Sonoma County - California Wine Country - Come and Explore
Sonoma County - California Wine Country - Slow Down - Relax
Sonoma County - California Wine Country
People talk about a certain mystique surrounding the “Wine Country Lifestyle.” But folks in Sonoma County don’t take any of that mystique stuff too seriously.
The straightforward facts are these: The region has incredible wine, amazing food and it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth.
There are mountains and the ocean, the redwoods and the river, the valleys and the vineyards; the many small towns, each with their unique personality.
With all that going for it, Sonoma County doesn’t want any layers of mystique and aura to cover up the good stuff.
When you really have it, there’s no need to be pretentious.So, no wonder Sonoma County has the reputation of being the laid-back, fun-loving, free-spirit of the wine world. The other Wine Country destinations can keep the glitz and glamour. Sonoma will take the joy and laughter. So, loosen that tie…oh heck, just throw the tie away. And toss those achy shoes. Say farewell to that rehearsed, restrained chuckle. Let loose, run free, laugh out loud. This is Sonoma County. more
Town of Sonoma
The town of Sonoma is brimming with history, charm, character…and characters. Just beneath its sophisticated demeanor, there’s a decidedly free-spirited, eccentric bend to this community. Mingle with the locals at their wonderful Town Plaza—the largest in California. more
Sonoma Valley
Nicknamed “Valley of the Moon” by Jack London, this is one of the loveliest, most romantic spots anywhere. With mountain ranges on either side, Hwy. 12, (which is only 2 lanes wide) stretches down the valley corridor. It’s shaded by oaks, lined by vineyards and dotted with wineries. This is the quintessential Wine Country drive. more
Healdsburg and Northern Sonoma County
Chic yet comfortable, Healdsburg is known for fine dining, stylish boutiques, luxury spas, art galleries and wine tasting rooms. It is located where three wine appellations meet, and has grown into the main Wine Country town of the north while the Town of Sonoma is the main town in the south. more
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Sonoma Coast
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The Sonoma Coast is intense and dramatic, this is a coastline to inspire awe. (It’s not a bikinis and margaritas type beach.) Highway 1 winds its way along many miles of coast, offering incredible views. There are also miles of hiking trails, some rugged beaches, cute shops, restaurants, whale watching and a sea lion gathering spot at Goat Rock Beach.
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Guerneville - Russian River Area
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Guerneville is an endearing place in which hippies and yuppies, rednecks and gays, live together in peace and harmony. Located next to the Russian River and the redwoods, it’s also a favorite spot for nature lovers. The Russian River is also a wine appellation or region. But locals not in the wine industry tend to call the stretch on River Road starting at Fulton Rd the Russian River Area.
The video shows people taking a canoe trip down the Russian River to Guerneville. It's a favorite past time for locals. Load up a cooler with some goodies and float down the warm, shallow and safe Russian River.
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Sebastopol and West County
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Full of bohemians, intellectuals, artists and activists, this is where Birkenstocks and bongos meet. Plus, you’ve never seen as many flowers in your life as you will just driving down these roads.
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Petaluma and Southern Sonoma County
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If you go on one street in Petaluma, you’ll think it’s full of artsy mavericks. Cross the street, and you’ll believe it’s full of old-fashioned farmers. Turn the corner, and you’ll be sure it’s inhabited by refined socialites. And if you head west through the Two Rocks region, you won’t know what to think.
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Santa Rosa and Central Sonoma County
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The hub of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is a city, but most of the residents continue to think of it as a small town. So, you might get stuck in traffic, but at least the locals will wave you in, with a smile, to merge in front of them. Santa Rosa is also known for being family-friendly and offers great parks and other amenities for the kids.
Sonoma County Wineries, Restaurants, Hotels, Events Map
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Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol
| Wednesday, 06-08-08
The Gravenstein Apple Fair starts this Saturday at 10am. Apple sauce eating contest is at high noon and the apple pie eating contest is at 12:30 on both Saturday and Sunday. Yeehaw! ; ) I love this festival. It reminds me of simpler times, when things weren't so hectic. The Gravenstein Apple Fair is put on by Farm Trails an agricultural organization. So of course the focus is on the Gravenstein apple, however there are many layers to this event beyond the noble Gravenstein. Great music all day long on two stages, the highlight being Saturday at 3pm when Peter Rowan plays. Local chefs put on culinary demonstrations and there is an abundance of things for kids to do too. I think it's fair to say the the Gravenstein Apple Fair really pulls off an event that is fun for everyone, from 3 year olds to 80 year olds, no kidding. So whether you are from out of town or a local who has never been; I'd highly recommend you go. The feeling you get at the Gravenstein Apple Fair is special, we should cherish it.Video of past Gravenstein Apple Fairs.
As mentioned in the previous blog post, Alice waters, foodie icon, was in Sebastopol last weekend to kick off Gravenstein Month. It turns out that our little, local apple was awarded the recognition it deserves and was placed in the Slow Food Ark of Good Taste--a collection of outstanding traditional foods that are in danger of disappearing.Video of Michele Anna Jordan interviewing Alice Waters in Sebastopol here.
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Alice Waters - Slow Food Nation
| Tuesday, 05-08-08
This past Sunday, writer Michele Anna Jordon interviewed foodie icon Alice Waters of Chez Panisse during the celebration of the Gravenstien Apple at the Sebastopol Farmers Market. Jordan and Waters talked about the Slow Food Nation event coming up and also about the "Victory Garden" in downtown San Francisco. Check out a video of the Alice Waters interview here. On the same page you can read about Michele Anna Jordan's latest discovery.
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Sonoma County Fair Summer Fun
| Wednesday, 23-07-08I caught the end of the opening day of the Sonoma County Fair. I went with my son (10) and my daughter (3). Since my son had already been to the fair earlier in the day, I just wanted to breeze in really quickly and take a few pictures and video for you. After parking ($5 to $8), tickets to get in ($2 for the kids, $7 for me), a ride on the ferris wheel ($5 each, ouch!) and some cotton candy, I was almost wiped out of the $40 I had on me. Oh well, good thing they have ATM machines on site.
Even though the Sonoma County Fair is a little pricey, it's totally worth it because it delivers on so many levels. Quite simply, there is so much to do, you would be hard pressed to see everything there in one day. The livestock and agricultural exhibits always give the event an old-fashioned, homey feel. The Hall of Flowers was exceptional this year, complete with a large waterfall and even larger lighthouse.
But the big surprise of the day was the puppet show of Thumbelina. It's not that I'm some sort of marionette aficionado. But, I go to festivals and events just about every weekend to cover them for this website. And I'm not getting jaded, but...I am very grateful when I discover something new and wonderful. And the puppet show was fantastic. Laurie Branham and Gil Olin traveled from Mission Viejo with their Marrionette Theatre On Wheels. And they are putting on performances at the fair 3 times a day. I would imagine this sort of thing is becoming a lost art, at least at this high level. I found myself being sucked into the story line and having an appreciation for the artistry involved. Oh, I forgot, my kids loved it too.
Also of note was a band called Blue Moon. Check out the video above. It's got a little sampling of everything I have mentioned here.
So there you go! Pictures of the Hall of Flowers and yes, the puppet show can be found here - Sonoma County Fair 2008
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Restaurant Eloise - What an Entrance!
| Monday, 21-07-08This Friday the wait is finally over! After a lot of hard work and sweat equity, chefs Eric Korsh and Ginevra Iverson, a husband and wife team, open the much anticipated Restaurant Eloise. And what an entrance...
Both are alums of the famed Prune restaurant in NYC. Sunday night Ginevra appeared on national TV as a sous chef for the team of celebrity chef Gabrielle Hamilton, owner of Prune. They took on the heavily favored Bobby Flay on the Food Network's Iron Chef America. The secret ingredient of the show? Zucchini! Ginevra meticulously worked on a traditional dish called Zucchini Tian which consists of zucchini, onion, potato, tomato and bread crumbs and was served in a cast iron dish. The judges simply loved it, and culinary author Michael Rohlman went on to call it "a perfect dish." Celebrity chef Gabrielle Hamilton and team Prune overtook Iron Chef Bobby Flay and his team with a surprise winning score of 53 to 49.
You can make reservations online for Restaurant Eloise at Opentable.com, and soon at thier website or you can also simply call them at (707) 823-6300.
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