Sonoma: Sonoma’s Best Guest Cottages + Sonoma’s Best Market Cafe; hotel review + things to do

Wine Country

Sonoma’s Best Guest Cottages 

1190 East Napa St./Old Winery Rd., ((800) 291-8962, (707) 933-0340.  4 cottages.  All full kitchens. 

Built in 1935, Sonoma's Best Guest Cottages are in a rural area about 8 blocks from Sonoma’s central plaza.  Three accommodate two people, and the fourth has a loft with two twin beds and accommodates four.  Kitchens are stocked with an assortment of local products to get you started, including a bag of Blue Bottle Coffee and a half-bottle of wine.  Each cottage has a patio with lounge chairs, a chiminea fireplace that burns real wood, and a gas barbecue, and each is individually decorated.

Sweet little Spring Flowers has hardwood floors and sunflower-yellow walls hung with colorful original art.

Spring Flowers cottage at Sonoma’s Best Guest Cottages in Sonoma, California

rose bouquet at Sonoma’s Best Guest Cottages in Sonoma, California

When blooming, fragrant roses from the property’s rose garden add to the decor.  Bikes are available for loan. 

 

Sonoma’s Best Market Cafe in Sonoma, California

●Sonoma’s Best Market Cafe  

(707) 933-3000. 

The vintage Sonoma’s Best Market Cafe store has been in business here since 1913.  The perfect stop for picnic supplies, it serves Blue Bottle Coffee and purveys some prepared food and many packaged local food products.  A wine-tasting room pours samplings of local vintages; the $5 tasting fee is donated to Pet Lifeline. 



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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Sebastiani Theatre; things to do

Wine Country

Sebastiani Theatre  

476 First St. East, on the plaza, (707) 996-2020.  $9.50/3-D $12, 62+ & under 13 $7/$9, matinees everyone $7/$9. 

Built in 1933 by August Sebastiani, this restored Italian Renaissance-style movie palace shows first-run films and also schedules live events.



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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Unique shops; things to do

Wine Country

Unique Sonoma Shops

These shops are clustered in the 100 block of East Napa Street in Sonoma, going west to east:

●The Corner Store  

Entrance at 498 First St. East, SE corner of plaza, (707) 996-2211.  

Though the address is based on its position around the corner, the length of the store runs along Napa Street.  It purveys particularly nice gift items, tablecloths, and linens.  Half of store is a stand up wine-tasting bar.

●The Corner Kids Store  

116 East Napa St., (707) 996-2220.  

You’ll find a spare collection of items that will delight both young and old alike. 

●J. James Sonoma  

122 East Napa St., (707) 933-8635.  

This low-key shop is filled with elegant items—everything from an assortment of magnifying glasses to a refined and lovely collection of women’s clothing.  You’ll need time. 

●Readers’ Books  

130 East Napa St., (707) 939-1779.  

This independent bookstore has been here for a long time. 

Arts Guild of Sonoma in Sonoma, California

●Arts Guild of Sonoma  

140 East Napa St. (707) 996-3115.  Sun, M, Thur 11-5, F-Sat-10-9.  

Artists are local and become members through a juried screening.  Once admitted, their work is displayed here. 

●La Haye Art Center  

148 East Napa St./East First St., (707) 996-4373.  Hours irregular.  

This complex consists of five artists’ studios operating inside an active bronze foundry and permits viewing the creative process in action. 

La Brocante shop in Sonoma, California

●La Brocante  

156 East Napa St., (707) 996-8800.  

Items are displayed throughout this self-described “whimsical marketplace” in a warren of rooms in an attractively repurposed house. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: The Girl & The Fig; restaurant review

Wine Country 

The Girl & The Fig  

(707) 938-3634.  L-D daily, SunBr; $$-$$$.  Reservations advised. 

TThe Girl & The Fig operates off the lobby of the Sonoma Hotel.  A signature arugula-goat cheese-pancetta-pecan-grilled fig salad is usually among the menu’s figgy goodies, even in off season.  Appetizers at this popular spot might include a charcuterie platter, a selection of artisan cheeses, and--if you’re lucky—rich chicken liver mousse with a side of house-pickled vegetables.  Lighter sandwiches are available even at dinner, including the house top sirloin burger and a croques monsieur with applewood-smoked ham and St. George cheese.  Entrees might include Liberty duck confit with French green lentils, a traditional French steak frites, or a thick grilled pork chop sprinkled with colorful flower petals.  Desserts are seasonal and often flavored with intriguing herbs, but sometimes they are just plain rich and creamy—think salted caramel trifle.  The wine list favors Rhone-style varietals from Sonoma and offers flights for comparing and contrasting.  This festive spot’s back patio is wrapped with a rustic recycled wood-and-corregated tin fence and is outfitted with a fountain, umbrellas, and strings of lights.  It is primo in warm weather.




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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall; things to do

Wine Country

The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall  

21200 Eighth St. East, (707) 265-7700.  Wine tasting daily; fee. 

exterior of The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall winery in Sonoma, California

Situated in Napa for 25 years, The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall winery moved to Sonoma in 2014.  The new winery buildings are on the outskirts of town surrounded by baby vineyards and feature striking views of the Mayacamas Mountains to the east.  The winemakers make just two varietals--Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

salon wine tasting at The Sonoma House at Patz & Hall winery
in Sonoma, California

An hour-long salon tasting ($50; W-Sun at 10:30, 1, 3:30; appointment required) includes six wines paired with tiny bowls of food enhancements.  It begins in the super-modern, clean-lined tasting room appointed with leather couches and fireplace, where participants are given a little something to punch the palate—a sparkling wine with a hint of apple.  Then everyone moves into the salon, where they are seated at a table covered with wine glasses for the guided tasting.  During my tasting I learned that Patz & Hall ages all its wines in French oak, which are used for only 3 years and not shaved and this is what gives the wines a luscious smooth finish.  My tasting was a lot of fun, with plenty of chatter and bantering from the knowledgeable participants.  You can optionally do a regular tasting of four wines ($25; daily; appointment not necessary).  Wines are available only at the winery and through their wine club.


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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Basque Boulangerie Cafe; restaurant review

Wine Country 

Basque Boulangerie Cafe

460 First St. East, on the plaza, (707) 935-SOUR.  B-L daily; $.  No reservations. 

The popular Basque Boulangerie Cafe bakery makes breads galore (the rustic round loaf and wheat-walnut are both superb), as well as cookies, cakes, and pastries. 

Seating is inside and out front by the sidewalk.  The menu is extensive, and you can also order up a take-away picnic box tied with a ribbon (24-hour advance notice required).  Everything is so delicious that people are willing to wait in an often long line.  My personal favorites here are the delicious French potato salad, the soft Vienna sesame bread, and the so-good pecan sticky bun.

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Sojourn Cellars Tasting Salon; things to do

Wine Country

Sojourn Cellars Tasting Salon  

141 East Napa St., (707) 938-7212.  Tasting daily 10-5; $25 fee; by appt. 

Part of a co-op in Santa Rosa, this small-production boutique winery produces single vineyard and appellation Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Chardonnays.  The Sojourn Cellars Tasting Salon is set within a small repurposed house, where you get a guided experience in a relaxed sit-down environment.  Tastings are made elegant with plenty of sparkling Riedel stemware.  My personal favorite this time was a 2012 Rodgers Creek Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.  Wines are sold direct to consumers only, though they can be found in a few restaurants around town. 

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Buena Vista Winery; things to do

Wine Country

Buena Vista  Winery  

18000 Old Winery Rd., (800) 926-1266, (707) 938-1266.  Tasting daily 10-5, $15 fee; tours $20-$35. 

The Count pours for wine tasting at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, California

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California's first commercial winery.  Visitors park on the outskirts, and  after a short, pleasant walk in can taste wines in the welcoming old Press House or at an outside bar (don't miss sampling the nutty cream sherry, available only at the winery).  I recommend making reservations for a tour with The Count.  You’ll get a chance to see the newly reopened Champagne Cellars building--so called because the first méthode champenoise in California was made in these deliciously cool caves in 1862 (they are always 57 degrees)--that holds California’s original wine cave.  You’ll also learn the winery’s interesting history from The Count, a talented storyteller.  Other tours include a barrel tasting, and a blending seminar lets you leave with your own unique blend and label.

outdoorr wine tasting at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, California

 

After tasting, select a favorite bottle to purchase and enjoy with a picnic at one of the tables shaded by maple trees.  You will be serenaded by tiny Arroyo Seco brook, which is Spanish for “dry creek” even though it runs all year.  Currently my favorites are a buttery-smooth 2012 Private Reserve Selection Chardonnay with all the bells and whistle,s and a delicious, earthy 2011Bela’s Selection Pinot Noir.  The winery shop sells a few picnic supplies as well as chilled non-alcoholic grape juice.  With 24 hours advance reservation, you can order up a pre-packed picnic hamper.  It is an interesting tidbit to know that current owner, Jean-Charles Boisset, is married to Gina Gallo; yes, that Gallo. 

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images and video ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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Sonoma: Viansa Winery; things to do

Wine Country 

Viansa Winery  

25200 Arnold Dr. (Hwy. 121), 5 mi. S of plaza, (800) 995-4740, (707) 935-4700.  Tasting daily 10-5; tour daily at 1, 2, 3. 

tasting bar at Viansa Winery in Sonoma, California

Built on top of a hill commanding magnificent views of the area, Viansa Winery is named for its original owners--Sam Sebastiani and his wife Vicki (the name comes from merging the first two letters of each of their first names).  The beautifully crafted Tuscan-style winery building was inspired by a monastery near Farneta, Italy.  Noteworthy varietals include Barbera Blanc--a light blush wine perfect for picnics--and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Sample them in the tasting room featuring two dramatic dueling wine walls behind two tasting bars at either end of the hall.  Wines are available for purchase only at the winery.

The Italian Marketplace food hall is designed after the mercato in Lucca, Italy, and the extraordinary food offerings almost overshadow the wines.  Using Vicki's recipes, the kitchen staff prepares wonderful things for picnics:  country pâté, torta rustica, hot-sweet mustard, focaccia bread, panini (Italian sandwiches), a triple-chocolate chunk cookie, tiramisu.  More goodies include porcini mushroom tomato sauce (made with Viansa Cabernet Sauvignon) and spiced figs (made with Sonoma black mission figs and Viansa Cabernet Sauvignon using Vicki's grandmother's recipe).  Some of the items are prepared with produce from the winery's own vegetable garden.  On nice days, picnics can be enjoyed at a bevy of tables on a spacious patio situated atop a knoll with a panoramic view of the Sonoma and Napa valleys.  The picnic area is on the Pacific Flyway and overlooks a wetlands that is a popular stopover for hundreds of bird species.  On cooler days, tables are available inside.

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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: The Chocolate Cow; restaurant review

Wine Country

The Chocolate Cow  

452 First St. East.  

interior of The Chocolate Cow in Sonoma, California

The Chocolate Cow hits the spot on a warm Wine Country afternoon.  Choose from sundaes, banana splits, milk shakes, and Chocolate Cow floats--all made with rich ice cream from Oregon. You can also get yogurt, Hawaiian shaved ice, handmade chocolates, fresh fudge, candy, and “cow-lectible” gift items.

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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Estate (CLOSED); restaurant review

Wine Country 

Estate  

CLOSED  400 W. Spain St., 3 blks. from plaza, (707) 933-3663. D daily, SunBr; $$-$$$. Reservations advised.

General Vallejo’s third daughter, Natalia, built this Victorian in 1864 with her husband, Attilla Haraszthy, whose family grew grapes in the valley. The house is beautifully renovated and adapted--with high ceilings, cabernet-colored walls, and large window cutouts in interior walls permitting seeing into adjoining rooms--and diners at Estate can choose from several seating spaces, including a porch and large patio area in good weather. The regional Italian menu offers several rustic-style pizzas, a delicious roasted chicken, and a popular four-course “La Cena di Famiglia" dinner. One recent evening this well-priced family-style extravaganza included wood-fired-oven-baked bread and a tasty spread; an assortment of four antipasti that included circles of polenta and a few thin slices of housemade salumi; a fresh corn, tomato, and arugula salad with fragrant truffle vinaigrette; wood oven-baked penne with pork shoulder-tomato sugo topped with delicious, very stringy mozzarella and a side of lemony kale; and an ending of roasted fresh peach halves with pistachio gelato. Cocktails, beer, and local wines by the glass are available, and a visit to the separate grappa
bar can be fun before or after dining.



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image ©2010 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sonoma: Baksheesh Fair Trade; things to do

Wine Country

Baksheesh Fair Trade 

423 First St. West, (707) 939-2847. M-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6.

 
This unusual shop strives to trade “fairly with artisans in the developing world and the U.S.” The goods at Baksheesh Fair Trade are reminiscent of what you see in souvenir shops as you travel the globe. I saw familiar neck scarves like some I bought recently in Thailand and Egypt, but also saw some lovely print tablecloths from India and elephant dung greeting cards from Sri Lanka, where I’ve never traveled.



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Sonoma: The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa; hotel review + restaurant review

Wine Country

The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa 

1325 Broadway Ave., 1 mi. S of town, (707) 935-6600. 182 rooms. Some gas fireplaces. Restaurant. Pool; hot tub; fitness center; health spa.

Luxurious spacious grounds planted with well-tended gardens are the backdrop to spacious tri-plex cottages at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa. Rooms feature clean-lined contemporary decor with deep soaking tubs. The spa has eucalyptus steam rooms as well as an pleasant outdoor area with natural mineral water soaking pools and open-air treatment and lounging cabanas. Complimentary shuttle service is available to the downtown plaza.

Operating in a large airy room with an open kitchen just across the entryway from the hotel lobby, the comfortable Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar ((707) 931-2042. B&D daily, L M-Sat, SunBr; $$$.) offers a menu of locally sourced contemporary cusine. Entrees include a tasty American kobe flank steak with wild mushrooms, mac and cheese made with Midnight Moon goat cheese, interesting flights of wines, and dessert trios in strawberry and lemon. All are matched with wine suggestions.



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Sonoma: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards + The Olive Press; things to do

Wine Country

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards  

24724 Arnold Dr. (Hwy. 121), (866) 522-8693, (707) 931-7575. Tasting daily 10-5:30.

The large, rustic Italian stone villa that holds the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards tasting room is modeled after the family home in the Friuli region of Italy. It pays homage to owner Fred Cline’s maternal grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi of the fizzy-water tubs fame. Instead of bubblies, the winery focuses on Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Grigio.

The Olive Press

(800) 9-OLIVE-9, (707) 939-8900. Tasting daily 10-5:30.

The tasting room is in one wing, and The Olive Press is in the other. It is the most highly awarded producer of California extra virgin olive oil in the state. Visitors can taste 16 varieties of olive oil, eight of which are made on site. You can view the olive presses through a picture window, and see the whole process in fall, when olives are custom-pressed.



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