Author Archives{tina}

I'm wordy, nerdy, and slightly absurdy. I love Sonoma County, tolerate slow drivers, and despise apostrophe errors.

Secrets in Sonoma County: New ways to enjoy your visit

1 year ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

If you want to recharge after visiting more than 300 wineries, here are a few new ways to explore Sonoma County. Redwood Arts Council Celebrates 30th Season See world-class musicians in an intimate venue that has near-perfect acoustics, at the Occidental Community Church. For music lovers, this is a great opportunity to spend a weekend among the redwoods and be {…}

Annual Events Offer More Reasons to Visit Sonoma County

1 year ago in Insiders Guide.2 Comments

Annual events offer more reasons to visit Sonoma County If you think Sonoma County is just about great wine, think again. A robust annual calendar of events gives you dozens of reasons to visit any time of year. Find a new reason to visit, see more events, and book your trip at www.sonomacounty.com. Winter (Through February) While much of the {…}

Holiday Shopping in Sonoma County

1 year ago in Itineraries.1 Comment

The day after Thanksgiving is usually filled with early morning wake-up calls to wait in line for one of the “hot” items this Christmas. But the day after Thanksgiving in Sonoma County is different. Yes, there will be lines in front of the malls and specialty stores, but with more than 300 wineries opening their doors; most shoppers in Sonoma {…}

Celebrate harvest and history at Fort Ross

1 year ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

Grapes are flying off the vines in a flurry of pruning knives. Baby pumpkins are beginning to peek out from underneath the vines. Leaves are beginning to get a tinge of orange and rust. Here in Sonoma County, we know harvest. What better way to experience harvest than to, well, harvest? Fort Ross State Historic Park is hosting its annual {…}

Spelunking, Sonoma County Style

1 year ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

I went spelunking in Sonoma County recently. After an easy climb from the trailhead, I entered a veritable fairyland, a true “live cave” brimming with activity. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I realized caving in wine country didn’t require my carbide headlamp, crampons, or rope. I was woefully over-equipped for the expedition. And the “life” forms in this cave? {…}

Hike a vineyard, drink some wine

2 years ago in Itineraries.0 Comments

You’ve tasted the wines, now hike through the vineyards that grow the amazing grapes. Too active for you? New winery tasting rooms have opened, special events are planned and more. It’s a great time to visit Sonoma County. Sonoma County Vineyard Adventure Program Kicks Off The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC) began its Vineyard Adventure Program on Jan. 1. On {…}

Go outside to discover new art

2 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

It’s a balmy winter day – well, balmy if you’re from the frozen tundra we call the Midwest – and what better way to enjoy the 50-plus-degree weather than exploring outdoor sculpture gardens. Cornerstone Sonoma Blends Quirky and Fabulous Packed with delightful, unexpected surprises and set amid world-renowned architectural gardens, Cornerstone Place is a wine country experience unlike anything you’ve {…}

Binoculars, cowbells ready: Santa Rosa is Tour of Calif. Stage 2 finish

2 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

The excitement at Inside-Sonoma world headquarters is building: Once again, Santa Rosa will be the finish line for Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California (www.amgentourofcalifornia.com), on May 17. The race has been moved from February to May (May 16-23) this year. Organizers hope to avoid some of the rainy and, in some cases, snowy pitfalls that has hampered {…}

Tasty new ways to explore Sonoma County

2 years ago in Itineraries.0 Comments

Is there a tastier way to explore Sonoma County than through its restaurants? I think not. People don’t live by bread alone, but sample some of the breads at our bakeries and you’ll wonder, “Why not.” If bread is just your starter course, make sure you try out some of these new restaurants or find a great deal at one {…}

Visit a Sonoma County Winery on New Year's Day

2 years ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Start 2010 off in style: Visit a Sonoma County winery on New Year’s Day. Each winery sets its own holiday schedule, but here are a few that are open New Year’s Day. Most wineries are open New Year’s Eve, but may be closing early. Call your favorites to confirm. In alphabetical order, a sample of wineries that are open New {…}