Wine Country has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Drawn to the glamour of Napa Valley, or the laid-back, rural vibe of Sonoma County, celebrities are coming here to enjoy the good life — some of them are even making their own wine.

From rock stars to movie makers, race car drivers to football players, check out the VIPs who are making wine in Sonoma and Napa. Find more celebrity hot spots in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country here.

Meghan Markle — As Ever rosé

Actor and Los Angeles-born Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle recently released a Napa Valley rosé as part of her “As Ever” lifestyle and kitchen products brand. The wine, released July 1 on the anniversary of Princess Diana’s birthday, is a Provençal-style rosé bottled at Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood. Markle’s 2023 Napa Valley rosé — As Ever’s first wine — is already sold-out online, but a Napa Valley sparkling wine and additional varietals will follow, according to the PR team.

Jessica Biel — Prophet & Poet

Earlier this year, actor Jessica Biel unveiled her locally made wine brand at BottleRock Napa Valley 2025. Her Healdsburg-based label, Prophet & Poet, currently offers a Cabernet Sauvignon, two Chardonnays and two blended reds. Biel’s wine label originated in 2019 when Jesse Katz, winemaker of Healdsburg’s Aperture Cellars, created a red wine blend as a wedding present for Biel’s younger brother, Justin Biel. Katz later suggested to the Biel siblings that they turn that wine into a label, and they were immediately on board. Katz tapped Christopher and Ariel Jackson, of Jackson Family Wines, to collaborate on the label’s inaugural release. Both Jessica Biel and Katz poured the label’s wine at this year’s BottleRock during a VIP Platinum Lounge event.

Max Thieriot — Senses Wines

Max Thieriot, the brainchild and star of the drama TV series Fire Country, co-founded Senses Wines with childhood friends Christopher Strieter and Myles Lawrence-Briggs in 2011. The Occidental winery sources grapes from the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, producing an array of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ayesha Curry — Domaine Curry wines

Restaurateur, cookbook author and food television personality Ayesha Curry teamed up with her sister-in-law Sydel Curry (Steph Curry’s younger sister) and Napa’s Coup de Foudre Winery to launch wine label Domaine Curry in 2015. The sisters-in-law share a love of wine and have been spotted sipping wine at Scribe Winery in Sonoma. Their wines include the Domaine Curry Cabernet and the Domaine Curry Sauvignon Blanc.

Salma Hayek — Eisele Vineyard

Salma Hayek and her billionaire husband François-Henri Pinault own Eisele Vineyard east of Calistoga. In October 2020, Hayek made a public announcement on Instragram, in which she thanked the firefighters who saved the Calistoga vineyard from the Glass Fire. “I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for all the first responders that came to the rescue of so many people, animals and properties,” she wrote.

Brie and Nikki Bella — Bonita Bonita

The former professional wrestling tag team known as the Bella Twins announced in October 2020 that they were moving with their families to Napa Valley, according to People magazine. The identical twins had started producing their own wine in 2017 in partnership with Napa’s Hill Family Estate, its proprietor Ryan Hill and award-winning winemaker Alison Doran. Their first wine was a Cabernet Sauvignon named “Belle Radici,” which means “beautiful roots” in Italian, and the bottle was adorned with a sleek label depicting the twins. From there, the twins launched their own winery in Napa, Bonita Bonita.

Tori Spelling — The Tori Collection at HALL Wines

Actor Tori Spelling brought 90210 to Napa Valley when she announced on Instagram in November 2020 that she had partnered with HALL Wines to put together The Tori Collection of wines. “Getting the chance to meet and work with HALL and wine legend and my spirit animal Kathryn Hall was really exciting,” she wrote. Spelling handpicked 11 wines to include in her collection — ranging from a rich Cabernet Sauvignon to light and fruity rosé to canned wine, according to People magazine.

John Legend — LVE Collection Wines

Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar-winning musician John Legend launched his LVE Collection Wines in 2015. Working with famed vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, Legend’s wines include sparkling rosé, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay produced with fruit from Raymond Vineyards in Napa. Distributed nationally, the wines can be tasted at Raymond Vineyards and on tour with Legend.

Candace Cameron Buce — Bure Family Wines

“Fuller House” star Candace Cameron Bure and her husband, hockey player Val Bure, own Bure Family Wines in St. Helena. The couple began making wine in 2006, according to Wine Spectator. The couple likes to spend time in Wine Country and Candace Cameron Bure has been spotted at luxury restaurant SingleThread in Healdsburg. She shared in an Instagram post that she “brought a treat to drink” — a bottle of Screaming Eagle wine — when she took a friend to dinner at the restaurant in 2017.

Tamera Mowry-Housley — Housley Napa Valley

Actor Tamera Mowry-Housley, who got her start on the sitcom “Sister, Sister,” co-owns Housley Napa Valley with her husband, journalist Adam Housley. The tasting room is located in downtown Napa. The winery produces rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah.

Guy Fieri — Hunt & Ryde

Guy Fieri bought a 5-acre vineyard of Pinot Noir grapes in the Russian River Valley appellation in 2013. In his first vintage, he sold his grapes to Jackson Family Wines for its La Crema brand and to Williams Selyem winery in Healdsburg. He then launched his own wine label, Hunt & Ryde, named for his sons Hunter and Ryder. Fieri collaborates with local vintner Guy Davis, of Davis Family Vineyards, to produce Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and a Cabernet “Trophy” blend.

Francis Ford Coppola — Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Legendary film director, producer and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola has been involved in the wine industry since buying Napa’s Inglenook Estate in 1975. Coppola expanded his wine empire to Geyserville when he opened his namesake winery in 2006. The winery includes a museum of memorabilia from his iconic films, such as The Godfather, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Apocalypse Now. In 2015, Coppola bought a second winery, Virginia Dare. Both are open to the public.

John and Nancy Lasseter — Lasseter Family Winery

Lasseter Family Winery in Glen Ellen was founded in the early 2000s by Nancy and John Lasseter, the former chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. The winery produces rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and a variety of red blends.

Robert Mark Kamen — Kamen Estate Wines

When screenwriter and producer Robert Kamen (the Karate Kid series, Fifth Element, A Walk In The Clouds, Taken and Taken II) visited Sonoma County in 1980 to celebrate the sale of his first screenplay, he fell in love with the land. He purchased a 280-acre mountaintop property and eventually transformed it into a world-class vineyard producing estate wines. Pop into Kamen Estate Wines’ tasting room in downtown Sonoma or make an appointment to visit the mountaintop vineyards.

Les Claypool — Purple Pachyderm at Claypool Cellars

The bassist and lead vocalist of the rock band Primus, Les Claypool has been living in the Russian River Valley region of Sonoma County since 1994. His Claypool Cellars produces sparkling wine, rosé and Pinot Noir under the Purple Pachyderm label. Wine club members receive bottles signed by Claypool in their shipments and get invitations to exclusive concerts where they can party like (and with) rock stars. Taste the wines at their appointment only “fancy booze caboose” in Sebastopol.

Dave Matthews — Dreaming Tree Wines

Singer-songwriter Dave Matthews entered the winemaking game in 2000, when he opened Blenheim Vineyards winery in Charlottesville, Virginia. In response to demand from his fans, Matthews partnered with former Clos du Bois winemaker Sean McKenzie to launch Dreaming Tree Wines. Distributed nationally, and reasonably priced, they produce a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County and other wines made with grapes from throughout California.

Jonathan Cain — Finale Wines

Musician and songwriter Jonathan Cain is the keyboardist and rhythm guitarist for Journey. (The keyboards on “Don’t Stop Believin’”? Yeah, that’s him!). When he isn’t touring the world, he’s enjoying his own wine journey with Sonoma County vintner Dennis De La Montanya. Proceeds from their Finale Wines, which include a rosé of Malbec and a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, benefit charity.

Dwyane Wade — Wade Cellars

NBA star Dwyane Wade discovered his love of great Napa Valley wines while wining and dining with teammates Chris Bosh and Lebron James. The former professional basketball player partnered with his friend, Napa Valley vintner Jayson Pahlmeyer, to launch his own wine label, Wade Cellars, in 2015. Wade Cellars wines include a rosé and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yao Ming — Yao Family Wines

Former NBA All-Star Yao Ming fell in love with wine while playing for the Houston Rockets. Today, he owns and operates Yao Family Wines in St. Helena, producing age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The ultra-modern tasting room features food and wine pairings and a touch of memorabilia from Yao’s career in sports. He’s not only selling wine in Napa Valley, but also to great success in China, including in his hometown of Shanghai.

Charles Woodson — Intercept Wines

Former NFL football player Charles Woodson fell in love with wine and decided to learn more about the winemaking process during spring training for the Oakland Raiders, which takes place in Napa Valley. After a successful career in sports, including winning the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Woodson started his own label, Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines. Intercept Wines include a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and a red blend.

Carmen Policy — Casa Piena

He might not have played on the field, but Carmen Policy helped bring the San Francisco 49ers four Super Bowl championships and was named “Executive of the Year” by the NFL and one of the “Most Influential People in Professional Sports” by GQ. Now retired, Carmen and his wife, Gail, operate Casa Piena (“Full House” in Italian) in Napa Valley, where they produce Cabernet Sauvignons that score high with Robert Parker. Wines are available on an allotment-only basis, with tastings available by appointment.

Dick Vermeil — Vermeil Wines

As an NFL coach, Dick Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to their only Super Bowl championship, and also coached for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Born in Calistoga, it is no surprise that Vermeil started his own winery upon retirement. Vermeil Wines has a tasting room in downtown Napa and produces varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Vermeil attends all wine member events, signing autographs and sipping the fruits of his labor.

Mario Andretti — Andretti Winery

Mario Andretti is considered one of the most successful race car drivers of all time. With that success comes not only a Ferrari (or two), but also a winery in Napa Valley that he co-founded in 1996. Wines run the gamut, from sweet Moscato and Riesling to beefy Cabernets and super Tuscans. Andretti Winery offers food and wine pairings in an Italian-inspired environment. Winery guests frequently brush elbows with Andretti and other race car drivers, especially when races take place at Sonoma Raceway.

Kevin Buckler — Adobe Road Winery

Race car driver and team owner Kevin Buckler has been producing wine in Sonoma County since 1995 at his Adobe Road Winery. Winner of Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and numerous championships, Buckler and his wife, Debra, produce a wide array of wines from well-known vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon from Beckstoffer. Taste the wines at Adobe Road’s downtown Petaluma tasting room, complete with racing memorabilia.

Randy Lewis — Lewis Cellars

Most race car drivers will never race in the famous Indy 500, but Randy Lewis has done it — five times. Lewis started Lewis Cellars in 1992 with his wife, Debbie, a longtime wine industry professional. Eventually the couple were joined by their son, Dennis. Their appointment-only Napa Valley tasting room features wines from throughout the region, which include Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and a Cabernet Sauvignon-based Cuvée.

Gavin Newsom — PlumpJack, CADE and Odette wineries

Gov. Gavin Newsom co-founded PlumpJack Winery in Oakville, CADE Winery in Angwin and Odette Estate in Napa.

No longer available / Not open to the public

Vince Neil — Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil launched his own “Vince” wine label in the early 2000s. Vince wines were produced by Adler Fels Winery in Santa Rosa, according to Wine Spectator.

Joe Montana — Iconic 49ers quarterback Joe Montana teamed up with winemaker Ed Sbragia to create Montagia, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, according to Decanter. The wine was released in 1999, when Sbragia was the winemaker at Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena. In 2019, Montana listed his Napa estate for $28.9 million. It was later re-listed for $20 million less. The 503-acre ranch was originally priced at $49 million in 2009.

Dan Marino — Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino put his name behind the Sonoma County-based Marino Estates Vintage “13” California Cabernet, which benefited the Dan Marino Foundation, according to Wine Spectator.

Nancy Pelosi — Rep. Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul, own a private vineyard on Zinfandel Lane in St. Helena.

Tommy Smothers — Late comedian Tommy Smothers — best known as half of the musical comedy duo the Smothers Brothers, alongside his younger brother Dick — owned Remick Ridge Vineyards in Kenwood.

Janet Balicki, Elissa Chudwin, Maci Martell and Sarah Stierch contributed to this article. 

The post The Celebrities Who Are Making Wine in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Whether the weather’s hot, cold or somewhere in between, there’s never a bad time for ice cream. From swirls of soft serve and sorbet to traditional scoops and creamy custard, everyone’s got a favorite flavor.

Are you a strawberry waffle cone, lemon sorbet in a cup or chocolate and vanilla swirl in a cone? But the real question is, would you dare to eat pickle sorbet?

Whatever your choice, Sonoma County ice cream shops have you covered.

Newcomers

Salt & Straw, Santa Rosa

The Portland, Oregon-based ice cream company is known for its fearless flavor combinations — think pear and blue cheese; Arbequina olive oil; strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper; or goat cheese with marionberries and habanero. Many lean more toward what you might expect on a restaurant menu than at a typical ice cream shop. Even their most popular flavors have twists, like the vegan coconut mint chip; sea salt with caramel ribbons; or fudgy brownie batter chocolate ice cream. If you’re an absolute purist, go for the double fold vanilla with gobs of vanilla bean. Gluten-free and dairy-free options abound.

The Monthly Menu Series are a food writer’s dream — weird, wonderful and divisive. At the start of each month, five time-limited, themed flavors drop. August’s Farmer’s Market series includes chocolate chip zucchini bread; tomato gelato with olive brittle; melon and prosciutto; peach jam miso brownies; and pickled cucumber sorbet. Oh, to be a taster in their test kitchen. 700 Village Court at Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa, 707-360-6349, saltandstraw.com

Pink Sugar, Santa Rosa

Furry pink swings, a wall of shimmering pink mermaid scales, retro-style pink pay phones and pink velvet barstools make for an oh-so-Instagrammable moment at Pink Sugar, Santa Rosa’s first Thai rolled ice cream shop.

Here’s how it works: Straus organic ice cream mix is poured onto chilled steel plates that almost instantly freeze it. Dual spatulas then chop, pulverize and blend in candy, cookies, fruit or cake before the mixture is spread into a thin layer and scraped into tight, frozen curls.

Favorite options include the Brookie, made with the standard vanilla base, fudge brownies, cookie dough and hot fudge; Cinnamon Toast Crunch with cinnamon toast cereal and caramel; and Banana Pudding with fresh bananas, caramel sauce and Nilla Wafers. 1224 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-368-3200, Instagram.com/pinksugarcreamery

Longtime favorites

Darling Ice Cream Shop, Sonoma

The ever-changing flavors at this charming Sonoma ice cream shop mean you’ll have plenty of reasons to return. A sister location to Sweet Scoops on the Sonoma Plaza, this neighborhood fave is known for its Watmaugh strawberry, salted caramel and, if you want to go the soft-serve route, a sunny Pineapple Dole Whip. 201 W. Napa St., Suite 6, Sonoma. 707-343-1482, darlingsonoma.com

Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg

This ice cream shop is worth a special trip. Unique flavors include passion fruit, Thai tea, salted caramel and Dutch cookie, each inspired by local produce and the seasons. The menu changes frequently. 539 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-978-3392; 116 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4426, thenoblefolk.com

Nimble and Finn’s, Santa Rosa and Guerneville

Cheeky by-the-scoop flavors include Front Porch Mint Chip (the mint is from one of the owner’s front porch), Meyer Lemon, Lavender Honeycomb and Whiskey Butterscotch. Add booze and you’ve got a sassy little float. We love the Permanent Holiday with creamy Meyer lemon ice cream, Lo Fi sweet vermouth and Goat Rock rosé cider, or the summery Strawberry Letter with strawberry sorbet, vermouth, elderflower and Champagne. 16290 Main St., Guerneville, 707-666-9411; 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com

Sweet Scoops, Sonoma

Sonomans go wild for this housemade ice cream spot on the square, which always has 22 flavors, from simple vanilla to lemon custard and Mexican chocolate. Ice cream flavors rotate regularly; check the website for current flavors. 408 First St. East, Sonoma, 707-721-1187, sweetscoopsicecream.com

Fosters Freeze, Santa Rosa

This old school burger and ice cream spot is all about the memories. Maybe because you’ve walked there, or your mom and dad took you in the family wagon, or it’s just Tuesday. 1400 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-576-7028; 855 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-542-3212, fostersfreeze.com

Handline, Sebastopol

This restaurant in Sebastopol was built on the site of an old Foster’s Freeze and the swirled chocolate and vanilla soft serve is still a favorite. Don’t miss the affogato, made with eye-opening cold brew and soft serve. 935 Gravenstein Ave. South, Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Santa Rosa

The ultimate kid spot with half a dozen flavors like crème brûlée, mudslide pie, white chocolate raspberry and Dole Whip pineapple sorbet. 2188 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-545-9866, menchies.com

Dave’s Gourmet Ice Cream, Santa Rosa

This local artisan producer uses premium organic milk, organic cream and liquid nitrogen to make their ice cream. At a cool 321 degrees below zero, the liquid nitrogen keeps fat and water molecules small, making for a creamier ice cream. 320 W. Third St. Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2635, dgicecream.com

Goguette Bread, Santa Rosa

While known for their mélange of breads and pastries, Goguette also churns out delightful, French-style ice cream, or glacée. Using locally sourced or imported (from France and Italy) ingredients, find flavors like pear, lemon, chocolate orange, Madagascar vanilla and more. The bakery now also sells ice cream cakes, with such flavors as vanilla, strawberry, pistachio and matcha. 59 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, goguettebread.com

Screamin’ Mimi’s, Sebastopol

It’s no surprise that Food & Wine magazine has named this Sebastopol ice cream spot one of the best in America. There’s always a line, there are always kids with messy chocolate grins, and there’s always a new flavor to try. When it comes to rich dark chocolate, there’s always Mimi’s Mud or Deep Dark Secret. 6902 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-823-5902, screaminmimisicecream.com

Two Dog Night Creamery, Sebastopol

Another instant-ice cream spot that uses organic local ingredients and natural flavors zapped with liquid nitrogen for soft, gelato-style ice cream. Seasonal flavors like Pineapple Whip and Lavender are a treat, while classic scoops, including Belgian Chocolate, Bananas Foster Crunch and Cotton Candy Fizz, always satisfy. Don’t miss the ice cream tacos! 6760 McKinley St., Suite 110, Sebastopol, 707-823-9376, twodognightcreamery.com

Angela’s Ice Cream, Petaluma, Forestville and Healdsburg

Formerly known as Lala’s Creamery, this spot looks like the soda fountains of old, with a marble-topped bar and brick walls, but in addition to the traditional confections and banana splits, it serves up unique flavors. If you want to pair burgers with your ice cream, head on over to the Healdsburg location, home to Iggy’s Organic Burgers. 134 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-774-6567; 1390 N. McDowell Blvd. East, Petaluma, 707-981-6910; 6671 Front St., Forestville, 707-820-1559; 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8636. angelasicecream.com

Petaluma Creamery, Petaluma

This historic creamery still makes house-made ice cream along with Spring Hill cheese. Most popular is the lavender ice cream, but Meyer lemon is also a contender. 711 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-762-9038, springhillcheese.com

Once Upon A Slush, Petaluma

Taking over the former Amy’s Wicked Slush location in Petaluma’s American Alley in 2022, Once Upon A Slush has won over slush fans with its assortment of shakes, slushies, floats and soft serve. There are childhood favorite flavors such as the blue raspberry slush and chocolate vanilla swirl soft serve, as well as seasonal summer flavors like black cherry, sour watermelon and cotton candy. Try the pickle slushie if you dare. 122b American Alley, Petaluma, 707-763-9253, onceuponaslush.com

Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream, Sonoma

This coffee and ice cream shop in the Vailetti Plaza shopping center on Highway 12 serves a wide variety of coffee beverages, milkshakes and ice cream. 205 Nino Marco Square, Sonoma, 707-343-7330, instagram.com/cielito_coffee_and_icecream

La Michoacana, Sonoma

You can’t miss this ice cream spot’s bright pink and orange exterior. It’s best known for fruit paletas, or frozen ice pops. Try their Mangonada: blended fresh mango with ice, swirled chamoy sauce, topped with mango chunks and tamarind candy, and a tamarind stick. 18495 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-938-1773, michoacana.com

Fru-Ta, Santa Rosa and Petaluma

All natural flavors, both traditional and unconventional. Among the more unique are rose petal, guava, cheese, membrillo, chongo zamorano and mamey. Four locations in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, frutaicecream.com

Frozen Art, Santa Rosa

The Alcazars have been making Michoacana-style ice creams since 2011, originally as La Real Michoacana, and they continue to expand their lineup of 40-plus flavors. It now includes Merlot chocolate chip, Kahlua, Mexican caramel, hibiscus flower, rum raisin and strawberry butter. The family comes from Tocumbo, Mexico’s ice cream-making capital. 500 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-331-2899, frozenarticecream.com

Squatch’s Ice Cream and Coffee, Rohnert Park

This nonprofit ice cream and coffee shop near Sonoma State funds a nearby student center and serves up Petaluma’s-own Mariposa ice cream. 1451 Southwest Blvd., Suite 111, Rohnert Park, 707-992-0841, squatchscoffee.com

Swirl Time Frozen Yogurt Bar, Rohnert Park

Another locally owned Sonoma State fave serving up great fro-yo with a smile. 1718 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, 707-795-7900, swirltime.com

Honeymoon Frozen Yogurt, Sebastopol

This local yogurt shop is a favorite because of its organic ingredients and commitment to local farms. Plus, it’s open seven days a week. 7108 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-9866, honeymoonfrozenyogurt.com

Baskin Robbins, Various Locations

You can’t say 31 flavors without thinking of this classic ice cream spot. Daiquiri ice is among our favorite flavors. Locations in Petaluma, Windsor, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. baskinrobbins.com

Cold Stone Creamery, Various Locations

A longtime chain favorite featuring simple base flavors from vanilla and chocolate to cake batter with dozens of mix-ins to make a truly unique scoop. Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Petaluma locations. coldstonecreamery.com

The post Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Fireworks will sparkle over the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July for the first time since 2019.

The celebration, “Fired Up Freedom,” features a full afternoon of festivities, including live music and food vendors, culminating in what promises to be one of the largest fireworks displays in the county.

Another beloved local tradition, the World Pillow Fighting Championships, also marks its return at the Santa Rosa event. Once a hallmark of Kenwood’s July 4th festivities, the pillow fights saw competitors duking it out on a pole perched over a mud pit, but that ended in 2006 after 40 years of friendly competition.

Tickets are $10 per person and include parking. sonomacountyfair.com

More to Check Out

Windsor

Windsor Kaboom! — 4-10 p.m. July 3, Keiser Park. windsorkaboom.com

Sebastopol

Fireworks & Music Extravaganza — 4-10 p.m. July 3, Community Cultural Center. seb.org

Rohnert Park

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular — Featuring the Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company, Green Music Center, 7:30 p.m. gmc.sonoma.edu

Sonoma

Parade at Sonoma Plaza — 10 a.m. July 4. Fireworks at dusk at General Vallejo Field. sonomacity.org

Healdsburg

Independence Day Fireworks — 9:30 p.m., July 4. Viewing areas at Healdsburg High School and Fitch Mountain Elementary. ci.healdsburg.ca.us

Find more Fourth of July events in Sonoma and Napa counties here.

The post Where to Have a Fabulous Fourth of July in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

An article in Food Republic, an online industry publication founded by chef Marcus Samuelsson, offered this advice: “It’s a general rule of thumb that diners should leave a restaurant within 15 minutes of getting the check, otherwise, it’s considered a form of overstaying your welcome.”

For decades, most restaurant owners have seen profit in turnover, seating as many guests as possible — packing their spaces to keep kitchens busy and servers earning tips. Too many people hanging out at tables for too long cuts into the bottom line in an industry where profits are measured in pennies.

In Sonoma County, however, other restaurant owners play the long game. Instead of rushing guests out the door, they’re building community, embracing a philosophy that advocates for the need for “third places.” The term, coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place,” refers to places other than home and work where people go to gather and socialize with others.

Allowing guests to linger is likely driven by economic concerns, says California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie. He says that restaurants face more competition than ever as customers tighten their wallets. As the competitive landscape tightens, restaurant owners look for ways to stand out from the crowd.

“As customers are dialing back at table-service restaurants, building an experience is critical,” Condie says. “The restaurants are investing more into differentiating themselves, in hopes that people maybe stick around longer, but certainly come back again.”

Sonoma County diners can witness a range of responses to this trend, from displays of board games and books to borrow, to seating guests at long community tables, to trivia nights, live music and dance parties. At Altamont General Store in Occidental, co-owners Jenay and Andzia Hofftin offer a mix of experiences.

“Our motto is ‘eat, shop, gather,’” Jenay says. “That was our business model before the pandemic, and when we finally were able to reopen, the ‘gather’ became even more important, since we felt there was really no place to hang out in Occidental and meet a friend and chat over good food and fun.”

Altamont General Store guests can spin vintage vinyl on an antique turntable, browse culinary and art books while lounging on a sofa, take a craft workshop, or kick back with live music on Friday nights in summer in the Yard, a family-friendly outdoor lounge. Some Saturday nights, even bigger bands tour through.

As parents of young children, the Hofftins also focus on creating community for younger guests. The Yard has fun toys plus an oversized Connect Four to play and a boulder to climb on. “That allows parents to have a whole cappuccino or a whole glass of wine or at least five bites of food without having to worry,” says Andzia. “I’m from Hawaii, and we do long, extended family gatherings, so it feels really natural to extend that into our space.”

At Little Saint in Healdsburg, guests relax in comfy wicker chairs on the front patio, leisurely sipping pour-over coffees, and sharing little bits of tofu scramble tacos with their canine companions. The adjacent two-story barn-style building is designed with lots of nooks and corner retreats for guests to hang out.

“We like to call ourselves Healdsburg’s living room,” says director of events and marketing Sara Beckstead. “It’s just a natural setting to sit and connect.”

On Thursday nights, free live music shows take over the restaurant’s upper level, and there are also ticketed events, like a recent screening of a Wendell Berry documentary, along with a panel discussion with the film’s producers about the life of the legendary author and farmer.

“We’re trying to do as much programming as we can that’s relevant to our farming and lifestyle mission and what Sonoma County stands for,” says Little Saint executive director Jenny Hess. “Diverse programming also brings in new audiences… Maybe they come because their favorite band is playing, but once they’re here, they experience our food, enjoy a cocktail, and suddenly, we have a new regular in our world.”

That’s an understandable strategy, says the CRA’s Jot Condie. “You want a line of customers out the door — that helps the environment and sense of community that you get with that dull roar of a conversation in the background and clinking glasses.”

New ideas are constantly being hatched. Successful restaurant owners observe their guests’ habits and cultivate new programming with new ways to connect. Valley Swim Club in Sonoma hosts popular movie nights, queer-friendly line-dancing and a holiday market. Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove has a raucous trivia night, as does the Goose & Fern in Santa Rosa. Brigitte Bistro in Petaluma invites guests to play for the room on their baby grand piano. And casual roadhouses like Brewster’s Beer Garden in Petaluma and HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma and Sebastopol, have built their reputations on live music along with great pub food.

“Of course, it’s an investment to offer all these things,” says Jenny Hess. “Sure, we would love for people to be eating and drinking the whole time they’re sitting around, but we can’t expect that, and we’re OK with it. This is a deliberate investment — an investment in community goodwill. The more positive experiences that people feel at Little Saint, the more likely they are to return.”

“We want it to be a great place for people to hang out with friends, and then they all want to come back again and again. They do come back, so it works well for us.”

Little Saint: 25 North St., Healdsburg. 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Altamont General Store: 3703 Main St., Occidental. 707-874-6053, altamontgeneral.com

The post These Sonoma County Restaurants Encourage Guests to Stay Awhile appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

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.

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

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

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.com; rubiconadventures.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

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

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 House. parks.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

The post Best Things to Do in Sonoma County This Summer appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Summer is rolling into Sonoma County and people are on the hunt for premium outdoor recreation to soak up all the fun in the sun. Glamping — camping’s more glamorous cousin — has been top of mind for effortless leisure in nature. And according to travel and lifestyle guide USA Today 10Best, the No. 1 place to glamp in the United States is right in Santa Rosa.

In the recent 10Best list of best U.S. glamping spots, which ranges from a Florida dude ranch to yurts in the Great Smoky Mountains, Santa Rosa’s Safari West came out on top. A group of USA Today 10Best editors and readers curated the selection of glamping resorts.

Safari West glamping

Sonoma’s own Serengeti offers a number of ways to get closer to nature. After taking a safari tour visiting over 800 wild animals on the property, guests can stay the night in a luxurious glamping tent. The 30 tents, imported from Botswana, include private decks, en-suite bathrooms and hardwood floors.

Upgrade your tent to a two-bedroom cottage, complete with a king bed, double bunk bed, private bathroom, kitchenette and outdoor seating. A stay at Safari West includes a continental breakfast at the on-site Savannah Café. Glamping tents start at $420 per night and cottages start at $400 per night. Learn more and book online.

3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2551, safariwest.com

The post Safari West Named No. 1 Glamping Spot in the Country by USA Today appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Justin Gill is a third-generation Sebastopol native who transformed his grandmother’s recipe for Japanese-style barbecue sauce into a multimillion-dollar business.

Gill, who now lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and three daughters, grew up steeped in the outdoorsy west county culture, riding bikes through the hills and heading out to the coast to surf with friends. His supremely popular barbecue sauce is a savory-sweet, umami-rich concoction that goes great on everything from grilled tuna to burgers to oysters and more.

Distribution has expanded nationwide, but locals know you can find the extra-large bottles at Costco — and yes, you’re going to want that jumbo size on hand, especially as summer grilling season shapes up. bachans.com

Some of Justin Gill’s favorite local places

Journeyman Meat Co.

“We barbecue a lot as a family, so it’s always fun to find a place like Journeyman Meat Co., with quality meats and unusual cuts.” Gill is a member of their salumi club and likes to stop in for the lunch steak special, grilled to order. 404 Center St., Healdsburg. 707-395-6328, journeymanmeat.com

Crooked Goat Brewing

In July, Gill will host the yearly Bachan’s Day celebration at Crooked Goat Brewing at The Barlow. “We had like 600 people there last year for free food and free beer.” Last year, he also gave away a Bachan’s surfboard. Check bachans.com for details on this year’s party (July 11). 120 Morris St., Sebastopol. 707-827-3893, crookedgoatbrewing.com

Trail House

Gill is a big cyclist — road, mountain and gravel. Now that he’s based in Santa Rosa, it takes longer to get out to Willow Creek, so he often hits the trails at Trione-Annadel State Park. Before or after a ride is time for drinks at Trail House. “The vibe is great, with people from all walks of life, people with their road kits still on having meetings on the computer. It’s like ‘Cheers’ for bike people.” 4036 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa. 707-843-4943, incycle.com/pages/retailer/trail-house

Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill

Gill finds the best margaritas and his favorite pollo asado every Friday night at Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill in Rincon Valley, near his home. “I love that place, the people who work there, the family that owns it.” 6599 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. 707-791-7571, losmolcajetesbarandgrill.com

Salmon Creek

Gill, who grew up surfing along the coast, calls the break at Salmon Creek “a great wave by Northern California standards.” When he shows up, he almost always knows someone out on the water, and the beaches have a beautifully rustic quality that he loves. Sonoma Coast State Park, Highway 1, Bodega Bay. parks.ca.gov

The post Bachan’s Founder Justin Gill Shares Favorite Sonoma County Spots appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

We’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Sonoma County — everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito.

To help settle this ones and for all, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to the best burritos in Sonoma County — from the obvious to the undiscovered, including one that weighs in at 8 pounds. Adding to our own opinions, we’ve previously included direct quotes from Bite Club readers and foodies who responded to our call out for “the best burritos in Sonoma County.”

Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of the best burritos in Sonoma County.

Sonoma

Sonoma Eats: The Wet Super Burrito is enough for a small family or a single teenage boy. It is stuffed with meat (we recommend the house-marinated al pastor), cheese, beans, rice and all the fixings, and comes topped with mole or salsa verde. 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com

Juanita Juanita: We say go nuts with the Garlic Garlic Burrito and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” said Tony. Their Super Burrito is a favorite among locals; the next level up is the Big Ranch and the Super, grilled and topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com

La Bamba Taco Truck: Locals swear this is the ultimate nighttime spot for tacos and some of the best burritos the town of Sonoma has to offer. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cash only. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. Find them on Instagram

Santa Rosa

Chelino’s: Chelino’s Super Wet Burrito is as flavorful as it is filling. Readers recommend carne asada for this large burrito, which is topped with a spicy verde sauce or a rich mole. 1079 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-7478. Find them on Instagram

Cielito Lindo: “We ordered burritos (the super chicken burrito and a carnitas burrito),” said Elisa O. “They were both huge — stuffed with a lot of fresh deliciousness! We will definitely go again!” Come for the burritos and stay for the birria tacos and fresh ceviche. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070. Find them on Instagram

Delicias Elenita Taco Truck: Authentic Mexican food served under the stars makes Delicias Elenita a fiesta after dark. “Their super steak burrito is not only mouthwatering delicious, but is also cheap and affordable,” said Paul. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. Find them on Facebook

El Patio: “Burritos and breakfast burritos are probably some of the best in our great city of Santa Rosa,” said Brooks. “My burrito was practically the size of a brick,” said Ricardo, who ordered the Pork Chile Verde Super Burrito. “They did not skimp on anything, including the star of the show, which was the pork.” 425 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, elpatio1.com; 901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-2222, elpatio2.com

La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. It is enough for two people and then some,” said Bite Club reader PepperHead. 590 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210, lapalapamexicanrestaurant.com

La Fondita: This downtown cantina brings the fiesta (and some of the best burritos in Sonoma County) to downtown Santa Rosa. The shrimp burrito is awesome, along with the Mole burrito. La Fondita is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881

Los Arcos: Los Arcos receives high praise from Facebook fans as a place to get a satisfying meat-egg-and-potato-stuffed breakfast burrito, with the chorizo breakfast burrito being among the most highly recommended. The McDougall Deluxe Burrito is a great veggie option. 1791 Marlow Road, Suite 6, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858, losarcosrestaurantsr.com

Lola’s Market (various locations): Latino grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices, too,” said Michelle. 1680 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa, 707-571-7579; 440 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-577-8846; 241 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-762-2112; 102 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707-433-1978; 2750 Old Sonoma Road, Napa, 707-251-1698, lolasmarkets.com

Los Tres Chiles: The “No Manches” burrito is about the size of 10 regular burritos. It weighs in at 8 pounds and is 15 inches long. If you can eat it in 60 minutes, it’s free. Otherwise, it’s $44.95. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com

Taqueria El Favorito: If you’re looking for Mission-style burritos, head to El Favorito on Sebastopol Road. “Get the super burrito al pastor,” said Crystal, “I would show you a pic, but I ate it with the voracity of a honey badger eating a cobra. Sorry.” 565 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444, elfarolitosf.com

Taqueria Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Avenue is a sleeper, but is  popular among authentic Mexican street food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and al pastor burritos are a go-to. “It is HUGE and packed with perfectly tender and flavorful asada, refried beans, rice, avocado, sour cream and salsa with just a hint of fresh lime juice,” said Walt about the Super Burrito with carne asada. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091

Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig’s Korean BBQ Burrito is a food truck mashup stuffed with Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed ground beef, kimchi, daikon and short-grain brown rice inside a tortilla. It’s rib-sticking and hearty — not for dainty eaters. Our never-quite-full-enough digital editor gives it a thumbs up. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Rohnert Park

Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known for its pupusas, but readers really love the burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” said Brent. The Camarones Tropical Burrito with sautéed prawns, homemade Spanish rice and fresh tropical mango salsa is pretty delish, too. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com

Petaluma

Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa, tomatoes, refried beans and guacamole, gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce.” The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho; the Gordo triples it. 7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati, mipueblocotati.com; 800 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, eatmipueblopetaluma.com

El Roy’s (various locations): “Finally a burrito spot that lives up to the hype,” said Damien. “I’m only mad about the fact that I didn’t eat here sooner. It’s practically perfect, I can’t think of a bad thing to say.” Shrimp Super Burrito and Carne Asada Super Burrito are popular picks. 401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, elroysxpressmex.com

Healdsburg

Agave: This restaurant from brothers Octavio and Pedro Diaz serves up a Diego’s Burrito that is a favorite among our Facebook followers. It features al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. Regular and super burritos are available, too. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com

Casa del Mole: The Super Burrito Al Pastor is a favorite at this market and taqueria from the Diaz brothers. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way with dozens of ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4138, casadelmoletogo.com

Gallina D’Oro: The owners of Healdsburg’s El Farolito have renamed (and revamped the menu) of the longtime restaurant to Gallina D’Oro. The Barbacoa Burrito, with slow-cooked shredded beef and all the fixings, deserves a spot on our list of best burritos. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com

Taqueria Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best mole sauce!” said Sue. “It rivals a Mission (San Francisco) burrito — the gold standard,” said Christopher. “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa,” said Tina. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com

Guerneville

Guerneville Taco Truck: No one really remembers what this popular food truck is actually called (it seems almost too easy that it’s simply the “Guerneville Taco Truck”). What they do remember is that they have the best burritos around. Usually parked in front of Safeway. 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com

Maci Martell and Owen Ruderman contributed to this article. 

The post Where to Get the Best Burritos in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Chock full of charming, historic buildings filled with shops and a lively food and beverage scene, downtown Petaluma is the definition of hip these days. You likely know it’s famous for butter and eggs and has served as a backdrop for locally filmed movies. But do you know anything about the Petaluma River?

It’s next to impossible to miss when you come into town; you’ve probably paused to watch someone frolic along the river, maybe even snapped a photo. With summer in our sights, now’s the time to make a splash of your own — and The Floathouse makes it easy.

“We call it Petaluma’s longest park. We’re so lucky that we’re a farm town with a river,” said Maggie Hohle, who juggles social media and a bit of programming along with guiding a new kayaking tour for The Floathouse, a boating community center of sorts created by the nonprofit Petaluma Small Craft Center.

Located on floating docks in downtown Petaluma, steps from the John Balshaw River Walk Bridge (otherwise known as the Footbridge), The Floathouse rents a multitude of human-powered watercraft. From kayaks and rowboats to canoes, paddleboards and water bikes, there’s more than a dozen beginner-friendly watercraft ready to propel a fun-filled day on the water.

But there’s more to The Floathouse than just equipment rentals. A dedicated group of volunteers organizes everything from beginning paddleboarding (SUP) classes and summer camps to full moon paddles and river races. In partnership with Sonoma County Tourism’s new collection of offerings called Signature Experiences, The Floathouse recently launched a guided kayak tour called “Paddle the Petaluma: Turn to the River.”

Floating along with an assortment of laminated, black-and-white historical photographs, Hohle demonstrates how our relationship with the Petaluma River has evolved throughout the years. Whether it’s listening to a Coast Miwok elder’s compelling reading of wildlife observations made a century ago; learning that the Petaluma River was crucial to exporting wheat to England long before eggs floated down the waterway; or simply spotting a green heron pondering lunch — floating atop a kayak offers a unique opportunity to soak in the river’s past while appreciating its booming recreational revival.

Paddlers also glean some gee-whiz facts. Did you know Petaluma was home to the world’s first and only chicken pharmacy? Perhaps a more important detail — the Petaluma River isn’t actually a river. It’s a tidal slough.

You’ll spend about 90 minutes on the water, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a strenuous endeavour. It’s a gentle paddle on water that’s well-known as a safe and tranquil spot for first-timers to learn skills. All told, you’ll cover about two miles. The hardest part of the tour is getting into the kayak at the dock, but The Floathouse staff are pros at keeping guests dry and smiling. The “Paddle the Petaluma: Turn to the River” is being offered once or twice a month through September.

The Petaluma River stretches roughly 13 miles south from downtown Petaluma to the top of San Pablo Bay. On the tour, you never lose sight of downtown, but the experience just might inspire another day on the water.

“It’s your river. Come out and play,” said Hohle. “We will find something that makes you feel comfortable.”

As an added perk, guests on the “Paddle the Petaluma: Turn to the River” tour receive an assortment of discounts, good at local businesses including The Yoga Post, Grand Central Café and TAPS on the River beer garden and restaurant.

The Floathouse is currently open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with days expanding as we head into summer. However, events are also offered on weekdays and evenings, and group outings are available by appointment. Follow @thefloathousepetaluma on Instagram for the latest updates.

Sonoma County Signature Experiences

Wine may be what put Sonoma County on the map, but the Signature Experiences recently unveiled by Sonoma County Tourism are meant to showcase the diversity of our backyard. There are nine in total, and while they’re aimed at visitors, locals shouldn’t rule them out.

Along with paddling the Petaluma River, you can go foraging along the Sonoma Coast, sign up for hands-on experience in cheese making, or go behind the scenes to learn about animal care at Safari West private wildlife preserve.

The post ‘We Call It Petaluma’s Longest Park’: Discover the Best Way to Enjoy the Petaluma River appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

These are the essential places and experiences that define living in Sonoma County — comfort food for the soul, as we like to say. Think Dungeness crab sandwiches wolfed down just steps from the water, a quiet walk under a thick canopy of redwoods, a barstool calling your name at a decades-old watering hole where the owner insists you put away your phone. Settle down, take a deep breath and ease into the new year right.

Winding Weekend Drives

Head northeast from Healdsburg on Highway 128 past the wineries of Alexander Valley to rural Knights Valley, where you’ll take in views of a historic 1,200-acre cattle ranch (that donates some of its beef to people in need), a trout farm, and distant hills layered upon mountains. Time seems to stop in this hidden corner of the county.

Curvy Coleman Valley Road begins in Occidental and leads west, emerging from a series of redwood groves onto a hilltop plateau of prairie-like pasturelands. From the very top, before the road takes a curvy, jaw-dropping descent to join Highway 1, you can often watch the sun sink into banks of pillowy fog.

Ramble westward through the agricultural valleys outside Petaluma, starting on Western Avenue to Chileno Valley Road for the seasonal spectacle at Helen Putnam Regional Park. From there, take Chileno Valley Road west and then north, before looping back to town via Tomales Road and Bodega Avenue. Especially stunning when the skies clear just after a storm.

Live Music

Little Saint, Healdsburg

Every show feels like an intimate house concert at this music club and gathering space on the second floor of a well-known plant-based restaurant. The owners and concert programmer are well plugged into the folk/Americana scene, and free concerts happen most Thursday nights, along with occasional ticketed shows. Superstar trio boygenius played a surprise under-the-radar show here in 2023. 25 North St., littlesainthealdsburg.com/liveatlittlesaint

The Mystic Theatre, Petaluma

A 1911 vaudeville theater-turned-club with a landmark marquee anchors the North Bay music scene, booking national touring acts, tribute bands, comedy shows, and more. Seeing a show here is a true step back in time, the intimate kind of venue that real music fans love. 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., mystictheatre.com

The 222, Healdsburg

Jazz trios, choral music and opera are just some of what’s heard at this community-minded art gallery and performance space just off the Healdsburg Plaza. Also poetry readings and film nights. Always thoughtful, always welcoming. 222 Healdsburg Ave., the222.org

Wander the Redwoods

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

The classic 805-acre reserve has both strenuous hikes and paved, accessible strolls along gorgeous Fife Creek. The Colonel Armstrong Tree, the oldest in the grove at an estimated 1,400 years, honors the Civil War Union officer who first preserved this special place. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, parks.ca.gov

Riverfront Regional Park, Healdsburg

Along the banks of the Russian River just steps from vineyards, this pretty grove connects to easy riverside trails and access to the water for kayakers and paddleboarders. 7821 Eastside Road, parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov

Red Hill, Near Jenner

In Sonoma Coast State Park, the Red Hill and Pomo Canyon trails loop through coastal grasslands and very pretty stands of coast redwoods fed by nearby springs. 8901 Highway 1, parks.ca.gov

Neighborhood Crossroads

The Starling, Sonoma

In Sonoma, this locals bar has quite the scene, with live music as a mainstay two to three nights a week, plus plenty of cold beers and interesting craft cocktails. They’ve recently added comedy nights and line dancing, plus meatball sandwiches (YES!) and hot pizza from an oven out back. Feeling brave? The open mic night is one of the best around. 19380 Highway 12, 707-938-7442, starlingsonoma.com

Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton

In rural Graton, take a seat at the big, loud, nickel-topped bar to rub shoulders with west county winemakers, farmers and other cool kids. All around, folks indulge in French onion soup laden with molten Gruyère, duck confit with lentils, flatiron steaks and, interestingly, some mighty fine Thai dishes. 9113 Graton Road, 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com

The Goose & Fern, Santa Rosa

This British-style pub in Railroad Square has deep green walls covered in horseracing prints and a big TV tuned to Premier League soccer (football!). The menu has hearty pub favorites like Guinness pie, bangers and mash, and local rock cod fish and chips — they’ll even give you the crispy bits from the deep fryer to nibble on for free. Such a chill addition to the nightlife scene in Santa Rosa. 116 Fifth St., 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

Public Gardens

Glen Ellen’s Sonoma Botanical Garden has a focus on library specimens of rare Asian trees and ornamental plants, including Japanese maples, obscure magnolias and dogwoods, and lilies. A section of the garden focused on California native plants offers inspiration for their use in local landscapes, helping visitors become smarter, more water-wise gardeners. 12841 Highway 12, Glen Ellen, 707-996-3166, sonomabg.org 

Self-taught horticulturalist Luther Burbank laid down roots in Sonoma County in 1875 and called our landscape “the chosen spot” in all the world. He bred and propagated more than 800 varieties of plants, including plums, potatoes, lilies and spineless cactus. Learn about his legacy on a self-guided visit to his home and gardens in Santa Rosa or tour the remaining 3 acres of his experimental farm in Sebastopol. 204 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-524-5445, lutherburbank.org

Western Hills Garden outside Occidental was bought by a new generation of owners in 2021 and has been relaunched as a nonprofit for the community. New seasonal collaborations and public events include concerts, botanical craft workshops, and, recently, a reading from artist and author Obi Kaufmann of “The California Field Atlas.” The gardens encompass three lushly planted acres with five ponds and 34 bridges — and while it remains rather under the radar, it’s a must-see. 16250 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental, 707-872-5463, westernhillsgarden.com

The post A Bucket List of Essential Things To Do in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.