All of these wines are a great summer choice to enjoy in the great outdoors, while picnicking, grilling and entertaining, or just relaxing on your deck or around the pool.

A group enjoying a recent Wine Merchant Dinner at the Downtown Santa Rosa favorite Flavor Bistro. Photo courtesy Flavor Bistro.

Looking for great deal on wine and food?  Flavor Bistro is now offering a four-course pairing with wine every Thursday evening for only $24.95 per person.  You read that right, four courses, with wine, for only $24.95 (not including tax or gratuity).

Known as Wine Merchant Dinners with Alan, guests are treated to four separate courses paired with perfectly selected wines. Each thoughtfully plated course is accompanied by a wine which encourages you to savor each and every bite.  You will end the evening having had a wonderful epicurean experience with new friends and acquaintances.

A recent menu had my mouth watering starting with bruschetta topped with gorgonzola, Prosciutto Di Parma and figs, followed by handmade Trenette pasta tossed in a bettola sauce flavored with organic basil and roasted Jumbo Prawns, followed by braised quail served with a petite risotto of homemade sausage and organic escarole, and finished with a trio of cheeses and warm organic peach galette.   My mouth is watering!

All the dinner wines are available to take home at special pricing so you can continue the research at home.

Diners are all seated together at one table promptly at 7:00 pm every Thursday. Reservations are required and can be made calling 707-569-9463 or by emailing acflavorbistrowine@gmail.com.

Have you spotted Will and Kate?  If so, let us know where you have seen them around Sonoma County.

Will & Kate out around Sonoma County

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Authentic French cuisine will be served by Chef Patrick Quillec from Sebastopol’s French Garden where their ingredients are seasonally dictated by their organic farm.  Being a French soirée, wine from Graton Ridge Cellars will be flowing.  Live French Fusion music from Dgiin will be sure to get you on your feet.

Admission for food, wine and fun is just $25 and reservations are required.  Call 707-823-8231 to reserve your space today.

Join Lynmar Estate for their International Pairings.

Planning a visit to Sonoma County in July?  Here is a brief listing of the events happening throughout the month of July.  If you are looking for events happening around the July 4th holiday, here is your information.

For a full listing of events happening throughout Sonoma County, check out our event calendar or order our free visitors guide and wine map that comes with a calendar of events.

Get out an enjoy the warm summer days and cool July evenings with your friends and family.

Summer Nights – Railroad Square

July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2

Historic Railroad Square

Fourth Street and Wilson

Santa Rosa

On the first Friday of each month through September, you’ll find a fun-filled evening of outdoor dining, wine tasting, fine arts and crafts, and live music on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square.

707-490-5039

cigarBQ Golf Tournament

July 8

Rooster Run Golf Club

2301 E. Washington St.

Petaluma

An afternoon of golf, cigars, and adult libations. Shotgun start at 1 p.m.

707-953-3911

Boxed In: A Small Works Show

July 8 – Aug. 14

The Quicksilver Mine Co.

6671 Front St.

Forestville

The Quicksilver Mine Co. presents a small works exhibition featuring art by 46 Northern California artists.

707-887-0799

Blues and Brews

July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9

Timber Cove Inn Sequoia Lounge

21780 North Coast Hwy 1

Jenner

Every second Friday of the month “The Wilson-Hukill Blues Revue”’ plays in the Sequoia Lounge 7-10 p.m. Enjoy some great blues music along with beer specials.

707-847-3231

Gourmet Hike at Armstrong Redwoods

July 9

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

17000 Armstrong Woods Road

Guerneville

Meander along the lovely trails of Armstrong Redwoods amidst the towering old growth redwoods enjoying appetizers, wine tasting, and entertainment by local musicians.

707-869-9177

Healdsburg’s Second Saturday ArtWalk

July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10

Downtown Healdsburg

Healdsburg

Enjoy art, food and wine. Healdsburg Galleries & Friends will be open until 8 p.m. and many will have artisan wines flowing.

707-473-9600

cigarBQ 2011

July 9

Richard’s Grove and Saralee’s Vineyard

3575 Slusser Road

Windsor

A day of Sonoma County’s best wineries, cuisine, and cigars provided by Davidoff of Geneva portfolio brands. A fundraiser for Guy Fieri Foundation for Inspiration and Imagination.

707-953-3911

Landy Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner

July 9

River Myst Haven

Healdsburg

River Myst Haven is thrilled to host Landy Family Vineyards for a “vintimate” winemaker dinner experience. Taste their wines and hear their story. 21 and over.

707-431-8146

Seventh Annual Pinot Family Reunion

July 10

Vintners Inn/John Ash & Company

4350 Barnes Road

Santa Rosa

More than 40 wineries will participate in a wine and food tasting at the Vintners Inn Event Center 1-4 p.m. followed by a family-style dinner at John Ash & Co at 5 p.m. The tasting and three-course dinner will be paired with some of Sonoma County’s top Pinot varietals.

707-527-7687

Northbay Poetry Slam

July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11

Hopmonk Tavern

230 Petaluma Ave

Sebastopol

BeSage presents a poetry slam bridging the gap between poets, MCs, song writers, and other lyrical verbalists. Second Sunday of the month.

707-483-7231

Petaluma’s 10th Annual Art & Garden Festival

July 10

Historic Downtown Petaluma

Fourth and Kentucky Street between B St and Western Avenue

Petaluma

A showcase of Petaluma’s artistic and horticultural splendor. More than 120 booths filled with art, garden accessories, plants, jewelry, fine crafts, and an array of food and wine tasting.

707-762-9348

Hanzell Winemaker Dinner

July 14

Sante Restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

100 Boyes Blvd.

Sonoma

Chef Andrew Cain in good company with many of the Valley’s finest wineries invite you to a meritage of winemaker dinners at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s signature restaurant.

707-939-2415

St. Francis Summer Film Festival

July 14 – Aug. 18

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

100 Pythian Road

Santa Rosa

Join St. Francis on the lawn of their beautiful Sonoma Valley Visitor Center for the second annual “Stars Under the Stars” outdoor film festival each Thursday.

888- 675-9463

Jazz and Martini Night

July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16

21780 North Coast Hwy 1

Jenner

Swingfish, Northern California’s acoustic swing trio, will play 7-10 p.m. in the Sequoia Lounge. Enjoy martini and menu specials on the third Friday of every month.

707-847-3231

Rootstock

July 16

Santa Rosa Vintners’ Square

Santa Rosa

The great gastronomic wine, street food and music festival

Rootstock Festival brings together all that is hot in the world of culinary entertainment, all set in an urban winery village.

Cline Cellars Wine & Dixieland Jazz Festival

July 16

Cline Cellars

24737 Highway 121

Sonoma

Enjoy an entire day of Dixieland Jazz. Along with great music and dancing, you’ll find delicious wine and tantalizing food.

707-940-4025

Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner

July 16

Papapietro Perry Winery

4791 Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg

Join Papapietro Perry Winery for a casual lobster feast. In addition to Chardonnay, they’ll be pouring their Pinots and Zins. Seating is limited, advance reservations are required.

707-433-0422

Cotati Kids’ Day Parade & Festival

July 16

La Plaza Park

Old Redwood Hwy and W Sierra Ave

Cotati

This year’s theme is Bedtime Stories. Fun for all ages. Games, contests, food, crafts, plus live entertainment on stage.

Civil War Days in Duncans Mills

July 16 – 17

Casini Ranch Family Campground

22855 Moscow Road

Duncans Mills

The quaint north coast town of Duncans Mills, will become the fields of Virginia circa 1863. Civil War Days will once again be on tap as one of the largest re-enactments west of the Mississippi.

707-922-5901

Midsummer Mozart Festival

July 16 – 23

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

2000 Denmark St.

Sonoma

For 36 years, the Midsummer Mozart Festival has been the only music festival in North America dedicated exclusively to Mozart. Hear a regional consortium of classical musicians playing fresh and intelligent interpretations of this universally recognized composer.

800-838-3006

NHRA Division 7 Drag Races

July 22 – 24

Infineon Raceway

29355 Arnold Drive

Highways 121 & 37

Sonoma

Korbel presents world-class drag racing at Infineon Raceway, July 22-24. In all, more than 400 cars will compete over the weekend in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.

800-870-RACE

Gloria Ferrer’s 25th Anniversary Catalan Festival

July 23 – 24

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

23555 Carneros Highway 128

Sonoma

The festival pairs the unique spirit of Catalonia with world-class wines. Let your senses be enticed by music, dance, aromas, food, and wine.

707-933-1931

Hot Graton Nights

July 23

Graton Ridge Cellars

3561 Gravenstein Highway North

Sebastopol

Classic car show, barbecue and wine. Pre-sale tickets for show and barbecue, car show only tickets sold at door. A portion of wine sales benefit Sutter Breast Care Center of Santa Rosa.

707-823-3040

Sonoma County Fair – Diamond Jubilee

July 27 – Aug. 14

Sonoma County Fairgrounds

1350 Bennett Valley Road

Santa Rosa

The Sonoma County Fair celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer, with 17 days of fun, July 27 – Aug. 14. Slated are wine country racing, entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, Hall of Flowers, and more.

707-545-4200

Sunset Supper at DaVero Tasting Room and Gardens

July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 29

DaVero Farms & Winery

766 Westside Road

Healdsburg

Learn about this biodynamic farm while enjoying a family style, sunset supper prepared by a local chef and paired with fantastic wines and olive oils.

707-431-8000

FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals

July 29 – 31

Infineon Raceway

29355 Arnold Drive

Highways 121 & 37

Sonoma

There is nothing more potent in motor sports than an 8,000-horsepower top fuel dragster or funny car barreling down the drag strip at 310 miles per hour.

800-870-RACE

Rivertown Revival

July 30

Steamer’s Landing Park

6 Copeland St.

Petaluma

This art boat festival takes place on the beautiful McNear Peninsula in Petaluma. This year’s festival features two stages of music, craft vendors, food, beverage and $5 weddings.

707-290-6723

Hike & Taste in the Vineyards

July 30 – Sept. 24

Kunde Family Estate

9825 Sonoma Highway 12

Kenwood

Join Sonoma Valley Docent Bill Myers on an up-close hike through the 1,850-acre Kunde Estate. Taste wines along the way in the very vineyards in which they were grown.

707-282-1534

Pinot and Pizza

July 30, Aug. 27

Lynmar Estate

3909 Frei Road

Sebastopol

Using Chardonnay yeast from the vines, winery chef David Frakes handcrafts dough, tops it with ingredients from Lynmar Estate gardens and local purveyors, then bakes it in a wood-burning oven.

707-829-3374

Fort Ross Cultural Heritage Day

July 30

Fort Ross State Historic Park

19005 Coast Highway One

Jenner

The annual celebration of Russian America at Fort Ross features traditional Russian activities, music and dance, and musket and cannon demonstrations.

707-847-3286

Sbragia Lobster Feed

July 30

Sbragia Family Vineyards

9990 Dry Creek Rd

Geyserville

Enjoy wonderful lobster, wine, live music, and a spectacular sunset at Sbragia Family Vineyards. Very limited seating available.

707-473-2992 ext. 12

Sunday Cruise In

July 31, Aug. 28, Sept. 25

Fourth & Sea Restaurant

101 Fourth St. (at C Street)

Petaluma

Fun, homegrown classic car show. Live music, classic cars, classic food, free raffle prizes, trophy. Last Sunday of each month from May 29 through October 30. Kids welcome.

707-623-3219

6th Street Playhouse is offering tickets at $15 per person for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23 and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25 performances.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Order “screaming deal” tickets by telephone at 707-523-4185 or purchase online at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

“The Mystery of Irma Vep”

It’s a “dark and stormy night,” when Lord Edgar Hillcrest (under the spell of his deceased first wife, Irma Vep) arrives at Mandacrest Estate with his new bride, Lady Enid in this hilarious, campy comedy satirizing everything from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” to “The Mummy’s Curse.”

A definitive spoof of Gothic melodramas, Charles Ludlam’s “The Mystery of Irma Vep” is a two-act, quick-change, cross-dressing marathon in which two actors play all the roles (including sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess) while making more than 30 costume changes. Featuring live musical underscoring and foley sound effects by Janis Wilson.

Directed by Marty Pistone

WHEN:    Through June 26, 2011
8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
8 p.m. Thursdays (June 9, 16 & 23)
2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (Saturdays: June 11, 18 & 25 and Sundays June 5, 12, 19 & 26)

LOCATION:  6th Street Playhouse
GK Hardt Theatre
52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa
Located in historic Railroad Square

TICKETS:   $15 to $32

PHONE:   707-523-4185
Order tickets by telephone, online or purchase at the door. Reservations recommended.

WEB SITE:   www.6thstreetplayhouse.com

Read more about camping options from rustic hike-in sites to full-service RV hook-ups and cottages here.

Coolest Small Town in America’s free summer concert series is back in full swing! Music lovers, enjoy a great line-up of entertainment from Rockabilly to Jazz.  Stay two nights at Auberge on the Vineyard and save 25%!  Amazing views and amazing breakfasts  come with the territory.  Book online and enter promo code: live! (Subject to availability)

Join Lynmar Estate for their International Pairings.

With so many great events happening around Sonoma County all summer long, it is hard to attend every event.

Here are some events happening weekly throughout the summer so you can choose the date that works for you.  Cycling, wine and food pairings and live music are just some of the weekly events happening this summer.

For a full listing of events happening all summer long, check out our online calendar.

Windsor Summer Nights on the Green

July – August

Windsor Town Green

701 McClelland Drive

Live music and farmers market every Thursday evening 5-8 p.m. Fine dining, great shopping, and fabulous entertainment in Old Downtown Windsor.

707-838-1260

Wine Down Thursdays

July – September

Santa Rosa Vintners Square

1301 Cleveland Ave.

Santa Rosa

Complimentary wine tasting with music and food at Santa Rosa Vintners Square – An Urban Winery Village, featuring D’Argenzio Winery, Sheldon Wine, Krutz Winery, MJ Lords, and Cigars shop.

707-280-4658

Wines & Sunsets in Paradise

July – September

Paradise Ridge Winery

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive

Santa Rosa

Bring a picnic and sip delectable wines while watching amazing sunsets from the veranda every Wednesday evening. Tasting room closed ~ wines are sold by the glass or bottle.

707-528-9463

Petaluma River Sunset Wine & Cheese Eco-Cruises

July – September

Petaluma River Turning Basin

Weller St. at Washington and D Streets

Petaluma

See the river and wildlife from a 27′ touring barge. Enjoy fine wines, local cheeses and tasty appetizers during the two-hour tour that runs each Friday.

707-736-7756

Friday Night Live (FNL)

July – September

Cloverdale Plaza N.

Cloverdale Boulevard

Cloverdale

Live music every Friday night at 7 p.m., featuring a new band every week, in downtown Cloverdale. Certified Farmers Market, 5:30 p.m.

707-894-4410

Cloverdale Annual Sculpture Exhibit

July – September

Cloverdale Plaza

N. Cloverdale Boulevard

Cloverdale

The annual Sculpture Exhibit runs from June 4 to Sept. 28 in Cloverdale’s Downtown Plaza.

707-344-2213

‘Bike Ride with Deb’

July – September

Dutcher Crossing Winery

8533 Dry Creek Road

Geyserville

Bike ride in Dry Creek Valley with Dutcher Crossing Winery proprietor Debra Mathy; the rides are the last Friday of each month. Tour the vibrant scenery of Dry Creek Valley with an avid cyclist and winery owner.

707-431-2700

zazu farmstands

July – September

zazu restaurant + farm

3535 Guerneville road

Santa Rosa

Get your produce, bread, bacon, farm eggs or ‘bacon in the batter waffles or BLTs  every Saturday at zazu. Good times.

707-523-4814

Docent Led Tours at Bodega Marine Laboratory

July – September

Bodega Marine Laboratory

2099 Westside Road

Bodega Bay

Public drop-in tours for all ages are available Fridays from 2-4 p.m. See numerous marine aquarium displays with colorful local fish and marine creatures.

707-875-2211

International Pairings at Lynmar Estate

July – September

Lynmar Estate

3909 Frei Road

Sebastopol

Every Thursday through September, Lynmar will be hosting a two-hour journey through the cuisines of various countries. Little, exquisite dishes will be paired with their award-winning Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

707-829-3374

Photo courtesy of Bill Hoban, Sonoma Index-Tribune.

The 4th of July is a special time when we celebrate our freedom with friends and family.  It is also a time where normal fashion norms are overlooked and stripes + stars in any combination of red, white and blue is honored or at least tolerated.

Sonoma County offers an event for everyone over the July 4th holiday including pet-friendly events at Kunde and family-friendly events around the area.  For those looking to celebrate with some wine, many local wineries hold weekend events with live music, BBQ and spirited fun.

So come and spend a few days with us here in Sonoma County.  For a full listing of places to stay, check out our website.

All American Zin Day

July 2

Family Wineries Dry Creek Tasting Room

4791 Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg

Zinfandels and Primitivos (Italian Zinfandels) from Amista, Mazzocco-Sonoma, Rued, Wilson, and Family Wineries Dry Creek. Enjoy food, great wines, and take home a commemorative glass.

888-433-6555 ext. 1

Pawtriotic Day at Kunde

July 2

Kunde Family Estate

9825 Sonoma Highway 12

Kenwood

Join fourth-generation winegrower, Jeff Kunde, with man’s best friend on a hike through the 1,850-acre estate. Conclude the hike with the Doggie Day festival, parade and all-American barbecue.

707-282-1534

Monte Rio 4th of July Fireworks & Parade of Lights

July 2

Beach Parking Lot / Rio Theater

Monte Rio

Independence celebrations along the Russian River.

707-865-9956

Get your ZIN on

July 2 & 3

Mounts Family Winery

3901 Wine Creek Road

Healdsburg

It will be a ZINtastic weekend with music, BBQ and amazing views atop the 140 acre estate.  Cost is $10 per person and event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Zindependence Weekend Event

July 3

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves

9711 West Dry Creek Road

Healdsburg, CA 95448

Declare your “Zindependence” and embrace life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness at Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves!

707-473-9014

Guerneville Independence Day Celebration

July 3

Downtown Guerneville

Craft fair on the Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Russian River Rotary’s barbecue at Lark’s parking lot from noon until 8 p.m. Kids’ activities and block party in downtown. Pick a spot in the Plaza, on the pedestrian bridge or along Main Street for fireworks over the river at dusk.

707-869-9000

Windsor Fireworks and Old Time Celebration

July 3

Old Downtown Windsor

Fireworks and live music are on tap, along with festivities and games for the kids, food vendors and more in Old Downtown Windsor. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Kenwood’s 4th of July Hometown Parade

July 4

Kenwood Plaza Park

200 Warm Springs Road

Kenwood

Parade starts at 10 a.m. after the 7 a.m. Pancake breakfast provided by Kenwood Community Church. The Kenwood Footrace begins at 7:30 a.m.. Parade will circle around Kenwood Plaza Park.

Petaluma July 4th Celebration

July 4

Petaluma Fairgrounds

175 Fairgrounds Drive

Petaluma

Celebrate July 4th with the City of Petaluma. Gates open at 4 p.m. Fireworks at dark.

Pride & Joy is the headliner. Music, Food, and Family Fun.

707-778-4380

Red White & Boom

July 4

Sonoma County Fairgrounds

1350 Bennett Valley Road

Santa Rosa

Celebrate Independence Day at the biggest 4th of July party in the North Bay. Great food, beverages, live music, kids’ games & activities, picnicking, fireworks and fun. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

707-545-4200

If you are visiting, these markets offer the perfect place to pick-up great gifts for the friends and family back home.  Local honey, cheese, breads, preserves, olive oil, and candles are just a few items you can buy while visiting a local market.  In fact, some market vendors might even make vacation envy part of the purchase.

Looking to get even closer to your finds at the market?  Then check out Farm Trails and find a farm that offers the experience you are most looking for.

Tuesday

Healdsburg

Healdsburg Farmers Market

4 – 7 p.m.; June- Oct

North and Vine Streets.

www.healdsburgfarmersmarket.com

Sonoma

Valley of the Moon Farmers Market

5:30 – 7 p.m.; May – Oct

Sonoma Plaza

(707) 529-0404

Wednesday

Petaluma

Petaluma Farmers Market

4:30 – 8 p.m.; June – Aug

2nd Street, between B & D Streets

www.petalumafarmersmarket.com

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Farmers Market Veterans Building 8:30am – noon, Year ’round rain or shine Veterans Building east parking lot, 1351 Maple Ave.

www.santarosafarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Downtown Market

5 – 8:30 p.m.; May – Aug

4th Street, from Mendocino Ave to E Street www.srdowntownmarket.com

Thursday

Cotati

Cotati Farmers Market

4:30 – 7:30 p.m.; June – Sept

La Plaza Park

www.cotati.org

Windsor

Windsor Farmers Market

5 – 8 p.m.; June – Aug

Windsor Town Green

ww.windsorfarmersmarket.com

Friday

Cloverdale Farmers Market

5:30 – 7:30 p.m., June – Sept

Music in the Plaza until 9 p.m.

Cloverdale Blvd.

www.cloverdale.net

Occidental

Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market

4:00 p.m. – dusk, June – Oct

Downtown Occidental

www.occidentalfarmersmarket.com

Rohnert Park

Rohnert Park Farmers Market

5 – 8 p.m.; June – Sept

City Center Plaza

Sonoma

Sonoma Farmers Market

9 a.m. – noon; Year round.

Depot Park

Saturday

Healdsburg

Healdsburg Farmers Market

9 a.m. – noon; May – Nov

Foss Creek, one block west of the Plaza.

www.healdsburgfarmersmarket.com

Gualala

Gualala Farmers Market

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Memorial Day – Oct

Highway 1 at Community Center

Oakmont Farmers Market

9 a.m. – noon, Year ’round

Wells Fargo Parking Lot

Petaluma

Petaluma Farmers Market – Walnut Park

2 – 5 p.m.; May – Oct

Petaluma Blvd., South & D Streets

www.petalumafarmersmarket.com

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Farmers Market Veterans Building

8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Year ’round rain or shine

Veterans Building east parking lot, 1351 Maple Ave.

www.santarosafarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Sunday

Glen Ellen

Glen Ellen Farmers Market

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; May – Oct

Jack London Village, 14301 Arnold Drive

Sebastopol

Sebastopol Farmers Market

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., April – Nov

Downtown Plaza

Windsor

Windsor Farmers Market Sunday

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., May – Dec

Windsor Town Green

www.windsorfarmersmarket.com

Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there are plenty of “those darn accordions” at the festival. At the Cotati Accordion Festival the sound stage features a cast of rotating acts who play 30- to 45-minute sets. Musical styles range from traditional Tex-Mex to whacky Rock-pop-San Francisco-mischief music. The festival is family-friendly wholesome fun!

If you like to dance there is a separate tent that features polka music. In the adjoining club, Friar Tuck’s, there is zydeco dancing both days from 1 to 5. There is also zydeco in the polka tent from 5:00 to 6:30 both days. Check out the “jam” tent where festival goers play their favorite tunes together. There is also a “jam” tent where festival goers play their favorite tunes in unison.

Cruise the vendor displays. There are 100′s of accordions for sale, music books and related merchandise. The vendors also include everything from arts and crafts to food, beer and wine. Plus the newly expanded “Kids area” at the north area of the park.

Festival gates open at 9:30 and music starts at 9:45.  Tickets on sale online now, however tickets can be purchased at the festival gates.

Kate MacMurray

“Our wines reflect our passion for the special places that give us extraordinary grapes,” she says. “We carve out unique vineyard blocks to make small lots of Pinot Noir, while our cool-climate Pinot Gris and Chardonnay embody the unique characteristics of Sonoma Coast.”

Kate MacMurray sees parallels between her ranch and her former life in film production. “One of the techniques actors use is called ‘sense memory,’ reaching for remembered aromas or flavors to evoke a time and place and emotion. Tasting our Pinot Noir wines is like that… one sip reminds you of wild berries; the next sip is earthy and warm like a summer afternoon; the next carries the sense of cool ocean fog. You really get a whole movie in every glass.”

Kate treasured the times when her family would get together for a memorable fine food and wine experience. Here are two of her favorite recipes to enjoy with delicious MacMuray Ranch wines.

Buffalo Sliders with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

Serves 4−6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

1 pound ground buffalo meat

12 slider buns

2 ounces blue cheese (preferably Point Reyes)

1 onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt

Divide ground buffalo meat into 12 patties. Slice the onion and add to sauté pan. Cook onions with salt in olive oil on medium heat until golden brown, approximately 15 minutes. Toast slider buns under broiler. Cook sliders to your liking. Flip and add Pt. Reyes blue cheese. Place caramelized onion on the bottom half of slider bun. Top with slider patty and top bun.

Served in some of the most elegant restaurants in the country, sliders are fantastic companions to MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir. The gamy flavor of the buffalo is nicely balanced by the caramelized onions and complements the red cherry and cola aromas of the wine.

Barrel Stave Roasted Shrimp and Scallops with Green Apple Slaw

Serves 4−6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

½ pound fresh sea scallops

½ pound fresh prawns

1 green apple

½ red onion

2 radishes

2 tablespoons minced parsley

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

Soak barrel stave (or cedar plank) in cold water for 1−2 hours. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place scallops and prawns on barrel stave and place in the oven for 12 minutes. Grate the green apple. Slice red onion and radishes. Combine apples, onions and radishes, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper and toss together.

This dish is designed to pair with the MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. The creaminess and mineral aspects of the seafood, especially the scallops with the green apple slaw, complement delicate aromatics of ripe melon and passion fruit of the wine perfectly.

Farm Tours at McClelland’s Dairy
Families have the opportunity to get an up-close look and hands-on experience at McClelland’s Dairy, located seven miles west of Petaluma, in the rolling hills of Sonoma County. The farm was founded in 1938 and is still run today by the McClelland family as a modern family dairy with traditional values.

Tours are scheduled for weekend dates throughout the spring and summer, with a typical tour lasting about an hour and a half. Visitors get to see and pet baby cows, learn how the business is taking care of the land with sustainable practices, and see how the dairy’s creamy butter and crème fraiche are made.

The McClellands also plan to host a Mother’s Day brunch on the Farm on May 8, Be a Farmer for a Day event on May 14, and a Wake Up with Dairy breakfast on June 5. These events will also include in-depth, interactive tours and meals on the farm. For dates and prices please visit www.mcclellandsdairy.com.

McClelland’s Dairy
6475 Bodega Avenue
Petaluma, California 94952
707-664-0452
www.mcclellandsdairy.com

Follow the Cheese Trail
The first-ever guide to local artisan cheese makers is available free of charge at local visitor centers, hotels, and businesses. The map may also be downloaded at www.marineconomicforum.org.

“Everyone wants to see a farm while eating good cheese, but nobody knows how,” explains Vivien Straus, managing partner of Straus Home Ranch. “Cheese making is a re-emerging craft, and it’s happening in our own back yard. Some 27 local artisan cheese makers are included in the map, which tells people all about the cheese, where to get it and which cheese makers are open for visits.”

The Cheese Trail map offers an overview of each cheese maker, relays the history of cheese in the area, provides some interesting cheese facts and indicates where to purchase cheeses locally. The map also outlines two driving tours that lead to cheese making facilities open to the public. Other cheese makers, two-thirds of which are farmers as well, have appointment-only tours which can be reserved by calling ahead.

Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail Map
www.marineconomicforum.org

Take a Hike at Safari West
Get ready to take a hike, (and bring your camera) because families have a chance to go hoofin’ it at Safari West, Sonoma County’s unique animal preserve. Overnight guests may join one of Safari West’s staff members and sign up for an early morning or afternoon nature hike through the Sonoma Savannah, winding past Masai giraffes, white rhinos, ostriches, kudos and plenty of wild birds through acres of lush rolling oak woodland forest.

Each hike is different as they are customized to guest interest and age. For example, one hike may be a moderate, family outing, highlighting conservation facts for children. Another hike might be tailored for adult guests who want more of a work out. These hikes begin April 1 and go through Oct. 31, weather permitting.

Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707- 579-2551 or 1-800-616-2695
www.safariwest.com

Hot Air Ballooning for People in Wheelchairs
This spring Up & Away Ballooning becomes the first hot air balloon operator in the United States to offer wheelchair-confined adventurers the opportunity to soar above the magnificent hills and vineyards of Sonoma County.

The Pegasus Project’s specially-designed and crafted passenger basket, shipped directly from England, will make it possible for people who use wheelchairs to float above wine country.

Mike and Patty Kijak, owners of Up & Away Ballooning, purchased the wheelchair-accessible basket in response to numerous inquiries from individuals and travel agents with clients seeking to experience Northern California’s picturesque wine country from this breathtaking vantage point. The inaugural flight is scheduled for early April (weather permitting) and a percentage of proceeds from each flight will benefit the Wheelchair Foundation.

Up & Away Ballooning
Windsor, CA
800-771-2998
www.up-away.com

We’ve found a good recipe for a fish fry you can make at home. Invite over some friends and try out this Louisiana style fish fry from Chef Maria Vieages.

Vieages began cooking at the age of 5 with her Sicilian mother and aunt.  She helped them stuff artichokes for St. Joseph

Maria came from New Orleans to Sonoma County, and brought along her unique style of cooking and joie de vivre.

Day altars, make muffalettas for Chistmas Eve and roll bruccilone for Sunday dinner.   Living in New Orleans, there was also a lot of gumbo stirring, pepper stuffing and trout frying.

At college, she pursued a degree in Radiology.  While working at a hospital, she found herself bringing food to co-workers on a regular basis.  Her co-workers started a collection every Friday which resulted in catered lunches the following week for the radiology department.

On her 30th birthday, Maria realized that her dream was to cook for a living, she enrolled in culinary school in New Orle

ans, and apprenticed at the Hotel Intercontinental New Orleans and the Sazerac Hotel at the Fairmont Hotel-New Orleans.

Maria started Maria’s Multi Regional Cuisine in New Orleans in 1997 and built a small café, upscale takeout and catering business. Sadly, in August 2005, Maria lost her entire business in Hurricane Katrina.

She has since moved to Sonoma County and become a fixture on local radio shows and doing cooking classes around Wine Country.

LOUISIANA FISH FRY

Serves  6-8

2 pounds fish fillets

2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cups cornmeal

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. paprika

1  tablespoon salt or less- to taste

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. dried leaf oregano

1 tsp. dried thyme

Oil for frying ( preferably peanut or vegetable oil )

Preheat oil in heavy bottomed dutch oven. Marinate the fish in the seasoned buttermilk. In a mixing bowl, mix the cornmeal and flour together. Season the mixture adjusting to personal taste. Remove the fish from the buttermilk, removing any excess. Dredge each fish in the cornmeal, coating each side completely. Lay the fish in the hot oil and

Fry  until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate.

Often hailed as the most important meal of the day, we highlight some of our favorite places for breakfast in Sonoma County. Looking for more inspiration? Here are some additional places often voted as being the best places to get breakfast by locals.

The Artisan Cheese Festival, March 25 – 27 at the Sheraton Petaluma,  is a weekend full of events including seminars, a cheese marketplace and dinners that celebrate artisan cheese, food, beer and wine found in California and beyond.  This cheese filled weekend offers artisan producers a chance to showcase their products and those of us who love small production products a chance to taste small, hand crafted cheeses and maybe learn a thing or two during one of the seminars.

For information on the individual events and tickets, click here.  For lodging information at the Sheraton Petaluma, check their website for full details.

To celebrate the Artisan Cheese Festival, we have decided to run our cheesiest contest ever.   Rules are simple; let us know what your favorite local cheese is in the comment section below.  Sonoma County has lots of local creameries churning out tasty nuggets of love so your choices are broad.

Need help with some ideas?  Here is a post we did a few years ago about pairing local wines with Sonoma County cheese.

We will choose two random winners on Friday March 11 at 3:00 pm local time.  Each winner receives two tickets to the cheese marketplace during the Artisan Cheese Festival held on Sunday March 27.

The sun may kiss the grapes or the waves along the Sonoma Coast, but here are some great spots to smooch in Sonoma County. What is your favorite place to share a kiss with your loved one? Be sure to tell us in the comment section below.

Barrel Tasting in Sonoma County offers visitors two weekends to get out and enjoy wine tasting. Whether you are out with a group of friends enjoying the wine, food and entertainment or a serious buyer looking to score amazing deals on wine, Barrel Tasting offers an experience for everyone. Join us March 4-6 or 11-13 for one of the best ways to experience Sonoma Wine Country. Tickets start at just $20 for advance purchase so what are you waiting for?

Levi’s GranFondo, named after Olympic Cyclist Levi Leipheimer, is one of the most popular cycling events in the country!  With 7,500 people registered for the 2011 ride, it is bound to be full of adrenaline and excitement.  And for those of you who appreciate the sport, but are not into the spandex thing, organizers throw a GREAT party after the race.  Afterall this IS Sonoma Wine Country.  So join us on October 1 to bike the back roads of Sonoma County and maybe share a glass of wine … or two.  Registration is still open, but space is very limited so register today!

To inspire you, watch the video of a rider on all his descents throughout the 2010 GranFondo shot from his helmet.  Rock on!

Restaurant Week Facebook Fans raved about the event.  “I had wanted to try Stark’s Steakhouse since it opened so I took advantage of restaurant week and the prix fixe menu and was very impressed with the service, ambiance and delicious food,” said Krissy Klein, Restaurant Week Facebook Fan.

For 2011 expect to see more wine pairing options for your prix fixe menus and giveaways at the Restaurant Week Facebook page, just by telling us where you went!

For more updates on Sonoma County’s tastiest week, follow them on Twitter or start planning your week dining at SonomaCountyRestaurantWeek.org.

Sonoma County Winter Fondue Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

8 ounces Clover Stornetta Whipping cream

8 ounces Mc Clellands Butter

4 ounces Sonoma County White Wine of choice

8 ounces Valley Ford Estero Gold, grated

Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Sprinkle with fresh herbs: basil, Italian parsley or thyme.

In a heavy bottom pot, melt butter, whisk in cream and wine.   Add in grated cheese and whisk until smooth, Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with herbs. Taste, adjust seasoning and enjoy!

Serve with Lemon Chicken Sausage, Roasted Green Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Brussel Sprouts & toasted Olive Oil Crostini.

Serve with Sonoma County Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Sonoma Coast Fondue

8 ounces Mc Clellands Butter

8 ounces Clover Stornetta Whipping cream

4 ounces Sonoma County White Wine of choice

8 ounces Matos St. George Cheese, grated

Sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste.

In a heavy bottom pot, melt butter, whisk in cream and wine.   Add in grated cheese and whisk until smooth, Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with herbs. Taste, adjust seasoning and enjoy!

Sprinkle with herbs: basil, Italian parsley and thyme

Serve with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, fresh baguettes and toasted bread sticks

Serve with Sonoma County Petit Syrah, Cab Franc or a light red wine.

Chocolate Delice de la Vallee Fondue

8 ounces Semi sweet Chocolate, grated

8 ounces Delice de la Vallee

8 ounces Bellwether Farms Creme Fraiche

1/2 cup Rose Petal Raspberry Jelly (available at The Epicurean Connection)

Over low flame melt chocolate, whisking continuously.  Whisk in Creme Fraiche, Delice de la Vallee and Jam.  Enjoy with strawberries, sugar cookies, rose petals, biscotti and chocolate cookies

Serve with  Sonoma County Champagne, Rose or a Grenache.

In the wise words of our beloved Linus, “For all the Charlie Browns in the world, your the Charlie Browniest!”

From everyone here at the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau we wish you a Happiest of Holidays filled with family, friends, laughter and wine and food from the farmers and vintners of Sonoma County!

Winter Wineland is event often hailed as a local favorite.  Wineries open their doors with unique themes, food and fun.  Join us January 15 – 16, 2011 for a chance to spend a winter weekend with us here in Sonoma Wine Country.  Tickets are on sale now.

Blue Cheese with honey and walnuts make a perfect trio. For those who don’t like the pungent taste of blue cheese, use candied walnuts. The sweetness of the coating will help cut through the blue cheese taste and make for the perfect bite. Blue cheeses can vary in pungent flavors, so ask for a milder flavored cheese like Point Reyes. Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or a full-bodied Chardonnay.

Triple Crème Brie with strawberries.  You could save this pairing for a romantic night by the fireplace, but cut strawberries and creamy brie offer the perfect decadent bite.  Wine Pairing: California Sparkling Wine.  I would even suggest a sparkling rose for some added sweetness until strawberries are in season and oh-so-sweet.

Aged Gouda with figs and chocolate.  If fresh figs are not available, look for dried figs.  Choose a dark chocolate for this pairing because milk chocolate will be too sweet.  Aged Gouda is a more complex version of its younger self.  It has great flavors of caramel and butterscotch.  Wine Pairing: a good Merlot (GASP) or a Cabernet Sauvignon blend.  Merlot gets a bad rap, because, well, there was a lot of bad Merlot out there,  however now you should be safe if you don’t buy the cheap imported stuff.  Look for a Cab that has a percentage of Merlot in it.  Merlot will help to mellow out the tannins, bringing out the wonderful fruit in a Cab.

Aged Cheddar with apples and walnuts.  You can find everything from White Cheddar to a medium orange or yellow-orange color.  The bright orange Cheddar has dye in it so steer clear of those.  For this pairing you should choose what you like.  I prefer aged white cheddar with granny smith apples, but have also done a yellow-orange cheddar with red delicious apples.  Whatever you choose, make sure the apple is tart and the walnuts are not coated or salted.  Wine Pairing: Barbera or Pinot Noir.  If choosing a Pinot, go with one that is rich and concentrated in a more Burgundian style.  What does Burgundian style mean?  It should be earthy and complex, not silky with lots of fruit flavors.

Manchego with quince paste and Marcona almonds.  Mmmm.  My mouth is watering just writing about this pairing.  For my tastes, there is no better pairing then Manchego with sweet, yet tart quince paste and the salty goodness of Marcona almonds (which Trader Joe’s now carries!).  If you are not familiar with Manchego, it is a Sheep’s milk cheese that is nutty, sweet and tangy in one bite. Wine Pairing: Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blanc) is my favorite.  Those with more knowledge then myself call for a heavier wine like Malbec, Sangiovese or a Tempranillo.

These are just suggestions to help make your party planning easy and seamless.  Whenever possible we hope you choose the food-friendly wines from Sonoma County to share and enjoy with your friends and family.

Do you have a favorite cheese pairing? We always love to hear (and taste test) your ideas!

Not content to let the cultured moderns just take in wine at a museum, Sonoma County is inviting everyone who visits the exhibit to come see wine country up close and personal. And this is a great time to do it – in winter and spring when the vines are sleeping and the juice is magically turning to wine, the winemakers, chefs, artisans and farmers of Sonoma County have more time to share their passion with you.

Here’s how to redeem these special offers:

1. Go see How Wine Become Modern: Design + Wine at the SFMOMA. You can visit our friends at San Francisco Travel for more ideas on what else to do in The City. Tell ‘em Inside Sonoma sent ya.
2. Keep your ticket stub from the Museum! Don’t let it out of your sight – it’s worth valuable deals! (SECRET NOTE TO MEMBERS: You can use your SFMOMA membership card, too. Like the guy from the Streets of San Francisco used to say in the commercials, “don’t leave home without them.”)
3. Get to Sonoma County – we’re only 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can do it in a day, though you may want to spend the night. Sonoma deals here …
4. Check out these Sonoma wineries offers for specials.
5. Tell your friends all about it.

Save your ticket stub to SFMOMA's "How Wine Became Design" and get free Sonoma County stuff.

Winery Specials

Russian River Wine Road

Information: 800.723.6336 or 707.433.4335
Check in at Kendall Jackson Wine Center
5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, CA
707.571.8000

One-day ticket to the Russian River Wine Road ($25 value), including free tastings ($5 – $20 value) at over 50 wineries and discounted wine purchases (10 – 20 percent off) at most wineries. Ticketholders experience a unique visit at each winery, including private winery tours, free souvenir logo glasses, barrel tastings, exclusive release and limited production wine tastings, and behind-the-scenes tours with winemakers.

Dutton Estate Winery

8757 Green Valley Road (Highway. 116 and Green Valley Road), Sebastopol, CA 95472
707.829.9463

Complimentary cheese and wine pairings.

Freestone Wines (Joseph Phelps Vineyards)

12747 El Camino Bodega, Freestone, CA 95472
707.874.1010

Complimentary tasting tickets. Offer expires Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Gundlach-Bundschu

2000 Denmark Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
707.938.5277

Special two-for-one tasting. Offer expires Sunday, May 1, 2011.

J Vineyards and Winery

11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, CA 95448
888.594.6326

Complimentary Signature Bar tasting flight for two.

Kenwood Vineyards

9592 Sonoma Highway (Highway 12), Kenwood, CA 95452
707.833.5891

Complimentary tasting tickets.

Landmark Vineyards

101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA 95452
707.833.0053

Two-for-one tastings.

Michael Bernard Wines

779 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.433.2900

Complimentary tasting and 15 percent off any wine purchase or 20 percent off when you join the wine club for the Michael Bernard Family of Wines, which includes Mantra Wines, Mobius Wines, and Orsi Papale Wines.

Medlock Ames

3487 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.431.8845

Complimentary Primary Tasting with accompanying local-cheese-and-food-sample plate ($12.50 value) at the winery’s tasting room.

Ridge Winery

Lytton Springs Tasting Room, 650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
707.433.7721

Two-for-one tasting on the Monte Bello flight at Ridge Winery’s tasting room in Healdsburg. Offer valid through May 31, 2011.

Stryker Sonoma Winery

5110 Highway 128, Geyserville, CA 95441
800.433.1944 or 707.433.1944

Complimentary tasting tickets.

Got one of these? You artster. Show it at participating Sonoma County wineries and lodging for great deals.

Lodging Specials

Auberge on the Vineyard

29955 River Road

Cloverdale, CA 95425

707-894-5956

www.sonomabedbreakfastinnwinecountry.com

Book two nights and get the third night free (offer good Sunday-Thursday). Book online at www.sonomabedbreakfastinnwinecountry.com and enter promo code sonoma.

Relais du Soleil, Wine Country Guest Ranch

1210 Nuns Canyon Road, Glen Ellen, CA  95442

707-833-6264

relaisdusoleil@cs.com

www.relaisdusoleil.com

Relais du Soleil will offer a free bottle of wine with any stay. Stay two nights and get the third night free.

Russian River Getaways

14070 Mill Street, Guerneville, CA 95446

(877) 760-0598

www.RussianRiverGetaways.com

Book two or three nights, add a night for free; 20 percent 0ff longer bookings.

Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa

16702 Coast Highway 1

Bodega, CA 94922

707-876-9818

www.sonomabedbreakfastinnwinecountry.com

A two-night stay in a villa for $240 per night, plus two complimentary breakfasts, two complimentary glasses of wine, and two $20 spa credits.

Westside Lodge

River Rd & Westside Rd

Forestville, CA 95436

800-997-3312

www.westside-lodge.com

Book two nights and get the third night free with any two-night booking January through March; book three nights and get the fourth night free with any three-night booking April and May. Non-Holidays.

Windrose Romantic Cottages

6880 Day Road

Windsor, CA 95492

707-836-0400

windroseromanticcottages@gmail.com

www.windroseromanticcottages.com

Stay four nights and get the fourth night free; stay three nights and receive 50 percent off the third night; stay two nights and receive 25 percent off the second night.

What lies beneath the rugged and beautiful Pacific waters along the Sonoma Coast?  Get a glimpse at the bustling life under water in Sonoma County.  And since we don’t recommend that you free dive in our waters unless you are a very experience diver, this video will give you a great peek at the teeming sea life found just below the surface.

We are all lucky to live in such a fantastic place.  Many of us would argue the greatest place on the planet.  One staffer highlighted that point by saying,

“I am thankful for the bounty of Sonoma County & our farm to table Locavores that sustain a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle in our incredibly edible destination.”

Others felt a sense of patriotism during this holiday season.  And frankly our troops near and far deserve many more thanks then we could ever give.

“I’m thankful for my friends/family and give thanks to all the past/present military around the world, for keeping us free to live this wonderful country – USA!”

Other staffers took a humourus twist on their thanksgiving.  And truly,  chocolate of any kind is a gift I personally am always thankful for.

“I’m thankful that I have two really great kids who teach me new things everyday. I got an expository speech on legos at 5:15 am this morning, as I was curled in a fetal position under a kiddie blanket. I am also thankful for a wife who is understanding and wonderful and keeps our family together. Finally, I am thankful for chocolate croissants, which the Good Lord did give unto humankind as a promise that no matter how bad things get, there is always some awesome, sweet, light, chocogoodness in life.”

Another staffer felt it was important to be thankful for not living in a war torn country.  For being able to live freely and enjoy what comes with those freedoms.

“Thankful for having a wonderful family and friends. Grateful to be employed. Not having to worry about war zones like in other countries.”

Some of our Inside-Sonoma HQ staffers like the more practical approach, friends, family and pop culture.

“I’m thankful for my partner, my family, good health and for Bristol Palin getting booted off Dancing with the stars!”

In another touching thanksgiving, a staffer is most thankful for their every growing family.

“I am thankful for a wonderful husband who loves me just the way I am, two boys who have grown up into admirable and amazing young men, a charming and thoughtful daughter-in-law, and a brilliant and darling grandson! I’m also thankful for living in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and that I have a great job. – and I’m not just saying that because I work here.”

So what am I thankful for?  You.  Our readers, supporters, locals, visitors, advocates and community.  You make it such a joy and pleasure to get up and work everyday.  I am always thankful for my grandma who is one of the most fantastic people on the planet, my two adorable younger brothers, my family, friends and my boyfriend.

Thanks for supporting us over the last few years!  We wish you and yours health, happiness and good eats!

To excite and entice you, here are some photos of the exhibit taken courtesy of my iPhone.

We hope to see you exploring Sonoma County soon!

The opening wall showcasing how wine has influenced home design through interior paint choices.

The winning California wines from the "Judgement of Paris" tasting in 1976.

At the sensory wall, visitors have the chance to pick out specific "notes" in the nose (smell) of wine.

Get in and smell what a Rose should smell like.

Stryker Sonoma featured in the world of design installation. The architecture measures up to some of the world's best. (Note: Geyserville is in Alexander Valley)

Part decanter, part art.

A winegrape vine before it is pruned.

The wall of wine labels showcases different categories for different types of label designs. I think the Alexander Valley Vineyards "Wicked Weekend" should have been included. I have sinned, now please Zinfandel, redeem me.

Reidel decanters: where art meets function.

These are just some of the exhibit components.  You have until April to peruse the exhibit and come visit us here in Sonoma Wine Country.  Cheers to the good life!

UPDATE: Congrats to Ami Jolson for being the randomly chosen winner.  Enjoy the event and thanks everyone for sharing!

Thanksgiving is as time for overindulgence, not just in food, but in family time.  A Thanksgiving tradition with my family is always the movies.  After a day or two of quality family time, we are always ready for an afternoon “double feature” where we choose two movies, pay for them, buy popcorn & candy and spend the day in the dark, sharing laughs and sometimes tears.  That was Iowa.  This is wine country.  To get you out of the house and enjoying either time alone or with friends and family, we are giving away two tickets to the Sonoma Valley Open House, happening this weekend.

The 27th Annual Sonoma Valley Open House showcases 23 wineries.  The participating wineries will offer wine tastings in their caves, cellars and tasting rooms.  You can stock up on your favorite wines for the holidays, do your holiday shopping for friends and families and relish in the wine country holiday cheer.  There will be wine discounts, gift packages, entertainment and new for this year, street food vendors will be located throughout the Sonoma Valley including Harvey’s Donuts, A Brewed Awakening, Street Eatz, Fork, Taste of Gyro, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, and Buon Gusto offering a variety of affordable eats!

So how do you enter to win these two tickets?  Write in the comment section below on what is your favorite weekend after Thanksgiving tradition.  It can be with friends, family or by yourself.  We will choose a random winner Wednesday November 24 at noon.  Don’t want to miss out on this unique and fun event?  Purchase tickets here for only $40.

Good luck, health and happiness to you and yours during this Thanksgiving season!

What is especially noteworthy as the harvest comes to a close is the general sense of excitement about the vintage. With the 2010 growing season and compressed harvest period in the rearview mirror, winemakers throughout Sonoma County are now able to talk about the quality of the grapes that came in and the wines that are beginning to ferment.

“2010 was a trying year if you are a grape grower,” said Ed Sbragia, proprietor of Sbragia Winery. “But 2010 is an awesome year if you are a winemaker. The fruit coming in is unbelievable.”

“In my 35 years as winemaker at Jordan, I’ve never seen fruit quality this good,” said Rob Davis, winemaker at Jordan Vineyard and Winery in Alexander Valley. “The flavors are complex and intense, offering tannin content that is so beautifully balanced.”

Sonoma County is generally heralded as a cool climate wine region for producing wines with great balance and character, but the scale is tipped even further in favor of those attributes in the 2010 vintage than a more ‘typical’ growing year. There is palpable excitement among Sonoma’s vintners as they discuss their wines from 2010 vintage.

It is also important to note that despite isolated cases of grape damage, overall yield county-wide is estimated to be just 10-15% below average. According to Nick Frey, president of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, “2010 was a difficult and costly year for many grape growers, but I still think the harvest will come in above the 2008 crop when only 168,000 tons were harvested.”

Outstanding Quality and Concentration
The long cool growing season of 2010 allowed great acid retention in the fruit and extended time for flavor development without the higher sugar levels associated with warmer growing conditions. The warm weather in October was timed perfectly to bring the fruit to the needed ripeness levels.

“As far as I am concerned this has been one of the most successful harvests in years on Alexander Valley Mountain,” said Graham Weertz, winemaster at Stonestreet Winery. “At this early stage we are celebrating the vintage for its awesome quality. The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit has ripened to its maximum potential at lower alcohol levels resulting in great balance and texture from fully ripe fruit.”

Lower Alcohol Levels
Slower ripening at cooler temperatures resulted in the 2010 harvest being physiologically ripe with fully matured tannins, but with lower sugar levels, and consequently lower alcohol levels overall. This makes them more food-friendly and suited to a broader array of pairings.

“What we are seeing is rich flavors and low sugars that will create beautifully complex full-bodied wines with lower alcohol levels,” said Randy Ullom, winemaker for Kendall-Jackson. “All in all, the 2010 Harvest has the ability to be an extremely exceptional vintage. It is quite exciting.”

Great Color and Acidity:
For those who like to see the numbers behind the claims of deeper color, good natural acid levels, and lower alcohol levels, winery laboratories and independent labs throughout Sonoma County have the statistics to back it all up.

Each winery has an individual harvest experience, but there seems to be general consensus related to high grape quality throughout Sonoma County. “The thousands of Sonoma County samples we’ve seen from this year through our Healdsburg and St. Helena laboratories show exceptional fruit maturity, acidity, color, tannins, and other quality indicators despite this being one of the latest and most condensed harvests we’ve seen over the past 35 years,” said Gordon Burns, president and technical director of ETS Laboratories.

“We measure tannin, total phenols and color on over a 100 different vineyards in Sonoma County and 2010 results are 10-15% higher in phenolic content than the five year average, so we’re extremely excited about this year,” said Corey Beck, general manager and winemaker at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. “Everything from Dry Creek Zinfandel to Alexander Valley Cabernet looks amazing in the tank and in many ways this vintage will be compared to 1999 which was also a cooler growing season.”

Dan Goldfield, co-proprietor of Dutton-Goldfield Winery in the Russian River Valley, summed up the sentiments of many Sonoma County winemakers regarding the 2010 vintage very succinctly: “In the end, this was another vintage where attentive reaction to what the world gives us, both in farming and in the winery, was a great skill to have. Our job is to reflect the personality of our place and the seasons of it, and I’m thrilled with how we did so in 2010. Now can I sleep?”