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July 11 is National French Fry Day! Here's where to celebrate in Sonoma County.

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When times are good, when times are bad, French fries are there for you. They’re crispy, salty, slathered with ketchup or aioli friends who simply want to make you smile. Here’s our taste-tested, dining editor-approved fries for any walk of life. Dig in, Sonoma County.

New Additions

Augie’s French: There’s no shortage of potato choices at this Santa Rosa bistro — duck fat roasted Yukons, buttery pommes puree (mashed potatoes) and the creme de la creme, skinny fries with a sauce boat of Bearnaise sauce. Share with a friend. 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-531-4400, augiesfrench.com

French fries at Augie's
Fries with Bearnaise dipping sauce at Augie’s in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
French fries
Duck fat pommes frites, the Bentley of French fries at Bistro Lagniappe in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

Bistro Lagniappe: The Bentley of French fries. Hand-cut fries (pomme frites) cooked in rendered duck fat with a outside and feather-light inside. Served with sauce choron — a rich Bearnaise with tomato. 330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8181, lagniappehealdsburg.com

Iggy’s Organic Burgers: Iggy Style fries are a hot mess, but sooooo good you should order two. Thick-cut fries with melted cheddar, pickled onions, Iggy’s Million Island sauce, pickles and grass-fed beef. 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, iggysburger.com

Thick-cut fries with melted cheddar, pickled onions, Iggy’s Million Island saucebeef, cheese, Iggy’s million island sauce, pickles and grass-fed beef. (Kelsey Joy)
Thick-cut fries with melted cheddar, pickled onions, Iggy’s Million Island sauce, pickles and grass-fed beef at Iggy’s Organic Burgers in Healdsburg. (Kelsey Joy)
Currywurst fries
Currywurst at Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Tisza Bistro: Currywurst, a classic German street food, is made with housemade sausage, beer-battered fries and caramelized onions with a curry-spiked ketchup. 165 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com

Grata: Cacio e pepe fries. All the flavor of the classic pasta dish — Parmesan and cracked black pepper — on a basket of fries. 186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, grataitalianeatery.toast.site

Grata fries
Cacio e pepe fries with garlic aioli is a must-have treat at Grata Italian Eatery in Windsor. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
dirty fries War Pigs
Dirty Fries at War Pigs Craft Kitchen in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

War Pigs BBQ: Dirty fries are oh so naughty. Thin-cut fries piled with melty cheese sauce, pulled pork, coleslaw and more sauce. Instagram.com/warpigs_craft_kitchen

Healdsburg Bar & Grill: Okay, so tater tots aren’t exactly fries, but these Japanese-style okonomiyaki tots come with a sweet-salty unagi sauce, Kewpie mayo, chives and bonito flakes. Inspired by a savory Japanese pancake. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com

Healdsburg Bar & Grill's okonomiyaki tots come with a sweet-salty uangi sauce, Kewpie mayo, chives and bonito flakes. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Healdsburg Bar & Grill’s okonomiyaki tots come with a sweet-salty uangi sauce, Kewpie mayo, chives and bonito flakes. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

Still Great

Handline, Sebastopol: Hand-cut, double-fried French fries. Get the homemade ketchup and special sauce. 935 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Hand cut, double fried french fries at Handline Restaurant in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Hand cut, double fried French fries at Handline Restaurant in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

Fern Bar, Sebastopol: Aged fries with smoked mushroom ketchup and aioli. 6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com

Sequoia Burger, Sebastopol: Classic burger and fries at Sequoia Burger in Sebastopol. 1382 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol, 707-829-7543, sequoiaburger.com

Acme Burger
Sonoma Beef Burger with onion rings, fried chicken burger, chili fries and Cajun fries at Acme Burger in Cotati. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Acme Burger, Santa Rosa, Cotati and Petaluma: You can’t have a good burger without great fries! 1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-615-7309; 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-665-5620; 330 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-559-3820; 701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Suite D1, Petaluma, 707-665-5012, acmeburgerco.com

Willi’s Wine Bar, Santa Rosa: Truffle Fries. Nuf said. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-526-3096, starkrestaurants.com

Truffle fries from Willi's Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (Willi's Wine Bar)
Truffle fries from Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (Willi’s Wine Bar)

Americana, Santa Rosa: Real beef-fat fries are beyond outstanding with their mushroom burger and a milkshake. 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasr.com

Amy’s Drive Thru, Rohnert Park: Crispy, tasty fries that go perfectly with an Amy Burger and a coconut milk shake. 58 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 755-3629, amysdrivethru.com

Smokin’ Bowls, Rohnert Park: Hand-cut fries, fried in beef fat, tossed with their own seasoning and topped with all kinds of horrifyingly delicious sauces, pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and more. 295 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-665-5265, smokinbowls.com

Rohnert Pork with fries, bacon, green onion, cheese and pulled pork at Smokin’ Bowls in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin)
Rohnert Pork bowl with fries, bacon, green onion, cheese and pulled pork at Smokin’ Bowls in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin)
Flat Iron Steak Frites with mushroom-shallot butter, arugula, chipotle steak sauce and frites from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Flat Iron Steak Frites with mushroom-shallot butter, arugula, chipotle steak sauce and frites from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton: Flat Iron Steak Frites. 9113 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com

McDonald’s: Love ’em or hate ’em, McDonald’s fries are the fast food standard that many of us associate with childhood. They’re simply the best. Period. Various locations.

The Fries I Miss

The legendary shoestring fries from Bistro Ralph. Gone, but not forgotten. (Heather Irwin)
The legendary shoestring fries from Bistro Ralph. Gone, but not forgotten. (Heather Irwin)

Bistro Ralph: A mountain of tangled shoestring fries. The best ever. Ralph pops up for one-night dinners from time to time in Healdsburg so keep a lookout for these one-of-a-kind French fries.

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15 Sonoma Wineries With Gorgeous Gardens https://www.sonomamag.com/15-sonoma-wineries-with-gorgeous-gardens/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:30:52 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=84608

These are among the most beautiful properties in Wine Country, perfect for sipping wine and taking in the scenery.

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These 15 wineries in Sonoma County have gorgeous gardens to gaze upon and wander through, from the flower gardens at Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol to the European setting at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood. You can even take a hike in the hills studded with oaks and madrones at Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma.

Lavender Love

Matanzas Creek Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery has been a haven for lavender lovers since 1991. Visitors come to sip Sauvignon Blanc on a terrace overlooking lilac and amethyst fields dotted with sunflowers. The lavender, which reaches full bloom around mid-June, is organically farmed and the blossoms are used in culinary, bath, body and home products sold at the winery’s lavender market. Reserve in advance. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com

Quintessential California
Scribe Winery’s head farmer, Stephen Carter, lived many lives before finding his way into farming. His carefully tended organic gardens are a thing of beauty in the spring. (Eileen Roche/for Sonoma Magazine)
Scribe Winery’s head farmer, Stephen Carter, lived many lives before finding his way into farming. His carefully tended organic gardens are a thing of beauty in the spring. (Eileen Roche/for Sonoma Magazine)
Scribe winery garden
At Scribe Winery in Sonoma. (Eileen Roche/for Sonoma Magazine)

Scribe Winery

A line of towering palms marks the drive up to Sonoma’s Scribe Winery. This is classic vintage California, from the adobe hacienda (built in the 1850s, once a speakeasy) surrounded by a tapestry of wavy grasses and stately succulents to the bountiful edible garden, run by Stephen Carter, one of the world’s premier chicory farmers. Call for updated tasting information. 2100 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-939-1858, scribewinery.com

Protecting Pollinators

Jordan Vineyard & Winery

The team at Jordan Vineyard & Winery never does anything halfway, with the majestic vine-covered stone buildings and the 1-acre vegetable patch that yields 100 varieties of produce, including exquisite fraises des bois (wild strawberries). There’s also a pollinator garden for bees and migrating monarch butterflies. Reserve ahead for a garden tour. 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-5250, jordanwinery.com

A Vineyard Education
The garden at Quivira Vineyards in Healdsburg
The garden at Quivira Vineyards in Healdsburg. (Quivira Vineyards)
Chickens roaming around Quivira Vineyards in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Quivira Vineyards)
Chickens roaming around Quivira Vineyards in Healdsburg. (Quivira Vineyards)

Quivira Vineyards

Learn as you taste at Dry Creek Valley’s Quivira Vineyards, where a sample block highlights all the varietals grown on the estate and raised beds showcase organic gardening practices. Sing in the herb garden, complete with — yep — parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Then visit the chickens: Japanese black Cochins, cuckoo Marans and silver-laced Wyandottes. Reserve in advance. 4900 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-8333, quivirawine.com

Unusual Finds

McEvoy Ranch

Tucked into the Petaluma Gap just high enough to skirt the fog, McEvoy Ranch is an idyll with acres of olive groves and rolling vineyards. The property is also home to many unusual plants, including striking purple cerinthe and wacky Buddha’s hand citrus. For a splurge, book a tasting in one of the private hideaways by the pond. Reserve walking tours and hideaways in advance. 5935 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, 866-617-6779, mcevoyranch.com

McEvoy Ranch Petaluma garden
Plant-laden tasting area at McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma. (Shwetha Kotekar/Sonoma County Tourism)
Wine tasting overlooking the pond at McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma. (Timm Eubanks / McEvoy Ranch)
Wine tasting overlooking the pond at McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma. (Timm Eubanks / McEvoy Ranch)
House of Flowers

Flowers Vineyards & Winery

Before they grew grapes for their Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Joan and Walt Flowers owned a nursery. So the couple knew they wanted a stunning garden at their winery’s House of Flowers, the current design of which was made possible by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects and Alexis Woods Landscape Design. The landscaping was inspired by the many microclimates between Healdsburg and the rugged Sonoma Coast, where the winery grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 4035 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-723-4800, flowerswinery.com

Hike the Sonoma Hills

Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery

History is the watchword at Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma Valley, founded on the very land where California viticulture was born. The winery anchors 375-acre Bartholomew Park; save time to wander the trails that lace the oak- and madrone-studded hills. Or saddle up because the estate offers 45-minute horseback rides on relatively flat trails. Picnic grounds and hiking trails open to the public; reserve ahead for tasting. 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma. 707-509-0540, bartholomewestate.com

A fall horseback ride through the vineyards at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. (Michelle Hogan)
A fall horseback ride through the vineyards at Bartholomew Estate in Sonoma. (Michelle Hogan)
Lynmar Estate winery garden
The colorful flowers in the winery gardens of Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol make for a pretty backdrop for a selfie. (Lynmar Estate)
Picture Perfect

Lynmar Estate

The colorful flowers in the winery gardens of Lynmar Estate make for a pretty backdrop for a selfie. The culinary and estate garden teams work closely together to create the winery’s food and wine pairings. Enjoy estate-grown pinot noirs and chardonnays on the gorgeous patio surrounded by flowers. 3909 Frei Road, Sebastopol, 707-829-3374, lynmarestate.com

From Garden to Table

Kendall-Jackson

Executive chef Tracey Shepos Cenami and her team use ingredients from Kendall-Jackson’s 4-acre culinary garden to prepare small dishes paired with small-production, limited-release wines. Tucker Taylor is director of culinary gardens and shares pretty photos of produce from the gardens on Instagram, @farmert. Don’t miss their farm-to-table summer dinner series. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa, 866-287-9818, kj.com

Kendall-Jackson culinary garden
Tucker Taylor with a patch of Oyster Leaf, Mertensia maritima, in the Kendall-Jackson culinary gardens, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Taylor sells what he doesn’t use to Michelin star restaurants around the Bay Area. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Dylan Hunn and Jason Teplitz wedding
A courtyard fountain at Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood. (Kathryn White)
A Taste of Europe

Chateau St. Jean

Though located in Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean’s gardens may transport you to Italy or the south of France. The French-style chateau was built as a summer home in the early 1920s. There are spots throughout the estate to sit down and take in the garden views. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-257-5784, chateaustjean.com

Rustic Rural Gem

Medlock Ames

When they’re not busy making wine, the people at Medlock Ames love nothing more than to pore over seed catalogs and tinker with new varieties. At the winery’s stunning rural vineyards at Bell Mountain Ranch, beds explode with zinnias, sunflowers and Queen Anne’s lace (a second tasting room on Alexander Valley Road has a small but lovely olive grove). Open by appointment. 13414 Chalk Hill Road, Healdsburg, 707-431-8845, medlockames.com

At Medlock Ames in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll / For Sonoma Magazine)
At Medlock Ames in Healdsburg. (Kim Carroll / For Sonoma Magazine)
At Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma, taste wine in a cabana overlooking the lavish gardens, the grand lawn and the pond. (Courtesy of Cline Family Cellars)
At Cline Family Cellars in Sonoma, taste wine in a cabana overlooking the lavish gardens, the grand lawn and the pond. (Courtesy of Cline Family Cellars)
Picnic Among Roses

Cline Cellars

More than 70 species of roses grow on the Cline Cellars estate, which also has light-filled and airy cabanas near its Great Lawn, each accommodating four to six people for two-hour stays. A chilled bottle of Nancy’s Sparkling Cuvee awaits, as well as a basket of picnic provisions, including salami, cheeses, nuts and crackers. Reservations recommended. 24737 Arnold Drive, Highway 121, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Biodynamic Bliss

Benziger Family Winery

In 2000, Benziger Family Winery became the first vineyard in Sonoma County (and one of the first in North America) to receive biodynamic certification. The winery’s holistic approach to farming and maintaining a healthy ecosystem involves many elements, which can be explored along the Biodynamic Discovery Trail and during the Private Tribute Estate Tour & Tasting. Open Thursday through Monday, and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment only. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Benziger garden
At Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen. (Sonoma County Tourism)
Ferrari-Carano tulip garden
Tulips in bloom at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg. (Christopher Chung/ for Sonoma Magazine)
Tulip Hotline

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

More than 10,000 tulips and daffodils bloom each spring at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. The gardens boast some 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, including a few of the only Portuguese cork trees in Wine Country. In late winter/early spring, a dedicated Tulip Hotline (707-433-5349) provides updates on tulip-blooming time. Reserve in advance. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 800-831-0381, ferrari-carano.com

Proteas on the Coast 

Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery

In a nod to the owners’ native South Africa, a vast collection of rare proteas takes pride of place at coastal Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery. Look for the ‘pink mink’ — pink flowers with black feathery tips — and the ‘scarlet ribbon’ pincushion, a bright-red bloom with orange spikes. Reserve in advance. 15725 Meyers Grade Road, Jenner, 707-847-3460, fortrossvineyard.com

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Best Things to Do in Sonoma County This Summer https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-sonoma-county-this-summer/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:10:23 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=44166

Possibly our most exciting list so far: get ready to swim, dance, float, bike, hike, eat, stargaze and wine taste your way through summer.

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Looking for things to do this summer in Sonoma County?

We’ve got you covered with what is possibly our most exciting list so far: get ready to swim, dance, float, bike, hike, eat, stargaze and wine taste your way through summer.

Savor the Sunset

Paradise Ridge Winery continues its traditional Wednesday night parties: Wine & Sunsets. Every Wednesday through July (with the possibility of more events to be scheduled), guests are invited to the winery’s hillside amphitheater for a night of music, wines by the glass (or bottle) and gourmet food trucks. Tickets are $20-$30. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

Take to the Town Green

Every Thursday from June to September, folks bring their chairs early to reserve a spot on Windsor’s quaint Town Green for the annual concert series and activities. As summer heats up, so do the music, farmers market and family-friendly lawn games. Vendors have food, booze and cool lemonade to keep you full and hydrated until dusk. 5-8 p.m. 701 McClelland Drive, Windsor, townofwindsor.com

Send the Kids to Camp

It’s a Santa Rosa rite of passage to send your kid to Camp Wa-Tam for a week of old-fashioned fun canoeing on Lake Ralphine, learning ridiculous camp songs, making lanyards, eating Popsicles, and getting good and dirty. Popular with the elementary-school set since the 1950s, the program has kept to its simple roots, making it a wonderfully anachronistic portal for kids more familiar with Snapchat than their own backyards. In Howarth Park, through Aug. 12, srcity.org. Note: If Camp Wa-Tam reaches capacity, there is a wealth of other summer camps available for kids.

Celebrate the 4th

The Summer at the Green concert series opens with a bang on July 4 as the Santa Rosa Symphony joins forces with the Transcendence Theatre Company for an evening of sassy show tunes and patriotic classics. The popular Independence Day event at the Green Music Center offers an array of old-fashioned family fun, including kids’ activities, picnicking on the lawn and a fireworks spectacular at dusk. Families are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 p.m. to take advantage of the Kids Zone and to set up their picnic spread. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26-$76; lawn tickets for kids under 12 are half price. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-664-4246, gmc.sonoma.edu

Watch a Flick Outdoors

As part of downtown Santa Rosa’s free Summer On The Square series, movies will be played on a massive LED screen in Courthouse Square starting at 6 p.m. on select Thursday nights through Sept. 1. Movie snacks, beer and wine from local producers will be available for sale, and attendees are encouraged to order takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy during the movie. This year’s movie lineup includes: “Lilo and Stich” (June 23), “El Libro de la Vida” (June 30), “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (July 14), and “In The Heights” (July 21). Summer On The Square also includes a music series at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays and family activities and entertainment on select Fridays. Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, downtownsantarosa.org/summer

Outdoor Films for the Kiddos

Windsor kicked off its free Family Movies on the Green series in early June, featuring children’s movie screenings on the Town Green that will continue every Tuesday (except July 1) through Aug. 5. The movie lineup includes “Moana 2,” “Despicable Me 4” (in Spanish with English subtitles), “Toy Story,” “Field of Dreams” and more. Films start 15 minutes after sunset. For more information and movie dates, visit townofwindsor.com.

Newlyweds Jade and Michael Solis kiss after getting married at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma, California, on July 19, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Newlyweds Jade and Michael Solis kiss after getting married at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma, California, on July 19, 2014. (Alvin Jornada / For The Press Democrat)
Let Loose for a Good Cause

What started over a decade ago as a simple gathering of Burning Man sculptors, DIY boat racers and local folk musicians has evolved into the full-fledged fringe festival known as Rivertown Revival. You can get married, showcase your shipbuilding skills, listen to local music or just dress up as your favorite mariner. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of the Petaluma River. Wear comfortable shoes. Corsets optional. July 18-19. Steamer Landing, Petaluma, rivertownrevival.com

Plunk Down in a Park

On six Sunday evenings in summer, enjoy Live at Juilliard, a series of free concerts from 5-7 p.m., this year starting on July 27 and ending Aug. 31. In the golden light of dusk, show up and plunk down on the grass, get dinner from one of the food trucks, lie back and soak in the season. With a mix of family clans, retirees in lawn chairs, kids running around with streamers and dancers up near the stage, it’s a one-size-fits-all summer ritual. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, srcity.org

Take In a Show Alfresco

Set in the Field of Dreams in downtown Sonoma, Transcendence Theatre’s Broadway Under the Stars brings the world of Broadway to the heart of Sonoma Valley for an evening of song, dance, food and — of course — wine. This summer’s remaining lineup includes: “Broadway’s Best Night Ever,” a medley of iconic show tunes; “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” a Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical about the life and times of King; and “Ladies of Broadway” with stories and songs from lifelong Broadway performers. Before every Transcendence Theatre show there’s a massive picnic where guests can enjoy local food, wine and live music. 151 First St. W., Sonoma, 877-424-1414, transcendencetheatre.org

Take the Waters

Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen is a true summertime gem. To be clear: This is not a hot springs spa, but it’s a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon. The property features two mineral pools, a wading pool for kids, picnic and barbecue sites, plus lawn games and pingpong. Day-use fees range from $18-$30. Open every day except Mondays until the end of August. 1651 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, 707-833-5511, mortonswarmsprings.com

(From left) Siblings, Carter Gardea, 9, Sophia, 7, and Camille, 12, jump into the pool at Morton's Warm Springs in Glen Ellen, California on Thursday, June 30, 2011. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)
(From left) Siblings, Carter Gardea, 9, Sophia, 7, and Camille, 12, jump into the pool at Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Feast at the Fair

Whether you’re here to show a goat, ride the Ferris wheel, eat a corndog, or some combination of all three, the Sonoma County Fair is part of every summer. There’s no shortage of ridiculously fattening food options, roller coaster adventures, animal-petting opportunities and fist-pumping music — but nothing beats finding a comfortable spot in the shade and watching the fairgoers stroll by. Aug. 1-10 (closed Aug. 4). Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, sonomacountyfair.com

Share in Some Squeeze-box Love

Polka may be dead, but the accordion lives on. Every summer, fans of the squeezebox pile into La Plaza Park to play their hearts out at the Cotati Accordion Festival. The event commemorates the late Jim Boggio, who played with Polka King Frank Yankovic for years. Students, amateurs and pros are all as welcome as the many curious passersby. The event ends with everyone joining in for a group round of “Lady of Spain.” Aug. 16-17, tickets $20-$40, free for children 15 and under. cotatifest.com

Bliss Out in a Vineyard

The concert series at Gundlach Bundschu Winery is a year-round specialty that’s best enjoyed in the summertime. The unique venue — a century-old redwood barn — draws big names like indie rockers Mac DeMarco and Built to Spill. Tickets are sold out for the September MJ Lenderman and the Wind concert, but there are still tickets for the Bright Eyes show Aug. 27 and the Built to Spill concert Nov. 22. Bring a blanket, grab a bottle of wine from the barn stand and bliss out in the vineyard under the summer sky. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma, 707-938-5277, gunbun.com

Spruce Up Your Tuesdays

For an evening of food, music and community spirit, check out Healdsburg’s Tuesdays in the Plaza, 5-8 p.m. every Tuesday through August. Local food vendors will be on-site to provide delicious fare, and an eclectic array of bands — spanning genres from folk rock to electric soul — are lined up to perform each week. A complimentary bike valet service will be available each week for concertgoers. Healdsburg Plaza, ci.healdsburg.ca.us

Sip and Listen at Lagunitas

The beard and beer set know all about the Lagunitas Amphitheater, an intimate show space on the unlikely industrial grounds of Lagunitas’ brewing facility in Petaluma. The lineup this year includes La Lom, The Heavy Heavy and more names to be announced. Tickets are free and become available at noon randomly. Anyone who spends $20 at the Petaluma taproom can get exclusive access to VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with the band. The proceeds from shows this year will go toward a charity of the performing artist’s choice. Follow @lagunitaspetaluma on Instagram to stay up to date with the concert series. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, lagunitas.com

Ride the River

Floating the Russian River is a summertime must, but how best to approach a float trip is a matter of some debate. Our best bet? Kicking the day off at Forestville’s Steelhead Beach and ending at Sunset Beach. While the 2-mile stretch doesn’t look like much on a map, at the river’s sluggish summertime pace, the route takes a good four hours. To avoid full parking lots or the need to leave a car at each beach, take the Regional Parks River Shuttle, which costs $5 for an all-day shuttle pass and travels from Santa Rosa to Forestville. Don’t forget the sunscreen, and be sure to bring enough liquids to stay hydrated. 9000 River Road, Forestville, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Looking down on a woman floating on a inflatable circular raft on the Russian River in Monte Rio, California.
Looking down on a woman floating on a inflatable circular raft on the Russian River in Monte Rio, California. (Ron Koeberer / For Sonoma Magazine)
Get Sporty

Looking for a more active outing on the Russian River than the classic float? Try Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding. Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville is the go-to option for your kayak and canoe rental needs, but several outposts catering to stand-up paddleboarding have sprung up. Try Rubicon Adventures or SUP Odyssey in Forestville — or Russian River Paddleboards in Windsor for those interested in spending a day upriver. burkescanoetrips.comrubiconadventures.com; russianriverpaddleboards.com

Hit the Bar at Stumptown

Looking for a beer or a burger after that Russian River float trip? There’s no better place to quench your thirst than Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville. Just outside of downtown, the bar features a patio with a river view and access to the beach below. In the summertime, it opens up its beach bar, and patrons are welcome to bring their dogs, so long as they remain on leash. It’s cash only, so come prepared. 15045 River Road, Guerneville, 707-869-0705, stumptown.com

Drink sangria Under the Stars

The enclosed dining space behind Healdsburg tapas restaurant Bravas certainly isn’t a secret, but it’s become a sanctuary for locals who snap up the best seats on summer nights for drinking sangria, eating plates of Iberico ham and enjoying the casual vibe. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-7700, starkrestaurants.com

The pool area at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Francis Ford Coppola Winery)
The pool area at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Francis Ford Coppola Winery)
Join the Pool Party

Pair a pool day with wine tasting at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which sports a spacious tasting bar and two luxurious (and family-friendly) swimming pools. The best plan is to go early, get your swim on, then linger all day. You can order food from the on-site restaurant, slip inside to check out movie memorabilia and do a tasting, then head back outside for bocce or a nap. The oasis fills up quickly on weekends so consider a weekday visit. Pool access is only obtained through the rental of a cabine (starting at $325 for non-members). 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1471, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Play Beach Bum for the Day

Just driving along Highway 1 on a hot summer day, windows down and music on, is enough to make anyone’s day. But even better than that? Pulling off into one of Sonoma Coast’s many beach coves, picnic in hand. Our favorite is Russian Gulch, just north of Jenner. Rip currents are strong here, so swimming isn’t recommended, but the dramatic 120-foot cliffs bookending the beach make for a nearly unparalleled view. For easier access (and a beach option with sand), we recommend Wright’s Beach to the south. 18794 Shoreline Highway, Jenner, parks.ca.gov

Take a Flying Leap

What’s the best view in Sonoma County? From the door of an airplane, 9,000 feet up. Celebrate that summertime freedom by free-falling with Cloverdale’s NorCal Skydiving. As you fall, you’ll take in views stretching from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Sierra Nevada (if you can focus on the view, that is). If you’re going to jump out of a plane, it might as well be on a clear summer morning over Wine Country. 220 Airport Road, Cloverdale, 888-667-2259, norcalskydiving.com

Catch a Wave

The best way to experience the picturesque water along the Sonoma Coast is to dive right into it. And doing that is made so much simpler with a little help from the folks at the Bodega Bay Surf Shack. Visitors can choose between a group lesson ($109) or a private session ($145), with both lasting about 2.5 hours. The shop also rents skimboards, boogie boards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. 1805 N. Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-3944, bodegabaysurf.com

A Mangonada made by Teresita Fernandez at La Michoacana in Sonoma. The drink consists of blended fresh mango with ice, swirled chamoy sauce, topped with mango chunks and tamarind candy, and a tamarind stick. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
A Mangonada made by Teresita Fernandez at La Michoacana in Sonoma. The drink consists of blended fresh mango with ice, swirled chamoy sauce, topped with mango chunks and tamarind candy and a tamarind stick. (Christopher Chung / The Press Democrat)
Elevate Your Ice Cream Flavors

If you’ve never had a mangonada, hibiscus paleta or elote ice cream, you’ve missed out on one of the best things Wine Country has to offer. La Michoacana in Sonoma (18495 Highway 12) serves up frozen treats like spicy mango slushies, fresh fruit Popsicles and dozens of flavors of ice cream inspired by the Mexican state of Michoacan. Find other great ice cream spots here.

Look Up

When darkness falls on Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, things are just getting started at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. With the nonprofit’s summer night sky classes, there’s no better excuse to head up the mountain. Classes can be taken individually or as a series and are designed for all levels of stargazer. Each presentation lasts about 90 minutes, during which attendees will learn about different summer constellations and their associated myths. After class, check out the stars through the observatory’s telescopes. 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-6979, rfo.org

Climb into a Shell

Fitting yourself snugly into your rowing shell, you and your hardy crew set off, gliding inches from the water’s surface with each coordinated stroke. Seated in front, a coxswain keeps the rhythm. In no time, everyone has worked up a sweat. Rowing is a terrific cardio and upper-body workout — and few places are better suited to the sport than the Petaluma River. The North Bay Rowing Club offers learn-to-row programs for adults and camps for kids. Private lessons and equipment check-out for the more experienced can be booked year-round. 699 Second St., Petaluma, northbayrowing.org

Make a Splash on Spring Lake

Throughout the summer, an inflatable playground gently floats on the surface of the lagoon at Spring Lake — that is until hordes of kids start jumping, bouncing and climbing on the slippery maze of trampolines, bridges and slides. If all that bouncing isn’t your thing, there are areas for swimming, paddleboarding and wading for the tots. Parking is $7, admission to the water park is $10 and admission to the lagoon for swimming is free. One-hour rentals for kayaks and paddleboards are $12 per rental, and online reservations are recommended. Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Cool Down in a Cave

When the mercury climbs above 90, swan dive into a wine cave. The natural earth walls keep the temperature poised between 55 and 60 degrees in the 12,000-square-foot cave at Hamel Family Wines in Sonoma. The cave is a highlight of three tastings and tours, including a chance to sample unreleased wines from the barrel, taste current vintages with a culinary accompaniment, or savor your sips in a private room within the cave. The tour is $95 per person, or $150 ($125 for members) if you reserve a personalized experience. By appointment. 15401 Sonoma Highway 12, Sonoma, hamelfamilywines.com

Mosey Through a Magical Museum

While the Charles M. Schulz Museum is a favorite destination year round, it’s an especially nice spot to cool off during the dog days of summer. This season, you can join in the fun with the “Peanuts” gang as the museum exhibits fond, sun-soaked memories of summer camp in the Strip Rotation Gallery. Other summer exhibits include: “Paperback Peanuts,” “Memorable Moments: Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts” and “Nice Shades! Beyond the Lines in Peanuts.” 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-5794452, schulzmuseum.org

Go Glamping

AutoCamp Russian River, a “glamping” resort in a Guerneville redwood grove, marries a wilderness escape complete with barbecue pit to the indulgence of a boutique hotel with spa-like bathrooms and luxe linens. Accommodations range from nostalgic Airstream trailers to luxury tents scattered around a midcentury modern clubhouse stocked with board games, morning coffee and a cozy fireplace. 14120 Old Cazadero Road, Guerneville, 707-604-6103, autocamp.com. Find more local glamping spots here.

Start Your Engines

Whether you drive a Camaro, a Ford Focus or a Volvo wagon with a baby seat in back, you too, can be a smoking badass on the asphalt. You don’t need a muscle car for Drags and Drift at Sonoma Raceway on Wednesday nights. Just show up and take your lane for a shot of hot adrenaline delivered with screeching tires, a slip with your time and speed, and maybe a trophy. You can also test your drifting skills sliding sideways through a special course or take a spin at the Doughnut Pad. $20-$60. 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, sonomaraceway.com

Pitch a Tent in the Perfect Spot

Between the secluded ocean cove west of Highway 1 and the fern-filled redwood canyon that beckons from the east, the 210-acre Stillwater Cove Regional Park is a gem. The park’s 23 inland campsites offer quick access to the sheltered beach, a popular spot for kayaking, picnicking and tidepooling. More than three miles of trails include a blufftop walk and vista point, as well as lushly forested Stockhoff Creek and Canyon Trail loop options. Reservations required. 22455 Highway 1, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Make a Great Ascent

For a quick, lung-punching mountain bike loop in Trione-Annadel State Park, leave your car in the Newanga Avenue parking lot and head east on the fire trail that follows the path of Spring Creek. At the first bridge, keep right to stay on the wide trail; cross the second bridge and you are now on Canyon Trail that leads to Lake Ilsanjo. Keep the lake on your left and take Canyon to Warren Richardson Trail, which will bring you to the Channel Drive parking lot. Channel Drive Trail runs parallel to the road — ride it until the trail ends at the ranger station. Back on the road, take a hard left up Violetti Road and a quick right into Spring Lake Regional Park, returning to the parking lot. Finish off your day with a beer and bite at nearby bike pub, Trail Houseparks.ca.gov

Appreciate Nature with the Kids

Nonprofit LandPaths offers fun and easy ways for the family to get in tune with nature, such as its Let’s Read Outside series where kids (geared toward children 5 and younger) and their families can read bilingual, nature-themed books together in the garden at LandPath’s Bayer Farm in Santa Rosa. Reading sessions are held 10-11:30 a.m. every Friday through summer (except July 1). Kids can also play in the garden, make nature-themed arts and crafts, and learn about earth’s various critters. In partnership with Redwood Empire Food Bank, LandPaths distributes free lunch for youth 18 and younger through August, noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. LandPaths also offers plenty of summer camps for kids and teens. landpaths.org

Meanwhile in Marin

For those willing to venture across the Sonoma-Marin county line, check out these can’t-miss options:

On moonless nights, tiny flickers of light can be seen in the waters of Tomales Bay. The quasi-magical sight only happens when tiny bioluminescent organisms living in the bay are disturbed. The best way to experience the phenomenon is during a nighttime paddle. Blue Waters Kayaking offers Bioluminescence Tours all summer for groups of all sizes. 415-669-2600, bluewaterskayaking.com.

There’s no better place to take in the sunset over drinks than Nick’s Cove restaurant (plus cottages) at the north end of Tomales Bay. Built right on the shore, it offers perfect sunset views over Hog Island and the Point Reyes National Seashore beyond. While the real draw is an outside cocktail — on the patio or by the boathouse at the end of the restaurant’s long dock — even the view from inside is spectacular. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415-663-1033, nickscove.com

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The Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Every Sonoma County Town https://www.sonomamag.com/the-best-hidden-gem-restaurants-in-every-sonoma-county-town/ Fri, 09 May 2025 17:30:02 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=68419

The diners, delis and under-the-radar eateries that rarely get the accolades they deserve, but still remain popular with neighborhood regulars.

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They might not stand out as much as a Michelin-starred spot or a multi-story eatery on Healdsburg Square, but overlooked spots can be found all around Sonoma County.

When talking about the Sonoma County dining scene, there are the famous restaurants we brag about to fancy out-of-town friends. Then there are the treasured little spots we like to keep secret: the diners, delis, convenience stores and under-the-radar eateries that rarely get the accolades they deserve but somehow still remain popular with neighborhood regulars.

We call them our “townie” spots: places you can walk to and share a meal with friends, where they have that one dish you just can’t live without. Everyone has their own list of these not-so-secret places, but here are some of our favorites.

Santa Rosa

Canevari's Deli is a hidden gem in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County
The Sausage and Peppers Sandwich with a Spicy Deviled Egg from Canevari’s Delicatessen in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Canevari’s Deli: A Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood classic that’s been around since, well, as long as anyone can remember. They have a tri-tip BBQ sandwich, meatball sub and homemade raviolis, and where else can you get a good gabagool? 695 Lewis Road, canevarisdeli.com

Lita’s Cafe: We know where the cops go for hearty, gut-filling breakfasts. Really, what better recommendation can you get than that? 1973 Mendocino Ave., 707-575-1628

Tambayan Filipino Eatery: You’ll find authentic Filipino cuisine here, like banana sauce, pork belly and pork sisig that make it worth the trip. 600 Larkfield Center, tambayanfilipinocuisine.com

Taqueria Molcajetes: This strip-mall Mexican restaurant has a local following who live for their carne asada and fiery molcajetes. 1195 W. College Ave., 707-544-8280

Walter Hansel Bistro: An excellent French bistro without all the hoity-toity. Lobster bisque, boeuf Bourguignon, Coquille St. Jacques — bon appetit! 3535 Guerneville Road, walterhanselbistro.com

Sebastopol

Lunchbox burger
Burger from Lunchbox. (Courtesy of Lunchbox)

Lunchbox: Lunch Box burgers are the kind of messy, smushy, everything-good-about-beef burgers paired with “dirty fries,” a pile of crispy fries, chevre ranch dressing, bacon, green onion, roasted garlic and pepperoncini. You’ll need a handful of napkins and a stout appetite. 128 N. Main St., lunchboxsonomacounty.com

Cotati

Shige: Along with Hana Japanese in Rohnert Park, this is one of the few Japanese-run restaurants in Sonoma County with Tokyo-worthy nigiri and udon. (There’s also a second location in Sonoma.) 8235 Old Redwood Highway, shige-sushi.com

Windsor

PizzaLeah: Leah Scurto is an award-winning pizzaiolo who puts every bit of her soul into making the best pies in Sonoma County. We’re obsessed with the Old Grey Beard with mozzarella, fontina, sausage and hot honey. 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 116, pizzaleah.com

Healdsburg

Cachapa, a fresh corn pancake with mozzarella fresco, shaved broccoli salad, and honey lemon vinaigrette at Guiso Latin Fusion restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Cachapa, a fresh corn pancake with mozzarella fresco, shaved broccoli salad, and honey lemon vinaigrette, at Guiso Latin Fusion restaurant in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Guiso Latin Fusion: Named one of the best restaurants in America by Open Table, this tiny cafe mixes Latin and Caribbean flavors with panache. 117 North St., guisolatinfusion.com

Journeyman Meat Co.: Stop in for a salumi tasting or order one of their daily sandwiches or meaty sausages. 404 Center St., journeymanmeat.com

Taste of Tea: Healdsburg gets plenty of play for its chef-driven cuisine, but we like the homey Japanese flavors of this tea shop. 109 North St., thetasteoftea.com

Geyserville

Geyserville Gun Club: This Fellini-esque watering hole is almost too absurdly wonderful to be true. Brought to life by chef Dino Bugica, it’s the flip side of his more tourist-friendly Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria. 21025 Geyserville Ave., geyservillegunclub.com

Cloverdale

Dahlia & Sage Community Market: A charming gourmet grocer with lots of locally sourced goodies, including a full deli, hot bar, salad bar and bakery. 115 E. Second St., dahliasagemarket.com

Penngrove

The fried chicken sandwich at Twin Oaks Roadhouse on Old Redwood Highway in Penngrove. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)
The fried chicken sandwich at Twin Oaks Roadhouse on Old Redwood Highway in Penngrove. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)

Twin Oaks Roadhouse: Fried chicken sandwiches are the best bet. Come also for the live music, fresh beer, good friends and bread pudding with whiskey cream. 5745 Old Redwood Highway, hopmonk.com/twin-oaks

Penngrove Market: An adorable gourmet grocer and kitchen. Try the pizza or piandine. 10070 Main St., penngrovemarket.com

Petaluma

Pearl: Mediterranean cuisine spot tucked away in a surprising place. We recommend it for a brunch with someone special. 500 First St., pearlpetaluma.com

Sax’s Joint: You’ll find plenty of people waiting to get in on the weekend, but outside of Petaluma, Sax’s is pretty much unknown. All the usual diner fare is done deliciously. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., saxsjoint.com

Rohnert Park

Smokin' Bowls is a hidden gem in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County
Rohnert Pork with fries, bacon, green onion, cheese and pulled pork at Smokin’ Bowls in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)

Smokin’ Bowls: French fries topped with so much yum. 295 Southwest Blvd., smokinbowls.com

Azalo!: Charbroiled kabobs, burgers and dogs. Conchinita pibil is a best bet. 5979 Commerce Blvd., Suite 8, 707-303-7702

Graton

Willow Wood Market Cafe: Though this breakfast and brunch spot has been around since 1995, it’s often overlooked in the one-stop-sign town of Graton. Try their homey-yet-impressive menus. 9020 Graton Road, willowwoodgraton.com

Kenwood

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub: Patio dining with burgers, wood-fired pizza and more. A permanent outdoor space has towering heaters and plenty of coverage to keep you warm during chilly evenings. 8910 Sonoma Highway, paloozafresh.com

Glen Ellen

Glen Ellen Village Market and Deli: You’ll be amazed at the deli case, prepared foods and gourmet goodies hidden in this unassuming grocery store. It’s possibly one of Wine Country’s best-kept secrets. 13751 Arnold Drive, glenellenvillagemarket.org

Sonoma

Spread Kitchen in Sonoma
A Pita Bar with (clockwise from top left) herbs and salad, pita bread, farmer’s market pickles, mint yogurt sauce, chicken and beef shawarma and tomatoes from Cristina Topham, owner of Spread Kitchen in Sonoma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Spread Kitchen: Chef Cristina Topham (known for her catering and farm market food) has opened a humble Lebanese-style cafe with fresh pita with hummus, beef and chicken shawarma, chickpea and black bean falafel and beef and lamb kofta. 18375 Sonoma Highway, spreadkitchensonoma.com

Occidental

Altamont General Store: A lunch favorite in Occidental, the Altamont General Store is a breath of fresh air, with an Instagram-worthy interior and plenty of grab-and-go dishes. 3703 Main St., altamontgeneralstore.com

Guerneville

Koala’s Fine Food: Sushi restaurants aren’t exactly a dime a dozen in far west Sonoma County, but then again, neither are cheese steaks. This casual family-run eatery brings together fish and chips, Korean bulgogi, Chinese won ton soup, Japanese ramen, cheese steak, nigiri and Hawaiian poke for a true something-for-everyone experience. 16380 Mill St., Suite A, koalasfinefood.com

Monte Rio

Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen is a hidden gem in Monte Rio, Sonoma County
Shakshuka — a Middle Eastern dish of poached egg, zesty tomato sauce, onions and a side of hummus and puffy pita bread — at Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen in Monte Rio. (Daniel Beck/Sonoma County Tourism)

Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen: Located by the Creekside Skatepark, this curious little cafe is a mix of smoothies, bagels, pies and Middle Eastern cuisine. 9725 Main St., lightwavecafe.square.site

Northwood Bistro at the Northwood Golf Club: This hidden gem golf club has its own cafe with a lovely outdoor patio overlooking the course. The menu is simple, but the standard pancakes, omelettes and Benedicts just off the green start the day in style. 19400 Highway 116, northwoodbistro.com

Duncans Mills

Cape Fear Cafe: This tasty cafe in a tiny, quaint town features bacon chowder, a regional lineup of egg Benedicts (from grits to crab cakes) and ginger teriyaki chicken. 25191 Main St., capefearcafe.com

Cazadero

Raymond’s Bakery at Elim Grove Cottages: A cute, family-owned bed-and-breakfast with freshly made pastries, focaccia pizza and bread. 5400 Cazadero Highway, cazbakery.com

Bodega Bay

Buttery Dungeness crab sandwich from Ginochio's Restaurant in Bodega Bay. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Buttery Dungeness crab sandwich from Ginochio’s Restaurant in Bodega Bay. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

Ginochio’s Kitchen: Home to our favorite Dungeness crab sandwich. Ginochio’s buttery, griddled slices of white bread hold huge chunks of freshly picked crab and a slice of melted cheese. 1410 Bay Flat Road, ginochioskitchen.com

Casino Bar and Grill: This is a place to discover accidentally and then love unconditionally. A lineup of pop-up chefs steal the show including the Holly & Tali Show, Hunter Supper Club and more. 17000 Bodega Highway, facebook.com/thecasinobarandgrill

Jenner

Cafe Aquatica: We always, always stop here on trips up the coast for coffee, soup and whatever else sounds delish. 10439 Highway 1, cafeaquatica.com

Stewarts Point

Twofish Baking Company: Freshly made pastries, sandwiches, bread, salads, pizza and soup worthy of a drive up the coast. 32000 Highway 1, twofishbaking.com

Sea Ranch

The Sea Ranch Lodge: The 1960s-era Sea Ranch Lodge reopened in 2021 with new public spaces, including a redesigned restaurant, a new café and expansions to the bar, lounge and general store. 60 Sea Walk Drive, thesearanchlodge.com

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10 Sonoma County Spots for Seeing Mustard in Bloom https://www.sonomamag.com/where-to-see-mustard-in-bloom-in-sonoma-county/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:30:04 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=31039

Mustard flowers are turning vineyards and valleys a vibrant yellow, adding a pop of color to the local landscape and social media feeds.

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Following winter rains, mustard flowers turn Sonoma County vineyards and valleys a vibrant yellow, adding a pop of color to the local landscape and to Instagram feeds.

If you’d like to take in the scenery or capture it with your camera or smartphone, we’ve listed some of our favorite public places for mustard flower appreciation. To make sure you are satisfied in true Sonoma style, we’ve also included nearby places for a bite and a glass of wine.

Please be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property — no trespassing, of course.

A vineyard workers sprays back mustard weed at the Alexander Valley Vineyards, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
A vineyard workers sprays back mustard weed at the Alexander Valley Vineyards, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Alexander Valley

Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley abounds with mustard flowers in late winter and early spring. Just after you turn from Alexander Valley Road onto Highway 128, both sides of the road are covered in bright yellow flowers.

Sonoma Valley

B.R. Cohn Winery’s iconic “mustard flower hill” turns yellow and white during spring, offering a gorgeous view during a drive down Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Just make sure to keep an eye on the road when driving past. Stop by the winery for a glass of Chardonnay. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

mustard fields in Glen Ellen
Early morning sun filters on to the B.R. Cohn vineyards fronting Highway 12 in Glen Ellen. At left is Sonoma Mountain. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
mustard at Kunde
An old vine at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood is surrounded by mustard in bloom. (Rebecca Gosselin/for Sonoma Magazine)

Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood is covered in mustard flowers come February and March. Stop by Palooza Gastropub for craft beer and pub bites on their expansive patio. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-5501, kunde.com

Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley

The Joe Rodota Regional Trail between downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol borders yellow mustard fields in late winter/early spring. Stop alongside the road for some photos (please note that properties bordering the trail are private). Take the family for a bike ride to Sebastopol and stop by The Barlow for a snack or drink.

At Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa, watch outdoor sculptures surrounded by mustard in bloom. Then sip wine paired with small bites on the winery veranda. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

A portion of the art installation Empyrean, by Laurence Renzo Verbeck and Sylvia Adrienne Lisse, is on a hillside at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa on Thursday, March 4, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
A portion of the art installation Empyrean, by Laurence Renzo Verbeck and Sylvia Adrienne Lisse, on a mustard-covered hillside at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Imwalle Gardens on Third Street in Santa Rosa is a small family-owned market surrounded by homes and, during spring, fields of mustard flowers. Pick up some picnic provisions at the market or flower starters for your garden. The mustard flowers grow on private property so please keep your distance. 685 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0279, facebook.com/p/Imwalle-Gardens-100057055376943

Laguna Environmental Center, located off Occidental Road near Sebastopol, is a good spot for mustard flower appreciation. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood, but across the street from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the mustard flowers shine brightly. After admiring the mustard flowers, head to Balletto Vineyards for some sparkling brut rosé on the patio. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunadesantarosa.org

mustard fields
Mustard highlights the sunset at the Laguna Center near Sebastopol. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Carneros Valley mustard fields
At Gloria Ferrer Vineyards, you can enjoy sparkling wines and Spanish tapas on a terrace overlooking mustard fields. (Gloria Ferrer Vineyards)

Carneros Valley

Sonoma’s Carneros Valley has a cooler climate than other parts of the county, making it perfect for Pinot Noir and mustard flowers. The best view of the valley is from Gloria Ferrer Vineyards, where you can enjoy sparkling wines and Spanish tapas on a terrace overlooking mustard fields. 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-933-1986, gloriaferrer.com

Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast

In your search for mustard flowers, take a drive out to Dillon Beach on the Sonoma Coast. On Tomales Road in Petaluma, you will be able to enjoy a serene countryside landscape blanketed in mustard flowers and dotted with dairy farms. Make a pit stop at Petaluma Creamery in downtown Petaluma (711 Western Ave.) for some Spring Hill cheese curds before you head to the ocean.

Storm clouds hang over a field of mustard blooming along Hardin Lane in Petaluma, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
Storm clouds hang over a field of mustard blooming along Hardin Lane in Petaluma. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)
Mounts Family Winery vineyard worker Maria Santian, prunes wine grapes in the west Dry Creek Valley amid a cover crop of mustard, Tuesday, March 10, 2020 near Healdsburg (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat) 2020
Mounts Family Winery vineyard worker Maria Santian prunes wine grapes in the west Dry Creek Valley amid a cover crop of mustard near Healdsburg. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)

Dry Creek Valley

West Dry Creek Valley Road offers more of an intimate country road experience than that of its parallel road, Dry Creek Valley Road. You can view mustard flowers along the road in late winter/early spring. With less cars on the road, it is a more relaxing route to travel — especially on bike. Visit Quivira Vineyards for wine and learn how bees pollinate the plants in their organic garden. Continue to Martorana Family Winery & Vineyards for a glass of Zin and Mounts Family Vineyards for breathtaking valley views and a glass of Grenache.

Looking for more spring flowers in Sonoma County? Check out where the season’s lupines are painting the county a vibrant purple.

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Sonoma Named No. 1 US City for Luxury on a Budget https://www.sonomamag.com/sonoma-named-no-1-us-city-for-luxury-on-a-budget/ Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:45:52 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=117962

Two Sonoma County locales ranked on Wethrift's list of the top 10 U.S. cities for "experiencing luxury at an affordable price."

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Coupon code website Wethrift recently released a list of the top 10 U.S. cities that offer luxury experiences at an affordable price. The August list included two Sonoma County cities — and Sonoma ranked No. 1.

According to Travel + Leisure, the Wethrift study looked at 956 Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants as well as 348 luxury hotels across the country to come up with the 10 most affordable cities with 5-star experiences.

Seven of the cities on the list are located in California, and three of those are in the Bay Area. Healdsburg is No. 10 on the list and San Francisco comes in at No. 6.

Valley Bar + Bottle in Sonoma
Dish from Valley Bar + Bottle in Sonoma. (Eileen Roche/For Sonoma Magazine)

“Sonoma is the cheapest city for a 5-star experience, with an average restaurant price of just $43.75 and an average hotel price of $518,” the Wethrift team stated in their findings. “In Sonoma, you can enjoy restaurants such as Valley, then stay a night over at the Cottage Inn & Spa.”

Valley Bar + Bottle, also known as Valley, made it on our list of the best restaurants in Sonoma County this year. Favorite dishes here fall under the $40 mark — like the half chicken ($38) and the crispy rice cakes with ginger-scallion sauce ($14).

The best restaurants list also includes Sonoma’s Bloom Carneros, where everything on the dinner menu is under $30. We recommend the Tacos Dorados ($19): crispy rolled vegan tacos with sweet potato puree, avocado, salsa, cabbage and spicy pickles.

Sonoma Creek Inn in Sonoma
A room at Sonoma Creek Inn in Sonoma. (Courtesy Sonoma Creek Inn)

In terms of where to stay, Sonoma Creek Inn ranks as one of Wine Country’s best bargains. Additionally, Wethrift noted The Cottage Inn & Spa, on First Street, has the cheapest rate for “250 square feet of charm.”

Healdsburg, No. 10 on Wethrift’s list, is known for its upscale, high-price restaurants like Valette and SingleThread. But there are also some more affordable Healdsburg eateries, such as the Downtown Bakery, Otoro Sushi and the Wurst Restaurant.

Find more places to eat, sip and stay on a budget in Healdsburg and Sonoma here.

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Sonoma County Town Named Among ‘Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA’ https://www.sonomamag.com/sonoma-county-town-named-best-small-town-to-visit-in-the-usa/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 18:30:43 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=84119

This Sonoma County town is the top 12 small town to visit in the country, according to a recent ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

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U.S. News & World Report, known for its influential best colleges and hospitals rankings, has listed the 25 best small towns to visit in the USA – and the town of Sonoma came in on number 12.

The list, part of the media company’s annual Travel Rankings, featured American small towns like Bar Harbor, ME, which took the number one spot this year, Telluride (No. 2), Jackson Hole (No. 3), Lake Tahoe (No. 4), Monterey (No. 8) and Laguna Beach (No. 19). The rankings are based on user and editor scores and take into consideration elements such as “sights, culture, people, food, family, nightlife, adventure, romance value and accessibility.”

“Located in the heart of one of America’s best winemaking regions, this Northern California town boasts all of the charms of a rustic, yet refined locale without the crowds and high price tags of its larger neighbor, Napa,” said U.S. News & World Report of Sonoma.

This is the third time U.S. News & World Report names Sonoma one of the best small towns in the US (the town took the No. 1 spot on the 2017 list).

Other national travel publications and media companies also have recognized Sonoma’s small-town charm: Travel + Leisure magazine has named Sonoma among the top 10 towns in California with under 15,000 residents and one of “America’s best towns for July 4th.” Last year, Sonoma made Only In Your State’s list of best main streets in Northern California.  And Budget Travel has named Sonoma one of the “coolest small towns in America.”

What are some of your favorite spots in the town of Sonoma? See a few hidden gems in the gallery above. 

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Best Things to Eat, Drink and Do Close to SMART Stations https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-close-to-smart-stations/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:00:09 +0000 http://www.sonomamag.com/?p=25206

Explore the North Bay with SMART, to save gas money and discover new spots. Through Aug. 31, riders enjoy a 40% fare reduction.

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If you’re not a commuter to Santa Rosa, Petaluma or one of the other towns along the SMART train route, you might not have had a chance to ride the North Bay’s passenger rail line. But with a dozen stops from the Sonoma County Airport to Larkspur and a handful more planned, there is more to do along the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit line than go to the office.

Here are eight stops, from north to south, that offer things to see and do within a short walk from each station. You can take the kids or your out-of-town visitors to the Charles M. Schulz Museum or shop for antiques in Santa Rosa or even pick up fresh produce in the farmers market at a historic Frank Lloyd Wright building. Plus, you’ll save gas and parking-meter money.

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10 Things to Do in Sonoma County When You’re 18, Broke and Bored https://www.sonomamag.com/things-to-do-in-sonoma-county-when-youre-18-broke-and-bored/ Mon, 25 Jul 2022 13:00:47 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=44822

Some free (or almost-free) things to do if you're young and want to make the most of Sonoma County summer.

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As an 18-year-old in Sonoma County, your options for fun activities can be limited. You can drive, sure, but you can’t take full advantage of the Wine Country culture — the tasting rooms, the tap rooms, the farm-to-table food are off limits because of your age and skinny wallet. But with some creativity, and a few good friends in tow, there’s actually a lot to enjoy in Sonoma County that doesn’t involve fancy wine and food.

We’ve narrowed down some free (or almost-free) things to do if you want to take advantage of summer in Sonoma County, or just can’t stand scrolling through Stranger Things season 5 theories any more. Click through the gallery for details. 

Julia Green contributed to this article. 

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Interior Designer Shares His Favorite Sonoma Spots https://www.sonomamag.com/interior-designer-shares-his-favorite-sonoma-spots/ Tue, 15 Feb 2022 22:51:53 +0000 https://www.sonomamag.com/?p=90771

Cesar Chaves creates beautiful home interiors, but he describes his own tastes as “kind of simple.”

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Cesar Chaves creates beautiful home interiors, but he describes his own tastes as “kind of simple.” But subdued and simple doesn’t mean plain, he explains. His favorite piece of furniture, a sideboard he found on Craigslist and restored with paint in a bold, geometric pattern, shines with black-and-white drama.

As a young design school grad, Chavez built his business making over inexpensive furniture finds in YouTube videos. Now, he has a roster of personal clients and is the lead designer at custom home builder Salt Shed Design Build.

For the new year, Chavez recommends brightening the mood with new colors or accent walls. And he often looks for taller, more substantial interior plants in pretty pots or baskets to combat the post-holiday bareness that comes from newly-undecked halls. Of course, also in his new-year renewal toolkit is a method with the simplest of roots: “Maybe it’s time for a spring cleaning,” he says.

Click through the gallery above to read about some of the designer’s favorite local spots.

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