Blog

In the era of big corporations, online shopping, and box stores, there’s something comforting, real and soulful about supporting small, local businesses during the holiday season. Not only will you find gifts that are unique and artisanal, but you’ll also be keeping small town shops thriving with your support. Small Business Saturday is American Express’s answer to the craze of Black Friday, but... Read More »

As the birthplace of the farm-to-table movement, Sonoma Valley has attracted food and wine lovers for decades. With a county-wide commitment to sustainability, local farmers and wine growers offer some of the finest produce available, so much so that it’s common to hear lots of oohs and aahs from out-of-town visitors at the farmers’ markets who’ve never seen such bounty and quality. However, with... Read More »

New England may get all the press, but Sonoma is one of the finest destinations for viewing fall foliage. After the grape harvest, acres upon acres of green vineyard leaves will soon turn the hills of Sonoma Valley brilliant yellows and reds, while the grasses lose their golden hue from summer dormancy and begin their winter greening. It's a seasonal transformation that's not to be missed.

Here... Read More »

Marcia Kunde Mickelson created a unique and delicious dish to serve at your next holiday dinner: Asian fusion beef short ribs. It was featured in her latest book Kunde Style-Family, Food and Wine and serves four. These oven braised short ribs have a rich Asian flavor influence and pair perfectly with Kunde Family Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon - Drummond.

Ingredients:

1 cinnamon stick

1 star... Read More »

Pear Cranberry Crisps with Pecan Crumble Topping

This recipe was created by Marcia Kunde Mickelson and was featured in her latest book Kunde Style-Family, Food and Wine. The crumble features all the fall flavors we love—pears, pecans, cranberries and cinnamon. It serves 6-8 people which is perfect for a family holiday dinner. Pair it with Kunde Family Winery 1904 Dessert Cuvée.

Ingredients:... Read More »

The holiday season and cool temperatures call for a hearty menu. Impress your guest with a dish other than turkey or ham with a pork rib roast. Plus, a bone-in main protein is a show stopping centre piece for your holiday table! This roast has a crispy exterior and succulent interior, pair it with sides of roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Grab a bottle of Spann Vineyards' Cabernet Franc... Read More »

Almond Infused Flan Paired with Ceja Vineyards "Dulce Beso" Late Harvest Dessert Wine and "Dulce Amor" Red Dessert Wine

This is a classic Mexican dessert with a fabulous twist perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The recipe was created by Amelia Ceja, the mother of Ceja Vineyards' marketing and sales director Dalia Ceja. Amelia is an incredible chef who combines her rich Mexican heritage and... Read More »

WHAT’S NEW IN SONOMA VALLEY - HARVEST SEASON 2019

The 195^th annual Winegrape Harvest begins in Sonoma Valley and with the start of “crush” come new openings, major hotel spa renovations and the chance to ride horses in the vines.

In this edition – artists in plein site, the longest running festival in California, the chance to pick your own grapes and new way to get around Sonoma without a car.... Read More »

While grapevines carpet the floor of Sonoma Valley, surrounded by California's oak woodlands and redwoods, it's always worth a trip below ground to see what lies beneath Sonoma's famous terroirs and explore the region's wine caves.

Wine caves serve to keep wine cool during the heat of summer and warm when temperatures dip in winter, an innovation from the days before electricity and... Read More »

When the wineries close and you've had your fill of Sonoma's famous cuisine, what's a traveler to do?

Might we suggest enjoying some live music at some of the local venues that bring national talent and local up-and-comers to Sonoma for a night of fun?

Here are great places to catch live music in and around Sonoma Valley. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes...

Green Music Center at Sonoma State... Read More »