Sonoma County is Ready to Play

By Kathy Strong

Sometimes hitting pause can be a good thing. In Sonoma County it means opening up to spring in all its glory, from wildflowers and rolling green hills to lots of new and offbeat pleasures to discover in this great outdoors. The only question is: are you ready to play?

Friday Bubbles and Caviar Picnics at Breathless Wines

The return of live music at Breathless Wines Tasting Room might make you, well, breathless. Friday evenings are now reserved for a pairing of refreshing sparkling or still wines with light snacks to kick off the weekend. Add a cheese and charcuterie box to the reservation and relish in delicious local treats while enjoying the glamorous art décor style adorning the tasting room built from reclaimed shipping containers. Make it a celebration with a Caviar Picnic option, where guests can enjoy a bottle of Blanc de Noirs with Caviar, Crème Fraiche and their famous potato chips. Let the music of local artists melt away the stresses of the week every Friday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On the last Sunday of each month between April and October, guests can now reserve a French-inspired breakfast at the rustically lavish garden tasting space, located just a short walk from the Healdsburg town square.  https://www.breathlesswines.com/

Taste through Drive Wines at Locals Tasting Room

Not to be mistaken for “drive through wine tastings” (which could be a nice idea), discover some of Sonoma County’s newest small-lot wines at Locals Tasting Room in Geyserville, featuring a tasting of newcomer Drive Wines award-winning boutique wines. From aspiring winemakers John Musto and Tom Young, the 2021 release of Rosé of Pinot Noir and Sonoma Coast Syrah will tantalize taste buds for the curious wine lover. Dedicated to the craft of premium boutique wines, Drive Wines demonstrates the commitment to quality through single vineyard wine production.

Enjoy tastings of 75 wines at Locals Tasting room, including Drive Wines, in charming downtown Geyserville, where historic buildings and vintage chic aesthetics offer the kindness of an older time paired with modern culinary indulgences. https://localstastingroom.com/

Yoga & Brunch at Bricoleur Vineyards

How about starting your Sunday with a yoga class overlooking the lush vineyards of Bricoleur Vineyards? With two decades of yoga and meditation practice under her belt, Vinita’s soothing voice is joined by the chirping birds to guide visitors through 90 minutes of pure bliss. Continue your bliss with a nourishing, uplifting brunch and tasting flight as you savor the beautiful scenery. Dishes are prepared with ingredients freshly harvested from the estate gardens and local purveyors, paired perfectly with Bricoleur’s wines on their Russian River Valley estate. Flow, sip and savor every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Goats, Yoga and Rescues at Charlie’s Acres

You have to admire any place that loves goats and rescued animals, and this one is very special. Join the rescued animal residents of Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary for a fun filled yoga class with the occasional friendly goat (or sheep) distraction or just plan to visit. This joyful farm filled with incredible animals is also offering animal assisted therapy services for at-risk youth through virtual and in-person sessions. https://www.charliesacres.org/

Tours and Picnics with Well Trained Horses

The name of the farm is Well Trained Horses, so we have to take their word for it. What we do know is the horses are well cared for at this horse rescue. Groom a horse, tour the ranch, see a professional demonstration of different horse training and healing techniques and be sure to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in your own decorated horse stall at Well Trained Horses in Sebastopol. Connect with these compassionate rescued animals and feel reinvigorated while bonding with all that nature has to offer on the three-acre Icssoma Farm. https://www.welltrainedhorses.com/

Dining Joy

While farm-to-fork is considered a new trend, in Sonoma County it’s just called eating. Discover the destination’s rich culinary reputation with some new eateries.

Grab a mouthful of pickled carrots, barbecued meat, cilantro and jalapeños, all served on a crunchy baguette in the Bahn Mi at Jam Joy Bungalow’s new restaurant on the Sebastopol Square. This popular sandwich isn’t the only thing on the menu that features French and Vietnamese culinary influence. Enjoy a special pop-up here from SubHuman Sandwich Shop, featuring a Crabby Boi filled with earthy pea shoots, a heaping amount of sweet Dungeness crab hinted with sesame oil, and topped with a light grapefruit turmeric vinaigrette on a toasted potato roll. The Chicken Parm Vodka Bomb sando is another indulgent selection with creamy vodka sauce, spicy arugula, and burrata atop a fried chicken cutlet in a bun. https://www.jamsjoybungalow.com/

Flowers drape the hills and pastures in Sonoma County, but you can actually taste the freshness of springtime at Miracle Plum Kitchen.  “Flower Power” edible garnishes are added to everything, including salads, cookies and scones. Order breakfast and lunch from their ever-changing online menu, with specials like a house made focaccia sandwich filled with lemony smashed chickpeas, chermoula, roasted carrots, feta, arugula and Flower Power. https://www.miracleplum.com/

Oysters and Wine in Bodega

Indulge in freshly shucked Miyagi and Kumamoto oysters on the half-shell with the Bay-To-Bottle pairing flight experience at Bodega Cellars, complimented by a tasting of wines or ciders. Adjacent to the shellfish shop, this wine bar offers expansive views of grasslands over a relaxing glass of wine. Stay awhile and slowly savor the bounty of local ingredients with a bowl of seafood chowder, smoked salmon on a half bagel or platters of fresh raw oysters on the half-shell. Bodega Bay Oyster Company has been family owned and operated since 1985, featuring sustainably farmed oysters in the plankton-rich waters of Bodega Bay.  http://bodegabayoyster.com/

Refreshed Sonoma Botanical Garden

Once known as Quarryhill, Sonoma Botanical Garden has been rebranded and treated to a complete makeover. The ponds received a facial and a duckweed extraction, making way for a perfectly picturesque spot on the wooden bridge overlooking a garden view with glistening reflections on the water. The historic stone walls were restored, facility buildings were renovated, and more improvements continue to be made as this internationally recognized wild Asian woodland garden.

Visitors will also spot the familiar and beloved Meyer Lemon plant, a hybrid citrus fruit native to China, along with a variety of other citrus plants with Asian origins. Efforts to expand the deliciously refreshing citrus collection are in motion, including the cultivation of Kumquats, Buddha’s hand and more. Visit Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.sonomabg.org

Visit Sonoma County

Just as wine “opens up” when it’s allowed to breathe, Sonoma County inspires visitors to open up to new experiences. Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal. Hike among towering redwoods, cruise along rugged Pacific coastline, and get to know inviting small towns. Or, just sit back and take it all in. Because here, you’re free to go your own way. Sonoma County was named Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Wine Region of the Year. www.sonomacounty.com.

Photos courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism and TravMedia