Category Archives{Insiders Guide}

Insider’s Guide to Sonoma

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Sonoma International Film Festival is a Solid Two Thumbs Up

by careysweet4 hours ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

The 15th annual Sonoma International Film Festival always brings plenty of headlines (it’s about the newest, most exciting film debuts in the world, after all). Yet this year, the event adds a little extra star power and glittery glam. The festival, running April 11-15, pays tribute to legendary filmmaker John Waters, and more than just a cinematic salute, Waters himself {…}

Sonoma Wine and Cheese

Take Sonoma Home with You

by tina17 hours ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

You’ve visited Sonoma County and want to hold onto that vacation feeling a little longer. Or maybe you’re planning your visit and want a little “taste” of what wine country has to offer besides wine. You can get that fabulous “wine country” feeling at home by ordering food and spirits to enjoy at your leisure. Artisan cheeses, olive oils, jams, {…}

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Turnip the Heat with Delicious Vegetables

by careysweet1 day ago in Insiders Guide.1 Comment

Pity the poor turnip. Too often, it’s an underdog of root vegetables in many home kitchens. Potatoes, beets, carrots and even rutabagas get prime billing in the grocery baskets. Yet February is tops for turnips in Sonoma County, and the hardy vegetables thrive here nearly year-round thanks to our reliably cool climate. They’re easy to grow, and are very good {…}

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Sonoma County Celebrates Milestones in February

by careysweet4 days ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

The year 2012 is significant for Sonoma since it is the bicentennial of the Russian establishment of Fort Ross. Yet there are accomplishments to celebrate across our proud County every month. How you celebrate is up to you, but might we suggest popping a bottle of sparkling Sonoma wine? February marks: Infineon Raceway’s 25th Year of NHRA Full Throttle Drag {…}

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Inside the State Department Luncheon for China’s Vice President

by secretlocal5 days ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

It was a great thrill being at the lunch for Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, hosted by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton February 14 under the crystal chandeliers of the Benjamin Franklin Dining Room at the State Department in Washington where Iron Horse 2007 Chinese Cuvee was the toasting wine. The guest list included {…}

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Romance your love with a Sonoma Valentine’s Day

by secretlocal1 week ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Here’s a quick round-up of events going on this weekend and beyond. It isn’t too late to surprise your love with a romantic gesture. West County Design is hosting a sherry and chocolate tasting. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, Taste Sonoma Valley Portworks’ dreamy Duet Cream Sherry and Deco Port. Nibble unbelievable chocolates by Poco {…}

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Cyclists to Converge on Sonoma County

by tina1 week ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Amgen Tour of California Stage 1: Santa Rosa to Santa Rosa (Sunday, May 13) At the World Headquarters of Inside Sonoma, everyone is all atwitter over the return of Amgen Tour of California in May. Excited doesn’t seem to cover it. Most staffers are trying out new bike apparel and getting pumped for the ride. We’re more enthusiastic than good. {…}

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Vintners’ Square Expanding in Santa Rosa

by careysweet2 weeks ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

Cibo Rustico On its Way Soon, the aroma of wood oven pizza and grilled meats will marry with the intoxicating perfumes of wine and beer emanating from a most unlikely spot: an industrial parking lot at Cleveland and Ridgway avenues, next to the 101 Freeway. Wineyard at Santa Rosa Vintners’ Square just keeps on growing since the D’Argenzio family expanded {…}

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Wing Your Way to Sonoma Wine Country

by tina1 month ago in Insiders Guide.2 Comments

The next time you wing your way to Sonoma Wine Country, fly direct and you can bring a case of wine home with you for free. Wine Flights, a joint program of Alaska Airlines and Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, offers travelers an opportunity to visit Sonoma County’s famed wine country with airfare, lodging, and wine specials. Fly directly into Santa {…}

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Sonoma County’s Own Holiday Carols

by tina2 months ago in Insiders Guide.0 Comments

The prolific and fabulous Irving Berlin saw great success with the song “White Christmas,” which was introduced in the 1942 film Holiday Inn (partly filmed at the Village Inn in Guerneville). But did you know Irving has family ties in Sonoma County? Irving’s second cousin, once removed (though we’ve yet to substantiate what he was removed from, but it was {…}