SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Spring is an active season, and Sonoma County is blooming with innovative new restaurants, tasting rooms, tours, and much more.

Take a farm tour and cuddle a baby goat; visit a winery or distillery to get a behind-the-scenes look on how their products are crafted; or take a multi-day guided trek exploring stunningly beautiful remote areas. Those are just a quick sampling of all that's new in Sonoma County.

Spring also marks a number of Sonoma County milestones, with additional airlines and flights making it easier to arrive and depart by air, a name change embracing the best this region has to offer, and a chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a culinary gem.

Discover other new things to see and do. Visit www.sonomacounty.com for information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, or to order a free visitors guide to start planning a trip today.

 

FEATURED

Sun Country Airlines flying to Sonoma County in August
Travelers from the Midwest will be able to fly direct from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) to Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) beginning in August 2017, when Sun Country Airlines starts its new seasonal service.

Giving its passengers a direct gateway to Sonoma Wine Country, Sun Country will fly one round-trip flight weekly for 15 weeks, departing MSP on Thursdays and returning Sundays, Aug. 24 through Dec. 3. Founded in 1982 by a small group of Minneapolis-St. Paul pilots and flight attendants, Sun Country Airlines now serves 40 cities.

With the addition of Sun Country, five airlines will be flying out of STS: Alaska (Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, and Seattle), Allegiant (Las Vegas), American (Phoenix), Sun Country (Minneapolis), and United (San Francisco).

Media Contact:
Kelsey Dodson-Smith, Sun Country Airlines
651-681-3900
kelsey.dodson-smith@suncountry.com

American adds second daily flight from Phoenix
Responding to passenger demand, American Airlines is adding a second daily nonstop flight from Phoenix to Sonoma County beginning July 5, 2017.

American started offering nonstop flights from Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to the Charles M Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) in February 2017. Several flights on the Bombardier CRJ-700 jet have sold out, prompting the increase in service. The two-hour nonstop flights are operated by American Airlines' partner SkyWest as American Eagle.

Media Contact:
Jon Stout, STS Airport Manager
707-565-7243
jon.stout@sonoma-county.org

Clover Stornetta now Clover Sonoma
Embracing the Sonoma Wine County mystique, Clover Stornetta Farms — the Bay Area's largest dairy producer — has dramatically rebranded itself and its milk cartons as Clover Sonoma. The new name for this 40-year-old company evokes a sense of the rolling hills of Sonoma County to consumers in distant locales, says company president and CEO Marcus Benedetti.

Clover is keeping its popular Clo the Cow mascot. However, it's changing its ownership structure into a benefit corporation, whose goals will include not only making a profit but also having a social conscience, providing social and environmental benefits.

Along with its name change, Clover is rolling out its first conventional milk certified to be free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Within two years Clover Sonoma will make all its liquid milk products — such as cream, half-and-half, and buttermilk — GMO-free in all its various size containers. (Its organic milk has always been GMO-free.)

The Petaluma Cooperative Creamy first introduced the Clover brand in 1916. After a devastating fire destroyed the Petaluma processing and bottling operations in 1975, the company purchased Stornetta's Dairy, moved to Sonoma, and became Clover Stornetta Farms in 1977. The company consolidated and moved back to Petaluma in 1984.

Clover Sonoma
Petaluma, CA 94975
1-800-237-3315
cloversonoma.com

Media Contact:
Kristel Corson, Marketing Director
1-800-237-3315
askclo@cloversonoma.com

Summer 2017 marks 20th Year for the girl & the fig
A special celebration on the historic Sonoma Plaza on Aug. 20, 2017, honors 20 years of farm-to-table dining at Sondra Bernstein's the girl & the fig restaurant.

Plus, this summer the Rhone Rangers will recognize Bernstein with a lifetime achievement award, for her passion and dedication to the advancement of Rhone wines. The girl & the fig offers an exclusively “Rhone Alone” wine list, highlighting Rhone wines from California and abroad.

From the beginning Bernstein and executive chef John Toulze offered creative interpretations of farm-to-table dining, prepared from the best of Sonoma County's bounty. After three years in its original location in the town of Glen Ellen, the highly acclaimed restaurant moved to its present site on the historic Sonoma Plaza.

Bernstein's first cookbook (the girl & the fig cookbook) was published in 2004, and in 2011 she self-published Plats du Jour, the girl & the fig's Journey through the Seasons in Wine Country. Today the girl & the fig company includes a team of more than 200 employees, two busy restaurants, a catering division, an event venue, an organic farm, and a food truck — and more projects are in the works.

Held from 6-9:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, the 20 Year Anniversary Party features a delicious locally sourced menu that highlights the girl & the fig's farm-to-table cuisine. Rhone wines will be featured at every table. Tickets ($50-$75) are available through eventbrite.com.

the girl & the fig
110 W. Spain St.
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-938-3634
www.thegirlandthefig.com

Media Contact:
Durae Hardy
707-933-3000 x15
durae@thegirlandthefig.com

 

WINERIES

Alexander Valley Winegrowers launch new website
The Alexander Valley Winegrowers association recently launched an informative new website, featuring details about and photos of this world-class wine growing region in northern Sonoma County.

The nonprofit Alexander Valley Winegrowers association is a community of winegrowers and winemakers sharing generations of family, history, and traditions dedicated to world-class winegrowing in the Alexander Valley. Its new website includes information about the valley, family winegrowers, wine growing and winemaking practices, and a directory of local wineries.

The largest of Sonoma County's 17 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs or wine regions), Alexander Valley is home to multi-generational grape growers, more than 30 premium wineries, acres of rugged beauty, and expansive, breathtaking vistas. The valley's micro-climates, elevation, topography, geology, and soils all contribute to making world-class wines, and the region is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alexander Valley Winegrowers
3487 Alexander Valley Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
916-505-4296
www.alexandervalley.org

Media Contact
Tamara Rocco
707-431-2894
info@alexandervalley.org

Gloria Ferrer offers elevated tasting experiences
Taking the standard wine and food tasting experience to new levels, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards now provides several new elevated experiences at its winery in the southern Sonoma Valley, in Sonoma County.

Pinot Noir Journey: Discover the winery's long history and how it became known for being the Pinot Noir pioneer. Enjoy a semi-private tasting experience of small-lot wines available only at the winery (one sparkling and four exclusive Pinot Noir wines paired with the perfect small bites). (60 minutes, $75, semi-private, minimum 2 and maximum 6 people)

Taste of Spain: Explore the wines and tapas of Spain while enjoying picturesque views of Sonoma. Learn the Ferrer family history and Freixenet story followed by a private food and wine pairing seated in the Vista Room overlooking the vineyards. A wine educator will walk you through four Spanish estate varietals from the Ferrer Family wine collection, paired with tapas, plus a pouring of a special Freixenet cava. (60 minutes, $50, semi-private, minimum 2 and maximum 12 people)

Glassware Exploration: Learn how glassware enhances the profiles you love in wine. Experience the variance in aroma and taste from assorted stemware. Determine the profiles you enjoy most about wine to select the right stemware for your pallet. (60 minutes, $45, semi-private, minimum 2 and maximum 14 people)

Picnic Experience: Enjoy an intimate picnic for a small group of friends on the winery's private hilltop area with panoramic views of Carneros vineyards. The picnic includes savory nibbles to start, gourmet sandwiches, two side salads, and dessert. Also enjoy glorious bubbly and Estate varietals of your choice. One bottle purchase required per couple (choose from a select menu). (90 minutes, $50 per person, two tables available, minimum 4 people, maximum 8 per table)

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
23555 Highway 121
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-933-1935
www.gloriaferrer.com

Media Contact
Claudia Pehar
707-933-1935
Claudia.pehar@freixenetusa.com

Galatea Effect adds Sonoma tasting room
Taste complexity, persistence, elegance, intensity, and depth at the new Galaeta Effect tasting room in “Vine Alley” off the southern end of the historic Sonoma Plaza, in Sonoma County.

Harnessing the power of self-confidence (aka “the Galatea Effect), hard work, and desire, Joel A. Clapick is aiming for “world-class wines that rival the best.” The winery produces small-lot wines from the finest California vineyards, with a focus on Syrah, Pinot Noir, and assorted Rhone varietals.

The tasting room is generally open daily between noon and 6 p.m., but the hours fluctuate slightly depending on the season (it's best to call ahead to check). Reservations are required for private tasting appointments, special events, and groups of eight or more.

Galatea Effect Fine Wine
25 E. Napa St., Suite E
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-849-9062
www.galateaeffect.wine

Media Contact
Galatea Effect Fine Wine
602-622-2429
info@galateaeffect.wine

Paradise Ridge pairs herbs, wine, chocolate
Discover a wine and chocolate pairing like no other at the Paradise Ridge Winery tasting room in Kenwood, in eastern Sonoma County.

Created by tasting room manager Annette McDonnell, this unique herb and wine tasting experience uses local chocolates crafted by Wine Country Chocolates. Select herbs and fruits are infused into handmade dark chocolates, which are then paired with Paradise Ridge's artisan wines. The tasting features rarely showcased wines, including a Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine and the Late Harvest Ode to Joy.

This creative and fun experience highlights the chemistry and fundamentals behind food and wine pairing by using an approachable method anyone can enjoy — chocolate. The tasting showcases the amazing flavors you find in wine by focusing your senses and using herbs from the garden.

The Herb, Wine and Chocolate pairing is offered from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in Kenwood, during the gardening season. It includes five wines and five chocolates for $30 per person.

Paradise Ridge Winery
8860 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, CA 95452
707-282-9020
www.prwinery.com

Media Contact
Annette McDonnell
707-282-9020
annette@prwinery.com

Landmark Vineyards adds second tasting room at Hop Kiln Estate
With the purchase of Hop Kiln Estate, Landmark Vineyards adds a second tasting room in the heart of the Russian River Valley on Westside Road, in Sonoma County.

Landmark Vineyards at Hop Kiln Estate offers indoor and outdoor tasting experiences, and expansive vineyard views in a historic setting. It is open daily, offering limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay off the estate and from surrounding vineyards. A delicious array of local cheeses and charcuterie are available as a build-your-own picnic option.

Since 1974, Landmark has been dedicated to producing handcrafted, ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourcing its grapes from unique vineyard sites throughout California to create rich, balanced wines. It's signature wine, the Overlook Chardonnay, has appeared on The Wine Spectator Top 100 list seven times.

Landmark Vineyards at Hop Kiln Estate
6050 Westside Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-433-6491
www.landmarkwine.com

Media Contact:
Timothy Hall
310-312-2868
timothy.hall@fijiwater.com

Bank Club Wine Collective pours INIZI, Baldassari wines in downtown Guerneville
A collective means at least two, and Sonoma County's new Bank Club Wine Collective in downtown Guerneville features wines by two boutique operations, INIZI Wines and Baldassari Family Wines.

INIZI Wines was co-founded by A.J. and Jen Filipelli with John and Kirsti Harley, and is named based on their belief that a bottle of wine begins in the vineyard. They produce small lot, reasonably priced whites and reds from Mendocino, Sonoma, and Napa counties.

Matt Michael and his father started Baldassari Family Wines in 2003 as a tribute to his grandfather, winemaker Vincenzo “Jimmy” Baldassari. They craft artisanal wines, including small lot Pinot Noir, from growers throughout the region.

The new collective is housed in the Guerneville Bank Club. Built in 1921 and lovingly restored, this historic bank building also houses an art gallery space, a pie and ice cream parlor, retail space with clothing and home accessories, and a local history display.

Bank Club Wine Collective
16290 Main St.
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-604-6938
bankclubwinecollective.com

Media Contact:
Bank Club Wine Collective
707-604-6938
bankclubwine@gmail.com

Idlewild Wines opens Salumi & Wine Bar in Healdsburg
Enjoy a plate of salumi and a glass of wine in a casual and cozy environment in Idlewild Wines' new Salumi & Wine Bar just off the historic plaza in downtown Healdsburg, in Sonoma County.

Idlewild has a relatively concise aim within a broad context: to produce wines of exceptional balance and beauty. It is a journey to pursue the varietals of Italy's Piedmont area, and to find the sides of these varieties that are intriguing, delicious, and haunting.

Idlewild Salumi & Wine Bar
132 Plaza St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-385-9410
www.idlewildwines.com

Media Contact:
Nicole Daly
707-385-9410
nicole@idlewildwines.com

Locals Tasting Room celebrates 16 years, 10th winery
Founded 16 years ago as the first independently owned wine tasting collective statewide, Locals Tasting Room in Geyserville, in northern Sonoma County, recently announced the addition of its 10th winery, Denier-Handai.

Compare a wide variety of wines, side by side. Locals Tasting Room lets visitors discover small, unheard of boutique wineries, taste delicious handcrafted wines, and meet enthusiastic and friendly “wine people” eager to share their knowledge, all in one location. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Locals Tasting Room
21023 Geyserville Ave.
Geyserville, CA 95441
707-857-4900
localstastingroom.com

Media Contact:
Carolyn Lewis
707-481-2935
caroynlewis@gmail.com

 

DISTILLERIES

Tour and taste at Sonoma County Distilling Company
Founded in 2010 as California's first whiskey-only distillery, the Sonoma County Distilling Company is now open to the public for tastings and sales.

Sonoma County Distilling is based a grain to glass philosophy, and dedicated to hard work and time-honored techniques. From the milling, mashing, and fermentation of grains, to direct-fired copper alembic pot distillation, to American oak barrel aging, bottling, and labeling, every level of production is handled in house. The goal is to create a new legacy, one that is steeped in traditional values but fueled by modern taste.

The distillery is open for tastings and sales from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Tours are by appointment at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are $20 per person, and include a tasting of six whiskeys and a souvenir logo Glencairn whiskey glass.

On another note, Sonoma County Distilling Company's Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength took home a gold medal and the Best of Class – Whiskey award from the American Craft Spirits Association's annual convention and award ceremony in February 2017. The ACSA is a nonprofit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its convention is one of the largest gatherings focused on craft distillers, and the 2017 event attracted close to 1,000 producers and suppliers.

Sonoma County Distilling
5625 State Farm Drive, Unit 18
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-583-7753
http://sonomacountydistilling.com

Media Contact
Tanya Seibold
707-710-0058
tanyas@sonomacountydistilling.com

 

RESTAURANTS, BARS & EATERIES

Flower & Bone features 'preserve-centric' menu
A passion for canning, pickling, and fermenting prompted Dalia Martinez and Jason Sakach to convert an early 20th century mercantile building into a unique restaurant in Santa Rosa.

Inspired by ancient traditions and techniques in the Eurasian region of the world, the menu features clay-oven-cooked local-pasture-raised meat, handmade dumplings, and bone broths. Guests can choose a tasting menu or order a la carte.

Martinez and Sakach also own Santa Rosa's popular Naked Pig Café, which also features much of their “preserve-centric” passion on its brunch and lunch menus.

Flower & Bone
640 5th St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-708-8529
www.flowerandbonerestaurant.com/flower-bone-home

Media Contact
Jason Sakach
707-708-8529
jsakach@gmail.com

Gravenstein Grill debuts in Sebastopol
Sample Sonoma County's ample bounty of food and drink in the new Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol.

Chef Bob Simontacchi brings his love of Northern California and its food to the dinner table, crafting familiar yet innovative dishes using local produce, meat, and seafood. Sample menu items include applewood smoked trout over truffled egg salad, braised short ribs with smoked gouda orzo mac and cheese, duck confit flatbread with caramelized onions, the pimento burger, and red coconut curry with quinoa pilaf.

Gravenstein Grill offers world-class local wines, handcrafted cocktails, and Sonoma County's famous micro-brews, as well as a large patio and spacious bar. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome but seating will be limited.

Gravenstein Grill
8050 Bodega Ave.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-634-6142
http://www.gravensteingrill.com

Media Contact:
Gravenstein Grill
707-634-6142
contact@gravensteingrill.com

Enjoy craft beer, eats at Flagship Taproom
With 20 taps and a delicious menu five childhood friends have banded together to open the Flagship Taproom in their hometown of Cotati, in Sonoma County.

The goal is for guests to feel welcome to sit awhile and enjoy a variety of local craft beers, wines, and good eats. The Flagship Taproom serves a variety of brews to suit every taste, from pilsners to sours and everything in between.

The food menu includes tasty bar bites like sliders and chicken tenders; specialty melts like the Mediterranean Melt (salami, artichoke, and sliced red onions with mozzarella and parmesan cheese) and Chicken Cranberry Melt (with gouda); and salads.

Flagship Taproom
8099 La Plaza, Suite B
Cotati, CA 94931
707-664-5904
www.flagshiptaproom.com

Media Contact
Flagship Taproom
707-664-5904
info@flagshiptaproom.com

The Drawing Board features delicious wholesome foods
Located in the heart of downtown historic Petaluma, The Drawing Board aims to nourish both body and soul with a menu of minimally processed, locally sourced, whole foods.

Owners Rosie Wiggins and Ariel Nadelberg consider their customers to be guests in their home. They aim to marry wholesome and delicious food with a sustainable, community driven ethos. The restaurant will support nonprofits and community organizations that focus on social and environmental causes.

The interior features salvaged, reclaimed, and recycled materials. The seasonal New-American menu offers healthy takes on dishes like duck confit cassoulet, smoked trout rillettes with roe, and a beef burger. The full bar includes beer and wine (with biodynamic, organic, sulfate-free options) and apothecary-style cocktails using herb tinctures, shrubs, and other potions from foraged plants.

The Drawing Board
190 Kentucky St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-774-6689
www.tdbpetaluma.com

Media Contact:
Colleen Rustad, Visit Petaluma
707-769-0429
colleen@visitpetaqluma.com

Café Lucia hosts Wine Wednesdays
Enjoy Wine Wednesdays at Café Lucia in Healdsburg, offering a two-course menu for $29 in addition to the a la carte menu plus complimentary corkage on the first bottle of wine per table, for lunch or dinner.

Located just steps away from Healdsburg's historic downtown plaza, Café Lucia offers Cozinha Nova Portuguesa — new Portuguese cuisine. The menu celebrates the varied and complex flavors of Portugal, adapted to the immense offerings of top-quality ingredients in Sonoma County.

Café Lucia
235 Healdsburg Ave., Suite 105
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-431-1113
www.cafelucia.net/

Media Contact:
Lucia M. Fincher
707-431-1113
info@cafelucia.net

Horatius offers coffee, wine, gifts in Glen Ellen
Tucked away in a recently renovated space in Jack London Village in the Sonoma Wine Country town of Glen Ellen, the new Horatius café includes an organic coffee bar, wine bar, gourmet market, and gift shop with home décor, antiques, and souvenirs.

Retired after owning an advertising agency for 25 years, Horacio Gomes promises his new café will feature “a gourmet gallery of products,” from coffee, wine, and sandwiches, to pastries, smoothies, salads, décor, art, and antiques.

Horatius
14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 1
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-934-8496
www.horatius.com

Media Contact
Horacio Gomes
707-934-8496
horacio@horatius.com

Trail House sells bicycles, craft beers, camaraderie
Buy a bicycle, eat a quick meal, and enjoy a craft beer with friends, all in one place at the new Trail House in Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County.

Promising, “Bikes. Beer. Coffee. Not Necessarily in that Order,” the Trail House sells everything bicycle enthusiasts need to get out on the road or trail and back again.

When the cycling is done (or before it begins), the Trail House also offers a rotating selection of craft beers from local breweries, rare brews from around the U.S. and Europe, coffee and espresso from San Francisco's Sightglass Coffee, and a menu that includes sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and hot dogs.

Trail House Santa Rosa
4036 Montgomery Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
707-843-4943
www.trailhousesantarosa.com/

Media Contact
Trail House
707-843-4943

 

LODGING

Russian River Vacation Homes adds Starlight Retreat
Architectural charm and stunning forest views distinguish the Starlight Retreat, the newest rental available from Russian River Vacation Homes in Sonoma County.

The Starlight Retreat actually includes two homes — Starlight and Starbright — located about 100 yards apart on this 50-acre property. Each home boasts a hot tub and delightfully unique décor.

Built by skilled woodworkers and master craftspeople, the three-bedroom, two-bath Starlight was featured in a 1986 issue of Architectural Digest. Highlights of this home include a sunken living room surrounded by window seats and a window-clad loft bedroom. Follow trails to hot tub and the recreation room, with a pool table, exercise equipment, laundry, and a deck with views for miles.

Starbright was once the woodworking shop for the builders of Starlight; now it's a three-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with an open layout, high ceilings. Signs mark the property's hiking trails, which lead to a seasonal creek and a mini open-air amphitheater.

Family-owned and operated, Russian River Vacation Homes offers more than 55 vacation rentals. It is a division of D&G Equity Management Inc., the largest and oldest property management company in western Sonoma County.

Russian River Vacation Homes
14080 Mill St.
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-869-9030
www.riverhomes.com/vacation-rentals/starlight-retreat

Media Contact
Kate Williams
707-869-9030
kate@riverhomes.com

 

TOURS

Trek the Sonoma County back country with LandPaths
Experience remote areas of Sonoma County that few people get to see on a multi-day coast range hike presented by one of the nonprofits working to promote and preserve the region's open spaces and natural beauties. Enjoy local wines and spirits, chef-prepared farm-to-table food, and stunning vistas on this carefully crafted trek, May 19 to 21, 2017.

A leader in developing public access to protected lands, for several years LandPaths has been taking its volunteers and other locals on multi-day treks across public and private properties, immersing them in the best of Sonoma County. Now, in a pilot program, LandPaths is offering these multi-day treks to the visiting public.

The TrekSonoma multi-day coast range hike is designed for those who love to walk, are inspired by Sonoma County's incredible ecological and gastronomic geography, and who believe that in slowing down, walking, and sleeping in a landscape, we get to know ourselves a bit better.

It's possible to drive from LandPath's Bohemia Preserve in Monte Rio to Shell Beach on the coast in about an hour. In contrast, this trek with the same starting and ending points will take three days, cover approximately 20 miles, and immerse participants in the landscape, crossing private lands with permission.

Renowned naturalist Michael Ellis will lead a portion of this rustic adventure, and a local chef will prepare the meals. Each night hikers will bed down in a rustic but comfortable “tent village” (with air mattresses, and a privacy cabana for rinsing off before cocktails and appetizers). Participants' overnight gear will be shuttled to each site. The all-inclusive cost for the three-day trek is $625.

TrekSonoma Multi-Day Coast Range Hike
LandPaths
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-544-7284
www.landpaths.org
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJl42Jrv8fo

Media Contact
Craig Anderson
707-544-7284 x100
craig@landpaths.org

Redwood Hill expands spring farm tour schedule
This year there are more chances than ever to cuddle baby goats, learn how to milk a goat, and experience sustainable farming first-hand on the Spring Farm Tours at Redwood Hill Farm, a goat dairy farm in the lush farmland and rolling hills of western Sonoma County.

In the past, farm tours were only available on a few weekends each spring. The schedule has been expanded for 2017, with farm tours offered on Saturdays from April to early June. This year the tours also feature a smaller, individually led format that provides a more intimate look at the farm.

In addition to more than 300 goats, this Certified Humane farm also has chickens, beehives, olive and fruit orchards, and more. Sustainable farming practices include a tracking solar array, rainwater catchment tanks, and the pioneering use of tagasaste, an innovative goat fodder crop.

The Spring Farm Tours start at 11 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children, and free for children under 5; advance reservations required. Bring a picnic, and enjoy the farm after the tour ends.

Redwood Hill Farm - Capracopia
5480 Thomas Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-823-8250
redwoodhillfarm.org/tours/visit-the-farm

Media Contact:
Sharon Brice
707-823-8250
sharon@redwoodhill.com

Pure Luxury Transportation adds service truck
Operating one of the largest chauffeured fleets in California, Pure Luxury reaffirms its commitment to safety and service with the addition of a new service truck.

Its new Dodge 5500 fully loaded service truck is dedicated to immediate on-the-road maintenance repairs, as well as conducting preventive service and safety inspections at Pure Luxury's three Northern California locations. The company's experienced maintenance team is now able to attend to every vehicle need, whenever and wherever that need arises.

For 26 years, Pure Luxury Transportation has been the premier transportation leader throughout Sonoma, Napa Valley, Foster City, San Francisco, and Hayward, offering the perfect combination of luxury and utility for any size group and any occasion.

Pure Luxury Transportation
4246 Petaluma Blvd. N.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-775-2920
www.pureluxury.com/

Media Contact:
Gina Rodriguez Gross
707-775-2920
gina@pureluxury.com

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Remembering The Summer of Love in Sonoma County
It's been 50 years since about 100,000 hippies, flower children, students, political activists, musicians, and others (most of them young) arrived in San Francisco in 1967 for a summer of peace, love, rock 'n roll, and celebration.

Known as the Summer of Love, the upbeat, blissful trend wasn't confined to the city, but spread north and took root in Sonoma County, where rock music and back-to-the-land movements prospered and drew national attention.

Big name musicians like Carlos Santana and Jerry Garcia filled major San Francisco arenas, but also performed in Sonoma County's smaller, quieter venues like The Barn in Rio Nido and Inn of the Beginning in Cotati.

Many seeking bliss in communal living were drawn to the beautiful rural countryside and fine weather in Sonoma County, which was home to many alternative-living communities. Located in remote countryside near Occidental and Sebastopol, the 32-acre Morning Star Ranch, also known as The Digger Farm, was featured in a 1967 Time magazine issue devoted to the hippie movement.

Many Summer of Love people put down roots in Sonoma County, adding to the area's laid-back, easy-going attitude. This summer the West County Museum in Sebastopol features “The Hippies” exhibit, and fascinating and fun collection of memorabilia on loan from hippies who settled in the area.

Sonoma County Tourism
400 Aviation Blvd., Suite 500
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-522-5800
www.sonomacounty.com

Media Contact:
Tina Luster, Communications Manager
707-522-5818
tluster@sonomacounty.com

Tibetan master artist creates 'Coloring for Meditation'
Coloring becomes a form of meditation in the new coloring book by traditional Tibetan master artist Tashi Dhargyal, owner of the Tibetan Gallery & Studio in Sebastopol, in western Sonoma County.

Tibetan Buddhists have long seen art as a powerful meditative practice. Published by Wisdom Publications (Santa Rosa, CA), “Coloring for Meditation” contains 50 illustrations using designs from traditional Tibetan Buddhist art.

Through deep symbolism, Tibetan imagery of enlightenment depicts the qualities of wisdom and compassion. The mindful focus evoked by coloring them can not only still agitation, it can connect you to deeper meanings.

Dhargyal is one of the few masters in the West working entirely in the traditional Tibetan method, which includes hand-prepared canvas, hard-ground mineral pigments, and 24k gold. In his Sebastopol gallery and studio, Dhargyal is currently creating a thanbhochi, which is a massive, multi-story Buddhist scroll painting.

Coloring for Meditation
Tibetan Gallery & Studio
6770 McKinley St. #130
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-509-3777
coloringformeditation.com

Media Contact:
Tashi Dhargyal
707-509-3777
studio@tashidhargyal.com

Sunset names Petaluma in list of 5 'Best Main Streets'
The results are in for Sunset Magazine's “Show Us Your Main Street” contest, and Petaluma's historic and charming downtown area in southern Sonoma County earned it a spot on the list of five Western towns with the best main streets.

McMinnville in Oregon won the contest, with Petaluma selected as one of four runners-up. The other runners-up included Carlsbad, Calif.; Sheridan, Wyo.; and Vancouver, Wash.

The contest required entrants to submit two-minute videos describing how their main streets are the heart of soul of their towns. Read Sunset's article at www.sunset.com/travel/best-main-streets, or watch Petaluma's video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xUY26kUICc.

Petaluma Visitors Program
210 Lakeville St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-769-0429
www.visitpetaluma.com

Media Contact
Colleen Rustad
707-769-0429
colleen@visitpetaluma.com

New tools make it easier to get around in Petaluma
New online and print tools are available to help tourists and potential residents learn more about the districts, heritage, and attractions in the city of Petaluma, in southern Sonoma County.

Developed as a joint effort between the City of Petaluma and the Petaluma Visitor Program, the interactive website and color-coded district and heritage paper maps make it easy for visitors and companies recruiting talent to quickly identify neighborhoods and points of interest throughout the city.

The mobile website, petalumamap.com, has been launched with information drawn from the 2016-17 Petaluma Visitors Guide.

Printed copies of the Petaluma map are available at the Visitors Center. It's compact — about the size of a cell phone and with a good introduction to the districts.

Petaluma Visitors Center
210 Lakeville St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-769-0429
www.visitpetaluma.com

Media Contact
Colleen Rustad
707-769-0429
colleen@visitpetaluma.com

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Find your passion in Sonoma County, located only 30 miles north of San Francisco and featuring more than 425 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 50 miles of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 707-522-5800.

Birgitt Vaughan
Public Relations Manager
Sonoma County Tourism
400 Aviation Blvd., Suite 500
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-522-5826
bvaughan@sonomacounty.com

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