The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.
Lisbeth Holmefjord a native of Bergen, Norway, and her husband Shari Sarabi established Baci Cafe & Wine Bar to bring delectable flavors of Italian cuisine to Sonoma County. Executive chef Sarabi uses locally sourced fresh ingredients to recreate the authentic Italian taste. Those with dietary restrictions can partake from their fares by ordering from their special gluten free menu. The tantalizing cuisine of this place attracts a huge crowd, so do reserve your table before you visit this restaurant.
Brian Arden Wines is established in a very old, Zinfandel vineyard which Brian Arden acquired from his father. Now, armed with the expertise of wine growing, the owner offers excellent vintages and tantalizing tasting sessions, paired with some delicious cuisine. The winery can also be toured, offering an overall exciting experience for the visitor.
Clif Family Winery is a family owned vineyard which offers up excellent wine tastings with artisan food pairings. Known mainly for their Clif Bar, an energy snack popular among cyclists, one can sample some of their best vintages such as Estate Zinfandel, Grenache, and of course, Cabernet Sauvignon, which is their specialty. Enjoy a glass with some spectacular views of the verdant vineyards when you visit here.
Nestled on the bank of the Russian river that joins the majestic Pacific Ocean lies River's End Restaurant. Executive chef Martin Recorder, uses his expertise to create tantalizing concoctions that keeps guests coming back for more. Locally sourced fresh ingredients are used to prepare contemporary preparations. Begin your meal with a salad or soup, follow it up with an entree of Duck Two Ways, Pork & Apples, White Sea Bass or Applewood Smoked Fillet Mignon. Key Lime Sorbet, mousse or creme brulee gives it a sweet finish. Book your table by the window to enjoy splendid views of Goat Rock and the night sky, while you dine.
Dine in the lap of luxury at the Single Thread Farm of Healdsburg. Set on a 5-acre (2.02-hectare) farm, this 3 Michelin-starred restaurant offers a lavish meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm. Indulge in an eleven-course meal specially designed to suit your palate and preference. Trained in Japan, Chef Kyle Connaughton believes in the philosophy of "Omotenashi" - service is from the bottom of the heart. Thus each dish is produced with honesty and perfection and served in style. The wine pairings complement each course, taking you on a culinary ride. This reservation-only restaurant promises a hearty meal and an experience to remember.
Dine in the lap of luxury at the Single Thread Farm of Healdsburg. Set on a 5-acre (2.02-hectare) farm, this 3 Michelin-starred restaurant offers a lavish meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm. Indulge in an eleven-course meal specially designed to suit your palate and preference. Trained in Japan, Chef Kyle Connaughton believes in the philosophy of "Omotenashi" - service is from the bottom of the heart. Thus each dish is produced with honesty and perfection and served in style. The wine pairings complement each course, taking you on a culinary ride. This reservation-only restaurant promises a hearty meal and an experience to remember.
Flora Springs tasting room or usually referred to as 'The room' is the place where you sample the exquisite wines produced at the Flora Springs winery. Set in a modern and contemporary space, it is sure to impress you with the selection of wines it offers. You can sip on some fine wines while enjoying splendid views of the hills of Napa Valley from their rooftop lounge. Their courtyard picnic area fosters a festive vibe and is a great place to relax with your family and friends. Wine tasting for individuals as well as groups is offered.
Do you consider yourself to be a wine connoisseur? Then a great place to have a little holiday retreat would be Comstock Wines. Located in the Sonoma County, this facility offers tours of their winery as well as offers tastings and sampling. You can even stay in this place for a few days for there are fully-equipped residences with all the comforts and luxuries provided. Comstock Wines strives to provide an enriching and enlightening education on the detailed process of winemaking.
Located within the Long Meadow Ranch in Saint Helena, the Farmstead is the property's premier dining location, specializing in contemporary American fare. The interiors have a rustic elegance and feature sleek wooden furnishings, dim lighting, and intimate seating areas. You can maybe start off by ordering the Warm Burrata, and then follow it up with their special Grass-fed Steak Tartare and Wood Grilled Heritage Pork Chop. If ribs are something that you really crave for, the Heritage Saint Louis ribs will surely not disappoint you.
Brasswood Cellars situated in the heart of St Helena is a winery featuring multiple tasting rooms as well as a guided tour of the facility. The exquisite wine produced here in small batches using locally grown grapes is quite popular amidst wine connoisseurs in the city. You can tour the beautiful Estate Vineyards and learn about their entire wine making process as you will uncover how the concoction came to be stored in large, elegant wooden casks where they are left for fermentation. Moreover, you can also learn the nuances of wine tasting in the Sensory Room at Brasswood Cellars under expert guidance during your visit here. Overall, if you already not an oenophile, this place will turn you into one.