The summer season in Sonoma County peaks with veraison, the beginning of ripening, when wine grapes change their color and flavor as they mature on the vines, naturally sweetening along the way. This pivotal moment signals that harvest and crush will commence within 45 to 60 days. In 2024, Sonoma County celebrates 200 years since Russian colonists first planted grapevines at Fort Ross on the Sonoma coast, marking the historic origins of winegrowing in the region. This milestone in California’s wine industry will be honored at events like the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival and others that not only showcase our renowned American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) but also celebrate our community of passionate grape growers and winemakers who continue to define Sonoma County’s legacy of exceptional wines. The wine industry in Sonoma County enhances cultural, culinary, and immersive experiences through vineyard explorations, community events, and support for local farmers, fostering deep connections to our agricultural roots in a destination where Life Opens Up.
New in Restaurants
Chef Beryl Adler, proprietor of Acorn Cafe in Healdsburg has taken over the former Oakville Grocery location and unveiled new additions to his breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus. The cafe, nestled in the historic 124 Matheson Street location, once home to Oakville Grocery, is scheduled for a late summer opening. The interior of the former Oakville Grocery has undergone a complete transformation with expanded indoor seating, alongside its patio offering scenic views of Healdsburg Plaza. Beyond its regular hours until 5 p.m., Adler envisions the venue as a community hub featuring rotating pop-up restaurants. Adler brings a wealth of experience from previous culinary posts including the W Hotel in Seminyak, Bali, and various Ritz-Carlton establishments such as Half Moon Bay and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean.
El Farolito, one of Healdsburg’s longstanding restaurants, has recently undergone a significant transformation, including a change in name. Despite the new name, updated décor, and revised menu, the operation remains under the ownership of the talented Diaz family. Originally established in 1979, this restaurant has been owned by the family since 2002 and is now known as Gallina D’Oro. The Diaz family other entrepreneurial ventures include other Sonoma County favorites such as Agave in Healdsburg, Gallo Negro in Windsor, and the Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa.
Cock Robin
The Barlow is introducing Cock Robin—an iconic ice cream, milkshake, and hamburger joint from Chicago—to Sebastopol in collaboration with chef Jared Rogers of Petaluma’s Easy Rider. This new fast-casual restaurant, emphasizing value, will occupy the former location of Seismic Brewing at the 12-acre outdoor marketplace. Seismic Jared Rogers, co-founder of the Southern-inspired Easy Rider in 2022, is set to revamp Cock Robin’s burger and milkshake menu as the restaurant makes its move from Naperville to Sebastopol. Restaurant designer Doug Washington has been tasked with transforming the Barlow space, envisioning a large, open kitchen and family-oriented features, including an expansive outdoor patio. The anticipated opening is slated for September.
New in Wine
The new Kanzler Estate Tasting Room has opened in Sebastopol, showcasing a modern ambiance complemented by earthy furnishings and California-centric art. Private wine tastings are available twice daily by appointment, featuring a flight of five wines that includes a rosé of Pinot Noir, a Chardonnay, and three distinct Pinot Noirs. Moreover, guests are invited to leisurely explore the vineyards, offering a deeper connection to this emerging wine-growing region. Alex Kanzler, a founding member of the nonprofit Sebastopol Hills Winegrowers Association, alongside Ted Lemon of Littorai Wines, and John Balletto and Anthony Beckman of Balletto Vineyards, is spearheading efforts to establish a new Sebastopol Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA).
New in Accommodations
River Electric, a new addition to Guerneville’s landscape, is currently under construction and slated to open in Summer 2025. Led by the team from Shelter Co., known for their innovative hospitality ventures, this new destination promises a mix of relaxation, adventure, and stylish accommodations. Set in picturesque surroundings, River Electric will feature 40 glamping tents, offering a luxurious yet rustic retreat for overnight stays. The resort will also include two expansive pools, accessible to both hotel guests and day visitors seeking a rejuvenating swim or leisurely sunbathing amid lush greenery. Adding to its appeal, the venue will house a vibrant bar and restaurant where guests can indulge in locally inspired cuisine and craft cocktails, creating Sonoma County culinary experiences. With its strategic location and diverse amenities, River Electric aims to be more than just lodging—it aims to foster community and serve as a venue for special events, promising a blend of nature, comfort, and distinctive hospitality in West County.
New in Events and Experiences
Russian River Valley Wine Weekend
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers are marking the 10th anniversary of their Paulée dinner with an expanded weekend celebration, “Uncork Sonoma’s Soul.” Partnering with Secret Supper, known for creating unique dining experiences, the event will feature three days of wine and culinary delights, along with exclusive tasting and adventure activities. The highlight, the Paulée dinner, will be kept secret until 24 hours before, adding to the excitement. Organizers aim to offer both returning guests and newcomers an unforgettable experience in the Russian River Valley, combining fine dining with local wines and live music | August 2 – 4
Arista Winery – Vineyard Vibes Summer Series
Experience the essence of summer at Arista Winery through their signature series, Vineyard Vibes. Guests are invited to join on select Fridays through September for a fusion of wine, food, and music in Dry Creek Valley. Situated along Westside Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Arista Winery is celebrated for its production of elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each Vineyard Vibes event commemorates Arista’s artisanal winemaking philosophy and showcases the splendor of their site-specific vineyards | Various dates
The Wind to Wine Festival returns to the Gambonini family’s historic hay barn for an afternoon celebrating wines from the Petaluma Gap appellation. Hosted by the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance, the event features a grand tasting with over 25 local producers showcasing Sonoma County Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah wines. Attendees can enjoy wine-friendly bites from the girl & the fig and artisan cheeses from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. The Petaluma Gap AVA, established in 2017, benefits from cool winds and fog from the Pacific Ocean, ideal for producing renowned wines | August 10
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation present The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, celebrating Sonoma Valley’s rich winemaking heritage and excellence during California Wine Month. The festival commemorates Sonoma County’s grape bounty, community spirit, and historical significance as the birthplace of California wine. Against the backdrop of the historic Sonoma Plaza, enjoy a weekend filled with food, wine, and communal festivities. Join grape growers, winemakers, and the community in honoring Sonoma County’s winemaking traditions and agricultural legacy. 2024 marks the 200th Anniversary of Sonoma Valley Wine commemorating the planting of the first grapevines two centuries ago. Attendees can experience the festival’s spirit through events like Vintage Movie Night, the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Blessing of the Grapes, Sonoma Valley Grape Stomp, and the Artisan Festival of Food & Wine | September 26 – 29
The Donum Estate, renowned for its outstanding single vineyard, single appellation Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Carneros, has debuted ‘HYPERSPACE’, a pioneering sound sculpture complex. Designed by multi-talented artist Yang Bao, ‘HYPERSPACE’ marks the latest addition to the Donum Collection, embodying a holistic sensory experience that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. This expansive installation features site-specific sculptures and a unique musical composition that evolves with environmental cues like wind and temperature. At its heart lies a golden pyramid housing a futuristic space organ crafted from mirror-finish stainless steel, symbolizing infinity and fostering an immersive dialogue between visitors and nature. Donum describes ‘HYPERSPACE’ as a testament to the estate’s commitment to sustainability and the convergence of wine, art, and culture, reinforcing its role as a multi-dimensional winery dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship and community.
The Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has allocated over $5.87 million in grants, with the California Cheese Trail receiving funds to expand cheese databases and begin Western expansion. A significant $4.78 million is earmarked for equipment investments, supporting dairy industry innovation. Sonoma County businesses like Achadinha Cheese Company and Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery are among the local beneficiaries. Additionally, the Cheese Trail, recognized by the Pacific Coast Coalition, will use its grant to enhance marketing for California cheesemakers and expand into five neighboring states.
For the Good of the Cause
Festival del Sole returns to the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, offering a captivating blend of music, wine, and philanthropy. Originating in Italy, the festival was conceived as a gathering for friends to create music in a warm atmosphere. This year’s event, starting on August 1st, features a stellar lineup including Olga Kern, Nina Kotova, Viktoria Mullova, Pinchas Zukerman, Amanda Forsyth, Michael Brown, and Joseph Calleja. Highlighting the finale on August 4th is a screening of “The Way of the Rain,[BV2] [3] ” featuring Robert Redford and music by Tim Janis. Inspired by the annual monsoon rains that sustain life on the fragile landscape of the high – desert plateaus of the Southwest, The Way of the Rain – Hope for Earth tells the artistic story about the formation of the Universe, the evolution of all galaxies, and eventually the birth of our unique and beautiful Planet Earth. The performance interprets nature’s powerful beauty while calling attention to the Earth’s vulnerability brought on by climate change. The grand gala dinner and auction hosted by Buena Vista Winery and Jean-Charles Boisset will benefit the environmental nonprofit The Way of the Rain, promising memorable culinary and wine experiences throughout | August 1 – 4
Harvest atJack London State Historic Park
History and nature enthusiasts visiting Jack London State Historic Park can delve into the story of an orchard originally planted between 1908 and 1912, later abandoned and recently revitalized. The day will begin with a presentation detailing the orchard’s rich history and the progress made in its restoration efforts. Visitors can then opt for a moderate six-mile hike to explore the rejuvenated orchard firsthand, accompanied by insights into the challenges overcome during the revitalization process, such as water access issues. Originally part of the Sonoma Developmental Center, the orchard boasted a diverse array of fruit trees and grapevines. Acquired by Jack London State Historic Park in 2002, the orchard faced neglect until 2017 when efforts began to revive it, largely led by volunteers. Today, the orchard produces an abundance of fruit, which is harvested and distributed by Farm to Pantry to support local Sonoma organizations aiding food-insecure populations. In 2023 alone, 7,129 pounds (about the weight of an elephant) of fruit were donated, highlighting the orchard’s renewed role in community support | August 17 | 9:00 am
Sonoma County Wine Celebration
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation has rebranded its charitable event to the Sonoma County Wine Celebration. The event will take place at Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood. Recognized by Wine Spectator as a top charitable auction, it unites wine experts, local chefs, and guests to benefit the community. Featuring exceptional auction lots of fine wines and cuisine, the event continues to support the Foundation’s mission, having granted over $41 million to local nonprofits in education, health, environment, arts, and culture. This year, the focus is on the K-3 Proficiency Project, enhancing literacy among Sonoma County children. Supporters are invited to join for a memorable event supporting community enrichment | September 19 –21
The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project
The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project, launched by the NextGen Consortium and spearheaded by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, marks a groundbreaking effort in promoting reuse across restaurants in Petaluma. Beginning August 5, over 30 establishments including Starbucks, PepsiCo, Yum! Brands, and local cafes will replace single-use cups with reusable alternatives for all to-go orders, free of charge. This initiative, the first of its kind in a U.S. city, aims to foster habits of cup return among consumers, potentially eliminating hundreds of thousands of single-use cups. Supported by a network of return points and local collaborations with entities, the project seeks to establish a scalable model for sustainable cup use. By engaging a diverse range of national chains and community businesses, the program not only aims to reshape consumer behavior but also to provide valuable data for future reuse system designs and regulatory frameworks nationwide.
Recent Accolades
- The World’s Best Restaurants has named Healdsburg’s SingleThread as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024.
- Healdsburg’s Molti Amici has been added to the prestigious California Michelin Guide.
- The readers of SF Gate have named St. Francis Vineyards & Winery as the Best Tasting Room in the Bay Area.
- Condé Nast Traveler has included Dawn Ranch in Guerneville on their 2024 Hot List Top Hotels to Book from Mexico to California.
- National Geographic has named Santa Rosa’s Astro Motel as one of the 5 Best Retro Motels for California Kitsch.
- The Farmhouse Inn ranks in the top 10 of Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Inns in the Continental U.S. of 2024.
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About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism is the region’s destination stewardship organization. Inspiring travel to the region through a variety of sales and marketing programs aimed at consumers, meeting and event planners, the travel trade, and media, the organization strives to ensure responsible tourism helps create a robust economy for the Sonoma County region. For more information visit sonomacounty.com.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
