long years, the Michelin-starred Cyrus restaurant has returned to Sonoma County after closing in 2012.

In many ways, the new restaurant, now located in Geyserville, holds true to the original vision of Chef Douglas Keane and business partner Nick Peyton — it is a mix of opulent, painstakingly created European and Japanese small bites arranged with culinary tweezers and served on bespoke ceramic dinnerware. It doesn’t get a whole lot more pinkies up than this $295 prix fixe meal. Although, compared to other high-end Wine Country restaurants that charge upwards of $500 per person for their multi-course meals, it’s a relative deal.

We recently tried Cyrus’ Dining Journey, a 17-course culinary adventure. Click through the above gallery for a look at the opening menu. Stay tuned for a review in a few weeks.

Tickets for the Dining Journey are released two months in advance at exploretock.com/cyrus. Cyrus, 275 CA Highway 128, Geyserville, 707-723-5999, cyrusrestaurant.com

The post We Tried the $295 17-Course Dining Journey at the New Cyrus Restaurant appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

This may be Wine Country but the green beer will be flowing on March 17. Click through the above gallery to find out where to party like the Irish this St. Patrick’s Day.

The post How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.