Springtime in Sonoma County feeds the senses and invites visitors to embrace the explosion of growth and vibrant energy that permeates our landscapes. Whether exploring the Pacific coastline, traversing valleys, or venturing through trails among the towering redwoods, Sonoma County offers diverse experiences to satisfy your preferences. Whether seeking rejuvenation at a wellness retreat or a world-renowned winery. Sonoma County ensures an immersive sensory journey.
New in Wine
Wine tasting takes on a unique twist inside a 120-year-old redwood wine tank turned into a stand-up bar at Dane Cellars in Glen Ellen. Owner and winemaker Bart Hansen leads the way with top-notch wines sourced from Sonoma Valley’s finest fruit, like Grenache and Mourvèdre from Rossi Ranch, Sauvignon Blanc from Beltane Ranch, and Zinfandel from Rancho Agua Caliente with wine tastings in “The Tank.”
New in Restaurants
Barndiva recently made a daring and surprising shift by transitioning its intricate Michelin star-winning menu into an à la carte format. Additionally, the Healdsburg restaurant relocated its dining area to the larger space of the adjacent art gallery, reserving the original venue for exclusive private events. Throughout its tenure, Barndiva’s ownership has prioritized sourcing ingredients locally. This menu expansion into innovative realms enables the restaurant to incorporate produce from local farmers cultivating unique and diverse crops. Another draw to the new Barndiva Studio is the crafted artisanal cocktail menu from Beverage Director Scott Beattie.
Chef/owner Nick Ronan brings his passion for hearty bistro-style cuisine to life at Brigitte Bistro in Petaluma. Classic dishes like beef bourguignon and duck confit to delightful tableside beef tartare and steak frites reflect Ronan’s culinary love. The restaurant, nestled in the former Wishbone and 3 Cooks Cafe space, has been transformed with new bar seating and a chef’s counter overlooking the dining room. Brigitte Bistro is a warm neighborhood spot where friends and family gather over authentic French fare made with genuine love and passion, adding to Sonoma County’s culinary landscape.
In the West County, Wild Poppy Cafe has opened with enticing offerings. Brunch and lunch aficionados are drawn to its doors with prepared fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including their own tofu. Chef/owner Martin Maigaard has also created an artisanal marketplace, a haven for connoisseurs seeking exquisite hard-to-find items ranging from Belgian linens to intricately crafted pottery and artwork. The ambiance comes alive at Wild Poppy on weekends with the sounds of live music, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience. Beyond the culinary delights, Wild Poppy embodies a sense of Sebastopol community spirit, embracing its surroundings of gastronomic delights and rich agricultural heritage.
New in Hotels
New Michelin Hotel Keys Recognizes Sonoma County Excellence
Michelin’s inaugural hotel selection in the United States signifies a significant achievement in travel. Among the 124 properties recognized with One, Two, or Three Michelin Hotel Keys, Sonoma County stands out, with five distinguished establishments securing a coveted position on the prestigious inaugural list. Leading with three Michelin Keys is SingleThread Inn, followed by Guerneville’s The Stavrand and Healdsburg’s The Madrona and Montage, awarded with two Michelin Keys. Completing the quintet of excellence in Sonoma County is the recently reopened Sea Ranch Lodge, earning one Michelin Key for its exceptional charm and appeal. Like the renowned Stars that highlight the finest culinary experiences in the Michelin Guide’s restaurant selection, the Michelin Keys spotlight accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer exceptional stays. This Keys set a new standard, evaluating each hotel experience on a broader scale beyond mere amenities.
Events and Experiences
Museum of Sonoma County – On Tap: Sonoma County Hops and the Beer Revolution
In 1977, New Albion Brewery kickstarted the modern microbrewery movement in the US by brewing beer in discarded dairy tanks in Sonoma County. Today, Sonoma County attracts beer enthusiasts with its abundance of microbreweries and exceptional craft brews. Why? Visitors and craft beer lovers can find answers at the Museum of Sonoma County’s (MOSC) latest exhibition, “On Tap: Sonoma County Hops & The Beer Revolution.” Discover the pioneering roots of microbreweries and the deep history of local hop cultivation dating back to the 19th century. Through this showcase, MOSC enlightens visitors about Sonoma County’s hop legacy and connection to the contemporary beer scene. The exhibition offers an immersive journey through Sonoma County’s brewing heritage with a functional hop harvester, brewing equipment demos, brewery artifacts, and a hop trellis.
