The Petaluma River runs through it, but one of the best ports anywhere is high and dry (though it’s only a block from the river)! Sonoma Valley Portworks, located in the understated but chic riverfront warehouse district, offers free tasting of their award-winning artisan ports and after-dinner wines. Come on a Saturday and the port might be paired with a {…}
Ask 13 Sonoma County locals what winery people should know, out of Sonoma County’s 250-plus wineries and you’ll have more than 13 answers, and a potential row that may result in fisticuffs when people defend their favorites. Sonoma County is home to 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with its own distinctive characteristics. Its amazing range of terroir and microclimates {…}
Feeling festive with this warm summer weather? There is plenty to do in and around Sonoma County. Why not get out there, have some fun and meet some people! Here are a few of the things going on: Luthur Burbank Rose Parade Saturday, May 16th, 2009 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM 115th Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival ‘Through the {…}
Take a “hot” little trip to Sonoma County this weekend that will celebrate the ancient process of fermentation. (“Hot,” as in fermentation creates heat. Get it?) The Freestone Fermentation Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, will be held at Salmon Creek School. Visitors can participate in hands-on presentations by the award-winning Wild Flour Bread, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, Freestone Vineyards {…}
Indy film “Bottle Shock,” set in 1976, shows how underdog California went up against the Goliath of the wine world – France. And won. While the film focuses on Napa Valley’s burgeoning wine industry, the movie was filmed mainly in Sonoma County. Now you can experience your own stunning cinematic vacation by following the camera through Sonoma’s wine country. The {…}
Here’s a little-known secret: Unless you’re under the age of 8, moms don’t want the crappy, dropped-stitch pot holders you quickly crocheted because you forgot to go buy a real gift. They have enough lawn garbage (from you or your siblings) to stage a garden gnome Civil War reenactment. And they definitely don’t want the blurry photo of your hastily {…}
Driving by the curvy green pastures of Sonoma County, on the way to Freestone, you’ll be tempted to make many “photo op” stops along the road. A living quilt of corduroy vines, emerald lawns, and twisted old cypress and oak trees in the shadow of willowy eucalyptus, these surroundings make for an astonishing array of greenery any time of year. {…}
Sonoma seems to celebrate Earth Day the way I celebrate my birthday: over as many days possible. Earth ‘Day’ events have already begun and continue through the end of April. As someone who spent the last four years in the not-so-eco-conscious South, I am excited for what Sonoma County has in store. Bring on the crunchiness! Green Valley Earth Day {…}
Want to take steps, many uphill steps, to seeing sustainable winegrowing in action? Go on this docent-led hike around the beautiful Kunde Estate, and get the full scoop on all that goes into a healthy winery. This Sonoma acreage is attended to with the utmost care – the soil, the watershed, the native wildlife, the employees and the quality of {…}
Ever read the stuff they print on the back of a wine bottle? The bad stuff tends to fall into two types: 1) “Dancing about architecture…” where the writer attempts to convey the experience of tasting the wine in words. These descriptions sound like this: “A delightful bouquet reminscent of kumquats, anise and sambal complements the medium body and hirsute lower extremities of {…}
