Things to do in the Town of Sonoma Besides Wine Tasting

The town of Sonoma is the historical center of Sonoma County. It's in the southern part of the county not far from the town of Napa or from the Bay Area. It gets quite busy with visitors on most weekends. It's mostly about wine in Sonoma, but there are still other things you can do if you need a break from all that great juice.

Things to do in Healdsburg Besides Wine Tasting

Currently, Healdsburg, Sonoma County may be just about the trendiest wine country town in the nation. It seemed to go from hot, dusty farm town to a wine and food metropolis overnight (okay, maybe in the last 10-15 years). Let's say you've been in town and need a day off from wine tasting (we call it palate fatigue). There are tons of options within Sonoma County, but if you want to stay in town what else can you do?

Things to do in Santa Rosa Besides Wine Tasting

Santa Rosa is the hub of Sonoma County. You may find yourself staying here or at least visiting the biggest city in the county. In case you wish do do something besides wine tasting here are alternatives.

West Sonoma Coast

Sonoma County has something like 18 different appellations for wine grapes. Each of these growing areas is supposed to have unique qualities that make for unique wines. Note the sea green-colored Sonoma Coast appellation on the map below. Much of it isn't exactly spittin' distance from the ocean.

Harvest Interns

In the autumn grape harvest season there is a group of people that are willing to work long, difficult hours surrounded by sticky juice, insects, and back-breaking work. It's a temp job that doesn't pay a whole lot. Their schedule is up to Mother Nature and there have been years when they may not get a day off for a month. Without these young men and women you would not have your wine. Who are these people? They're called simply The Interns.

Trendy Guide to Visiting Santa Rosa, Sonoma County

I spent several seconds trying to come up with the correct title for this blog entry. The Hipster Guide, the Hip Guide? Well, I'm too old to be a hipster or know what they like. Besides I'm not a fan of man buns. And hip seems like too old of a word. But here we go with where to stay, where to eat, and what to do for those of you ahead of the crowds.

Wine Fads and Trends

Things change in the wine industry. There seem to be as many trends and fads as you find in the fashion industry.

Restaurant Wine Ripoffs

It seems we're accustomed to $14 restaurant prices -- for a glass of wine, a cocktail, a salad, a burger. Ever wonder about the markup on wine in a restaurant?

Tourism is Down in Sonoma/Napa

Yes, we had the infamous Wine Country Fires about a year ago. On the news it appeared the whole place burned to the ground. A few wineries, restaurants, and hotels were affected, but the vast majority are just fine. But the perception is there and a lower number of visitors was expected for this year.

Blurring the Lines Between Beer & Wine

Sonoma County's Murphy-Goode Winery is best known for their Liar's Dice Zinfandel and their Sauvignon Blanc. Kendall-Jackson bought the winery from the founders about ten years ago. St. Florian's Brewery was founded five years ago by a local fire captain. St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.