Editors: At the end of the release, there's information on how to access high-resolution photos.

SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — With the summer season under way, Sonoma County is a busy and active place, with new events, restaurants, boutiques, and more for visitors to discover and explore. Here's a quick roundup of what's new in Sonoma County in June 2018.

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.

 

EVENTS

Windsor Chili Cookoff joins pro chili circuit
For the first time, contestants in the annual Windsor Chili Cookoff in July will be participating in an official event sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), in the heart of the Sonoma County Wine Country.

Now hosted by the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, the fifth annual Windsor Chili Cookoff is set for noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, on Market Street on the Windsor Town Green. The main competition will be red chili, but cooks can also compete in the homestyle chili category. Additional prizes will be awarded for showmanship and the People's Choice — under CASI rules, guests will get to taste all the red chilis, and vote for their favorite.

The cookoff also includes live music, craft beer, Sonoma County wine, craft spirits, iced tea, agua frescas, and brownies from local makers. Admission is $25; proceeds benefit the Windsor Fire Foundation and the culinary program at Windsor High School.

Windsor Chili Cookoff
Windsor Town Green
Market Street
Windsor, CA 95492
707-838-7285
www.windsorchilicookoff.com

Media Contact
Windsor Chamber of Commerce
707-838-7285
info@windsorchamber.com

 

 

THE ARTS

Gallery 300 moves to The Barlow
The studio/show space vibe of Gallery 300 has found a new home in The Barlow, a 12.5-acre culinary and arts center in Sebastopol, in western Sonoma County.

A venue for painters, a milner, and other artisans, the gallery displays contemporary work focusing mostly on mixed media paintings, but also featuring hats, laser cut lights, jewelry, and other handmade wearables.

Gallery 300 and its artists were part of the founding of the South A Street Arts District (SOFA) in downtown Santa Rosa. The gallery has evolved into a participant in international art fairs in Miami alongside Art Basel.

The opening exhibit in The Barlow space displays works from Jennifer Hirschfield, Terry Sauve, Lisa Thorpe, Amy Smith, Alejandro Salazar, and Ron Macken.

Gallery 300
6780 McKinley, Suite 130
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-332-1212
www.gallery-300.com

Media Contact
Jennifer Hirshfield
707-332-1212
jen@jenniferbec.com

Hammerfriar founder retiring – art gallery under new ownership
A retrospective exhibit of 41 artists celebrates the first 13 years of Hammerfriar Art Gallery, marks the retirement of its founder Jill Plamann, and heralds new owners Charly Leys and Glen Young.

Stepping down after 40 years of presenting art, Plamann curated this final show, which highlights work by 41 different visual artists. Founded in 2005, Hammerfriar Art Gallery and Framing Services exhibits contemporary art with a vision. An important part of Sonoma County's visual arts community, Hammerfriar represents both established and emerging artists from the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

Business partners Leys and Young took ownership of Hammerfriar in August 2017; together they provide more than 30 years of experience in museum-quality framing and art preservation. Leys learned her craft by apprenticing with Young, who is well known in the art preservation world for his technical expertise, design skills, and his study of innovative techniques.

Hammerfriar Gallery and Framing Services
132 Mill St., Suite 101
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-473-9600
gallery.hammerfriar.com/

Media Contact
Charly Leys
707-473-9600
charly@hammerfriar.com

 

WINERIES

Westwood Wines picks Philippe Melaka as head winemaker
Celebrated winemaker Philippe Melaka is now head consulting winemaker for Westwood Estate Wines in the Sonoma Valley, in eastern Sonoma County.

Westwood is known for its handcrafted Rhone and Burgundian varietals from its Biodynamic Annadel Gap vineyard. It partners selectively with premier grower vineyards in Sonoma, to create distinctive small-production wines, including single-clone Pinot Noir, Syrah, and the Westwood Legend Red Blend.

A native of Bordeaux, France, Melaka is highly regarded for his work with Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. This is his first foray into the Sonoma Valley, and he is already at work with Westwood's vintage 2017 wines, which will bear his influence as the final lots and blends are selected for release in 2019. Melaka will have complete control of the 2018 vintage.

Westwood Estate Wines
11 E. Napa St., Suite 3
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-933-7837
westwoodwine.com

Media Contact
Westwood Estate Wines
707-933-7837
info@westwoodwine.com

 

DISTILLERIES

Taste grape-based vodka at Hanson of Sonoma distillery
Sip award-winning, grape-based vodkas in the new Hanson of Sonoma tasting room, and learn how they are made on a tour of the distillery in the Sonoma Valley, in eastern Sonoma County.

A family-owned artisan distillery, Hanson of Sonoma crafts small batches of organic flavor-infused vodkas made from grapes. In addition to the original organic vodka, current flavors include cucumber mint, habanero pepper, ginger root, mandarin orange, espresso (limited edition), and boysenberry (limited edition).

The new tasting room offers a variety of experiences. The Hanson Vodka Expression Tasting ($15 per person) is a guided tasting of six organic vodkas, including seasonal releases available only at the distillery. The Hanson Vodka Cocktail & Expression Tasting ($20) is a guided tasting of three vodkas, plus a craft cocktail. The Distillery Tour & Hanson Vodka Tasting ($25) explores the facility and explains how the spirits are made, following by a guided tasting. And the VIP Distillery Tour & Hanson Vodka Tasting ($35) offers an in-depth tour and a seated tasting.

Hanson of Sonoma
22985 Burndale Road
Sonoma, CA 95476
hansonofsonoma.com

Media Contact
Hanson of Sonoma
info@hansonspirits.com

 

BREWERIES, BEER PUBS & BARS

HenHouse Brewing opens Petaluma Palace of Barrels
HenHouse Brewing Company now hosts two locations for tasting its brews — its original taproom in its Santa Rosa brewery in central Sonoma County, and the new Palace of Barrels in Petaluma, in southern Sonoma County.

Founded in 2011 with a focus on underappreciated beers, HenHouse crafts beer 30 barrels at a time. Its five flagship beers are: Saison, which is ale brewed with black pepper and coriander; An Honest Day's Work, a red rye Saison; Oyster Stout, brewed with whole oysters; Stoked! Pale Ale, a rotating-hop pale ale that allows for experimentation; and an IPA.

With 16 beers on tap, the family- and dog-friendly Petaluma Palace of Barrels is open 4-9 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Fresh cans of beer are released every Wednesday, and a different food truck is on hand each evening, Wednesday to Sunday.

Petaluma Palace of Barrels
HenHouse Brewing Company
1333 N. McDowell Blvd.
Petaluma, CA 94954
www.henhousebrewing.com/petaluma

Media Contact
HenHouse Brewing Company
707-978-4577
tastingroom@henhousebrewing.com

 

RESTAURANTS & EATERIES

Pick up picnic fare to go at Frenchie
With picnic season in full swing in Sonoma County, the new Frenchie Picnics and Provisions in the town of Sonoma presents a menu of delicious French picnic fare, from meat and cheese platters to sandwiches, salads, and dinner entrées.

A small, well-curated general store with locally sourced food and provisions of all kinds, Frenchie is the creation of chef/owners Sarah Pinkin and Elizabeth Payne. What started as a mobile food car has evolved into a brick-and-mortar store.

In addition to grab-and-go lunches and dinners, Frenchie offers all kinds of picnic supplies, from wine openers to blankets, beer and wine, fresh flower bouquets, and a stand-up bar for a quick bite. All the prepared to-go foods are cooked at the owners' off-site catering kitchen.

Frenchie Picnics and Provisions
521 B Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-343-7559
www.frenchiesonoma.com

Media Contact
Frenchie
707-343-7559
frenchiesonoma@gmail.com

Savor simplicity at Ippinn Udon and Tempura
Slurping is allowed at the new Ippinn Udon and Tempura restaurant in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.

A Japanese staple for nearly 1,000 years, udon are chewy, thick noodles traditionally served hot in winter and cold in the summer, with a dashi broth (a briny broth made with shrimp flakes and seaweed), scallions, and a soy dipping sauce. Udon bars are popular in San Francisco, and Ippinn Udon owners Frank Wu, Teng Yushu, and Mason Lin hope to introduce a love of udon to the North Bay.

An udon noodle-making machine sits by the window, endlessly chopping noodles. The menu ranges from simple bowls of udon to crossover dishes like curry udon or spicy beef. Service is cafeteria style, and guests slide their trays past a selection of tempura options, choosing the ones they want.

Ippinn Udon and Tempura
1800 Mendocino Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-521-9911
www.ippinnllc.com

Media Contact
Ippinn Udon and Tempura
707-521-9911
ippinnudonandsushi@gmail.com

What a Chicken blends tastes of Mexico and the South
After serving up thousands of chicken and rib orders at local farmers markets over the past five years, Cesar and Griselda Seguar opened their brick-and-mortar What a Chicken restaurant in Petaluma, in southern Sonoma County.

Delicious aromas waft through the parking lot, where the meats are grilled over a large barbecue. Blending flavors of Mexican and Southern cuisines, the budget-friendly menu offers mesquite-grilled chicken and pork ribs; chicken, steak, shrimp, and veggie wraps; chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, and veggie tacos; side orders of potato salad, coleslaw, green salad, rice, beans, and home made tortillas; aqua fresca fruit beverages; and wine and beer.

What A Chicken
706 E. Washington St.
Petaluma, CA 94952
510-776-7615

Media Contact
What A Chicken
510-776-7615

Wero Restaurant opens at Virginia Dare Winery
With its name shortened from Werowocomoco to Wero, the restaurant at Virginia Dare Winery is once again serving unique and delicious Native American foods in Geyserville, in northern Sonoma County.

Inspired by the culinary traditions of the earliest inhabitants of North America, the Wero menu focuses on native ingredients with a zestful accent. Popular menu items include fry bread tacos, bison ribs, and rotisserie chicken. Wero is open Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Named for Virginia Dare, the baby girl born in the "lost" colony in what is now Virginia, the winery honors the genesis of American winemaking. Werowocomoco, meaning “place of leadership,” was the center of the Powhatan Confederacy in the early 17th century. Wero Restaurant and Virginia Dare Winery are part of the Family Coppola, the wineries and other businesses created by film director Francis Ford Coppola.

Wero Restaurant
 22281 Chianti Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
707-735-3575
www.virginiadarewinery.com/en/visit-us/restaurant

Media Contact
The Family Coppola
877-329-3266
service@thefamilycoppola.com

Mi Ranchito adds Sonoma restaurant
The popular Mi Ranchito Mexican restaurant is serving up its hearty tacos, sopas, burritos, and more in its third location, in the town of Sonoma in eastern Sonoma County.

The newest Mi Ranchito features a huge patio and large bar area, and serves traditional Mexican cuisine and margaritas, based on the heritage of the Rodriquez family of Cuernevaca, Mexico. Mi Ranchito opened its Cotati location in 2008 and its Santa Rosa site in 2017.

Mi Ranchito – Sonoma
19315 Highway 12
Sonoma CA 95476
707-933-9496
www.facebook.com/Mi-Ranchito-Sonoma-168725947165642

Media Contact
Mi Ranchito
707-933-9496

Miso Good Ramen brings Japan to Santa Rosa
When you're craving Japanese comfort food with modern influences, make your way to the new Miso Good Ramen restaurant in Santa Rosa, in central Sonoma County.

Working with fresh, seasonal ingredients, the chefs create sushi, small plates like Sunomono salad (cucumber, shrimp, octopus, seaweed, and rice vinegar) or Gyoza Dumplings (chicken and ground pork, fried or steamed), and big, beautiful bowls of ramen. A Japanese staple, ramen varies from region to region (like American barbecue), but typically consists of some combination of meat, vegetables, noodles, egg, and broth, in a bowl.

Miso Good Ramen offers a selection of ramen, including Soft Shell Crab Paitan Shoyu (chicken and pork broth, soft shell crab, chasu pork, and tender greens) and the vegetarian Miso Butter Veggie (fermented soy bean broth, okra, corn, sprouts, tender greens, and butter, with a vegan option available). Beverages include draft, bottled, and canned beer, wine by the glass, and a varied sake selection.

Miso Good Ramen
507 Fourth St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-545-7545
misogoodramen.com

Media Contact
Miso Good Ramen
707-545-7545
misogoodramen@gmail.com

Two Dog Night Creamery scooping sweet treats at The Barlow
Choose from a variety of seasonal flavors of organic gelato-style ice cream at the new Two Dog Night Creamery in The Barlow, a 12.5-acre culinary and artisan center in Sebastopol, in western Sonoma County.

All the ice cream is made in house, using locally sourced organic ingredients. It's frozen using liquid nitrogen, and then placed into containers to be scooped into cones and bowls. Vegan options are always available, and the waffle cones are also made in house.

Two Dog Night Creamery
6760 McKinley St., #110
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-823-9276
www.twodognightcreamery.com

Media Contact
Two Dog Night Creamery
707-823-9376
jwilson@twodognightcreamery.com

Taste of Tea expands menu, drinks, hours
Immerse yourself in all things Japanese at The Taste of Tea Japanese Restaurant, Spa, and Tasting Bar, now offering an expanded menu, pouring Japanese sake and beer, and open longer hours in the Wine Country town of Healdsburg, in northern Sonoma County.

Enter a new state of mind, balanced in art and science, in this multi-faceted business, which offers a full-service restaurant, retail boutique, tea and sake tasting, and a mini-spa with treatments using Japanese green tea. It's all based on the Japanese concept of omotenashi, the spirit of service and hospitality.

The new menu includes Bento boxes; ramen, udon, and soba noodle dishes; and a variety of rice dishes, as well as appetizers and sides. Desserts include a green tea sundae, Japanese almond pudding, and mochi ice cream.

The Taste of Tea now serves sake and beer imported from small Japanese breweries. Other beverages include matcha (powdered tea drinks), marTEAnis (no-alcohol “cocktails” served in martini glasses), tea and coconut milk lattes, specialty no-alcohol drinks, siphon pot infusions, freshly steeped teas, and tea tasting flights.

A sampling of the spa treatments includes a green tea foot soak, a warm aromatic herbal neck wrap, and a bamboo fabric facial mask. The Taste of Tea is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday through Tuesday; closed Wednesday and Thursday.

The Taste of Tea Japanese Restaurant, Spa and Tasting Bar
109 North St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-431-1995
thetasteoftea.com

Media Contact
The Taste of Tea
707-431-1995
teadocents@thetasteoftea.com

 

LODGING

Gaige House enhances 'Zen' experiences
Renamed Gaige House + Ryokan but still managed by the Four Sisters Inns collection of properties, the serene and luxurious 23-room inn in Glen Ellen in eastern Sonoma County now features décor and services inspired by the traditional Japanese ryokan inns.

All guests are welcomed with jasmine green tea and freshly baked matcha cookies upon arrival. Located in a private area of the property, nine Ryokan Zen Suites feature authentic Japanese accents, with king beds, fireplaces, private karesansui rock gardens, outdoor patios, and deep granite soaking tubs.

In-room amenities to heighten comfort and tranquility include classic yukata kimonos, geta and zōri slippers, meditative music, and Japanese delicacies including green tea, sake, and ice cream mocha. Organic-fiber Coyuchi bathrobes and towels, and hinoki wood bathing accessories including mats, stools, and ladles complement the traditional bathing experience.

Along with the swimming pool, outdoor spaces at Gaige House + Ryokan now include a new Meditation Deck along the creek, for quiet reflection and yoga practice. Next to the breakfast room, the Sun Deck invites guests to relax around the fire pit while enjoying the mountain views.

Gaige House + Ryokan
13540 Arnold Drive
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-0237
www.thegaigehouse.com

Media Contact
Sharon J. Rooney
707-838-1637
sharon@foursisters.com

Jenner Inn now serving dinner
Dine on the Sonoma County coast at the Jenner Inn, which is now serving dinner from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

The menu offers traditional favorites like shrimp Louie, fresh grilled salmon, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo, as well as fish and chips, a Jenner cheeseburger with fries, and grilled chicken breast or slow roasted barbecue pork sandwiches. The full bar features local beers, Sonoma County wines, and premium spirits.

The recently remodeled Jenner Inn is a landmark collection of historic buildings, some of which date back more than a century. The unique main building was constructed entirely from redwood in the late 1940s by Swedish boat-builders. The 21 guest rooms offer ocean and river views, and include a complimentary continental breakfast.

Jenner Inn
10400 Coast Highway 1
Jenner, CA 95450
707-865-2377
www.jennerinn.com

Media Contact
Jenner Inn
707-865-2377
innkeeper@jennerinn.com

 

TOURS
Ace It opens bike touring, rental center in Windsor
Now settled into its new facility in Windsor, in central Sonoma County, Ace It Bike Tours & Rental Center offers a variety of guided Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tours and Bike 'n Brew Tours, as well as rentals for those who prefer to do it themselves.

Guided tour options include the Sonoma Wine Country Tour through the Russian River Valley, the Santa Rosa Bike 'n Brew tour riding to renowned breweries, the Healdsburg Cycling Wines Tour, and the Windsor Bike 'n Brew Tours.

For those who want to rent, high-quality hybrid bikes are available conveniently located to beautiful trails, with free delivery offered in Santa Rosa. Ace It also offers discount packages combining cycling with hot air ballooning, golfing, and other adventures.

The new touring and rental center also features work by local artists, handmade jewelry, T-shirts, and other merchandise.

Ace It Bike Tours and Rental Center
367 Windsor River Road
Windsor, CA 95492
707-688-4063
aceitbiketours.com

Media Contact
Frieda Lewis
707-688-4063
frieda@aceitbiketours.com

 

SHOPPING

Littlefour relocates to Main Street Sebastopol
The fun and inspired shopping experience offered by the Littlefour retail and design studio has relocated several blocks to its new home on Main Street in downtown Sebastopol, in western Sonoma County.

Littlefour provides a well-curated selection of unique handcrafted housewares, clothing for men and women, accessories, jewelry, paper goods, gifts, and children's goods. It carries work by local artists and designers, including the in-house label by Littlefour's designer and owner Danielle Rodrigues. Every piece in the store has its own story, and is handcrafted, ethically made, well designed, and beautiful.

Littlefour
168 N. Main St., Suite B
Sebastopol, CA 95472
415-438-0187
www.littlefourstore.com

Media Contact
Littlefour
415-438-0187
danielle@littlefourstore.com

Boho Bungalow adds Sebastopol boutique
The home and gift boutique Boho Bungalow now offers its alluring and eclectic collections in two western Sonoma County locations — its original store in Occidental, and the new location on Main Street in Sebastopol.

Owner Faith Parker is passionate about filling both stores with unique and well-designed home décor and gifts, and new merchandise arrives daily from local artisans, flea markets, estate sales, and trade shows. In-home interior design and styling services are available.

Boho Bungalow – Sebastopol
125 N. Main St.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-299-8462
www.thebohobungalow.com/

Media Contact
Faith Parker
707-299-8462
faith@thebohobungalow.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

Editors: High-resolution photos can be found at

sonomacounty.smugmug.com/PhotoLibrary/Whats-New
Password: SonomaPassion