Food + Drink Bites for April 16

The latest food + drink news, events and calls for your participation in and around Sonoma Valley. As the legendary James Marshall Berry says... "If your gig isn't in my column, you didn't tell me about it." Send your news to our Food + Drink... Continue

It’s time to get grillin’

After last time’s “Refreshing Wine Choices for Warmer Weather” it occurred to me that most of you have already reacted to our non-winter and have uncovered, cleaned and fired up that wonderful extension of your kitchen we enjoy so much out here, the outdoor grill.... Continue

Hugh Leeman opening at Patz & Hall

Art and wine lovers visited Patz & Hall Winery on Saturday evening to celebrate the opening of San Francisco artist Hugh Leeman's new exhibition of paintings and mixed media works. The works will be on display at the winery from now until July 5. Photos... Continue

Envolve Winery celebrates Sauvignon Blanc release

Envolve Winery celebrated the release of their much anticipated 2013 Sauvignon Blanc at their annual Patio Pounder party at their downtown Sonoma tasting room. Locals and out of towners alike enjoyed the beautiful weather, heated games of Jenga in the courtyard, live music by Dan... Continue

R-Snik™ and Old Grapes

As far as can be determined, there’s no need to panic just yet over reports about a recent lawsuit alleging there is an excessive amount of arsenic in cheap wine. Totally unscientific research (the most flexible kind) reveals the following: • Per Wikipedia, arsenic is... Continue

Food + Drink Bites: April 2 2015

The latest food + drink news, events and calls for your participation in and around Sonoma Valley. Send your news to our Food + Drink editor, Sarah Stierch, at sarah@sonomasun.com. news bites Easter Eats are abundant and I've selected my top picks for picking up... Continue

Refreshing wine choices for warmer weather

Even though the warmer weather around here seems to have started around the first of the year, I have to say that it’s an incredible, stunning day in April. I have surrendered to the “no winter” plan Mother Nature has for 2015 and I am... Continue

Food + Drink Bites for March 26 2015

The latest food and drink news highlights from Sonoma Valley (and a bit beyond). Send your tips (including Easter events) to our Food + Drink editor Sarah Stierch. [caption id="attachment_47821" align="alignnone" width="420"] Brand spankin' new Envolve Winery logo[/caption] Envolve Winery launches "Get Involved" - So... Continue

The People’s Pub: Palooza Gastropub

[caption id="attachment_47406" align="alignnone" width="420"] The chill patio at Palooza makes for an excellent, sunny wine country respite[/caption] It’s Saturday afternoon and the patio is packed. It’s sunny, 75 degrees, and “chill” is the only way to describe Palooza. A contingent of retirees from Oakmont hold... Continue

Making wine and realizing dreams

[caption id="attachment_47046" align="alignleft" width="200"] In 1974, when Steve MacRostie first made wine, there were only about 40 small wineries in Sonoma County.[/caption] Contrary to popular opinion, making fine wine is not easy. It’s not the life of the gentleman (or woman) vintner relaxing on his... Continue