Sonoma County, CA (November 2, 2022) November is National Gratitude Month. A time to reflect and give thanks. At Sonoma County Tourism, gratitude is a wellness exercise we actively encourage as part of being a responsible traveler. It’s the practice of recognizing what we are thankful for and embracing the joy that comes naturally with gratitude.
Speaking of thanks, our hotels partners are featuring some exceptional extended weekday and weekend stay promotions that represent outstanding value. Check out the offers in the New in Special Deals section below. With so much to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore, enjoy this round up of news in Sonoma County, as well as a preview of select upcoming holiday events.
For the latest stories, please visit (and bookmark) sonomacounty.com/whats-new which will be updated regularly to announce what’s new as we learn about it.
Recent Sonoma County Accolades
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay, Timber Cove Resort, The Sea Ranch Lodge, The Madrona, and The Barlow were featured in Sunset Magazine’s 2022 Travel Awards.
- Healdsburg’s Little Saint was named one of the New York Times’ 50 favorite restaurants of 2022.
- Vegetarian Times also named Little Saint one of the best new restaurants in 2022.
- Santa Rosa was among Wallethub.com’s 2022 Best Food Cities in America.
- Third Street Aleworks was awarded a gold medal for Blarney Sisters’ Dry Irish Stout at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
- The Farmhouse and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn were included in Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 20 Hotels in Northern California: Reader’s Choice Awards.
- Healdsburg’s Jordan Winery has made the World’s 50 Best Vineyards list for 2022.
New in Hotels
The Stavrand – Guerneville
The Stavrand has joined Kind Traveler’s new certification pilot program, Every Stay Gives Back. Launching in early 2023, hotel guests will have an opportunity to give $2 per night to Farm to Pantry, with The Stavrand matching donations for a total of $4 per night. The Every Stay Gives Back pilot program now includes 11 hotels around the world, with The Stavrand being the only hotel in California currently participating.
Dawn Ranch – Guerneville
Dawn Ranch has partnered with Fender guitars to celebrate the re-launch of its famed California Series acoustic guitars. Anyone who stays at Dawn Ranch will get access to a Redondo Play, Malibu Player, or Newporter Player guitar from Fender. They’ll be available for in-room use or “on loan” for use around the hotel’s communal campfire. Teach Mayer, GM at the resort says it undertook the collaboration with Fender to “foster creativity and encourage a sense of community through music and the arts.” Dawn Ranch, situated along the Russian River, spent three years closed through the pandemic and underwent a complete renovation of its rooms. It now serves as a retreat with gardens, huge redwoods, and 53 guest cabins with access to complimentary creative workshops, yoga and meditation groups, community campfires, and hiking trails.
Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort – Santa Rosa
The Lazeaway Club at Santa Rosa’s revamped Flamingo Resort has a new chef at the helm. Chris Ricketts, has taken the reins at the Cal-Pacific poolside eatery. A longtime friend of and chef for Flamingo owners Benson Wang and Anderson Pugash at their Dorian and Palm House restaurants in San Francisco, Chef Ricketts menu will allow guests and locals to explore the diverse flavors of the Pacific from a Californian vantage point.
Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Rosa Wine Country – Santa Rosa
The Hampton Inn & Suites in Santa Rosa has opened its doors. The 4-acre site is located off Highway 101, minutes from the Sonoma County Airport. The 4-story, select service, 100-room, 61,800-square-foot hotel offers complimentary breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and business centers. King and queen room sets are pet-friendly and non-smoking.
New in Wine
The Donum Estate – Sonoma
A new tasting space, the Vertical Panorama Pavilion, has opened on the 200-acre Donum Estate. It is a strikingly beautiful venue for sipping wine and taking in the views: 832 colored glass panels come together to form a conical canopy atop an open-air lounge seating area. The glass panels — an interpretation of the changing seasons at The Donum Estate — are in a spectrum of colors that range from an autumnal orange to a springlike emerald green and reflect light like a kaleidoscope. 3 years in the making, the artful new tasting venue was designed by Berlin-based Studio Other Spaces. Along with views of the estate vineyards, it boasts scenic vistas of San Pablo Bay and a sampling of the 50-some, large-scale sculptures that dot the property.
Bannister Wines – Geyserville
Founded by Marty Bannister in 1989, Bannister Wines opened its first brick-and-mortar location. Located in a former bank building, the boho-chic looking tasting room retains some architectural elements, including antique teller cages from the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco and an impressive steel vault — now a retail space for custom made jewelry. Owners Brook and Morgania Moore have also added a private patio for outdoor seating. Food is available by delivery from neighboring restaurant, Diavola.
Passagio Wines – Glen Ellen
Passaggio Wines recently opened in a new location at the historic Jack London Village in Glen Ellen. The concept is a wine bar with wine by the glass, wine flights, and wine by the bottle. Not a traditional tasting room, owner Cindy Cosco’s intent is to attract visitors who want to chill out with a glass of wine and catch some live music. In their new location, with soaring ceilings and lots more room, snacks prepared by Lauren Kershner of Goodness Gracious Catering and Songbird Parlour, also located in Jack London Village.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery – Healdsburg
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery recently unveiled their newly opened Fontana Pergolas, surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees, gorgeous fountains, spectacular gardens and sweeping vineyards. Guests can enjoy a flight of five reserve wines in the privacy of a reserved Pergola setting. On Sundays, guests can savor an Italian-inspired brunch paired with the Ferrari-Carano wine selections.
Chateau St. Jean Winery – Kenwood
Chateau St. Jean invites visitors two enjoy two new experiences that showcase the winery’s extraordinary views and historic property: the Chez Nous Experience, a seated, private tasting in the historic chateau’s elegant dining room for 7-15 guests, with a wine educator guiding the group through a flight of five wines and optional cheese and charcuterie board; or the Olive Grove Experience in the open-air pergola, where groups of 20-35 guests enjoy a private tasting surrounded by 120-year-old olive trees.
New in Restaurants
the girl and the fig – Sonoma
the girl and the fig is bringing their annual Noodle Spring back to Suite D. The popular Noodle Spring menu will be served at Suite D located at 21800 Schellville Rd, Sonoma. From spicy tan tan ramen to sticky riblets, the Asian-inspired menu will be available every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm beginning November 9.
Goatlandia Kitchen – Sebastopol
Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary is opening Goatlandia Kitchen, a vegan kitchen space for a farm animal rescue sanctuary in Sebastopol. Rather than reopening as a restaurant, Goatlandia Kitchen will offer pop-ups and cater “Lunchtime Takeover” — free plant-based, organic lunches for local businesses. The kitchen also will be open to other vegan chefs who want to collaborate with Goatlandia on food events or create vegan foods.
New in Arts and Culture
The California – Santa Rosa
Live theater returned to downtown Santa Rosa when the Left Edge Theatre, a resident company at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, moved to the site of a new venue in downtown Santa Rosa. The new 199-seat cabaret-style space has been renamed The California, after the former vaudeville and movie house that operated on B Street in downtown Santa Rosa from 1930 to 1977. The venue will house small concerts, comedy shows, classes, and private parties and serve food and drink. Patrons will be able to order light meals from several downtown restaurants. The California will serve as home to both Left Edge Theatre and its youth program, Young Actors Studio.
New in Transportation
Sonoma County Airport Express – Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Airport Express has begun shuttle services for passengers flying in and out of the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS). The current pick-up and drop-off locations that customers have used when traveling to San Francisco and Oakland International Airports will now also be used to offer a convenient, comfortable, and affordable ride to fly at STS. This alternate transportation option is critical to Sonoma County Airport as the number of people flying in and out of STS has increased significantly over the last two years.
New in Special Deals
Dawn Ranch is offering a Weekday Getaway Special: save up to 25% on their most flexible rate.
Visit Boon Hotel + Spa Monday through Thursday for a midweek getaway and save. Book 2 nights and get 25% off the second night with the promo code boonfall25. Book 3 nights and get the third night free with the promo code thirdnightfree. 25% off all spa treatments Monday through Thursday. Day spa guests get 2 hours of pool + hot tub time plus access to the poolside bar and beach cruiser bikes? Plan your pampering today!
Make your quick trip to The Stavrand feel like a relaxing, extended vacation. Extend your weekend and ease into the week with a day off (or a work-from-here Monday) and enjoy a substantial discount on this additional night. This offer is available most weekends, when arriving on a Thursday or Friday.
Gaige House: When it comes to scenic diversity, there’s no better place to explore than Sonoma County. Reserve the California Dreaming package and enjoy 25% off when you book direct.
From Sonoma County Tourism
Beyond the Wineglass, a new, long form, 3-part video series produced by Sonoma County Tourism, introduces viewers to just a few of the unique individuals that make up their community. Series host Crista Luedtke (chef and owner of boon eat + drink, BROT restaurant, and boon hotel and spa) sits down with some of Sonoma County’s best for a drink and a relaxed conversation about why they call this uniquely creative place home. The series presents a lineup of diverse talents; Adrian Chang of Mori House, artist Jessica Martin, and Tucker Taylor, Culinary Garden Director at Jackson Family Wines.
What’s Happening During the Holidays
Sonoma County Holiday Celebrations – Sonoma County
Spending the holidays in Sonoma Country is a wonderland of lights and cheer. Each city and town is decked out for the holidays, and many magical events and activities await visitors of all ages. Check out our summary of holiday celebrations and tree lightings to help ring in the season.
Miracle at Brewsters – Petaluma
Brewsters Beer Garden annual seasonal extravaganza transports visitors into a holiday wonderland filled with photo ops and a menu full of cocktails mixed with festive flavors like spiced apple cider, cinnamon fat-washed cognac, and brown butter. Cozy up under massive outdoor heat lamps while enjoying cocktails served in over-the-top glassware and mugs. Guests will also enjoy seasonally harvested produce on the holiday menu served by staff in holiday costumes. Miracle commences November 21 and runs through January 8, 2023.
Petaluma Holiday Food and Fun Fair – Petaluma
Organized by Lorraine and Michael Barber of the Barber Cellars Winery, the Petaluma Holiday Food and Fun Fair features 30+ vendors. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The Petaluma Holiday Food Fair is an indoor farmer’s market where visitors can purchase directly from local food artisans to prepare for thanksgiving and beyond. It is free to attend, but tickets and time reservations are required.
Skating on the Square – Santa Rosa
Using no water or power, the Winter Lights Rink is Sonoma County’s eco-friendly, drought-conscious opportunity for holiday fun. The Winter Lights Rink is manufactured by Smart Rink. Synthetic ice is used as a substitute for real ice which allows users to practice ice skating and other ice sports without the excessive energy costs of operating a conventional ice skating rink. Engineered plastic sheets are smooth and 100% seamless which creates excellent glideability. The rink uses sustainable technology that requires no water, energy, or carbon emissions. Open November 25– December 31.
Breakfast with Santa at Costeaux French Bakery – Healdsburg
Children near and far are invited to meet Santa Claus during Breakfast with the Santa at Costeaux French Bakery. Available every Saturday in December (except the morning of Christmas Eve), breakfast includes a digital photo with Santa Claus. Showcasing holiday-themed pieces from around the world, the famous Nutcracker collection adorns the walls of the Healdsburg location.
Catalan Holiday Feast at Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery – Graton
Get into the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 10 at 4:00 pm as Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery regales you with a feast fit for kings. The menu will feature classic Spanish holiday dishes from her cookbooks: traditional Catalan turkey stuffed with pine nuts and dried fruits, Sopa de Galets (hearty broth with large pasta shells), Turrón (almond nougat), and more—all while taking in the view from Marimar’s home overlooking the Don Miguel Vineyard. Reservations are required.
Winterblast – Downtown Santa Rosa
Winterblast is a free, kid-friendly street party hosted by SOFA Santa Rosa Arts District, Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership, sponsored by Out There Santa Rosa. This winter celebration will be held on South A Street and Sebastopol Avenue, just west of Santa Rosa Avenue. Festivities start at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Winterblast includes open art studios, food vendors, and live music in four different locations. The main event is a rolling ‘sofa’ parade with stilt walkers, a marching band, and lighted decorated sofas. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and join the parade.
Jack London State Historic Park Winter Concert – Glen Ellen
The Jack London Piano Club, a talented group of volunteers at Jack London State Historic Park, will present a Winter Concert on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, at 2:00-4:00 pm. The program of holiday music from around the world will be performed on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway piano, located on the second floor the House of Happy Walls, Charmian’s former home and now the museum of Jack and Charmian’s life together in Glen Ellen. Six members of the Piano Club, including professional musicians such as Esfir Ross, will present a varied program ranging from classical, jazz, and popular music designed to appeal to all musical tastes.
Digital Images
Sonoma County businesses are strongly encouraged to submit their highest resolution images to Sonoma County Tourism for inclusion in our digital asset library. Our public relations team frequently receives requests from local, regional, national, and international media for digital images for both new and existing Sonoma County businesses. These assets are a very important tool used in promoting our partners’ stories. Send digital images to publicrelations@sonomacounty.com
About Sonoma County Tourism
Sonoma County Tourism (SCT) is the region’s official Destination Stewardship Organization. Through a multi-channel sales and marketing program, the organization promotes Sonoma County as a global visitor and meetings destination, where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Leveraging the region’s unmatched assets, wine, culinary, wellness, and sustainability continue to define its character. Visitors spent $1.97 billion in Sonoma County in 2021, a 58% increase over 2020 and employed 17,640 Sonoma Countians, a gain of 8.3% over 2020 hospitality job levels. Post-pandemic, SCT will work with partner businesses to rebuild the tourism economy, regain critical revenue, and re-establish a vibrant workforce. Planning the perfect trip to Sonoma County just got easier with the Sonoma County App as your personal travel assistant! Create a unique itinerary in real time, travel with intention and share with your traveling party. Available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com.
Media Contacts:
Birgitt Vaughan, Director, Public Relations
Chris Vomvolakis, Senior Manager, Consumer Public Relations
publicrelations@sonomacounty.com