From ocean to table, a countywide celebration highlighting sustainability, stewardship, and the creativity of Sonoma County’s culinary community
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif., — What began last year as the hugely popular inaugural Black Cod Week is returning this fall in a bigger, bolder format: Black Cod Month. Taking place from October 1 to 31, 2025, this countywide celebration is organized by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) in partnership with Sonoma County Tourism (SCT).
The expansion from a week to a month reflects both the enthusiasm of the culinary community and the significance of black cod to Sonoma County’s story. Known for its rich, buttery flavor and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, black cod is harvested under some of the world’s most rigorous sustainability standards. Celebrating it here means honoring the fishing families who bring it to shore, the fishmongers and retailers who connect it to consumers, and the chefs who transform it into unforgettable dining experiences.
“Our fishermen have worked tirelessly through repeated closures and restrictions, and Black Cod Month gives them a chance to thrive while bringing new business to local restaurants and shops,” said District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “This is the kind of partnership that keeps Sonoma County strong.”
The benefits ripple outward:
- For fishing families, Black Cod Month recognizes generations of stewardship and the resilience of a community that relies on healthy oceans.
- For markets and retailers, it’s an opportunity to showcase a responsibly sourced, premium product alongside Sonoma County’s agricultural bounty.
- For chefs and restaurateurs, it offers a platform for innovation, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to casual coastal favorites.
- For visitors and residents, it’s an invitation to experience a month-long culinary tradition rooted in sustainability, creativity, and connection.
- For the economy, it bolsters the entire supply chain: supporting jobs, attracting visitors, and reinforcing Sonoma County’s reputation as a premier food and wine destination.
“Black Cod Month demonstrates what makes Sonoma County so special,” said Kelly Bass Seibel, vice president of Community Engagement at Sonoma County Tourism. “It’s where sustainability meets hospitality, where stewardship is celebrated, and where visitors and locals alike can enjoy food that tells a deeper story.”
To help inspire participants, Chef Dustin Valette of Valette Healdsburg andThe Matheson is serving as the official Black Cod Month Champion. Valette, known for his advocacy of local flavors, will share ideas and recipes to encourage creative approaches to preparing black cod across the county.
“As a chef, I’m focused on the sustainability of our biodynamic farmers, ranchers, and fishmongers while showcasing the best that Sonoma County has to offer,” Valette said. “Valette and The Matheson are honored to be participating in our second annual Black Cod Month, highlighting our hardworking fishmongers through an amazingly delicious and versatile local fish.”
Interested restaurants and retailers can source locally from Anna’s Seafood, Costarella Seafood, Oliver’s Market (Cotati, Montecito, Stony Point, and Windsor), Petaluma Market, Santa Rosa Seafood, Sebastopol Community Market, and The Inn at the Tides. SCT will provide a promotional toolkit, including logos, posters, and sample copy, to help participants spread the word.
For more information, visit BlackCodMonth. To register as a participant, go to sonomacounty.com/partners/black-cod-month/ or contact BlackCod@sonomacounty.com.
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism serves as the official destination stewardship organization for California’s Sonoma County. Dedicated to cultivating a vibrant economy through inclusivity, sustainability, and community connections, SCT promotes the region as a welcoming haven for everyone. Learn more about the organization’s innovative work to enhance the local economy responsibly: https://www.sonomacounty.com/partners/about-sonoma-county-tourism/
About the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)
The Economic Development Collaborative provides resources, training, and connections to help businesses grow and communities thrive across the North Bay region. Learn more at edcollaborative.com.
For additional details, media inquiries, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Birgitt Vaughan or Chris Vomvolakis
Sonoma County Tourism
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com