One sure sign that something has entered the mainstream is when it surfaces as a puzzle solution on TV’s “Wheel of Fortune.” That was the case one recent night, when Vanna White turned over the letters to spell out “extra virgin olive oil.” “It took... Continue
Diana MacCarthy leaned into the window of Stein-er’s Tavern as she worked elbow grease and solvent into the holiday-themed imagery she had painted but weeks before. A Christmas tree smeared into a verdant blur until nothing was left but MacCarthy’s own refl ection – as... Continue
With everything from political movements to film and music festivals to celebrations at the historic Sonoma Plaza to important local news, 2008 was another unforgettable year in Sonoma Valley. The past year has seen joyous celebrations, heartfelt demonstrations and sorrowful times of reflection that resonated... Continue
Despite Sunday’s dreary weather – or perhaps because of it – quite a few people wearing boots and rain hats braved the wet streets to attend the Village Holiday Celebration in Glen Ellen. Wagon rides, hot drinks, light snacks and photo ops with Santa Claus... Continue
Eva Bertran had her first taste of sparkling wine within hours of her birth in Barcelona. When her sons were delivered at Sonoma Valley Hospital, she repeated the family ritual, welcoming them into the world with an effervescent drop on the tongue. Sparkling wine has... Continue
It happens to everyone – you’re driving though scenic Sonoma, bragging to your friend on the other side of your cell phone call (hands free, of course) about the beauty of the vineyard vistas, when suddenly you find yourself repeating into an inanimate object, “Can... Continue
Photos by Ryan Lely After months of anticipation, during which many Sonomans tiptoed onto the porch of the house on the corner of Patten and Fifth Street East to sneak a peek, the HGTV Dream Home 2009 is finally finished. Although the sweepstakes winner of... Continue
As the leaves in the valley turn into as many colors as a Vermont winter, various holidays approach. Unfortunately, Christmas has become the annual Saturnalia of spending, analyzing the economics of retail business, saving the country by buying more than you need, the concern that... Continue
December may seem a curious time to focus on growing things, but in fact Christmas and other early-winter holidays are closely associated with a number of plants, starting with the frankincense and myrrh in the nativity scene at the heart of Christian tradition. Apart from... Continue
Buena Vista Carneros walked away from the Sonoma County Harvest Fair’s wine competition in September with three Best of Class awards for its 2005 Buena Vista Syrah Carneros, 2006 Buena Vista Pinot Noir Carneros and 2007 Buena Vista Pinot Gris Carneros. But for a company... Continue