Tips for a Sonoma County Slowcation 

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Santa Rosa

Look for the Snail of Approval and support the Slow Food Movement

In a world of go, go, go, more and more travelers are seeking a “slowcation” – time to slow down, unplug, relax, and actually take the time to smell the roses. Enter Sonoma County.  

Sonoma County embraces this concept in many ways – a lazy float down the Russian River, forest bathing in a grove of redwoods, a therapeutic soak at a top-of-the-line spa. Then there’s the Slow Food movement. 

Slow Food in Sonoma County awards the Snail of Approval to local restaurants, farms, ranches and producers that make a significant contribution to improving the food system, using “good, clean, and fair food for all people.”  

Below are a handful of places to add to your Slowcation itinerary. 

Culinary Farm at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Santa Rosa

food and wine pairing at St Francis
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Santa Rosa

The culinary farm at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Santa Rosa cultivates a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including heirloom tomatoes, kale, chard, squash, peppers, and root vegetables. Additionally, the farm grows seasonal ingredients like edible flowers; herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil; and unique crops like figs and stone fruits. 

Dishes served from this culinary garden are true farm-to-table creations, expertly paired with the winery’s renowned wines. The cuisine is innovative with seasonal menus featuring fresh salads, vibrant vegetable-forward dishes, and rustic entrees like roasted vegetables with herbs, garden risottos, and farm-fresh egg-based dishes. The flavors reflect the rich terroir of Sonoma County, creating a harmonious blend of food and wine, where each meal is a celebration of local agriculture and sustainability. 

Goguette Bread, Santa Rosa

Goguette Bread is a family-owned bakery that uses freshly milled organic flours, gray sea salt rich in flavor and minerals, water with the perfect balance of temperature and purity (free of chlorine and unwanted minerals), and 20-plus-year levain. The bakery’s handcrafted breads are made in small batches with a long fermentation of more than 16 hours, allowing nature and chemistry to do their magic. This process allows the development of rich deep flavors and aromas in addition to lowering the gluten content, making Goguette’s breads more digestible and gut-friendly. 

Nightingale Breads, Forestville 

Located in Forestville, Nightingale Breads is a small-town bakery on the Russian River serving organic artisan breads.  

Nightingale’s baking operations are centered around a wood-fired brick oven. The fire is burned nightly to build heat in the bricks, at which point the coals are raked out, leaving the residual heat to bake the entirety of their breads the next morning.

the outside of nightingale bread bakery
Nightingale Breads, Forestville 

Everything at Nightingale Breads is made from scratch, and the handmade, organic breads are made with locally sourced ingredients. The bakery also sells a selection of local cheeses, olive oils, preserves, and salamis. 

Psychic Pie, Sebastopol 

Psychic Pie has quickly become a favorite local haunt in Sebastopol thanks to the delicious pies and friendly neighborhood-joint vibe. The pizza shop makes its “al taglio” pizzas using a unique Roman technique and superior ingredients from local California farms, including foodie favorites like Bianco Di Napoli tomatoes, flour from Central Milling, and hand-pulled Ramini Mozzarella di Bufalo. 

Sarmentine Artisan Boulanger in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Petaluma  

Sarmentine is a French bakery renowned for its commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients and time-honored baking methods. Specializing in both bread and pastries, Sarmentine emphasizes the use of organic, locally sourced flours, along with natural leavening agents such as wild yeast (levain), which contributes to the rich flavor and texture of its bread. 

The process of making bread at Sarmentine involves a slow-fermentation method, allowing the dough to rise over an extended period. This technique enhances the flavor and creates a beautiful crust while maintaining a soft, chewy interior. The bakery’s signature loaves include rustic sourdough, baguettes, and multigrain varieties, all baked to perfection in a traditional stone hearth oven. 

In addition to bread, Sarmentine offers a range of delicate, handcrafted pastries made with premium European butter and fresh, local ingredients. The croissants, pain au chocolat, and fruit tarts are known for their flaky, buttery layers and rich taste, achieved through precise lamination techniques. The bakery’s dedication to quality and artisanal processes results in exceptional, authentic French-baked goods. 

The Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa 

Located in the heart of Santa Rosa’s SOFA arts district, The Spinster Sisters offers a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, the restaurant works closely with Sonoma County farms, ranches, and purveyors to create its ever-evolving menu. 

The Spinster Sisters’ cuisine reflects a creative, global perspective while staying rooted in the bounty of Northern California. Dishes highlight fresh, seasonal produce, sustainably raised meats, and inventive flavor combinations. 

The restaurant is open weekly for dinner except for Mondays. 

Volo Chocolate, Windsor

Volo Chocolate artisan chocolate making smores
Volo Chocolates, Windsor

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Jeff and Susan Mall, Volo Chocolate is a bean-to-bar artisan chocolate company based in Windsor, California that crafts exceptional small-batch chocolate bars. With a passion for quality and sustainability, Volo sources premium cacao beans directly from ethical and environmentally conscious farms in Central and South America. The company’s commitment to fair trade practices ensures the chocolate is as socially responsible as it is delicious. 

Each Volo Chocolate bar is handcrafted, with flavors that celebrate the rich complexity of different varieties of cacao while incorporating thoughtfully chosen local ingredients. From classic dark chocolate to innovative blends featuring locally inspired flavors like sea salt, espresso, and seasonal fruits, Volo’s process emphasizes minimal intervention to highlight the natural characteristics of the cacao. Every step, from roasting and conching to molding and packaging, is carried out with meticulous care. 

These treats are available at select retailers, local farmers’ markets, and online.

DaVero Farms & Winery, Healdsburg

DaVero Farms and Winery, located in the heart of Sonoma County, is a biodynamic and organic gem that blends sustainable farming with the art of winemaking. Established with a deep commitment to nurturing the land, DaVero embraces regenerative agricultural practices, creating an ecosystem that thrives in harmony with nature. The farm is home to diverse crops, including olives, fruits, and vegetables, alongside its celebrated vineyards, showcasing a holistic approach to agriculture. 

DaVero’s wines are crafted from Mediterranean varietals such as Sangiovese, Vermentino, and Grenache, carefully chosen to thrive in Sonoma County’s microclimates. Each wine reflects a dedication to minimal intervention, allowing the distinct character of the soil and environment to shine through. The result is a portfolio of expressive, terroir-driven wines with vibrant flavors and a sense of place. 

In addition to its exceptional wines, DaVero produces award-winning olive oils from its estate-grown, organically farmed olives. These oils, pressed fresh to capture their purest essence, have become a hallmark of the farm’s dedication to quality and sustainability. 

Visitors to DaVero can explore the property through intimate tastings and tours, immersing themselves in the beauty of the farm and the principles that guide its operations. From the flourishing gardens to the thoughtfully crafted wines, DaVero Farms and Winery offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the connection between people, land, and sustainable practices. 

For an Even Slower Pace 

For the ultimate “slow” experience, extend your stay in Sonoma County and get the most out of your precious time away. Find other Slow Food businesses here, and don’t miss these “Slow” food trucks, bakeries, and more in Sonoma County. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Weekend itinerary


Written by Brooke Herron 

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