When it comes to buying and gifting locally, Willow Peterson is a bona fide expert.

The Sebastopol flower farmer and real estate agent purchased Made Local Marketplace in 2020 to prevent it from closing its doors for good in downtown Santa Rosa. After moving to Montgomery Village later that year, she’s continued to grow and refine the shop that features local artisans and makers and is beloved by shoppers for offering an alternative to mass-produced goods.

A Made Local outpost opened last year in Novato, and in February, the Santa Rosa store relocated within Montgomery Village. Peterson sees the move as an opportunity for growth and plans to add a small section of wine and beer from boutique producers.

424 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa. 707-583-7667, madelocalmarketplace.com

A believer in using products that are sold at Made Local Marketplace, Peterson keeps chili crisps from Hei Ma (formerly Big Spoon Sauce Co.) in her cupboard at all times. “I make a savory oatmeal in the morning and I use the Kraken Sauce,” she says describing the mild, seaweed-based chili crisp, one of the seasonal specials from Hei Ma’s founder, Lani Chan. “It’s got a fried egg on top and Sriracha sauce and the seaweedy crispiness. It’s amazing. It’s the weirdest breakfast, but it’s so nourishing.” heimamade.co

Peterson has two big dogs — Akbash mixes — including one, named Zeke, who weighs in at 150 pounds. And big dogs need big treats, which is why she heads to Panizzera Meat Co. for their super-sized snacks. “They have bones that are cheap, but very good quality,” she says. “I give my big guy big beef bones so that he doesn’t destroy the house.” 3905 Main St., Occidental. 707-874-9770, panizzerameatco.com

As a busy working mom, finding time to work out can be a challenge. After dropping her daughter off at school, Peterson sometimes heads to Helen Putnam Regional Park to squeeze in a micro-hike on the Panorama Steps. “It’s this long set of stairs that goes to the top of the hill and has this amazing view,” she says of the 123-step climb nicknamed The Stairway to Helen, which she climbs twice. “Then I get back to the car in 20 minutes, huffing and puffing a little bit.” 411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Living in Sebastopol, Peterson and her family are all about apples and grow their own. In April, the Apple Blossom Parade and Festival is a long-standing family tradition. “We love to watch the parade. It feels like the unofficial start of spring.” When harvest rolls around a few months later, they take apples from their trees to Slow Food’s community apple press to make cider. Apple Blossom Parade & Festival is April 25-26. appleblossomfest.com; for community apple press, see slowfoodrr.org.

The post Made Local Marketplace Owner Shares Favorite Things in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

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.

Welcome to the always hopping modern brewpub, where sometimes the beer itself is an afterthought. One night it’s cornhole, the next night trivia, or a concert, or maybe a trip back in time through a pinball arcade.

“Breweries are there for people to have beer, but they’re also there for people to spend time with each other and inspire conversation and make jokes and stuff,” says Trey Hart, a recent “Jeopardy” champion who hosts Redwood Empire Food Bank’s popular Tap Out Hunger trivia night fundraisers at breweries from Parliament to HenHouse. (Check out refb.org for their upcoming lineup of Tap Out Hunger brewery trivia nights).

Just to give you an idea of what’s out there, here’s a less-than-exhaustive list of daily entertainment from the local brewery scene:

Monday

Cooperage Brewing Co. (downtown): Trivia from 7-9 p.m. 575 Ross St., Santa Rosa. cooperagebrewing.com

Tuesday

Iron Ox Brewing: The brewery hosts surprisingly competitive cornhole tournaments at 6:30 p.m. 3334 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa. ironoxbeer.com

Cooperage Brewing (Airway): Trivia night from 6-8 p.m. 981 Airway Court, Suite G, Santa Rosa

Old Caz: Trivia Gauntlet 6 p.m. Somo Village, 1500 Valley House Drive, Suite 110, Rohnert Park. oldcaz.com

Fogbelt Brewing (Santa Rosa): Trivia with comedian Cody Smit, 7-9 p.m. 1305 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. fogbeltbrewing.com 

Wednesday

Sonoma Springs Brewing Company: The brewery often hosts bingo nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays, benefiting local organizations. $10 for a set of cards. 19449 Riverside Drive, Suite 101, Sonoma. sonomaspringsbrewing.com

Moonlight Brewing: Trivia 6-8 p.m. 3350 Coffey Lane, Suites A & D, Santa Rosa. moonlightbrewing.com

Parliament Brewing: Trivia 6 p.m. Also look for monthly themed-trivia nights, typically the third Tuesday at 6 p.m. Recent themes have included Disney, Harry Potter, and “The Office.” 5865 Labath Ave., Unit 9, Rohnert Park. parliamentbrewing.com

Crooked Goat Brewing: Trivia 6:30-8 p.m. 110 Howard St., Petaluma. crookedgoatbrewing.com

Barrel Brothers Brewing: Trivia 6:30-8:30 p.m. 9238 Old Redwood Hwy., Suite 128, Windsor. barrelbrothersbrewing.com

Thursday

Shady Oak Brewing: Trivia 7 p.m., plus they always have pinball and old-school video arcade games. 420 First St., Santa Rosa. shadyoakbrewing.com

Lagunitas Taproom and Brewery: Music Bingo from 5:30-7 p.m. (also hosts trivia on Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.). 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lagunitas.com

Fogbelt Station (Healdsburg): Trivia 6-8 p.m. 410 Hudson St., Healdsburg

Golden State Cider: Trivia 6-8 p.m., for those who prefer a hard cider over beer. The Barlow, 180 Morris St., Suite 150, Sebastopol. drinkgoldenstate.com

Saturday

Iron Ox Brewing: Comedy night from 8-10 p.m. the last Saturday of the month. 3334 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa

Sunday

Cooperage Brewing (Airway location): End the week with the most unusual brew combo of them all: Beer and Yoga with Alicia Franci Uresti at 10:30 a.m. Here’s the pitch: “Start your day with a rejuvenating hatha-style slow-flow session followed by a refreshing pint of beer with fellow yogis.” What could possibly go wrong? 981 Airway Court, Suite G, Santa Rosa

This roundup is from our Ultimate Guide to Sonoma County’s Beer Scene, originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of Sonoma Magazine.

The post The Sonoma County Brewpubs Hopping With Fun and Games appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Breweries are pros at crafting signature events that are always worth pulling up for.

Here are some of the most anticipated brewery events coming to Sonoma County in 2026.

Pliny the Younger Release

Russian River Brewing Co. — March 20-April 2

The pavement party (aka standing in line!) is part of the experience and a Sonoma County rite of passage. 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 700 Mitchell Lane, Windsor. 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

3rd Annual Cheesesteak Day

Parliament Brewing Co. — March 21, noon to 8 p.m.

Anyone who has ever asked where to find an authentic Philly cheesesteak in Sonoma County should be here, otherwise they’re not even trying. 5865 Labath Ave., Unit 9, Rohnert Park. 707-776-6779, parliamentbrewing.com

CoopMania

Cooperage Brewing Co. (Airway location) — May 2, noon to 10 p.m.

A daylong taco fest with a side of Lucha Libre wrestling is the best way to get the Cinco de Mayo party started. 981 Airway Court, Suite G, Santa Rosa. 707-293-9787, cooperagebrewing.com

Live at Lagunitas

Lagunitas Petaluma Taproom — Summer

The Lagunitas lawn is the place to be for this concert series that brings in big names, like indie pop band Japanese Breakfast that played a free show to a capacity crowd last year. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. 707-284-1020, lagunitas.com

Clash of the Cuisines

Old Caz — June 20

Last year’s inaugural event was a blowout, pitting top food vendors in a culinary competition with a catch: Make whatever you want, as long as it’s never been on your menu before. The crowd, quite literally, ate it up. Somo Village, 1500 Valley House Drive, Suite 110, Rohnert Park. 707-665-6668, oldcaz.com

Stumptown Beer Revival BBQ Cook-Off

Stumptown Brewery — August

Arguably the longest-running brewery event in the county brings together more than two dozen breweries and a barbecue competition. What could be better? 15045 River Road, Guerneville. 707-869-0705, stumptown.com

This roundup is from our Ultimate Guide to Sonoma County’s Beer Scene, originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of Sonoma Magazine.

The post Upcoming Beer Events Brewing in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

As rain clouds part to reveal lush, verdant pastures, Sonoma County is beginning to resemble the Emerald Isle — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

From parades and parties to communal dinners and holiday treats, local businesses and organizations are offering a range of ways to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.

Unless otherwise noted, events take place on St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17.

Santa Rosa

Iron & Vine

The Bennett Valley Golf Course restaurant will offer a St. Patrick’s Day special from March 13-16, featuring an $18 corned beef Reuben and $5 cans of Guinness. The golf course will also host a Shamrocks & Swings golf tournament starting at 1 p.m., March 13. There will be prizes for best dressed, luckiest putt, longest drive and more. Tickets are $85 per player and $55 for annual members. Call 707-852-1162 or email jschroeder@bennettvalleygolf.com for more information. 3330 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-528-3673, bennettvalleygolf.com

Santa Rosa’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K

The Race Company will present Santa Rosa’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K, benefiting Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks, starting at 10 a.m., March 14, at Old Courthouse Square. The chip-timed run/walk is open to all ages and abilities. Participants will receive a commemorative mug and finisher medal. A post-race celebration will include a judged costume contest, beginning at 11:30 a.m., along with music, dancing, drinks, activities and sponsor giveaways. Registration fees are $28.74 for youth 12 and under and $60.83 for those 13 and over. More information and registration are available on Race Roster. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, srcity.org

Goose & Fern

Celebrations begin early at the British-style pub Goose & Fern on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day and continue through the holiday with live music and a special food and drink menu. According to the British pub’s website, holiday hours on St. Paddy’s Day are from 11:30 a.m. “till y’all fall down.” The special menu will be announced the Friday before the holiday. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

Canevari’s Delicatessen

Canevari’s Deli will offer a St. Patrick’s Day feast for pickup March 16-17. The meal includes corned beef, braised cabbage, roasted red potatoes, glazed baby carrots and dinner rolls. Single servings are $25; a family platter serving four to five people costs $80. Served cold at pickup. Orders may be placed online. 695 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6941, canevarisdeli.com

Flagship Taproom

Flagship Taproom will host an all-day St. Patrick’s Day party with Guinness on tap, Irish-inspired cocktails and its “Dubliner” corned beef sandwich. 446 B St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6716, flagshiptaproom.com

Victory House

Victory House at Poppy Bank Epicenter will serve a special menu for St. Patrick’s Day, including holiday-themed shots and pub favorites like corned beef and hash, Reuben sandwiches and Irish curry with chips. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-757-9041, visitvictoryhouse.com

Rohnert Park

Sally Tomatoes

The catering company Sally Tomatoes will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner buffet and movie from 4-9 p.m. at the SOMO Village Event Center. Dinner includes corned beef and cabbage, buttered carrots and potatoes, minted mushy peas and housemade soda bread. Drink specials include Guinness, Irish car bombs, green beer and Irish coffee with Bailey’s. The 1952 western romance “The Quiet Man” will be shown at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Call 707-665-9472 to make reservations. SOMO Village, 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-665-9472, sallytomatoes.com

The Neighborhood Cafe

The Rohnert Park cafe will serve a special St. Patrick’s Day menu featuring roast corned beef, red potatoes, veggies and soup or salad. The meal is $21.95. 913 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, 707-496-1033, neighborhoodcafe-rohnertpark.com

Cotati

Redwood Cafe

Cotati’s Redwood Cafe will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish dinner special available from 3-9 p.m., March 16-17. The dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Guinness will be on tap. There will also be traditional Irish music played live from 6-8 p.m. during the holiday. A prize will be awarded for the best green outfit. 8240 Old Redwood Highway, Cotati, 707-795-7868, redwoodcafecotati.com

Penngrove

Penngrove Social Firemen

The nonprofit Penngrove Social Firemen will host its Corned Beef & Cabbage Feed from 3-7 p.m., March 14, at the Penngrove Clubhouse. Dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, along with a no-host bar and a cash-only dessert table provided by Penngrove 4-H. Meals are available for dine-in or takeout. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Proceeds help support maintenance of the Penngrove Clubhouse and Penngrove Park. Tickets are available at Odd Cookie Bakery or online at Eventbrite. Penngrove Clubhouse, 385 Woodward Ave., Penngrove. 707-318-2191, penngrovesocialfiremen.org

Petaluma

Mystic Theatre

The Mystic Theatre will host a St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring ’90s rock tribute band JOOSE on March 14. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. 23 Petaluma Blvd., Petaluma, 707-765-2121, mystictheatre.com

The Big Easy

The underground nightclub will host its third annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration March 14 with live music from eclectic rock band Strange Cabbage and special guest Paul “Corned Beef” Riley. Doors open at 8 p.m.; the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. 128 American Alley, Petaluma, 707-776-7163, bigeasypetaluma.com

McNear’s Saloon & Dining House

The historic saloon will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with food and drink specials, live Irish music and authentic Irish dancing. A corned beef and cabbage dinner will also be served. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-765-2121, mcnears.com

WonderStump

WonderStump, an immersive arts venue in Petaluma, will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6-11 p.m. featuring Bay Area band Pardon the Interruption. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. with a special guest opener. Light snacks and craft mocktails will be available at the alcohol-free event. Activities include a children’s “leprechaun kid zone,” and creative attire is encouraged. Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door; $10 for kids 12 and under. Tickets are available online. 301 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, wonderstump.art

Petaluma Woman’s Club

The Petaluma Woman’s Club will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration from 6-8:30 p.m., March 19. The evening will include a traditional Irish feast (vegetarian options available) and prizes for the best green attire. $35 per person. RSVP by March 14 at membership@petalumawomansclub.com. 518 B St., Petaluma, 707-762-5485, petalumawomansclub.com

Sonoma

Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley

The Rotary Club will host a “Luck o’ the Irish” dinner beginning at 5 p.m., March 14, at the Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge. The evening will include a traditional corned beef dinner (vegetarian option available), games, live music and a raffle with a $10,000 prize. Dinner tickets are $75; raffle tickets are $50. Proceeds benefit Sonoma Valley nonprofits and education programs. Tickets are available online. Sonoma Valley Moose Lodge, 20580 Broadway, Sonoma. sonomavalleyrotary.org

Murphy’s Irish Pub

Murphy’s Irish Pub in Sonoma will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a full day of live music, Irish dancers and bagpipers. Big O & Company will kick off the live performances at 12:30 p.m., followed by Groove Incident at 4 p.m. and Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes at 7 p.m. Admission is free. 464 First St. E., Sonoma, 707-935-0660, sonomapub.com

Windsor

Windsor Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Windsor will hold its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Drive-Thru Dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Windsor Community United Methodist Church. Dinners are $25 and include all the traditional sides. Reservations and payment must be completed by 9 p.m., March 13. The event is a fundraiser supporting the club’s programs. Tickets available on Eventbrite. Windsor Community United Methodist Church, 9451 Brooks Road S., Windsor. 707-620-0303, kiwaniswindsor.org

Healdsburg

Healdsburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Don your best greens to participate in the city of Healdsburg’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, billed as the “Biggest, Shortest Parade in the World.” The parade begins at 7 a.m. at Sanderson Ford (453 Healdsburg Ave.), loops around Healdsburg Plaza and returns to the starting point. Downtown Healdsburg, healdsburg.gov

Healdsburg Bar & Grill

The revived Healdsburg Bar & Grill will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with brunch and holiday specials, including corned beef and cabbage, soda bread scone, Guinness specials, Irish coffee and Irish car bomb cocktails. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com

Coyote Sonoma

The bar and music venue will host a St. Patrick’s Day party with live music from the cover band Wonder Bread 5. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; available online. 44 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4444, coyotesonoma.com

Little Saint

The buzzy vegan restaurant and music venue will present a performance by Celtic-punk supergroup The Walker Roaders. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $36.36 (including fees) and are available online. 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Cloverdale

Wolf House Brewing

The Cloverdale brewery will serve a special St. Patrick’s Day menu in addition to its Wolf House classics. Specials include corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches, shepherd’s pie, Irish nachos and grasshopper pie. Holiday-themed drinks include green beer and the “Leprechaun Float” made with mint-infused soju. 131 E. First St., Cloverdale, 844-942-2337, wolfhousebrewing.com

West county

Rio Nido Roadhouse

Rio Nido Roadhouse will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from 5-7:30 p.m. with a corned beef and cabbage dinner, Guinness on draft and live music by the Calistoga band the Restless Sons. All ages welcome; there is no cover charge. 14540 Canyon 2 Road, Rio Nido, 707-869-0821, rionidoroadhouse.com

HopMonk Sebastopol

HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol will host a St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the folk-rock band Tempest performing Irish reels, Scottish ballads and other world music. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. at the Abbey. Admission is $20 plus fees; the event is for ages 21 and over. Tickets available online. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300, hopmonk.com

St. Patrick’s Day treats

Stellina Pronto and Stellina Alimentari

The Petaluma café and deli Stellina Alimentari will offer a St. Patrick’s Day dinner for pickup or delivery on March 17. The $50 meal serves two and includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and organic baby carrots. Stellina Pronto will also offer holiday baked goods, including Irish soda bread, pistachio cake, mini chocolate Guinness cake, clover-shaped shortbread cookies and chocolate-mint cookies. Preorders close at 7 p.m. March 15. Order online. Stellina Pronto, 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com; Stellina Alimentari, 160 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6156, stellinaalimentari.com

Donut Den

The Petaluma doughnut shop is offering St. Patrick’s Day-themed doughnuts. Preorders for a dozen or more should be placed at least one day in advance. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-792-1312, instagram.com/the_donut_den

Pink Sugar Creamery

The trendy rolled ice cream shop is offering a St. Patrick’s Day special called the “Lucky Charm” made with Straus vanilla ice cream, Lucky Charms cereal, marshmallow sauce, whipped cream and a chocolate gold coin. The item will be available in the store and on DoorDash throughout March. 1224 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, Instagram.com/pinksugarcreamery

Costeaux French Bakery

Costeaux will offer seasonal Irish soda bread for pickup March 14–16. A loaf costs $8 and can be ordered online. Locations in Healdsburg, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. 707-433-1913, costeaux.com

Nightingale Breads

The Forestville bakery will offer plain and currant Irish soda bread for pickup March 12–15. Loaves cost $9.25 and $9.75, respectively. Order in-store or online. 6665 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-8887, nightingalebreads.com

Nom Nom Cakes

The Bodega Bay home bakery will offer St. Patrick’s Day treats, including green cake pops with gold sprinkles, shamrock sugar cookies and chocolate cupcakes filled with Irish whiskey ganache and topped with Baileys buttercream. Orders are available online for pickup or delivery. 390 Calle Del Sol, Bodega Bay, 805-350-0680, nomnombaking.com

See’s Candies

The Bay Area chocolate candy chain has an assortment of St. Patrick’s Day treats available for delivery or pickup. Treats include the staple St. Patrick’s Day Potato chocolate candy, milk chocolate coins, chocolate leprechauns, milk and dark chocolate shamrocks, and various holiday-themes boxes of chocolates. Order St. Patrick’s Day candies online. Locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Windsor. sees.com

The post St. Patrick’s Day Dinners and Events in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

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

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

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

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

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

The Cosmico difference

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

Changing venues

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

All about connection

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

Calling Sonoma County home

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

The post ‘Analog Reunion’ Bringing Indie Music, Connection to the Russian River appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Sure, you can spend the winter months hunkered down at home, but Sonoma County is positively brimming with experiences that warm both body and soul. Whether you soak up the sunset at a riverside sauna, get crafty at a maker space that’s a haven for building community, or lose yourself while browsing for a new page-turner at a snug, pint-sized bookstore, it’s all about doing what delights you.

Our cozy list will help you slow down, connect to the analog world, and savor these quiet days of winter.

From the team of Tina Caputo, Jennifer Graue, Heather Irwin, Dana Rebmann and Nate Seltenrich.

Madeira House

Close enough for a quick escape, but far enough to feel remote, new boutique hotel Madeira House shines a spotlight on the wild beauty of Jenner.

“Once you get on property and start walking down the stairs, all of the hustle and bustle of life starts to fade away and you get to be one with nature,” says Jacqueline Gonçalves, co-founder of Madeira House and owner of Moksa Design Studio.

Steps from the Russian River — with stellar views of splashing harbor seals and river otters — Madeira House began as a fishermen’s cabin more than a century ago, evolving through time into a trio of riverfront cottages that became part of Jenner Inn. Reimagined by a group of friends and hospitality veterans, Madeira House debuted late last summer.

All but one of the 11 accommodations feature expansive windows that frame the Sonoma Coast like a piece of living art. Subdued color palettes, combined with finds from nearby antique shops, artisan ceramics, and hardwoods, complement the land rather than compete with it. Plentiful balconies and a firepit circled by Adirondack chairs in the seaside garden ensure you’ll feel a world away from it all.

“It’s such a peaceful experience, to be a part of something without really having to do anything except to put the phone down and be present,” says co-owner Arthur Moretti. 10625 Highway 1, Jenner. themadeirahouse.com

Cloverdale Nursery

Cloverdale Home & Garden has plenty to make sure your home is perfectly hygge, but this nursery and gift store is plenty warm and inviting itself. On a sunny winter day, dream of the growing season ahead as you wander the garden center out back, where you might be greeted by their friendly flock of hens. Inside, you’ll find Starlight the cat, who keeps a sleepy but watchful eye over a carefully curated selection of garden tools and locally made or fair-trade home goods that speak to the owners’ ethics and aesthetic. They frequently host maker and food pop-ups, too, so there’s always a chance to discover something new. 216 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. 707-894-6654, cloverdalenursery.info

Russian River Brewing Company

It’s been seven years since Russian River Brewing Company, with much fanfare, opened the doors to a new 85,000-square-foot brewery, taproom, and restaurant in Windsor. No one will confuse this impressive testament to the popularity of Russian River’s beers with a neighborhood pub — but that’s still an apt description of the world-class brewer’s original joint, a cozy, friendly (and by this point, hallowed) spot on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa. Pliny the Younger’s annual release draws devotees from far and wide, but the rest of the time it’s ours. 725 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com

Pearl brisket

Brisket isn’t hard to make, it’s just hard to make well. Chef Brian Leitner’s Levantine-spiced version gets a long, lazy braise with cumin and garlic until it’s fork-tender and absolutely deserving of a slow clap. Served over cloud-soft scrambled eggs with roasted squash and pistachio tahini, it leans more Persia than pitmaster. Pearl’s Eastern Mediterranean and North African vibes (with a wink of Southern France and Spain) mean every dish arrives with a sunny, warm disposition, from the bubbling baked-egg shakshuka to the meatball tagine swimming in saffron rice, ginger, and quince broth. 500 First St., Petaluma. 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com

Småstad Coffee Roasters

This local gathering place brings a bit of Swedish “fika” to Sonoma. Fika may sound like some kind of trendy coffee drink, but it’s actually an essential cultural ritual. In Sweden, fika is a break in the day when friends, family, or co-workers slow down and recharge with coffee or tea and a sweet treat. Småstad (pronounced “SMOH-stahd”) has you covered, with soul-warming drinks like the Sweater Weather Latte — a blend of espresso, oat milk, and cinnamon — and a variety of tempting pastries. 981 Broadway, Sonoma. 707-939-1906, smastadcoffee.com

Poet’s Corner Bookshop

Bookstores by their nature have cozy vibes baked right in, but Poet’s Corner Bookshop, a petite purveyor of print, is extraordinary. At just 250 square feet, this Duncans Mills shop is unofficially the county’s smallest bookstore. Owner Stephanie Culen describes it as “small but mighty, like a little Chihuahua.” With such a small space, Culen focuses on keeping a well-curated selection of gently used books — including some rare finds — plus new volumes, with a preference for Sonoma County authors. Although the shop has a devoted local following, Culen says she caters to many coast-bound campers and vacationers who left their beach reads behind. 25195 B St., Duncans Mills. 707-503-8865, bookshop.org/shop/poetscornerbookshop

Dane Cellars

Wine tasting inside a giant wine barrel is a unique experience, and at just under 200 square feet, Dane Cellars’ tasting room is also one of the coziest. Winemaker Bart Hansen jumped at a chance to open his own tasting room two years ago when he saw the historic, 14,000-gallon tank in Glen Ellen for rent. Belly up to the handmade bar or kick back in a chair while Hansen pours some of his handcrafted Sonoma Valley wines and let him regale you with the fascinating history of the old-growth redwood tank. “What I love most about wine is that it evokes conversation,” he says. “The wine tank is a great place for that.” 14300 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen. 707-529-5856, danecellars.com

Cafe Citti gnocchi

The gnocchi Bolognese at Cafe Citti is like a hug on a plate. Chef Luca Citti has perfected the art of these pillowy potato dumplings using the method that his family and his wife Linda’s family taught them. Gnocchi has been a fixture at the couple’s restaurant for 35 years — first in Kenwood and now at their new Santa Rosa location. While you can get the gnocchi with any kind of sauce you like — pesto, Alfredo, or porcini cream sauce, for instance — tossed with ragu Bolognese, it’s the ultimate in comfort and the Cittis wouldn’t have it any other way. 2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-523-2690, cafecitti.com

Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence bingo nights

Each month, about 200 people pack into Santa Rosa’s Veterans Memorial building for a raucous evening of glittery good times at the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence bingo nights that do double duty to build and support the community. The flamboyant drag queens have hosted bingo nights for more than two decades to benefit a different local charity each month and the alcohol-free themed events almost always sell out up to a month in advance. Themes for 2026 include K-Pop Demon Hunter and Charlotte’s Web bingo, and guests (18-and-up only) are encouraged to dress to impress. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. rrsisters.org

Cast Away Yarn Shop

Brick walls, bright windows, high ceilings, and exposed rafters: Cast Away Yarn’s 4,000-square-foot space in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square could easily feel a bit too big. But with so much colorful yarn everywhere, stacked high on white shelves, entering the shop is more like slipping on your favorite sweater. “The atmosphere feels cozy with all the wool,” says owner Justine Malone. “It’s insulating and muffles sound.” What better setting, then, for sitting at a shared table with like-minded folks to knit, crochet, needle felt, bead, embroider, or mend while sipping tea and snacking on cheese, crackers, and fruit? Knit Night is free from 5-7 p.m. every third Thursday. 100 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707-546-9276, castawayyarnshop.com

On Thursdays We Knit

There’s something about fiber arts that invites connection and conversation. Here are some other Sonoma County yarn shops that stitch together community with weekly groups:

Purls of Joy, 461 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 3 p.m. Sundays. purlsofjoy.com

Fiber Circle Studio, 113 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 4-6 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 2 p.m. Sundays. fibercirclestudio.com

Roadhouse Coffee

Take shelter from cold, blustery mornings on the bay with a cup of strong coffee and a muffin at Roadhouse Coffee. Perched above busy Spud Point Marina, it opens at 5:30 a.m. for early birds or returning crab boats. Books, local artwork, and stringed instruments adorn the walls, making it one of the homiest coffee shops in the county. Order the local favorite, cinnamon-spiced Mexican Mocha, with the buttery, crumbly blueberry coffee cake. 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay. 707-360-8856, instagram.com/roadhouse.coffee.bbay

Nightingale Breads cinnamon roll

Not too big, not too small, but just right. Nightingale Breads’ original cinnamon roll is the Goldilocks of essential treats for cozy mornings. Swirls of cinnamon are tucked inside fluffy challah bread, along with raisins and nuts with a drizzle of frosting. Not a raisin or nut fan? They’re also available without, or baklava-style with cardamom and rose water. They’re only available on Saturday mornings, so set your alarm or preorder before they sell out. And they will sell out. 6665 Front St., Forestville. 707-887-8887, nightingalebreads.com

Gaige House

Warm your soul and every inch of your being while soaking in a deep granite tub in one of the nine ryokan-style suites at Gaige House in Glen Ellen. Afterward, curl up in a Coyuchi robe by the gas-burning fireplace or perhaps don a classic yukata kimono and geta or zōri slippers while sipping sake and munching on Yoku Moku, rolled butter cookies from Japan with a delicate vanilla taste. The meditation deck, tucked into a secluded corner of the property along gurgling Calabazas Creek, offers a serene place for meditation or yoga, but don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. The hot tub and pool are heated year-round. 13540 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen. 707-935-0237, thegaigehouse.com

Auteur Wines

Baby, it’s cold outside, but who cares when you’re snuggled up next to a warming fireplace with a glass of Pinot Noir, watching the fog roll across the vineyards? Auteur’s gorgeous Russian River Valley tasting room, near Forestville, offers panoramic views of vines and redwoods through wall-sized windows, plus a covered terrace to keep you warm and dry on drizzly days. And did we mention the delicious and oh-so-expressive single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? 10520 Wohler Road, Healdsburg. 707-766-0222, auteurwines.com

Upstairs Art Gallery

Healdsburg is filled with spacious, sleek art galleries that are certainly worth a look, but the Upstairs Art Gallery in a loft above Levin & Company bookstore is a homey, hidden gem and gentle respite from the bustle of the plaza. Explore paintings, jewelry, and ceramics from 16 local artists. One of the artists is always on hand to welcome you. Be sure to browse the bookstore downstairs then grab a cinnamon-sugar doughnut muffin from Downtown Bakery & Creamery next door for a cozy-day trifecta. 306 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-431-4214, upstairsartgallery.net

Goblin Bros. Games & Gear

Lest you think all game playing happens online these days, look no further than Goblin Bros. Games & Gear for proof that board games — along with good old-fashioned game nights — are back in a big way, but at a game store rather than around the living room coffee table. Opened by four friends in Petaluma in 2021, Goblin Bros. was soon bursting at the seams and expanded in 2024 to Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. While the Petaluma location has an outdoor gaming space, the Santa Rosa store offers an upstairs mezzanine with plenty of gaming tables — perfect for the chilly, rainy winter months — plus a secret hideaway, the 19th-century-themed nautilus room, for private, game-fueled parties. 129 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-608-4171 or 133 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-780-2048. goblinbros.com

Gather

Winter is the time to hunker down, get crafty, and try something new. Just think of the possibilities! You could bake sourdough, blend tea, make cheese, pour candles, mix botanical bitters, ferment miso and koji, knit hats and scarves, mend clothes, even make a broom. But how? Skip the YouTube tutorials and head to Gather, Sebastopol’s new “practical arts” headquarters that offers a wide range of classes and workshops to teach, support, and equip the crafty DIYer.

But that’s only part of Gather’s mission, says Erin Hillmer, who along with friend and co-owner Jen Koelemeijer — both of whom live in town with their families — opened the shop on Main Street last April: “We really wanted to build a community around it. I love the idea of third spaces where you can go and meet your neighbors.” To that end, they also host a regular Handmade and Homegrown Happy Hour every third Friday. January and February classes, meanwhile, cover fiber arts, fermenting and cheesemaking, and planning the spring garden. 122 N. Main St., Sebastopol. 707-827-8376, gathersebastopol.com

Art Play Cafe

Part coffee shop, part indoor playground, part art studio, Art Play Cafe is a colorful community gathering spot that works as a third space for the toddler set, but you don’t have to be pint-sized to appreciate the warm, welcoming vibe. Opened late last year by “two moms on a mission,” Kate Greenspan and Elena Kaljian, the café offers a wonder-filled space for kids to engage in active, creative play, art projects, and sensory activities while their adults enjoy coffee, pastries, and time to connect with other families. Although a boon to parents in the winter months when weather wreaks havoc on park playdates, it’s quickly become a favorite hangout on even the finest of days. 146 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707-242-7424, artplaycafe.com

Brew open mic nights

Brew, a café serving coffee and craft beer in downtown Santa Rosa, has become an important community gathering space since opening 11 years ago. One of the best ways to experience the warmth of that connection is at Brew’s weekly open mic nights. Every Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. folks gather to watch others sing, play guitar, recite poetry, tell jokes — however they choose to participate. First-timers need not worry: The crowd has your back. According to open mic participant and supporter, Christina Panza, the evening “is one of the coziest, most supportive, heart-warming events in the county that I have ever experienced.” 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-303-7372, brewcoffeeandbeer.com

Goatlandia’s Bottle Babies Breakfast Club

Videos of frolicking baby goats frequently break the internet, but the virtual cuteness is no comparison to experiencing it in real life at Goatlandia’s Bottle Babies Breakfast Club. The Sebastopol farm-animal sanctuary founded by Deborah Blum rescues baby goats from dairies, then raises them on bottles before they’re sent to local grazing companies to munch their way through brush and overgrowth to help reduce fire risk. The program is funded through $250 donations, which covers admission to Goatlandia for up to four guests for a private one-hour session of bottle-feeding and cuddling the rescued kids. The sanctuary plans to have a newly rescued group of babies early in the year, and reservations can be made online. 1567 Cunningham Road, Sebastopol. 707-541-6216, goatlandia.org

Sundrop Sauna

Alex Zelaya knew exactly what kind of a sauna experience he wanted to bring to Sonoma County: one inspired by a memorable session years ago in Finland, the birthplace of sauna culture. Finnish locals invited him into their lakeside sauna, a converted shack atop a fishing dock, followed by a plunge into the cold waters below. “This was so different from what I had experienced in the U.S.,” Zelaya says. “There was this element of being outside, surrounded by nature, and of being with other people in a social atmosphere.” Sundrop Sauna captures much of the same magic. An open-air mini-resort on the banks of the Petaluma River with broad views over the meandering slough, across peaceful tidal wetlands, to the wooded slopes of Olompali State Historic Park, it offers a bliss-inducing spa experience imbued with natural light and a fresh breeze. Launched last year by Alex and his wife, Ashley, who live in Forestville with their young son, Sundrop promotes togetherness with a sauna accommodating up to eight and a central lounge area adjacent to the outdoor shower and cold-plunge tub, all in view of the river. Sweat, endorphins, and conversation flow freely. 5684 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma. sundropsauna.com

Retrograde Coffee Roasters

Baristas Danielle Connor and Casey Lanski founded Retrograde Coffee Roasters in 2014 as a way to get back to the basics: coffee and community. Along with small-batch specialty coffees, the café serves up a heaping helping of kindness. Through FEED Sonoma, Retrograde supports local farms as a pickup location for subscribers’ fresh produce boxes. The owners also promote local artists with colorful displays that adorn the café walls. Be on the lookout for a satellite Retrograde café, coming soon to Barn 5400 in Petaluma where their coffees are roasted. 130 S. Main St., Suite 103, Sebastopol. 707-827-8065, retrograderoasters.com

Chad’s Soup Shack

Whether it’s bisque, stew, chowder, or broth, soup is a warm blanket for your soul, and Chad’s Soup Shack owner Chad Holmes knows it. His farm market and catering business is built around filling soup bowls with his short rib chili, French onion, pork pozole, and butternut squash creations. But it’s his biscuits and gravy that really crank up the internal thermostat on chilly market mornings. Technically, it’s more soup-adjacent, but Holmes jokingly calls it “sausage soup with biscuit croutons,” and honestly, no one’s arguing. Saturdays at the Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market at Farmers Lane Plaza. chadssoupshack.com

Bricoleur Vineyards

No need to hit the slopes to have an après-ski experience. Bricoleur Vineyards has introduced Après Bricoleur, a pop-up exclusively for the cozy season. This intimate tasting for up to six guests happens in a greenhouse outfitted with woolen decor from Pendleton that will make you feel like you’re in a mountainside lodge. Sip Bricoleur’s acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir cocoa paired with a menu of alpine delights like fondue, raclette, and French onion soup, then finish with a Cabernet hot cocoa. The tastings are $150 per person and run Fridays to Sundays through the end of January. 7394 Starr Road, Windsor. 707-857-5700, bricoleurvineyards.com

Golden Bear Station

With candlelit tables, faux-fur throws, and hospitality warmer than a pan of brown butter, Golden Bear Station oozes coziness. The menu at this Kenwood roadside restaurant shifts with chef Joshua Smookler’s latest fascinations, but expect luxurious cuts of duck, beef, and pork tinged with Italian and Korean flavors. 8445 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. 707-282-9148, goldenbearstation.com

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

It may not sound luxurious, but a cedar enzyme bath at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary will do wonders for your well-being while keeping you nice and toasty. This singular spa experience is great any time of year, but especially in the winter months. Sink into a wooden tub surrounded by a warm and fragrant mix of ground cedar and rice bran while soaking in the views of the surrounding Zen garden. The spa’s founder learned about the Japanese tradition while living abroad in the mid-1980s; the Freestone locale is reportedly the only spa outside of Japan to offer the experience. 209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone. 707-823-8231, osmosis.com

The Madrona

It’s easy to be charmed by winter days when your vantage point is one of the light-filled parlors at The Madrona. Built in 1881 as a private residence (and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987), its grandeur got the ultimate glow-up when the Healdsburg estate was purchased in 2021 by renowned interior designer Jay Jeffers. Modern, eclectic decor mixed with antiques original to the estate create an endearing feeling of whimsy. Yet, with just 24 rooms spread across 8 acres, a quiet enchantment resonates, whether wandering through the orange orchard, lingering by the firepit, or lounging on a balcony overlooking the hills of Dry Creek Valley. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg. 707-395-6700, themadronahotel.com

Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club mah-jongg

Mah-jongg has exploded in popularity, especially in Sonoma, where an enthusiastic teacher has turned dozens of people onto the tile-based game with origins in 19th-century China. Laurie Gilmore Sebesta began offering mah-jongg lessons to friends at her kitchen table, but outgrew the space as more people wanted to learn and play. She now teaches the fast-paced game at the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club on Tuesdays. For seasoned players there are games at the club every Wednesday. Sebesta says besides being a fun game, mah-jongg is an “opportunity to share friendship… and lots of conversation and laughter.” 574 First St. E., Sonoma. 707-341-6375, sonomavalleywomansclub.org

Petaluma Pottery

Inside a bright and airy pottery studio in downtown Petaluma’s maker-friendly warehouse district, creativity travels like a current: through an artist’s hands into soft, earthy clay or between individuals at work on different stages of disparate projects united by a common medium. Petaluma Pottery offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and events to help bring people together, including eight-week wheel-throwing and hand building classes and its popular two-hour “date nights” for pairs of aspiring potters to practice wheel throwing in a friendly, fun environment. 301 Second St., Petaluma. 415-272-9997, petalumapottery.com

Volunteer trail work

They say chopping your own firewood warms you twice — once while you work, and again when you burn it. Volunteer trail work is even better. Whether cutting new paths or maintaining or improving existing ones, you’ll put in a good day’s effort while improving access to the great outdoors for yourself and hundreds, maybe thousands of friends and neighbors. Regular trail work opportunities abound throughout Sonoma County, from our regional and state parks, supported by nonprofits like Redwood Trails Alliance and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, to private lands managed by Santa Rosa-based LandPaths. Find opportunities at parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/learn/volunteer and landpaths.org/participate.

Grove of Old Trees

With their sheer size and age, ancient redwoods are inherently monumental, almost inconceivable. Yet the Grove of Old Trees, containing a mix of old-growth and second-growth (post-logging) redwoods amid an understory of tanoak and ferns, is particularly intimate and relatable, too. Privately owned and maintained by passionate stewards, it’s situated atop a high ridge along a narrow road in the middle of a neighborhood not far from downtown Occidental. With less than a mile of trail inside its 50-acre footprint, the park encourages slow, quiet contemplation — not necessarily gawking then moving along, but communing with the entire milieu. 17599 Fitzpatrick Lane, Occidental. landpaths.org/grove-of-old-trees

The Stavrand Russian River Valley

Even on the stormiest of days, a feeling of warmth permeates The Stavrand Russian River Valley. A registered historic landmark, the property was built in the 1920s as a home for Guerneville banker Ralph “Rooster” Belden and his family. Reimagined in 2021 with tranquility in mind, many rooms feature indulgences such as fireplaces, freestanding bathtubs, and outdoor cedar hot tubs, but the estate’s nearly 6-acre backyard plays a starring role in the magic that unfolds here. In a time where it’s oh-so-hard to relax and unwind, The Stavrand’s towering redwoods, century-old fruit trees (planted by Belden), and massive river rock fireplace seem to do the trick. 13555 Highway 116, Guerneville. 707-869-9093, thestavrand.com

Mini Cat Town

There’s nothing like a sleepy, purring kitten to give you the warm fuzzies. At Mini Cat Town at Santa Rosa Plaza you can enjoy cuddling and playing with rescued kittens and cats. There are no cages or crates here — just carpeted cat towers and comfy couches for lounging while you get all the snuggles you can enjoy. Each visit lasts 30 minutes and costs $15 for ages 12 and up, or $10 for 11 and under, with fees going to the San Jose-based nonprofit for food, medical care, and ongoing rescue efforts. For those who make a love connection with one of the adorable felines, they’re up for adoption with applications available on Mini Cat Town’s website. Volunteers are also needed. 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa. minicattown.org

Howard Station Cafe

Housed in the original Occidental train station, Howard Station Cafe oozes warm, small-town charm. The worn wood floors of this stately Victorian could tell a thousand tales (including that this rural cafe is recently back under Negri family ownership), but it’s the morning pastries and brown sugar lattes that deserve your attention. The kitchen stops serving biscuits and gravy, Benedicts, and pancakes at noon, but the rest of the morning menu runs all day. Try to snag a sunny window seat (or a porch perch with your pooch) and a brown sugar latte for peak Sunday-morning vibes. The egg sandwich stuffed with hash browns and cheddar on a brioche roll is messy-wonderful, and the Reuben special is destination-worthy. Looking for something lighter? The garlicky beans and greens with fresh-squeezed juice are a solid choice. 3611 Bohemian Hwy., Occidental. 707-874-2838, howardstationcafe.com

VN Flavor

Though it may be the most subjective of soups, pho is a cold-and-flu-season essential on the Left Coast (sorry, matzo ball). The steam alone — anise, cardamom, ginger — from Nouly Chhem’s fortifying beef bone broth at VN Flavor feels like a sick-day tonic. Not into pho? Go for the husband-and-wife duo’s wonton egg noodle soup: an 8-hour chicken broth, pork-stuffed wontons, and soft egg noodles that are a bear hug in a bowl. 90 Raley’s Towne Centre, Rohnert Park. 707-843-7585

The Velvet Chapter Bookshop

If your idea of a perfect night is curling up with a steamy novel, The Velvet Chapter Bookshop is the place to go for the latest releases in the romance and fantasy genres. This intimate space in The Great Petaluma Mill has an alluring charm, with dark walls and an ornate chandelier that beckons you to settle into one of the plush velvet chairs and start reading right there. Owners Gabriela and Matthew Porter are all about building community and often host book release parties, trivia nights, and craft events (bedazzled book covers anyone?) so romantasy fans can connect with like-minded bookworms. 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707-775-9374, thevelvetchapter.com

Sip n’ Stitch

What could be cozier than gathering with like-minded crafties to knit, crochet, embroider, and connect? Sip n’ Stitch began in 2024 with two longtime friends who began meeting at local cafés to work on craft projects. Their circle soon expanded and a club was born. Meetups happen the second Friday and last Saturday of each month at cafés and community spots across Sonoma County. The vibe is casual, and all ages and skill levels are welcome. If you love to chat while you craft, this is the club you’ve been yarn-ing for. sipandstitchsociety.com

The Warm Puppy Café

The late Charles M. Schulz wrote “Happiness is a Warm Puppy,” but it can also be found at The Warm Puppy Café inside Redwood Empire Ice Arena (aka Snoopy’s Home Ice). Nothing can knock the chill off frosty fingers and noses after a skate session like a cup of creamy hot cocoa topped with a swirl of whipped cream. Or take a lunch break, grab a table next to the giant stone fireplace, and enjoy a lunch of the ultimate winter warmer — the Charlie Brown-approved Good Grief Grilled Cheese with a cup of tomato soup. 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. 707-546-7147, snoopyshomeice.com

Sonoma Film Club

Documentary filmmaker Conor Hagen launched Sonoma Film Club last year, inspired by his work on the board of the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation.

The idea was to raise funds to help preserve and renovate the historic venue while luring people off their couches — away from their streaming services — to rekindle the joy of a communal moviegoing experience.

“There’s nothing like watching a great film in an old historic theater with other people on a big screen,” he says. “There’s just this sort of magic to it, and that magic is kind of disappearing in the modern era.”

Living in Sonoma, Hagen knew wine had to be part of the picture. Each monthly screening includes a pre-film wine reception, with selections thoughtfully and thematically curated by Tanner Walle of Valley Bar + Bottle and Valley Swim Club fame.

“I wanted to share great films and great wine with the public,” Hagen says, “and to get them excited to come out to the theater.” Find out about screenings by following on Instagram @sonomafilmclub. 476 First St. E., Sonoma. sebastianitheatre.org

Upcoming Sonoma Film Club Screenings

Jan. 26: The Big Lebowski

Feb. 23: Jamon, Jamon

March 16: Koyaanisqatsi

Email sonomafilmclub@gmail.com to subscribe to the Sonoma Film Club newsletter.

Nightcap Dessert Bar

With apologies to TLC, there’s something cozy, sexy, cool about late-night lingering over a cocktail and dessert, which is exactly what Barber Lee Spirits’ Nightcap Dessert Bar is for. Launched last fall, the downtown Petaluma distiller offers a late-night menu (open until 10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday) of decadent desserts that you can enjoy with — or without — one of their seasonal signature cocktails. Grab your main squeeze and canoodle with a cannoli and a hot buttered rum, or indulge in one of Mad Batter Cakery’s gluten-free cakes, including a chocolate passion fruit layer cake custom-made for Barber Lee. 120 Washington St., Petaluma. 707-971-7107, barberleespirits.com

Two Trees Tea House

Two Trees Tea House in Occidental isn’t so much a destination as an invitation. Hidden beneath a towering redwood at the edge of town, it’s an oasis of calm where time slips away like morning fog, measured only by empty cups.

Filled with time-worn wood and bamboo antiques, tins of loose-leaf tea and pre-loved tea ware, the space channels the calm, intentional aesthetic of owners Chris Lewis and Adrian Chang, who’ve distilled their global travels and deep respect for ethically sourced tea into 500 square feet of stillness.

For them, it’s a way of rewriting tea’s troubled colonial past and honoring the growers who tend ancient lands, handpicking and toasting single-origin white, black, green, and red teas while also embracing their west county neighbors.

Everyone is welcome at the pay-what-you-can community tea service, but it’s worth settling in for a guided five-tea Gong Fu tasting with Chang, who threads stories of their tea partners through slow, meditative pours. It’s hard not to fall a little in love — not just with the tea, but with the people and places behind each leaf.

Reservations are required for guided tastings, but anyone is welcome to stop by for a pot of their blended tea. 3597 Bohemian Highway, Occidental. twotreesteahouse.com

Cozy connections: Two Trees Tea House is a true “third space,” hosting a number of community-focused events with a focus on art and music, including a monthly “Drink Tea and Draw” with the Sonoma County Sketchbook Club.

Doran Regional Park

Winter on the Sonoma Coast can be surprisingly sunny and mild. Summer’s fog is well gone, spring’s breeze is yet to come, and daytime highs average in the mid- to high 50s. So while tourists are bundled up somewhere back home, enjoy the coast free of crowds — especially Doran Regional Park, which provides numerous easy access points to your own slice of beach, just a short walk through the dunes. After an epic early sunset, roast marshmallows in a fire pit at the main lot to the sound of crashing waves — or better yet, plan to spend the night at the nearby campground. 201 Doran Beach Road, Bodega Bay. 707-875-3540, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Criminal Pie & Pantry pop-ups

Take an intimate cooking class embraced in the warmth of a licensed home kitchen. Baker Dawn Zaft took a step back from running the bakery she founded, Criminal Baking Co., and now runs Criminal Pie & Pantry pop-ups from her Santa Rosa home. Zaft also hosts classes for 6-8 people featuring all kinds of comfort foods during these colder months, from soups and potpies to her most popular class — scones for serious sconers. Classes start with coffee in her living room before moving to a big wooden table in the kitchen to get down to business. Each class includes a light meal and goodies to take home. hotplate.com/criminalpieandpantry

Goose & Fern

It’s almost cruel to tease this not-always-on-the-menu favorite, but the sticky toffee pudding at Goose & Fern is so spectacular that we’re hoping the outcry will encourage the owners to make it permanent. This family-friendly (and family-owned) Brit pub goes out of its way to create beloved tavern standards like fish and chips or Guinness pie spot-on, but the pudding — well, it’s extra-special. You’ll have to wait a few extra minutes for it to warm up, but it comes out piping hot with soft spongy cake, sticky caramel sauce, and crème fraîche on top. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

Three Sticks Adobe tasting room

Three Sticks’ Adobe tasting salon is housed in one of Sonoma’s oldest residences, built in 1842 by the brother of General Mariano Vallejo. Winery owners Bill and Eva Price purchased and restored the historic property in 2012, transforming it into a beautiful and unique tasting room that combines the original adobe design, including the original wood beam ceilings, with a rich, warm color palette and contemporary accents. Settle into one of the adobe’s intimate nooks to enjoy Three Sticks’ vineyard-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines by the flight, or book a curated culinary experience. 143 West Spain St., Sonoma. 707-996-3328, threestickswines.com/the-adobe

Street Social

From the street, the narrow, tiled alley leading to Street Social is easy to miss — part of its charm, and part of the discovery. Inside, the dimly lit, five-table dining room (with a few more seats in the alley and one upstairs) is intentionally intimate, allowing owners Jevon Martin and Marjorie Pier to create a magical experience for each guest. It’s one of the rare places where you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu, and Martin keeps guests on their toes with a constantly changing lineup of dishes ranging from duck liver tartlets with blackberry jam or chicken confit dumplings to barbecued hamachi collar and pork osso buco. 29F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707-774-6185, streetsocial.social

Silent Book Club

Some call Silent Book Club a happy hour for introverts. Founded by Santa Rosa resident Amanda Janik two years ago, the club has resonated with dozens of readers who attend the twice monthly meetings to sit together — in silence — ensconced in a book of their choosing. Although one could certainly read at home, the meetings, held at local restaurants or bars, are about cultivating community. Attendees have the opportunity to socialize before and after, but a full hour of the evening is dedicated to silent reading, and many will attest that having these nights on their calendar is a great way to meet their reading goals. A Petaluma chapter also launched last fall. Follow on Instagram: @sbcsantarosa and @silentbookclubpetaluma.

Silent Book Club of Santa Rosa meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at Brew, 555 Healdsburg Ave.

The Sea Ranch Lodge

If you thought the windswept meadows and dancing seas along the Sonoma Coast couldn’t get any more magnificent, tuck yourself into a window seat in a room at The Sea Ranch Lodge. Fog seems to sparkle, haphazard wildflowers seem brighter, and before you realize it, you’ve achieved exactly what you came here for — to slow down. When The Sea Ranch community was conceived in the 1960s the guiding ethos was “living lightly on the land.” The dedication to that nature-inspired simplicity guided recent renovations of the 17-room Lodge. While all accommodations feature light cedar walls and heated bathroom floors, we think the rooms with roaring fireplaces and windows that reach to the ceiling make an especially convincing case to cuddle up and stay put. 60 Sea Walk Drive, The Sea Ranch. 707-579-9777, thesearanchlodge.com

Sebastopol Road tamales and champurrado

There’s a soft stillness in the pre-dawn hours in Santa Rosa. That’s when a handful of vendors along Sebastopol Road turn on the lights in their carts and warm themselves next to steaming pots of tamales and insulated thermoses of champurrado that they serve to an early morning clientele headed to work. The tamales, wrapped in corn husks and then aluminum foil, first warm your hands and then your belly, leaving your hunger and heart satisfied and content and ready to carry on with your day. Find the carts in the heart of Roseland on Sebastopol Road between Dutton Avenue and Stony Point Road.

True West Film Center

Darkened movie theaters with massive screens and immersive sound have captivated audiences for more than a century, and today they represent one of our last bastions of distraction-free, “disconnected” public entertainment. Healdsburg’s brand-new True West Film Center, which opened last October, celebrates the peculiar power of cinema through a unique combination of state-of-the-art technology and intimately sized theaters, with the smaller of its three rooms seating 21 and 27, respectively. Through diverse, curated programming, including first-run Hollywood films and several repertory series, the nonprofit True West Cinemas seeks to offer personally transformative experiences in a communal setting. 371 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-234-8363, truewestfilmcenter.org

The post Here’s How To Keep It Cozy in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Winter might be considered the off season for many of the world’s hottest travel destinations, but a Wine Country visit between December and March may be even more enchanting than a stay during the summer months. Much of the scenery is more resplendent and picturesque during the winter as grasses on the rolling hills turn from the pale yellow hue of late summer to verdant green and dry creek beds flow once more with water from seasonal rains.

It is a time of year that beckons the savvy traveler, without tourist crowds to contend with or the bustle that often accompanies them. In winter, you can visit Wine Country for a fraction of the cost of other times of year as local hotels, wineries and restaurants roll out special deals to entice guests. The best time to come is during the week, before hotel prices peak and popular restaurants and wineries get booked up.

Mild winter weather

Some like it hot, but Wine Country can be truly magical in the milder months. The region’s temperate climate means that it never gets too cold, even in the dead of winter, making outdoor excursions and activities pleasant during much of the season. Morning coastal fog can create a cozy or even mystical atmosphere depending on your inclinations. And, just as in legendary Camelot, the fog often burns away as the day progresses, revealing a radiant California sun that lights up the area’s stunning landscapes.

Winter is a perfect season to take long walks on beaches such as Salmon Creek and Goat Rock, go whale watching at places like Bodega Head or Stillwater Cove Regional Park, and take in the lush greenery of nature on hikes through state and regional parks like Tolay, Crane Creek, Helen Putnam and Annadel. For hikes that pair strolls through vineyards with wine tastings, Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma and Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg are among the vintners that invite guests to explore their grounds.

Gushing waterfalls

The region’s waterfalls roar to life again in winter. One of the more accessible places to see a waterfall is at Sonoma Creek Falls in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. The 25-foot waterfall can be reached by a few routes, but the easiest path is on the relatively level lower Canyon Trail, a walk of just a third of a mile.

For a dramatic view of waterfalls that break over the rugged coastal cliffs out onto the beaches below, Phillips Gulch at Salt Point State Park and Stengel Beach at The Sea Ranch are among the best. The scenic drive to these falls along coastal Highway 1 is an added bonus.

Selfies in the mustard field

A visit to Wine Country wouldn’t be complete without taking selfies in front of the region’s iconic backdrops and, if you time your visit just right, you may even capture a mustard field in full bloom. From Alexander Valley to Dry Creek Valley to Carneros Valley, there are plenty of good spots in Wine Country to find photogenic fields of mustard. They can be found on the side of the road or among the vineyard rows (B.R. Cohn Winery, Kunde Family Winery, Paradise Ridge Winery,  Gloria Ferrer Vineyards) in regional and state parks (Joe Rodota Regional Trail), and in the fields of local farms.

Special treatment at local wineries

For a taste of the VIP experience, there is no better time to visit a winery than in winter. After the busy harvest season, and before the vines begin to grow again, there is a sweet spot for those interested in a more intimate and leisurely winery visit. There are more opportunities to join in friendly chats with winemakers who, on slower days, might also be more inclined to pour you vintages not always available to the public.

Family-owned wineries like Frick Winery in Geyersville, whose owner Bill Frick has been a one-man show producing small-lot wines for 50 years, are perfect venues for just these kind of special encounters. Inman Family Wines in Santa Rosa, run by Kathleen Inman, and Enriquez Estate Winery in Forestville, run by Cecilia Enriquez and her parents, Ana and Eduardo, are other local family-owned wineries worth a visit. Wineries such as Anaba Wines, Benovia Winery, Pachyderm Station and Three Sticks Wines at the Adobe are particularly cozy spots for sipping wine in a warm and inviting ambience.

Winter is also a time to experience pruning season in Sonoma Wine Country, when winemakers and vineyard workers shape the dormant vines for the coming harvest season and wineries invite guests for special tours and tastings. Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood offer special vineyard hikes (including dog hikes) that allow guests to see the vines up close. At Capo Creek Ranch in Healdsburg, visitors can admire old-vine Zinfandel planted over 40 years ago while a small crew prunes the vines over six weeks, often beginning in late January.

Reservations at trendy restaurants

If waiting in line or waiting in vain to dine at a noteworthy restaurant is something you would rather avoid, winter is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Popular restaurants such as SingleThread, Cyrus, Farmhouse Inn, The Matheson and Valette are usually not quite as crowded, making it a better time to book a reservation for a truly gourmet dining experience. These delicious prospects are enough to whet anyone’s appetite.

And special deals on meals

Not only is it easier to find a table during winter, it is also easier to find special restaurant deals. Wine Country is replete with more affordable dining options during Restaurant Week, which runs from Feb. 23 to March 1 in 2026. It is a time when restaurants showcase their talents and highlight local ingredients with special menus and prices — a perfect opportunity for diners to explore and discover the region’s bountiful culinary options. Restaurants offer prix fixe menus that included two and three courses for a fixed price, ranging from $10 to $15 to $25 for lunch, $25 to $35 to $55 for dinner and a “sweet perk” for $5.

A coveted beer

It only happens once a year, and if you aren’t in Wine Country — or rather Beer Country — during the chosen time, you just might miss it.

Russian River Brewing plans to make its Pliny the Younger available at its Santa Rosa and Windsor pubs March 20 through April 2 in 2026. Technically, that puts the official release at the start of spring (before 2022, the release typically took place in February).

However, for the last two years, the ultra-coveted, limited-release Triple IPA began making its way to bars and restaurants throughout the Bay Area in February, weeks in advance of its March release. Likewise, the brewery says it will distribute kegs of Pliny the Younger in February 2026 to its draft accounts throughout California and beyond.

But there is nothing quite like seeing or experiencing first hand the energy and anticipation exuded by the hundreds of Pliny the Younger devotees who typically line up hours in advance for the annual releases at Russian River Brewing.

One-of-a-kind seasonal events

The Pliny the Younger release is not the only local epicurean event that occurs just once a year. The 33rd annual Wine Road Winter Wineland takes place over two days (Jan. 17-18, 2026) at 60 participating wineries throughout Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville, Forestville, Sebastopol, Cloverdale and Geyserville.

After checking in at the first winery of the day, participants receive a glass, wristband and event map to partake in wine tastings at any of the event’s participating vineyards. You will need to select your check-in winery to start, this is where you will get your glass, wristband and event map, then you may visit any participating winery you would like for the weekend. Ticket sales closed Jan. 12, but a limited number of will call tickets are available for purchase on CellarPass.

Wine Road hosts a similar Barrel Tasting event over two days (March 7-8, 2026) that allows participants to go into the wine cellars and taste directly from the barrels. Wineries will be selling futures of these wines, which are often limited and sell out before they are released.

Crab feeds are another event popular during the winter months. The 36th annual Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest takes place Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, just one of many crab feeds hosted by nonprofits and organizations throughout Sonoma County during January and February.

The 19th annual Pigs & Pinot takes place at Hotel Healdsburg March 20-21, 2026. Chef Charlie Palmer hosts this series of intimate dining and educational events that feature master sommeliers, winemakers and celebrity chefs as part of a weekend showcasing pairings of Pinot Noirs and pork dishes.

The post 8 Reasons Why Winter Is a Great Time to Visit Sonoma Wine Country appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Quite possibly the most popular “hair of the dog” drink, the bloody mary is an American icon. While its origins are debated (various bartenders claim to have invented it in early 20th century New York City), as is its name (Queen Mary or actress Mary Pickford?), there’s no doubt that this spicy libation is a go-to when one needs a “healthy” booze-laden start to the day after a long night out.

So what’s in a classic bloody mary? Vodka, tomato juice and a combination of other spices, many of which remain secrets to the bartenders who create them. After a lot of hard research, we present to you the best bloody marys in Sonoma County. From the town of Sonoma to the coast, discover where to find our favorite hangover cure.

Sonoma Grille, Sonoma

Back when bartender Steve Ney joined Sonoma Grille, he brought his famous bloody mary recipe with him from his prior employer, as well as his “secret ingredients.” A supply of spices and mysterious sauces goes into the housemade mix, which is coupled with Hanson habanero vodka and topped with chilled jumbo tiger shrimp. Cult followers call the bloody mary “superb” and “possibly the best bloody mary I’ve ever had.” 165 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-938-7542, sonomagrilleandbar.com

Washoe House, Petaluma

The iconic roadhouse in Petaluma is famous for more than just the prime rib, fried foods, and business cards and dollar bills stuck on the ceiling. They’re also known to be a great spot to suck down a bloody mary. Opt for the top shelf and enjoy a bloody mary topped with an assortment of garnishes like shrimp, bacon, pepperoncinis, olives and pickled green beans — all the necessities for a hangover cure. Pair with fried calamari and you’ll be doing just fine. 2840 Roblar Road, Petaluma, 707-795-4544, thewashoehouse1859.com

The Shuckery, Petaluma

Leave it to The Oyster Girls at Petaluma’s The Shuckery to concoct a seaworthy hangover cure: mini bloody mary oyster shooters. A fresh oyster is suspended over a short glass of a classic bloody mary. 100 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-981-7891, theshuckeryca.com

Ausiello’s 5th Street Grill, Santa Rosa

Settle in for Sunday football with a burger and a spicy bloody mary at one of Santa Rosa’s favorite pubs, Ausiello’s 5th Street Grill. “Best bloody marys in town,” said one fan, who joins many pub-goers to enjoy Ausiello’s take on the cocktail. Served in a mason jar, it’s made with Tito’s Vodka and house bloody mary mix, and topped with a huge slice of bacon and pickled veggies. 609 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-579-9408, ausiellos5thstreetgrill.com

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, Santa Rosa

The New York-style deli, restaurant and bar in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square puts a Jewish spin on the classic cocktail. Its “Bloody Maury” is made with house bloody mary mix and a choice of vodka, gin or tequila, with an everything spice rim and garnish of house pickles. Plus, Grossman’s serves unique, housemade infused vodkas, such as horseradish, dill pickle and Sichuan peppercorn. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

Healdsburg Bar & Grill, Healdsburg

A casual get-together spot for families and friends, the Healdsburg Bar & Grill (known locally as HBG) is also a gathering spot for bloody mary enthusiasts. “Delish,” is how one fan describes the HBG Bloody Mary, which is made with the classic vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce and finished with a salted rim. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com

Acorn Cafe, Healdsburg

As Healdsburg’s preeminent brunch destination, Acorn Cafe serves a delicious bloody mary. The Acorn Bloody Mary is made with house mix and Manzanilla Sherry and garnished with fresh and pickled veggies. Order alongside the avocado toast or breakfast sandwich for the ultimate hangover helper. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-955-7001, acornhealdsburg.com

Fern Bar, Sebastopol

The cocktail wizards at Fern Bar serve up a killer bloody mary for those who like a healthy dose of spice in their drink. The bloody mary is made with vodka, tomato, gochujang, Sriracha, sambal (spicy chili paste), katsuobushi (smoked and fermented skipjack tuna flakes) and “Fres-Yes” hot sauce from Sonoma County-based Hot Drops. 6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com

Rocker’s Roadhouse, Valley Ford

Oysters and bloody marys go hand in hand at Rocker’s Roadhouse in the hamlet of Valley Ford. Served in a mason jar, the bloody mary is made with house mix and vodka-infused soju and topped off with pickled vegetables. Rocker’s also offers a Tomales Bay oyster shooter: a house bloody mary paired with a chilled Miyagi oyster on the half shell. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com/roadhouse

Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf, Bodega Bay

Rocker’s seaside sister, Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf, has its own take on the classic cocktail. Also served in a mason jar with a spiced-salted rim, the “bayside bloody mary” includes vodka, house mix and pickled vegetable garnish. 595 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-772-5670, rockeroysterfellers.com/rockersatthewharf

Hanson of Sonoma

Too hungover to get dressed or rather enjoy a bloody mary in the comfort of your home? The family-owned organic vodka distillery Hanson of Sonoma sells a $55 bloody mary cocktail kit that can be picked up at its Sonoma location or shipped right to your door. The kit comes with a recipe card, lemon juice, a bottle of bloody mary mix from Sonoma Gourmet, and your choice of Hanson’s original, habanero, Meyer lemon or cucumber vodka. Order online. 22985 Burndale Road, Sonoma, hansonofsonoma.com

Honorable Mentions

HopMonk Tavern: 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100; 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300, hopmonk.com

Brother’s Cafe: 3135 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6345, brotherscafesr.com

Sax’s Joint: 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com

The Twins Restaurant: 572 E Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-242-3075, thetwinsrestaurant.com

The Parish Cafe: 60 Mill St., Healdsburg, 707-431-8474, theparishcafe.com

Russian River Pub: 11829 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-7932, russianriverpub.com

Sarah Stierch and Maci Martell contributed to this article.

The post The Ultimate Guide to The Best Bloody Marys in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Stumped on what to do when it gets damp and gray outside? Here are our 10 suggestions on how to make even a rainy day in Sonoma County a little brighter.

A cozy cafe escape

Order a cozy cup of joe and lounge at your local coffee shop. We recommend the Aztec Mocha with double espresso, Valrhona chocolate, chiles, spices, vanilla, organic cane sugar, rose water and steamed milk from Flying Goat Coffee in Healdsburg (300 Center St. and 419 Center St.). Or the seasonal pumpkin spice chai from Avid Coffee (formerly Acre Coffee) with locations in Santa Rosa (2365 Midway Drive) and Petaluma (21 Fourth St.).

Here are some more favorite coffee shops. Prefer tea? We’ve got you covered with the best tea rooms in Sonoma County.

Get lost in a good book

Sonoma County has some incredible independent bookstores for your book-browsing adventures, including Levin & Company in downtown Healdsburg (306 Center St.) and Treehorn Books in downtown Santa Rosa (625 Fourth St.). Or stop by your local Sonoma County Library branch. Sonoma County Library cardholders can access e-books, audiobooks, thousands of magazines and movies from the comfort of their couch through the library’s online resources.

Retail therapy

Go cozy sweater shopping at one of Sonoma County’s boutiques. Boho chic Ooh La Luxe with shops in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, Robindira Unsworth in Petaluma (115 Petaluma Blvd. N.) and The Loop in Sonoma (461 First St. W.) make stylish layering easy. For more local retail therapy, check here.

Strap on your skates

Go ice skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa. Then have a cozy drink at the Warm Puppy Cafe. Regular public skating sessions are available middays, evenings and weekends, along with “Parent and Puppy Practice” sessions and “Toddlers On Ice.” 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-546-7147, snoopyshomeice.com

For a limited time, the city of Petaluma opens its Luma Ice skating rink at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Now in its second year, Luma Ice is offering tractor rides and a holiday jump zone in partnership with Mickelson Christmas Trees (located nearby). Open Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 6, 2026. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma, 707-778-4380, lumaice.com

Soup’s on

Order a warm bowl of delicious soup at one of Sonoma County’s restaurants. Favorites include the matzah ball soup with barbecue chicken thigh and ramen broth from Bird & The Bottle in Santa Rosa, and the Spicy Tan-Tanmen ramen with Sapporo noodle, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, six-minute egg, charred cabbage, woodear mushrooms, mustard frills and scallions from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. Find more top soups here.

Indie darlings

Catch a film at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol (6868 McKinley St.), Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma (476 First St. E.) or the new True West Film Center in Healdsburg (371 Healdsburg Ave.). In addition to traditional movie concessions like popcorn and fountain drinks, True West offers moviegoers a curated list of local wines and select menu items from neighboring partner restaurants, such as Acorn Cafe, El Milagro, Lo & Behold and Troubadour.

Warm up with hot yoga

Take a hot yoga class at Energize Hot Yoga in Santa Rosa (522 Wilson St.), Sonoma Like It Hot in the town of Sonoma (721 West Napa St.), Yoga Hell in Petaluma (1484 Petaluma Blvd. N.), or one of the many other local yoga studios that offer Bikram yoga and other hot classes.

Cold brews, warm pubs

For a cool IPA and a warm environment, head over to one of the many breweries in Sonoma County. All of the Lagunitas staples are available on tap at the Petaluma brewpub, as well as harder to find styles. Flagship classics include Little Sumpin’, Lagunitas Pils, Hazy IPA and Brown Shugga. While you’re waiting for the annual release of Russian River Brewing Company’s Pliny the Younger, imbibe in the Elder IPA that remains on tap year-round at the Windsor and Santa Rosa brewpubs.

Enjoy a soothing spa day

Treat yourself to a day at the spa. There are plenty to choose from in Sonoma County, including Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone (209 Bohemian Highway), Kenwood Inn & Spa (10400 Sonoma Highway), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (100 Boyes Blvd.) and Hotel Healdsburg Spa (327 Healdsburg Ave.).

Discover the classics

Listen to classical music at Weill Hall or Schroeder Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. The state-of-the-art concert halls serve as a home for Sonoma Bach and the Santa Rosa Symphony. The Sonoma County Philharmonic, an all-volunteer orchestra, presents free and low-cost concerts throughout Sonoma County.

Jenna Fischer and Maci Martell contributed to this article.

The post 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.