Sonoma Scene: Martini Madness

Photos by Ryan Lely

They say that both love and war can induce madness. The Sonoma Valley Olive Festival endeavored to add martinis to this mix last Friday with its eighth annual “Martini Madness,” hosted by MacArthur Inn and Spa. The inn’s renovated barn was filled to capacity as martini fans crowded nearly a dozen pouring stations, each competing to take the honor of Sonoma’s “best martini.” The annual competition was sponsored by Junipero Gin  and Skyy Vodka, and featured concoctions by Saddles Restaurant, Carneros Bistro, El Dorado Kitchen, Estate, The Girl & the Fig, Maya, Plaza Bistro, Sonoma Mission Inn, Murphy’s Irish Pub, Mary’s Pizza Shack and this year’s winner, Sonoma Meritage Martini Oyster Bar and Grill. The winning drink, chosen by patrons via ballot, was a no-frills gin-based affair complemented by an olive pierced with candied-ginger.