The music was jamming, the wine flowing and a light summer breeze blowing. Wine and Song, the afternoon counterpart to the evening Sonoma Jazz + concerts, hit all the right notes on Saturday.
Like a game of wine country Monopoly, ticket holders moved between eight venues in and around the Plaza, sampling featured wines and noshing appetizers. Pairings ranged from lush vocals and Merlot at the Ledson Hotel to a folk duo and kegs of Guinness at Murphy’s Irish Pub.
“It doesn’t get more relaxing than this,” said Carl London, lounging on shaded grass in the Swiss Hotel garden patio. He and companion Holly Franmeni, both of Sacramento, had attended that town’s jazz festival just last night. “This is more laid back, more California style,” he said. As for Franmeni, sipping a Zinfandel between sets, “I’m in my moment.”
Compared to jazz clubs, the Sonoma setting was a breath of fresh air to trumpeter Stephen Kuehn, who fronts his own band. “It’s a lovely hang,” he said, surveying the Swiss’ rose-framed patio. “It’s better than I expected. It’s just beautiful.”
At the El Dorado Kitchen, where the Joshi Marshall Quartet was playing from a cabana on the patio, Diane Bell was watching the door as part of the security team. “The best part is meeting people,” she said, “and showing them what a great town Sonoma is.”
Guests wore a purple lanyard around their neck, as a pass. Groups of them crossed paths and exchanged tips. “Try the oysters at Murphy’s,” advised one westbound group. “Don’t miss the Brazilian band at the Red Grape,” answered the eastbound crew.
Kelly and John Meno were making their sixth stop of the day, this with a French twist, at Chateau Sonoma. They were celebrating a 19th wedding anniversary. “My geography was off,” he admitted with a laugh. “I bought tickets to this but booked a hotel on the Russian River.” Said his wife, “It’s all part of the adventure.”
Wine and Song continues on Sunday, May 24, 1:30 to 5:00 p.m., with a different slate of musicians. Tickets are $70 and include a wine glass, 12 wine tastes and four food samples. Visit www.sonomajazz.org.
