20 Jan 2016
Taste Sonoma Wine Country at Super Bowl City, or Find a “Sonoma Sneakaway” for Deals
SONOMA COUNTY, CALIF. – Whether you're exploring winding back roads, discovering new wineries, or tasting Sonoma County wines at Super Bowl 50, 2016 offers perfect opportunities to experience the delightful abundance of Sonoma Wine Country.
Wine Country at Super Bowl City: Taste of Sonoma features daily wine tastings, tours in San Francisco's Super Bowl City
The one million visitors expected to pass through Super Bowl City in San Francisco January 31 to February 7 will have the chance to taste wine from more than 50 Sonoma County wineries at the Taste of Sonoma lounge, located near the iconic Ferry Building on San Francisco's waterfront.
Local winemakers will showcase the diversity of Sonoma County's wines during regular pourings while Super Bowl City visitors can also enter to win prizes like visits to Sonoma Wine Country, which is just an hour north of San Francisco. Wine will also be available for purchase at Super Bowl City, or to be shipped home to where football fans are visiting from.
Sonoma County, a destination sponsor of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, is the first wine region in the country dedicated to becoming 100% sustainable by 2019.
For more information about the Taste of Sonoma Lounge and the complete wine pouring schedule, visit www.sonomacounty.com/SB50.
Media contact:
Tim Zahner, tzahner@sonomacounty.com, 707-522-5810
Escape with Sonoma Sneakaway for Wine Country deals
Plan your perfect wine country winter getaway with Sonoma Sneakaway, seasonal deals on lodging, wine tasting, dining, tours, and other Sonoma County attractions.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is offering a “Suite Spa Deal” that includes one complimentary in-room massage treatment (a $175 value) and a stay in a suite on the iconic property in the Sonoma Valley. In northern Sonoma County, the Old Crocker Inn is offering either the third night free OR 20% of a two-night stay, and will include tasting passes to local wineries. In west Sonoma County, the luxe Farmhouse Inn has an offer of stay three nights, and the third night is free.
Located just a short drive north of San Francisco, Sonoma County offers more than 400 wineries, over 600 wine country restaurants, 100-plus organic farms, redwood forests, and over 50 miles of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline.
Find more than 60 special offers at www.sonomasneakaway.com.
Celebrate Sonoma County Restaurant Week in March
Enjoy fantastic food at fantastic prices during the 7th annual Sonoma County Restaurant Week, March 7 to 13, 2016. Participating restaurants offer a two-course prix-fixe lunch for $10 or $15, and a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $19, $29, or $39.
Explore new dining options, or enjoy old favorites. Simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as you like during Restaurant Week; no tickets, passes, or coupons required. However, reservations are strongly recommended for this popular event. For more details, visit www.sonomacountyrestaurantweek.org.
More Ways to Fly to Wine Country: direct flights from Orange County
Starting March 16, 2016, Alaska Airlines begins its direct flights from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.
The new route features Horizon Air's 76-seat Q400 aircraft, which Alaska Airlines currently uses on all of its flights to Sonoma County. Alaska already flies to Sonoma County from LAX, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle.
Like all flights returning from Sonoma County airport on Alaska Airlines, a case of wine may be shipped home, for free. You provide the wine, and Alaska Airlines will provide the ride home. More details at http://www.sonomacounty.com/how-to-get-sonoma-county.
WINERIES, BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES
Gloria Ferrer Remodeling Complete
A new entrance and a larger visitor center with additional windows to enhance the impressive view are just a few of the highlights of the recent renovations at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards in the Sonoma Valley in eastern Sonoma County.
New display cases in the entranceway show off about 100 selected pieces from Gloria Ferrer's personal glassware collection. In the contemporary tasting room, luxurious and comfortable furnishings invite guests to linger, and enjoy. The new Vista room offers an exclusive and private space for special food and wine pairings and meetings. The expanded Vista Terrace – almost double its previous size – includes a covered pergola with a shade canopy, lighting, and heaters to allow year-round enjoyment.
To complement its updated facilities, the winery expanded its food offerings, including a charcuterie plate, as well as a local and Spanish cheese plate.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
23555 Highway 121
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-933-1917
Media Contact:
Gloria Ferrer Administrative Office
707-996-7256
Taste Blanchard Family Wines in Healdsburg
Fall in love with hand-crafted, artisan wines in a family atmosphere in Blanchard Family Wines' new Healdsburg tasting room. The by-appointment-only, complimentary, private, and personal tasting includes Blanchard's flagship wines, barrel samples, and a tour of the production space.
Founded by brothers James and Mark Blanchard, the winery hand-crafts limited production, artisan wines, sourced from Sonoma County's top vineyards. Most of the wines are either 100 percent varietal or single-vineyard products.
Blanchard Family Wines
109 W. North St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
630-606-4389
Media Contact:
James Blanchard
303-328-1732
Beer Fans line up for Pliny the Younger Beer – February 5 – 18
When Russian River Brewing releases their much-anticipated, limited edition beer Pliny the Younger, beer fans from around the world congregate on the sidewalk outside the famed brewery in Santa Rosa with hops of snagging a seat at the bar for the world-famous brew. This year, Pliny will be available at the brewery as well as select locations around Northern California for a limited time. The “almost” triple IPA is “very full-bodied with tons of hop character in the nose and throughout. It is also deceptively well-balanced and smooth.”
Russian River Brewing is one of 40 breweries, cider houses and distilleries in Sonoma County, with well-known craft brewers like Lagunitas and Bear Republic and up-and-comers like St. Florian's, HenHouse and Fog Belt offering their takes on great beer.
For details on the limited edition Pliny the Younger release (and start planning how to get your glass) visit http://russianriverbrewing.com/brews/pliny-the-younger/.
Complete listing of Sonoma Beer Country breweries, cider houses and distilleries at http://www.sonomacounty.com/activities/breweries.
Auteur Wines Opens Sonoma Tasting Room
Gather around a cozy, hand-crafted communal table to sip vintages from some of Northern California's most sought-after vineyards in the new Auteur Wines tasting room, located just off the historic Sonoma Plaza in downtown Sonoma.
Committed to promoting the best farming practices and working with a fierce community of passionate winegrowers, chefs, wine collectors, and dedicated clientele, Auteur owners Kenneth and Laura Juhasz strive to produce pure, profound, and authentic wines.
Tastings are available by appointment or walk-in on Saturdays, and by appointment only the rest of the week. Tasting are tailored to each visit, so advance notice is encouraged.
Auteur Wines Tasting Room
373 1st St. W.
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-938-9211
Media Contact:
Auteur Wines
707-938-9211
Taste Barber Cellars in Hotel Petaluma
After a great deal of hard work and attention to detail on the part of winery owners Mike and Lorraine Barber, the historic Hotel Petaluma now houses the new tasting room for Barber Cellars.
During months of renovations, this husband-and-wife team personally refinished antique furniture, and uncovered and refinished the hundred-year-old Douglas fir floor. The tasting room also features a barrel-stave bar and barrel-head tables that Mike Barber built, sanded, and stained himself.
Barber Cellars crafts small production, single-vineyard wines from vineyards around Petaluma in the Sonoma Coast and Sonoma Mountain appellations. The Barbers have been making wine since 2007. In addition to their wines, the new tasting room features local artisan cheeses and art by local painters. The tasting room is open to the public 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.
Barber Cellars
112 Washington St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-981-7034
Media Contact:
Mike Barber
707-981-7034
Trattore Farms Opens Home Ranch Tasting Room
After many years of construction, the public can now enjoy wines, olive oils, and amazing views in the new tasting room at Trattore Farms' home ranch in Geyserville, in northern Sonoma County.
Home to both Trattore Estate Wines and the Dry Creek Olive Company, Trattore Farms uses sustainable farming and production techniques to preserve the essence of the fruit in its wines and extra virgin olive oils. The winery, olive mill, and tasting room facilities are solar powered, which provides about 85 percent of the annual electrical power needed to run its pumps, olive press, and cooling units.
The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed New Year's, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Boxing Day).
Trattore Farms Tasting Room
7878 Dry Creek Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
707-431-7200
Media Contact:
Trattore Farms
707-431-7200
Spann Vineyards Joins Forces with Sonoma Speakeasy
By day it's the Spann Vineyards tasting room, with guided tastings and retails sales. At night it morphs into Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall, a wine bar with live music, showcasing New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, Zydeco, and Rock 'n' Roll covers from the 1960s and 1970s.
And all of this is tucked away down an alley off the historic Plaza in downtown Sonoma. It's a super-well-hidden location, the kind you have to know somebody or have been three before to find.
Owned by Betsy and Peter Spann, Spann Vineyards still offers by-appointment-only winery tours with wine and cheese pairing at its Glen Ellen winery, but the arrangement with Sonoma Speakeasy allows for walk-in, no-advance-appointment tastings of its unique, memorable and food-friendly wines.
Sonoma Speakeasy proprietor Robert O'Maoilriain will operate the Spann tasting room during the day, and magically transform the venue into a fun music and wine bar each evening.
Sonoma Speakeasy
452 1st St. E.
(between Chocolate Cow and LaSalette)
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-996-1364
http://sonomaspeakeasyandamericanmusichall.com/
Media Contact:
Spann Vineyards
707-933-8343
RESTAURANTS, BARS & FOOD PRODUCERS
KINsmoke Serving BBQ in Healdsburg
Relax in a fun and entertaining atmosphere in an easy, family-friendly location, and enjoy "true BBQ" at KINsmoke Restaurant in Healdsburg, in beautiful Sonoma County.
Ideas vary from region to region about how to serve up barbecue, and the folks at KINsmoke promise a "non-denominational approach," where beef, pork, chicken, end even fish are all welcome, and are seasoned to show off the meat, not mask it. It's a simple approach, with the meet cooked on the grill or in a pit over California oak and cherry woods, until it's done.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., KINsmoke is the creation of JC Adams and Brad Barmore, who own the popular Kin Restaurant, featuring pizza and pasta in the town of Windsor.
KINsmoke Restaurant
304 Center St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-473-8440
Media Contact:
JC Adams and Brad Barmore
707-473-8440
Delhi Belly Offers Indian Cuisine Near Sonoma Plaza
Colorful parasols hanging upside down from the ceiling bring good luck to the new Delhi Belly Indian Bistro on Broadway in downtown Sonoma, just steps from the historic Sonoma Plaza.
After reminiscing about childhood feasts in their native Delhi, co-owners Raj Singh and Bhupender Singh decided to bring those same dishes with a modern twist to Americans. Delhi Belly is their fourth restaurant in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The new tandoori oven, covered with orange mosaic tiles, was built specifically for the Sonoma location. The menu includes classic Indian cuisine and new twists on classics, such as kale fritters, organic avocado chaat, and lamb kebabs stuffed with goat cheese.
Delhi Belly Indian Bistro
522 Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-343-1003
www.facebook.com/Delhi-Belly-Indian-Bistro-853967568018007/
Media Contact:
Delhi Belly Indian Bistro
707-343-1003
Cibo Rustico Pizzeria Brings Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza to Santa Rosa
Enjoy Italian-style pizza made with thin crust and authentic imported Italian ingredients, baked in a wood-fired oven, and served in a casual, family-style environment at Cibo Rustico Pizzeria in Santa Rosa, the urban heart of beautiful Sonoma County.
Choose from indoor or outdoor seating in an urban winery village setting in Santa Rosa Vintners Square, with pizza served on large wood wine barrel boards hand-made by the owner. This pizza & wine bar cooks with organic vegetables and spices sourced from local farmers, and offers healthy and tasty salad selections.
The bar serves selected vintages by boutique wineries D'Argenzio, Krutz Family Cellars, Sheldon Wines, and Two Shepherds, plus local craft beer from Fogbelt Brewing Company, with Blondie and IPA on tap. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Cibo Rustico Pizzeria
1305 Cleveland Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-623-9906
Media Contact:
Cibo Rustico
707-623-9906
Follow the Flying Pig to Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House
Chef Rob Larman brings more than 25 years of experience creating memorable food experiences in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area to his newest venture, Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House in the Sonoma Valley in eastern Sonoma County. Cochon Volant means "flying pig" in French, and a distinctive metal statue of a pig takes wing above the restaurant.
After spending the last seven years dishing up authentic low 'n' slow-smoked barbecue at private parties throughout the region, Larman now serves his distinctive delights at this casual-service barbecue restaurant, Cochon Volant serves classic American barbecue – ribs, brisket, pork, shoulder, chicken, and other items – smoked over almond wood and presented Texas-style; sliced to order, priced by the pound, and served on a butcher paper-lined tray. The menu also includes sandwiches, sides, and Larman's signature "killer" fries and "big ass" salads.
Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House
18350 Sonoma Highway
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-509-5480
Media Contact:
Cochon Volant
707-509-5480
LODGING
Mark West Lodge Event Center and Restaurant Opens in Santa Rosa
After being closed for several years, a historic landmark tucked away on the hillsides of Sonoma County recently reopened as the Mark West Lodge Event Center and Restaurant.
Originally built in the 1840s, the lodge was destroyed by fire in 1979 and rebuilt in 1981. The location has been through a succession of owners, and is now under new ownership and management. The site includes the oldest grapevines in California; wrapping the arbor that spans the road on Mark West Road, the vine are more than 160 years old.
The new restaurant offers shareable small plates based on seasonal ingredients, accompanied by craft beers on tap and wine by the glass. Surrounded by lush greenery and with a rustic ambiance, the lodge makes an enchanting site for a wedding ceremony, reception, brunch, or corporate or other private event. It can accommodate up to 175 guests comfortably indoors and up to 200 guests outdoors.
Mark West Lodge Event Center and Restaurant
2520 Mark West Springs Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-528-9333
Media Contact:
Amanda Gallegos
707-528-9333
TOURS AND TRAVEL
Find Unique Wine Country Experiences with Vignetto
Under the motto "Live Wine Country Like A Local," Vignetto.com provides an online platform for access to intimate and authentic Wine Country experiences not available anywhere else.
Vignetto (Italian for vineyard) offers a variety of events and adventures, such as a candlelit dinner in a wine cellar with a winemaker; a private tasting and vineyard picnic with ingredients from the chef's garden; a hands-on experiential cooking course and tasting with a Michelin-star chef; or an all-day or multi-day journey with exclusive access to well-known and lesser-known wineries and vineyards, winemakers, and chefs.
Founded by Healdsburg resident Darin Kotalik, Vignetto currently offers events and adventures in that section of central Sonoma County, but plans on expanding throughout the Wine Country. Customized activities are available for corporate outings and private groups.
Vignetto
401 Center St., Suite 27
Healdburg, CA 95448
415-985-6077
Media Contact:
Vignetto.com
415-985-6077
Ace It Bike Tours Visits Sustainable Wineries
Enjoy riding on quiet roads with scenic vineyard views on the new "Sustainable Winery Cycling Tour" offered by Ace It Bike Tours; the tour starts in downtown Windsor in beautiful Sonoma County.
Cycle approximately four miles to J Winery, known for its sparkling wines and fun, upbeat tasting room (named Best Winery Tasting Room in the West by Sunset Magazine). Then stroll over to Rodney Strong, which was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, for a self-guided tour of the winery.
On the way you'll learn how both wineries implement organic and sustainable practices. Then cycle the four miles back to the starting point. The 4- to 4.5-hour tour includes the use of a high quality hybrid bike, helmet, handlebar bag, water bottle cage, lock, and rear gear rack with wine bike carrier; tasting fees are waived at most wineries.
Founded by Frieda Lewis, Ace It Bike Tours is dedicated to the idea that touring by bike is the best way to visit scenic Sonoma County. All tours are appropriate for all levels of bicycling experience.
Ace It Bike Tours
170 Railroad St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-688-4063
Media Contact:
Frieda Lewis
707-688-4063
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Cheese Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Bringing together artisan cheese makers, farmers, educators, authors, chefs, brewers, winemakers, and cheese enthusiasts, California's Artisan Cheese Festival hosts its 10th annual event on March 18 to 20, 2016, in and around the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma.
"Over the last decade, California's artisan cheese making community has grown exponentially," said Judy Groverman Walker, the festival's executive director. "It's wonderful to know that our festival has helped to foster this growth, and we look forward to supporting the cheese making community for many more years to come."
For its 10th anniversary, the festival's farm tours will include an educational component such as a discussion or tasting led by industry experts, and the destinations will include the Central Valley as well as the San Francisco Bay Area. The not-to-be-missed 10 Year Celebration under a big top on Saturday night allows guests to taste their way around this event, sampling dishes from some of the Bay Area's best chefs and caterers. Each dish will incorporate the chef's favorite local cheese, and guests will vote for their favorite.
California's Artisan Cheese Festival
745 Baywood Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
707-837-1928
http://artisancheesefestival.com
Media Contact:
Caitlin Sandberg
530-400-9207
OTHER
The Silo Introduces New Handbag Line
The Silo now features its own line of handcrafted leather and wool felt handbags, available online, in San Francisco Bay Area boutiques, and in The Silo's studio store in Windsor in beautiful Sonoma County.
These unique handbags are crafted right in the Windsor studio store. As an homage to the natural beauty of her beloved Sonoma County home, designer Adelle Stoll named each bag for a Sonoma County park or beach. All Silo products are made 100 percent within Sonoma County. By contracting with the nonprofit Becoming Independent, The Silo provides employment opportunities for the developmentally disabled.
The Windsor studio store offers an eclectic mix of clothing, accessories, house wares, and gifts. Owners Adelle and Marc Stoll are focused on growing their brand in a conscious and community-minded way. Silo bags are now sold in 17 stores in California and in Canada.
The Silo
624 McClelland Dr.
Windsor, CA 95492
707-657-7837
http://www.siloamericanmade.com
Media Contact Name:
Adelle Stoll
707-291-4484
Chateau Sonoma Relocates to Cornerstone
The innovative shops and gardens Cornerstone Sonoma in southern Sonoma Valley now include Chateau Sonoma, offering a variety of home décor and one-of-a-kind French antique furnishings.
After years of operation in downtown Sonoma, owner Sarah Anderson moved her distinctive shop to Cornerstone in November 2015. Chateau Sonoma blends rustic and chic, true vintage, and new vintage, patina and shine, evoking the small design ateliers and flea markets of France. It also features the work and collections of local artists, artisans, and jewelry makers.
Cornerstone Sonoma features an ever-changing series of walk-through, gallery-style gardens, as well as independent and unique shops and galleries, tasting rooms, and a deli-café.
Chateau Sonoma
23588 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-935-8553
Media Contact:
Chateau Sonoma
707-935-8553
