Bonus Secrets of Wine Country
An Insider’s Guide to Sonoma County and Napa Valley
Allergies
I'm not sure how unpleasant it is in Napa, but over in the eastern half of Sonoma county there's a tremendous amount of pollen in the air at various times of the year. If you suffer from seasonal allergies to grass (any type) and trees (especially Oak) – remember to bring whatever allergy medicine you have when you visit – just in case. (The worst time is May and the first half of June.)
Sonoma Produce
One reason Joanne and I moved here about eight years ago is that we were amazed at the quality of the local produce. We had been living in the western part of Florida, and well, the produce (and fish) there is very weak (to be kind). If you dine 'tween SF and SD, you'll often find salads made from "Sonoma Lettuces," for example.
So, except at the big supermarkets, the quality of produce is just tremendous here. Our local farmers are situated in one of the most perfect places to grow food. (And, obviously, wine grapes!) The best source for produce are the local...
Farmers’ Markets
Santa Rosa (Saturday morning)
Healdsburg (Saturday morning, not during the winter)
St. Helena (Friday morning)
Sebastopol (Sunday morning, not during the winter)
Marin/San Rafael (Sunday morning) – If you're a Farmers' Market lover, you have to visit this market on Sunday morning. You can really buy everything you need for food for the next week here.
For a more complete list: Sonoma County and Napa Valley
Wild Flowers: In Mid-Summer, the most beautiful area (esp. for flowers) are above the beaches and down the cliffs along the Sonoma Coast.
The wild flowers are quite beautiful along Rt 12 from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol during August.
Where Not To Go:
Been there, never need to go again and would never take anyone there:
The Geysers (in Calistoga)
Petrified Forest ('tween Calistoga and Santa Rosa)
Instead, go to the Bale Grist Mill on Saturday or Sunday. A huge water wheel powers a stone grist mill; watch organic flour being made before your very eyes and take some home!
Music & Theater Events
Updated August 9, 2008
Lincoln Theater (Napa)
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa)
Napa Valley Opera House
Music in the Vineyards (August 6-24, 2008)
Robert Mondavi's Annual Summer Music Festival (was July 5 - August 2, 2008)
Festival del Sole (was July 12-20, 2008)
Sonoma Jazz Festival (was May 22-25, 2008)
Napa Valley Symphony
Konocti Harbor Resort (Lake County)
B.R. Cohn Concert/Charity Events (October 3-6, 2008)
Other Annual Events in Wine Country
Updated August 9, 2008
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Showcase of Wine & Food (August 29-31, 2008) - This year, it combines the Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food and the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction.
Napa Sonoma Film Festival (ws July 16-28, 2008)
Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic (was June 28, 2008)
Sonoma County Fair (was July 22 - August 4, 2008)
Sonoma County Harvest Fair (October 3-5, 2008)
Napa County Fair (was July 3-6, 2008)
Sonoma/Marin Fair (was June 18-22, 2008)
Other Places to Visit in Wine Country
Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA (Sonoma)
- There are still some of the Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Woodstock statues around town that were part of a charity event. You can visit the Museum and neighboring Snoopy's Home Ice Skating Rink. COPIA “The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts” (Open 10-5, closed Tues) Located in the city of Napa can be an interesting place to visit. First, the gardens are wonderful (the best part – Jack), especially during tomato season. Second, they hold all kinds of events and there may be one of interest to you – check their calendar.
We have also enjoyed dining at Julia’s Kitchen a few timest. The biggest drawback to COPIA is its location – it’s quite a convoluted path to get to from the highway (and back). But, as of early 2008, it has an excellent neighbor (sharing it's parking lot)...
Oxbow Public Market in Napa
More than 20 exotic food purveyors, including 3 restaurants, wine and cheese, etc. Our pick is The Fatted Calf...simply excellent charcuterie.
The Sonoma County Wine Library in Healdsburg
Need a break? You can relax in the wine library section of the downtown Healdsburg public library. They have a tremendous selection of wines books and periodicals. Tremendous!
Napa Wine Library in St. Helena
Ashamedly, I’ve not yet visited this library but I definitely have to find the time some day. Also check out their events calendar.
We love trains but still this is not something we would ever do (or take friends on it). But for those who would rather spend 3.5 to 4 hours on a train rather than actually visiting wineries, this is your thing.
Sonoma Traintown
This might be the best place to take young kids in wine country. Best part: The long train ride, and the kiddy amusement rides. Worst part: The lengthy petting zoo stop in the middle of this same train ride (from which you can’t escape). Open Friday thru Sunday during the off-season (don't go Friday - limited activities), and everyday from June 1st thru Labor Day.
Safari West
Or this might be the best place to take young children in wine country. Located between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, but way up east on Mark West Springs Rd, this is a private zoo. Think giraffe's, exotic birds, cheetahs, and African animals. The first hour or so is a lot of fun, especially if you're with your kids. We do not recommend the food. You need to book in advance. You can also arrange to "camp" overnight in their cozy-looking cabins. Warning: wear crummy shoes...they will get covered in muck of all kinds.
Hot BallooningThis might be a fun way for you to start one of your days. In Santa Rosa, the balloons launch around 7:45 in the morning or so...so this is not a mid-day or afternoon activity. (As always, weather permitting and methinks you need to dress very warmly.) You’re in the air for 30-60 minutes (or again, so it seems from my observations) and they cost around $200 per person. Some offer a breakfast afterwards (i.e., not before, heh, heh!):
• Sonoma County (Santa Rosa) – Up & Away
• Napa Valley – Napa Valley Balloons
• Napa Valley – Napa Valley Aloft
(This is not a complete list.)
di Rosa Preserve
Art in Wine Country? Between Sonoma & Napa in Carneros is 217 acres which feature three art galleries, an outdoor sculpture meadow and a 35-acre lake. Keep in mind that you *must* go on a tour to see the property otherwise the small gallery is all that is on view. Wednesdays admission is free. They have peacocks on the property (only on tour).
Cornerstone Festival of Gardens
In Sonoma (just south of the town). Is an ever-changing series of walk-through gardens, showcasing new and innovative designs from the world’s finest landscape architects and designers.There are 20 different gardens including a children's garden.
Golf
Can you imagine Golf in Wine Country? Well, of course! There are 17 golf courses in Santa Rosa alone. In Napa there are a whole bunch more.
Town of Windsor
Imagine if they built a new town out of thin air. Well, that's practically what's happened on the west side of Windsor. Restaurants, shops, etc., and two wine stores.
Hiking
Ah, hiking! Trails.com looks like a great site. Here are some trails in Sonoma. There are three State Parks in Napa and some non-State options.
Further Excursions
The Sonoma Coast
Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Bodega Bay
Mendocino
Lake County
Lake Beyeressa
Bicycling
BikeSonoma - A great resource for Bicyclists
Bicycling Tours: Sonoma - Napa
Bicycling in the Russian River Area: Four Routes
Canoe & Kayak
Canoe Trips - Russian River
