06 Feb 2014
New Tasting Rooms, Food Experiences and an Artistic Visionary for Music

Sonoma County Tourism

Discover new food tours, cooking classes, and ways to experience the abundance of Sonoma Wine Country.


Several longtime Sonoma County restaurants have begun new eras with new owners, remodeled décor, and fresh new menus. Wineries focus not only on good wine, but good food, and sharing it with visitors. And tune in to the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, which has a new leader at the helm.


There is always something new to discover in Sonoma County. Plan your visit today at www.SonomaCounty.com.


Sonoma Mission Inn's Historic Roots Honored

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has been awarded membership in the Historic Hotels of America organization. This organization was created in 1989 to preserve the authenticity of America's best destinations. It identifies quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.
 

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa location was considered a sacred healing ground by Native Americans who discovered the hot mineral waters and built a sweat house that stood for generations. San Francisco physician T.M. Leavenworth was the first to commercially develop the hot springs in 1840. In 1895, the property was bought by Captain H.E. Boyes, who built the Boyes Hot Springs Hotel on the site.
 

A disastrous fire struck the hotel in 1923, but the current resort rose from the ashes just four years later, as an architecturally accurate replica of a California Mission. The resort was closed during the Great Depression, but was reopened in 1933 by hotelier Emily Long. During World War II, the hotel became an “R & R” site for sailors and marines.
 

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes Blvd.
Sonoma, CA 95476
1-866-540-4499
http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/
Media Contact: Michelle Heston
707- 939-2477
Michelle.Heston@fairmont.com


The Green Music Center Gets New Leader from New York Philharmonic

Zarin Mehta, the former president and executive director of the New York Philharmonic, has been brought in to oversee artistic programming for the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.

Mehta plans musical events for Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, the center's 1,400-seat concert hall, including appearances by the San Francisco and Santa Rosa symphonies and an array of international orchestras and musical soloists.
 

Mehta will also begin plans for two future venues at the center. One is the 250-seat Schroeder Hall, named for the character in Charles Schulz' Peanuts comic strip, and scheduled to open in August 2014. The MasterCard Performing Arts Pavilion, a large, open-air venue, is expected to open in 2015.
 

Mehta ran the New York Philharmonic until 2012. He has also been the president and CEO of Chicago's Ravinia Festival, and was managing director of the Montreal Symphony. He is the brother of conductor Zubin Mehta.
 

The Green Music Center
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
866-955-6040
www.gmc.sonoma.edu
Media Contact: Jessica Anderson
707- 664-4122
jessica.anderson@sonoma.edu


New “Save the Gravenstein” Hard Cider

Devoto Orchards Cider has just released their 2013 “Save the Gravenstein” hard cider. The beverage is handcrafted from organic apples grown on the Devoto family farm in Sebastopol.
 

The semi-dry, food friendly cider is crisp, with the tartness of a Gravenstein apple, and a dry finish. The cider pairs well with seafood, pork, and sharp cheeses.
 

Founders Jolie Devoto-Wade and Hunter Wade are second-generation apple farmers, who were inspired to start a hard cider company after laying down roots at their family farm. In August, when their Gravenstein apples are at peak ripeness, they pick them, press them, and pour their energy into every drop.
 

Two generations ago, back when apples were king, the Devotos planted 6,500 apple trees. Since then most of Sonoma County’s orchards have been replaced with vineyards, taking with them the centuries-old Gravenstein. But the Devotos still have more than 50 heirloom apple varieties on 26 organic acres.
 

Devoto Gardens
655 Gold Ridge Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-823-6650
Media Contact: Jolie Devoto Wade
Jolie@devotocider.com
707- 861-0595

 

WINERIES


New Event to Celebrate the Russian River Valley and Pinot Noir

The Russian River Valley Winegrowers have created an inaugural event to celebrate the Russian River American Viticultural Area (AVA), and to celebrate the wine this region has become world-famous for, Pinot Noir.
 

The Pinot Classic is a multi-day event scheduled for May 24 and 25. Look for a seminar, VIP reception, Pinot Paulée Dinner, and a Passport to Pinot tasting event. Over the weekend, guests may explore the wines from this unique wine region, while learning about the tradition and timely relevance of Pinot Noir. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 15, and will be available at www.pinotclassic.com.
 

Russian River Valley Pinot Classic
May 25-25, 2014
www.pinotclassic.com
Media Contact: Lauren Eastman
lauren@issimapr.com


New Tasting Lounge for Rosenblum Cellars

Rosenblum Cellars welcomes visitors to their new urban-chic Tasting Lounge in Healdsburg. The bright and airy tasting room is located just off the Healdsburg Downtown Plaza near Relish Culinary Adventures and The Wurst eatery.
 

In addition to a tasting room, the new location includes an event and educational space, a lounge for locals and club members, and an outdoor patio. The Tasting Lounge provides wine flight tastings, wine-based cocktails, "Bites & Flights," Zinfandel ice cream, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers.
 

A calendar of educational offerings will provide a forum for local growers, food and wine-pairing seminars, and seminars with local artists and artisanal food producers.
 

Rosenblum Cellars Tasting Lounge
18 Matheson Street
Healdsburg, CA
707-473-9267
https://www.rosenblumcellars.com/
Media Contact: Kristen Peck
925-470-7636
Kristen@Kristenpeckpr.com


Tricycle Wine Company Opens New Tasting Room

Tricycle Wine Partners opened their first and only tasting room at Cornerstone Sonoma just a few weeks ago. Their labels include Molnar Family, Kazmer & Blaise, and Obsidian Ridge. These are wines that have helped the company develop a reputation and style for producing single-vineyard, small-batch wines crushed from the grapes of their own vineyards throughout Northern California’s Wine Country.
 

Tricycle Wine Company’s new tasting room includes a tasting bar, a deck, and a bocce court. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 

For a more intimate and extensive experience, join a Tricycle Wine Partners associate for a 90-minute, private, in-depth educational tasting experience. As you taste, enjoy a tour of the Cornerstone Gardens and adjacent vineyards. A winery associate will then lead you through a tasting of their rare, reserve level wines as well as special library and special selections. Advanced reservations for a private tasting and can be made at Tastingroom@tricyclewine.com or call 707-255-4929 ext. 1. Cost is $40 per person.
 

Tricycle Wine Co.
23568 Arnold Dr. (inside Cornerstone Gardens)
Sonoma, CA 94576
707-255-4929
www.tricyclewineco.com
Media Contact: Arpad Molnar
707-255-4929


St. Francis Winery Named a Best Restaurant in America

It’s not a typo. St. Francis Winery in Santa Rosa has been named by OpenTable as one of America’s 10 Best Restaurants. Executive chef David Bush (formerly of the girl & the fig and The Carnelian Room in San Francisco) and his staff create a wine and food pairing experience at the winery that wins rave reviews. OpenTable based its list on 5 million reviews for more than 19,000 eateries across the U.S.

The 1 ½-hour pairing features six courses that feature local ingredients and are paired with wines from St. Francis’ artisan collection. Seatings are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Two seatings are scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
 

The price is $50 plus tax, although wine club members receive a 20 percent discount. Reservations are encouraged and can be made atOpenTable.com, or by calling 800-795-6674.
 

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
100 Pythian Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
www.stfranciswinery.com
Media Contact: Aura Bland
(888) 675-WINE (9463) x 248
Email: abland@stfranciswinery.com


New Chef at J Vineyards & Winery 

Erik Johnson has joined J Vineyards & Winery as their new executive chef and is sharing his knowledge in a new series of cooking classes at the winery. Previously, Johnson was the executive sous chef at Healdsburg’s Dry Creek kitchen and has taught classes at Relish Culinary School.
 

Now guests may get a taste of Johnson’s skills, and take a few home with them in cooking demonstration classes. Look for a new schedule of spring and Easter entertaining classes on J Winery’s website in the near future.
 

Johnson also creates the food-and-wine pairings in the winery’s Bubble Room, a full-service tasting salon, where guests enjoy a three-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients and paired with rare library and small-production wines.
 

Bubble Room tastings are offered Friday through Sunday with seatings at 11 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. Cost is $75 per person and reservations are strongly encouraged, by calling 707-431-5430.
 

J Vineyards & Winery
11447 Old Redwood Hwy
Healdsburg, CA 95448
888-594-6326
www.jwine.com
Media Contact: Elisa Brennan
707-431-3647
Elisa@jwine.com

 

RESTAURANTS


Sonoma County Restaurant Week Now Includes Lunch Menu

Sonoma County Restaurant Week returns for its fifth year, running from March 10 to 16. In addition to great deals in prix fixe dinners, diners may now also choose from affordable lunch menus.

Lunch options will be a two-course meal offered at $10, $15, or $20. Dinner menus are three courses offered at $19, $29, or $39. In addition, most restaurants will offer reduced prices on Sonoma County wine.
 

It’s a tasty way to explore the many fantastic restaurants, creative dishes, and world-class wines that make Sonoma County one of the most coveted food and wine destinations.
 

For a list of participating restaurants and more details about Sonoma County Restaurant Week, please visitwww.SonomaCountyRestaurantWeek.org.

Sonoma County Restaurant Week
www.SonomaCountyRestaurantWeek.org
Media Contact: Hanna Berglund
707-565-6411
hberglund@sonomacounty.com


Kenwood Restaurant Gets New Owners, New Menu

For 26 years, the Kenwood Restaurant on Highway 12 has been a staple in the area, attracting locals, tourists, and local winemakers who would often gather there after the kitchen had closed for the night. Owners Max and Susan Schacher have now passed the keys to Bill and Rebecca Foss, who also own Fish restaurant in Sausalito.
 

Chef Anthony Paone is in charge of the kitchen, and the menu reflects “Sonoma cuisine,” using fresh local ingredients, and in the case of proteins, using them from “tip to tail.” Look for dishes like duck and hominy soup with a poached duck egg, cioppino, pink trout with cornbread stuffing, and rabbit sausage. The menu changes frequently with prices ranging from $9 to $30.
 

The Kenwood Restaurant serves wine and beer and is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
 

Kenwood Restaurant
9900 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, CA 95452
707- 833-6326
Media Contact: Rebecca Foss
707- 833-6326
rebecca@kenwoodrestaurant.com


Seared Steak and Seafood Opens in Petaluma

A new era begins for a beloved restaurant spot formerly known as Graziano’s in Petaluma. For 31 years, customers have been served authentic Italian cuisine in the historic site. Now it has been remodeled and reopened as Seared Steak and Seafood.
 

Chef Joe O’Donnell and his staff shop farmer’s markets and local growers daily to put together a “roadmap” of flavors on their menu. Fresh, line-caught seafood, a great array of steaks, and some interesting side dishes with twists such as brussel sprouts with shallot, hazelnuts, dates, bacon, and Point Reyes blue cheese crumbles.
 

Seared is open for dinner every night except Monday, and they also have a great Happy Hour menu offered Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
 

Seared Steak and Seafood
170 Petaluma Blvd. No.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-762-5997
petalumaseared.com
Media Contact: Ken O’Donnell
707-762-5997


Riccardo’s Restaurant and Bar Opens in Santa Rosa

In Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley, a new neighborhood restaurant and bar breathes new life into a gathering spot that had become a stalwart in the area. What was once known for decades as J Barleycorn’s is now Riccardo’s Restaurant and Bar.
 

New owners have remodeled with a beautiful new bar, half-round booths in the dining room, and have filled the walls with hundreds of old family and local photographs that give you a sense of history about the area.
 

It’s a casual spot where customers can catch up with each other or catch the game. The menu features items like a French Dip, a brisket sandwich with coleslaw, a pear salad, and snacks such as potato croquets and zucchini sticks. The full bar features artisan cocktails as well as wine and beer.

Riccardo’s is open daily offering lunch, dinner and snacks. They host a daily Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 

Riccardo’s Restaurant and Bar
2700 Yulupa Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
707-545-7696
www.riccardossantarosa.com
Media Contact: Rick and Lori Miron
707-545-7696


Twisted 2

Twisted 2, a new intimate eatery, opened in December in downtown Petaluma. Some regular visitors may remember Twisted Vines Wine Bar and Café with great fondness.
 

Owners Dick and Julie Warner closed that business, except for the wine shop, and have now created Twisted 2 in a different and smaller space inside the Lan Mart building.
 

But don’t let the size fool you. There is a lot happening at the five tables in this 600-square foot space. Namely, great food and wine pairing.
 

A complete four-course prix fixe dinner costs $95 with wine pairings, and $60 without. Julie creates the food and the menu changes often. Choices may include pan-roasted Liberty duck breast or grilled lamb chops with a red quinoa tabouli and mint salsa.
 

Dick works his magic pairing wines with each dish. Diners may also enjoy “Happy Hour and a Half” from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a menu that features great wines and food and very affordable prices.

Twisted 2 is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 707- 789-9914.
 

Twisted 2
29 F Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, CA 94952
Twisted2Info@gmail.com
707- 789-9914
www.Twisted2.net
Media Contact: Dick & Julie Warner
707- 789-9914


Red’s Apple Roadhouse

Highway 116 meanders through Sonoma County’s west side, which is full of agricultural treasures, antiques, and some great food finds. This is one of the area’s newest, in a cheerful roadhouse right next to a beloved staple, Mom’s Apple Pie.
 

Red’s Apple Roadhouse opened its doors in November and is serving up homey comfort foods like fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and coleslaw, burgers and onion rings, pulled pork sandwiches, and chicken and dumplings.
 

On weekends co-owner and chef Berry Salinas creates hot donuts served with fresh coffee, along with other breakfast delights. Customers rave about her biscuits and gravy.
 

Red’s Apple Roadhouse is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving lunch and dinner, and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
 

Red’s Apple Roadhouse
4550 Gravenstein Highway North,
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707- 861-9338
www.redsappleroadhouse.com
Media Contact: Berry Salinas
redsappleroadhouse@gmail.com
707- 861-9338


New Greek Night at Taverna Sofia

Taverna Sofia is one of Healdsburg’s newest foodie gems, serving authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes made with both local and Greek imported ingredients. Now the casual restaurant takes the Greek experience up a notch on the last Saturday of each month for Greek Night.
 

From 6:30 to 10 p.m. customers are treated to live Greek music on the scenic patio that features a mural of the island of Santorini. Greek dancing is encouraged by all, and belly dancers help shake up the mood as well.
 

Reservations for Greek Night are highly recommended and can be made by calling 707-431-1982.
 

Taverna Sofia
244 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-431-1982
Media Contact: Tyffani Peters
707-318-2726
Tyffani@MediaMongerPR.com


Pop Up Dinners at Suite D

Just a couple of miles from her destination restaurant, the girl & the fig, Sondra Bernstein has opened a fun warehouse space called Suite D. It is connected to the company’s catering kitchen and decked out in large 30-foot murals, fun lighting fixtures and reclaimed wood. Everything in the space is mobile and able to accommodate pop up dinners and parties that range from casual ping pong parties, to fancy five-star fetes.
 

Suite D is available for parties and events, and there is also a full menu of pop up dinners scheduled throughout the year.
 

Suite D
21800 Schellville Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-933-3667
www.figsuited.com
Media Contact: Sondra Bernstein
figgirl1@gmail.com

 

Foodie Experiences


Savor Healdsburg Food Tours

Discover the culinary oasis of Healdsburg in a three-hour, fun tour led by a local, who happens to be a foodie herself. Tammy Gass and her staff give visitors an exploration of history, insider’s advice on must-dos in the area, and will lead you to some of the tastiest food and beverages in the area.
 

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cost $85 per person, which covers all food and drink tastings on the tour. Or, if you have a group of 6 or more, let Savor Healdsburg plan your own custom tour. This is a great option for wedding parties, company team-building outings, or convention goers.
 

Savor Healdsburg Food Tours
info@savorhealdsburg.com
800-979-3370
www.savorhealdsburgfoodtours.com/
Media Contact: Tammy Gass
800-979-3370


Travel the World at the Savory Spice Shop

The Savory Spice Shop in Santa Rosa offers a new series of international cooking classes that will give locals and visitors a global taste of spices and cuisines. Students will learn about the foods of North, Central and Southern Chile on Feb. 9, with dishes ranging from Oven Baked Maduros (plantains) to Turrón de Vino (red wine mousse). And on Feb. 23, it’s a Carnavale! Celebrating with a Brazilian menu of Feijoada (pork and black bean stew) and Pao de Queijo (a delicious cheese bread).
 

Classes begin at 4:30 p.m. and cost $30, including recipes. To sign up, call 707-284-1310.
 

The Savory Spice Shop
317 D Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95494
707-284-1310
santarosa@savoryspiceshop.com
Media Contact: Mike and Janet Johnston
707-284-1310

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pliny the Younger Release
Feb. 7
Russian River Brewing Company
725 4th Street
Santa Rosa
Russian River Brewing Company's phenomenally popular Pliny the Younger is released the first Friday of February and is available for just two weeks. This award-winning Triple IPA is not bottled, so more people can try it right from the source in Santa Rosa or at select draft accounts.
707-545-BEER russianriverbrewing.com

Steelhead Festival
Feb. 8
Milt Brandt Visitors Center at Lake Sonoma
3288 Skaggs Springs Road
Geyserville
This is a great family event with all sorts of activities and exhibits, including painting, archery, fishing and wildlife. Help celebrate the return of Steelhead Trout to the Don Clausen Fish Hatchery, where they will spawn a new generation of fish. Games, live music, food, and drinks -  something for everyone!
www.lakesonoma.org

Santa Rosa Salsa Festival
Feb. 13-16
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
2777 4th Street
Santa Rosa
The Santa Rosa Salsa Festival features world class dancers and the spectacular 19 piece Latin band Pacific Mambo Orchestra, nominated for best tropical Latin album at the 2014 Grammys. Develop your dance skills with lots of chances to practice! The Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa is offering special festival discounts, book early!
707-484-6086 www.santarosasalsa.com

Calling all Red-Haired Girls
Feb. 14
Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane
Santa Rosa
Little (and not so little) red-haired girls get in free at the Schulz Museum on Valentine's Day!
707-579-4452 www.schulzmuseum.org

Kitaro Symphonic World Tour 2014
Feb. 14
Green Music Center
Petaluma Hill Road & Rohnert Park Express Way
Rohnert Park
Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning artist (and Sonoma County resident) Kitaro will debut his first-ever Eastern European Tour and extensive live production with a full orchestra at Weill Hall. The Santa Rosa Symphony performs with the world-renowned "founding architect of New Age music."
707-546-8742 www.santarosasymphony.com

VinOlivo Weekend: Grand Tasting
Feb. 14
VinOlivo Weekend
1325 Broadway
Sonoma
Part of the Annual Sonoma Valley Olive Season, the VinOlivo fundraiser is a Gala Celebration and Feast for the Senses. Sip Sonoma Valley's best wines as you get to know the personalities behind the wine and ignite your taste buds with Sonoma Valley's culinary delights.
707-935-0803 sonomavalleywine.com

Cloverdale Citrus Fair
Feb. 14-17
Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds
Citrus Fair Drive & S. Washington Street
Cloverdale
Cloverdale's bright, fun Citrus Fair features 3-D exhibits made of citrus fruit and other food products. Gourmet food, arts, crafts, and a carnival bring fun for the whole family. A parade will go through town on the Saturday morning at 11 a.m. www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org

Chinese New Year Celebration
Feb. 15
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building
1351 Maple Ave.
Santa Rosa
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional lion dancing, a parade featuring a 250-foot dragon, and traditional holiday food. Fun for the whole family! www.recacenter.org

Rumble in the Jungle — Valentine's Day at Safari West
Feb. 15
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Rd
Santa Rosa
This Valentine's Day, check out the relationships between lemurs, giraffes, rhinos, warthogs, and more! The day begins at noon with a Wild Love Bites brunch, followed by a Chocolate & African Wine & Beer Pairing, before taking a Safari Wildlife Tour. Reservations required; adults only.
707-579-2551 www.safariwest.com

Sweet 116
Feb. 15
Route 116 Wineries
5700 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa
Celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with the wineries along Route 116, with wine tasting, sweet treats, and take home a souvenir wine glass hand painted by a local artist! tasteroute116.com

VinOlivo Weekend: Ticket to Sonoma Valley
Feb. 15
Participating Sonoma Valley Wineries
Highway 12
Sonoma
This event gives you special access to over 40 Sonoma Valley wineries to enjoy at your own pace! Ticket holders will receive a menu of special offers that differ from winery to winery including complimentary tastings, discounted wine purchases, barrel tastings, or winery tours. sonomavalleywine.com

Eighth Street Wineries Open House
Feb. 22
Eighth Street Wineries Sonoma
21692 & 21481 Eighth Street East
Sonoma
Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience Sonoma's exclusive boutique and artisan wineries for the 2014 annual open house. Off the beaten path yet just five minutes from Sonoma Plaza, nine wineries open their cellar doors for this annual event. Stroll through the warehouses, glass in hand, and savor various pairings by local chefs.
707-939-3930 eighthstreetwineries.com/events

Santa Rosa Tattoos and Blues
Feb. 28-March 2
Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa
2777 4th Street
Santa Rosa
Live Blues bands, world renowned tattoo artists, exhibits, and contests round out a weekend of fun! Doors open Friday at noon, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
530-340-0517 www.santarosatattoosandblues.com

Barrel Tasting Weekends
Feb. 28-March 2, March 7-9
Wine Road - Northern Sonoma County
Various Winery Locations
Healdsburg
Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County presents their annual double weekend event that is all about the wine. Sample wines from the barrel and in most cases a limited number of current release wines. This is a chance to purchase future release wines that are so limited it's the only way to get them.
800-723-6336 www.wineroad.com

Lisa Lampanelli: Fat Girl Interrupted
March 7-8
Wells Fargo Center For The Arts
50 Mark West Springs Road
Lisa Lampanelli reveals the woman behind the comic, and her struggle with food, men and body image.  In turns hilariously funny, surprisingly touching and totally relatable, "Fat Girl Interrupted" will show a side to Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean that few would guess exists.
707-546-3600 wellsfargocenterarts.org

Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival
March 8
Sebastopol Community Center
390 Morris Street
Sebastopol
A full day of music with some of the best in Americana, Bluegrass, Old Time, and Folk. Six bands, workshops, jamming and more. Great food and beverages on site or within walking distance in downtown Sebastopol. www.socofoso.com

Sonoma County Restaurant Week
March 10-16
Participating Sonoma County Restaurants
Various Locations
Santa Rosa
Participating restaurants will present a two-course prix-fixe lunch option priced at $10, $15 or $20, and a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu will be offered for $19, $29 or $39. There are no tickets or passes required, reservations strongly recommended. www.sonomacountyrestaurantweek.org

California's Artisan Cheese Festival
March 21-23
Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma
745 Baywood Drive
Petaluma
Meet the cheese makers and their cheeses, take a farm tour, sign up for a class, attend the Grand Cheese Tasting and Best in Cheese Competition, visit the Bubble Brunch or go to the Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace where you can taste and buy cheeses from more than 20 artisan cheese makers.
707-523-3728 www.artisancheesefestival.com

Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival
March 27-30
Rialto Cinemas
6868 McKinley St.
Sebastopol
The seventh annual Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival returns with an array of independent films that will show at a variety of venues including Rialto Cinemas, the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, and the Laguna Foundation.
707-829-4797 sebastopolfilmfestival.org

Hitchcock Film Festival
March 28-29
Bodega Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Screening Site TBA
Bodega Bay
Celebrate the Hitchcock classic "The Birds." Enjoy look-alike contests, fun photo booths and at least three Hitchcock classics. www.visitbodegabayca.com

Battle of the Brews
March 29
Grace Pavilion, Sonoma County Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Vally Road
Santa Rosa
This year's events include the People's Choice Main Event, The Craft Cup, a judged specialty craft brew competition featuring a variety of premier micro-breweries from around the country,  and The ’Wich Hunt, highlighting the most delicious sandwiches from local chefs.www.battleofthebrews.com

 

Sonoma County, located 45 minutes north of San Francisco, provides a genuine, independent, and adventurous wine country experience, featuring more than 400 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 55 miles of stunning Pacific coast.For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visitwww.sonomacounty.com or call 800-576-6662.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Birgitt Vaughan
Sonoma County Tourism
707-522-5826
bvaughan@sonomacounty.com