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SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — New festivals, beer pubs, restaurants, and more illustrate Sonoma County's diversity, abundance, and vitality in the fall season. Here is this month's quick overview of what is new or changing in Sonoma Wine Country.

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 or 800-576-6662. For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events.

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

Home Brewers Competition moves to Petaluma Oct. 7
More than 60 home brews from Sonoma County and beyond will be available for tasting on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the third annual Sonoma County Home Brewers Competition, held for the first time in Petaluma.

This year's competition will be on Scott Street, part of Petaluma's unofficial “Maker District.” The short street is home to the 101 North Brewing Company, Petaluma Hills Brewing Company, and Sonoma Coast Spirits.

From noon to 6 p.m. on Oct.7, the home brewers' competition will include live music, beer games, food trucks, and creative recipes made by passionate brewers. Learn about home brewing and vote for your favorite (voting ends at 3:30 p.m.).

One brew from the top 10 will be crowned Best in Show. The winner gets to brew their winning recipe at 101 North Brewing Company, and have it distributed across Sonoma County.

Sonoma County Home Brewers Competition
Scott Street
Petaluma, CA 94954
707-762-9348
petalumadowntown.com/SCHBC.html

Media Contact
Marie McCusker
707-762-9348
marie@petalumadowntown.com

SoCo Unplugged 6 open to the public Oct. 8
Enjoy music, wine, beer, and food at the sixth annual SoCo Unplugged music festival — open to the general public for the first time this year on Sunday, Oct. 8, at boon hotel + spa, in Guerneville, in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley.

The music lineup includes: symphonic-country-punk-disco-jazz by the duo known as Tumbleweed Soul; country-western tunes by The Easy Leaves duo; rock 'n' roll by singer-songwriter Heather Combs; and original songs and international covers by the high-energy, six-piece dance band Dgin. Food will be for sale from Seaside Metal Oyster Bar, Nimble & Finn's, Chili Pies Baking Co., and boon eat + drink.

The festival begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25-$40, or $45-$60 with a logo'd glass and access to the beer and wine tasting garden. Proceeds benefit the Ceres Community Project, which energizes communities by linking what we eat and how we care for each other with the health of people and the planet.

SoCo Unplugged 6
boon hotel + spa
14711 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-869-2721
www.eventbrite.com/e/soco-unplugged-6-tickets-37102342104?aff=es2

Media Contact
Sara Little
707-536-6865
sara@boonhotels.com

Wine Country Spoken Word Festival debuts Oct. 13
Local storytellers and national and international spoken word artists will bring their talents to Petaluma, in southern Sonoma County, for the inaugural Wine Country Spoken Word Festival, Oct. 13-15, 2017.

Festival headliners include: New York Times bestselling author Sarah Vowell; Bil Lepp, five-time champion of the West Virginia Liar's Contest who is known for his humorous, family-friendly tall tales; and comic, poet, and motivator Steve Connell. The schedule also includes local authors and poets, contests, panels and workshops, and a ghost story session late Friday night. Festival events will be held in various locations throughout Petaluma.

The festival is a natural outgrowth of West Side Stories, founded in 2010 by Petaluma residents Juliet and David Pokorny and modeled after The Moth storytelling nonprofit inn Brooklyn. Once a month, West Side Stories gathers together people who tell stories. Every story must be true, original, told on stage without notes, and no more than five minutes long; the winner (determined by the audience) takes home $50.

Wine Country Spoken Word Festival
Various Locations
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-477-4416
www.davepokornypresents.com

Media Contact
Dave and Juliet Pokorny
707-477-4416
Juliet@dpokornypresents.com

 

WINERIES

Reeve Wines finds a home in Dry Creek Valley
Taste winemaking with a passion at Reeve Wines, now located in the Dry Creek Valley, about four miles north of the Wine Country town of Healdsburg, in Sonoma County.

Reeve Wines is a small passion project by Noah Dorrance, co-founder and head winemaker (still his day job) at the celebrated Banshee Wines, and his wife, Kelly Dorrance, who helped launch Banshee's tasting room and wine club.

The couple started Reeve Wines (named for their young son) in 2015 to explore new territory and as a creative outlet, with a goal of creating balanced and elegant wines that pay homage to the beauty and possibility that California provides. The team at Reeve also includes Ross Cobb (Cobb Wines, Hirsch, Flowers, Williams Selyem) and Katy Wilson (LaRue, Kamen, Flowers).

Reeve Wines is open for tasting Thursday to Monday, by appointment only.

Reeve Wines
4551 Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-235-6345
www.reevewines.com

Media Contact
Reeve Wines
707-235-6345
info@reevewines.com

Taste all things Rhône at The Rhône Room in Sonoma
Sip and experience more than 85 Rhône varietals in The Rhône Room wine studio and farm, the newest wine bar in the historic town of Sonoma in eastern Sonoma County.

The new wine bar is owned by restaurateur and cookbook author Sondra Bernstein; her the girl & the fig restaurant on the Sonoma Plaza features an award-winning “Rhône-Alone” wine list.  The Rhône Room serves as a tasting room of the girl & the fig's wines as well as a curated selecton of Rhône varietals from friends.

The Rhône Room is located in the new Sonoma Roadside Shops, a 1.5-acre property that also includes the organic gardens for the girl & the fig, as well as the Fat Pilgrim contemporary general store, Harvest home furniture and accessories, and the Rozanski Designs landscape and construction company.

The Rhône Room
20816 Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-933-3000
www.therhoneroom.com

Media Contact
The Rhône Room
707-933-3000
TRR@thegirlandthefig.com

 

BREWERIES, BREW PUBS & BARS

2 Tread Brewing features artisan beers, cocktails, tasty food
Hang out in the beer garden, drink artisan beers brewed onsite, have a cocktail, and share a simple but interesting chef-created meal at the new 2 Tread Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.

The seating area and bar offer clear views of the brewery, so you can see the production process while enjoying their small-batch craft beers. The aim is to produce exciting interpretations of classic beer styles along with 2 Tread's own unique twists in grains, hops, fermentation methods, and aging. Some beers may be on the menu all the time with a tiny change here and there, while some limited offerings may only come round every year or two when they are ready.

The changing menu offers meals that are simple and tasty, working with the change of seasons for inspiration and enabling fun ingredients — a Nor Cal take on traditional pub food. Choose from awesome burgers and other hot sandwiches, California-influenced flatbreads, seasonal salads, and rotating entrées on particular days of the week. The house-made beers are also used in the marinades, dressings, and sauces made from scratch.

2 Tread Brewing Company
1018 Santa Rosa Plaza
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
2treadbrewing.com/

Media Contact
Bill Drury
bill@2tbc.com

Meet, drink, eat at The Publican in Windsor
Relax and enjoy great drinks and fine pub fare with your friends at The Publican in Windsor, in central Sonoma County.

Located a short walk from the Windsor Town Green, The Publican is the handiwork of JC Adams and Brad Barmore, who also own the popular KIN restaurant, offering comfort food with a twist in Windsor, and KINsmoke, serving delicious barbecue in Healdsburg.

Offering homage to oysters, pork, and beer, The Publican's eclectic menu is inspired by simple farmhouse fare served in a space similar to a European beer hall. The menu showcases hand-selected and sustainably raised fish, seafood, and pork, from classic Belgian-style mussels and seafood stew to house made terrines and charcuterie. The daily rotating menu reflects the best seasonal and local ingredients available.

The rustic menu is complemented by an extensive international beer list, featuring a wide range of modern and historical beer styles, brewery collaborations, and a focused cider selection. There's also a thoughtfully developed list of house-made, seasonal cocktails and a wine list centered on Northern Italy, Alsace, and the Germanic and Balkan regions and grape varietals.

The Publican
9057 Windsor Road
Windsor, CA 95492
707-838-7821
www.thepublicanwindsor.com

Media Contact
JC Adams
707-838-7821
jcadams11@sbcglobal.net

 

RESTAURANTS & EATERIES

Russian River Vineyards taps Ben Davies as executive chef
The Restaurant at Russian River Vineyards plans to take Sonoma County's farm-to-table movement to the next level with the addition of executive chef Ben Davies, who will be working with head farmer Kayta Brady to master-plan the menus for the coming year. All of the produce for the restaurant's menu will be grown organically, all from seed, at the onsite farm.

With its origins dating back to the 1890s, the Russian River Vineyards estate was built on the foundations of small-scale family farming. Over time, the old family farmhouse became a roadhouse; an old hop kiln-style building became a winery; and the pioneering property become home to one of the region's first vineyards. Today, Russian River Vineyards features a full service restaurant, wine tasting lounge, and organic farm.

A Sonoma County native, Davies has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Meadowood, Murray Circle, and Mirepoix. Most recently, he was chef de cuisine at Santa Rosa's County Bench. Davies will be working with head farmer Brady to create super-fresh, seasonal dishes that celebrate the property's agricultural focus.

When Brady came to Russian River Vineyards four years ago, the open space behind the historic hop kiln building was home to just a few overgrown zucchini plants and a handful of garden-variety tomatoes. Today, Brady raises 1.25 lush acres of certified organic produce and flowers, all from seed. More than 150 plant varietals are grown, harvested, cleaned, cooked, and served daily in the restaurant, without ever leaving the property.

The Restaurant at Russian River Vineyards
5700 Gravenstein Highway 116 N.
Forestville, CA 95436
707-887-3344
www.russianrivervineyards.com/Restaurant/Info

Media Contact
Sara Soergel, Tonic Marketing
707-695-2504
sara@tonicmarketing.com

Taste Japan's diverse culinary heritage at Sake 107
Chef Eiji Ando gets creative with traditional Japanese cuisine in his new Sake 107 restaurant in Petaluma, in southern Sonoma County.

Ando calls the style of his restaurant “isakaya,” a type of informal Japanese gastropub. These are typically after-work dining places, similar to a tapas bar or Irish pub.

The name “Sake 107” is a play on the restaurant's address, but also a nod to its extensive selection of fine sake (Japanese wine made from fermented rice) to pair with the delicious food.

While remaining faithful to traditional Japanese techniques, the menu also draws inspiration from local and sustainable fare. Signature menu items include clam miso soup, Holy Mackerel sushi, Dancing Calamari, and Tuna Lily.

Sake 107
107 Petaluma Blvd. N.
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-241-7580
sake107.com

Media Contact
Eiji Ando
415-572-4019
Sake107petaluma@gmail.com

Red Bee BBQ adds Windsor location
Fans of tasty but affordable Asian fusion barbecue now have two locations to enjoy the delights at Red Bee BBQ — the original site in Santa Rosa and the new location in Windsor, in central Sonoma County.

If you're so inclined, you can taste free samples of everything fresh from the smoker or grill. The menu is simple but delicious, with choices like slow-cooked pulled pork; brisket, carefully trimmed and sliced thin, then cut into inch-square tiles; barbecue pork ribs; or a chicken leg and thigh slow-cooked until tender and juicy, and served with a lightly spicy, sweet barbecue sauce.

Side dishes include house salad, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, steamed rice, mac salad, or potato salad. You can also add Dutch crunch bread or crazy elote corn (Mexican-style roasted corn on the cob) to your order.

Red Bee BBQ
8970 Brooks Road S.
Windsor, CA 95492
707-836-4099
www.facebook.com/RED-BEE-BBQ-Good-fusion-BBQ-very-affordable-1734125970214687/

Media Contact
Red Bee BBQ
707-836-4099
ligeer@yahoo.com

Lot 88 offers upscale American eats in Windsor
Enjoy steaks, seafood, pizza, pasta, and more in a fun, upbeat environment at the new Lot 88 Restaurant and Bar in Windsor, in central Sonoma County.

Named for its street address, the Lot 88 eatery is located at 8988 Brooks Road S. The game is always on in the full bar, and the Happy Hour menu includes gluten-free (Celiac friendly) and vegetarian options.

The restaurant menu includes a selection of pastas, and a variety of pizzas and flatbreads (with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese available), including BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza and Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread.

Choose from a variety of sandwiches and burgers, or entrées like rib eye steak, pork tenderloin, chicken or salmon piccata, or fish & chips. Appetizers include a charcuterie platter, short rib tacos, and crab cakes, and there's a Kids Menu for those 10 and under.

Lot 88 Restaurant and Bar
8988 Brooks Road S.
Windsor, CA 95492
707-620-0750
www.lot88restaurant.com

Media Contact
Lori Elahmad
707-620-0750
lori@lot88restaurant.com

Pamposh adds turmeric wellness shots
Drink to your health with a beverage made with delicious turmeric spice at Pamposh Restaurant in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.

Tumeric is considered an anti-inflammatory agent, and is believed to treat a wide variety of conditions. And of course, the main ingredient in a turmeric wellness shot is turmeric.

Family owned and operated for 14 years, Pamposh Restaurant serves North Indian cuisine using only the freshest local produce and natural meat. Several gluten-free options are available.

Pamposh Restaurant
52 Mission Circle, Suite 110
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
707-538-3367
www.facebook.com/pamposhrestaurant

Media Contact
Monda Dhar
707-537-0462
mkdhar@aol.com

 

LODGING

Oxford Suites open in Rohnert Park
Visitors to Sonoma County now have the option of staying in one of 163 spacious non-smoking suites at the new Oxford Suites Sonoma County — Rohnert Park.

Extended stay and pet-friendly rooms are available at the five-story hotel, which also offers an on-site restaurant and lounge, a fitness center, electric vehicle chargers, and an outdoor cabana, pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Complimentary amenities include a full hot breakfast buffet, evening reception, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

There are five unique indoor and outdoor meeting spaces totaling nearly 7,000 square feet. Event facilities accommodate up to 250 people, and A/V equipment is available. There's also on-site catering, and a free shuttle to and from the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport.

With the addition of the Rohnert Park location, Oxford Suites now boasts 17 hotels throughout California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Following the corporate value of preserving the environment, the new Rohnert Park hotel uses LED lighting, a saline-based swimming pool and spa (maintained with natural materials), bulk amenities, high-efficiency appliances, tankless water coolers, automatic light sensors throughout the hotel, and an on-demand sanitizing system.

Oxford Suites Sonoma County – Rohnert Park
67 Golf Course Drive W.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-584-0333
www.oxfordsuitessonoma.com

Media Contact
Ben Perle, Regional VP of Operations
541-382-2188
benp@oxfordsuites.com

 

TOURS

Visit with wild cats on a private tour
Get up close and personal with 20 endangered wild cats including a snow leopard, African leopard, cougar, lynx, cheetah, and ocelot on the new private tours at the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund campus outside the Western Sonoma County town of Occidental.

Founded in 1993, the fund supports small, grass-roots organizations that work directly in the field to conserve wild-cat species. The organization's goal is to educate the public about the decreasing population of wild-cat species worldwide.

On private tours of its Sonoma County campus, you can watch a wild cat catch fish in a waterfall pond, an ocelot demonstrate its rare climbing skills, and a cheetah doing what it does best — accelerating from 0 to 70 mph in four seconds.

Private tours are by reservation only, and can include a safari luncheon. The VIP package includes spending the night in the guesthouse, listening to the cats talking to each other, followed by a continental breakfast while watching the cheetah outside your door.

Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund
Address available after booking tour
Occidental, CA 95465
707-874-3176
wildcatfund.org

Media Contact
Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund
707-874-3176
wildcat@wildcatfund.org

Horseback ride through vineyards, woodlands at Rollin F Ranch
Experience a guided horseback ride you'll never forget at Rollin F Ranch, a private working ranch in the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country.

Owned by the Fiddler family for more than 100 years (four generations), Rollin F Ranch grows Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah wine grapes (a few of the vines date back to 1906), as well as organic Gravenstein apples and wild blackberries. Vegetable and flower gardens are scattered around the ranch.

Now you can take a one-hour scenic horseback tour of the estate on a trail that offers views of the local mountain ranges, huge oak groves, and woodlands. Wildlife like deer, fox, bobcats, skunks, raccoons, and an occasional coyote may be seen along the trail. Also watch for birds of prey like the Red Tail Hawk and Marsh Hawk; migratory birds like ducks and geese; and local wild turkeys, quail, woodpeckers, robins, and numerous songbirds.

Rollin F Ranch
100 Sparkes Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-480-0800
www.rollinfranch.com

Media Contact
Rollin F Ranch
707-480-0800
rollinfranch@yahoo.com

 

SHOPPING

Pacific Bay Gallery features local, worldwide artists
Discover a variety of contemporary artworks by local and worldwide artists as well as historical, antique, and vintage paintings of the Sonoma Coast, and original Native American paintings at the new Pacific Bay Gallery in Bodega Bay on the spectacular Sonoma County coast.

Although this fine art gallery only opened recently, it features an art collection 35 years in the making. Explore the wide variety of unique and beautiful two- and three-dimensional works of art, including original oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings, rare etchings, limited editions on paper, sculptures, carvings, and relic art.

Pacific Bay Gallery
1785 Coast Highway 1
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
707-875-8925
pacificbaygallery.com

Media Contact
Pacific Bay Gallery
707-875-8925
info@pacificbaygallery.com

# # #

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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Password: SonomaPassion