Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Tickets on Sale

Posted on May 16, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

The 2013 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend tickets are on sale now!
August 30 – September 1, 2013

Locals, general admission and Visa Signature tickets are on sale. Buy tickets here.

LOCALS tickets are only available for Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch while supplies last. To obtain the special “locals” pricing, residents of Sonoma County will be required to submit their Sonoma County zip code at checkout. A maximum of two specially-priced tickets per address.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, Sonoma County’s largest charitable event celebrating one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions brings our wine and food community together to indulge in the Sonoma County lifestyle of world class wine and fresh, local cuisine, all while raising funds for a spectrum of local charities that make an indelible positive impact throughout our community.

Three signature events set the tone for a weekend of elegance, conviviality and delight. Kick up your heels and dance under the stars at Sonoma Starlight at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, savor Sonoma’s most fabulous flavors at Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, and raise a glass (and a paddle) with Sonoma County’s wine and food superstars at the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean, a frivolous, fabulous fundraising auction unlike any other. If intimate events are more suited to your style, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend also offers small-scale lunch and dinner gatherings at an array of unique winery properties. There’s truly something for everyone at Sonoma Wine Country Weekend!

This year’s Honorary Chairs include:

  • Winegrower- Phil Coturri of Enterprise Vineyards
  • Vintner- The Gallo Family
  • Culinary Chair- Sondra Bernstein of the girl & the fig

Don’t miss this weekend of world-class wines, unforgettable feasts and sharing in the abundance of Sonoma with our most notable winemakers and chefs. Join us — we look forward to seeing you in Sonoma County Labor Day Weekend!

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend poster shoot with winemakers, vintners and growers.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend poster shoot with winemakers, vintners and growers.

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Local Farmers Markets in Sonoma

Posted on May 16, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

Farmers markets around Sonoma County have started up again for the season, offering fresh and the best local produce, products, music, and a good time.

Sonoma Farmers Market

Downtown Sonoma Farmers Market

Farmers markets, at least the mid-week markets, we call the local hangout where the community comes together. If you want to feel like a local Wine Country resident, check out a farmers market and observe. Locals arrive on foot or bike and before they even attempt to pick up this weeks produce, they’ll run into a dozen or so people they know and catch up on things. If you attend the farmers market in downtown Sonoma, you’ll find people carrying wine glasses in one hand and bottles in the other, sharing tastes and small food plates with their friends. The Sonoma Plaza is the only public park in California that allows open alcohol, allowing guests to bring their own bottle to enjoy as they listen to local musicians and chat with friends. People bring picnic items, blankets, lawn chairs and more and enjoy the company and beautiful weather.

Feast on indulgences such as sushi, tri-tip, corn dogs and cheeses and watch children dance across the lawn until the sun goes down. Meet and greet local business, farm and vineyard owners while sampling wine from top wineries in the area. Window shop at some of Sonoma County’s finest boutiques and mingle among the crowd, meeting the local community as you connect about Sonoma’s unique character and cultural richness.

Find a farmers market near you:

Tuesday

Oakmont (Starting June )
-       4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
-       Oakmont Drive and White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa

Valley of the Moon/Downtown Sonoma (Starting May 2)
-       5:30 p.m. – dusk
-       Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

Petaluma East Side Market (Year Round )
-       320 N McDowell Ave, Petaluma

Wednesday

Santa Rosa (Starting May 11)
-       5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
-       Downtown Santa Rosa CA

Santa Rosa (Year Round)
-       8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
-       50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa CA

Healdsburg (Starting June)
-       4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
-       Plaza and Center Street, Santa Rosa

Redwood Empire Market
-       8:30 a.m. – noon
-       1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa

Petaluma Evening Market (Starting June)
-       4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
-       2nd Street between B & D Streets, Petaluma

Thursday

Cotati (Starting June 7)
-       4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
-       La Plaza Park, Downtown Cotati CA

Windsor (Starting June)
-       5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
-       Town Green in Old Downtown, Windsor CA

Friday

Occidental (Starting June)
-       4 p.m.
-       Main and Second Street, Occidental CA

Rohnert Park (Starting June 3)
-       5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
-       500 City Center Drive, Rohnert Park CA

Sonoma (Year round)
-       9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-       241 West First Street, Sonoma CA

Cloverdale (Starting June 1)
-       5:30 p.m. – dusk
-       Cloverdale Boulevard between First and Second

Saturday

Healdsburg (Starting May 7)
-       9 a.m. – noon
-       North and Vine Streets, Healdsburg CA

Gualala (Starting May 21)
-       9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
-       47950 Center Street, Gualala CA

Petaluma (Starting May 21)
-       2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
-       Walnut Park, corner of Petaluma Blvd and D Street, Petaluma CA

Santa Rosa
-       8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-       Santa Rosa Veterans Building, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa CA

Oakmont (Year round)
-       9 a.m – noon
-       Oakmont Drive and White Oak Drive

Redwood Empire Market
-       8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-       1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa

Sunday

Glen Ellen (May)
-       10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
-       Jack London Village

Sebastopol (Starting April)
-       10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
-       Sebastopol Plaza on Weeks Way, Sebastopol CA

Windsor (Starting May)
-       10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-       Town Green in Old Downtown, Windsor CA

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Transcendence announces 2013 Artist Series

Posted on May 14, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

Our friends at Transcendence Theatre Company just announced a new Transcendence Artist Series for the 2013 season, to accompany the amazing Broadway Under the Stars performances. With Tony Award-Winner Sutton Foster providing her own concert with music director Michael Rafter, and favorites from last summers concerts including Carrie Manolakos, Leah Sprecher and Stephanie Cadman.

This collection of one-night concerts with individual artists in remarkable settings throughout Wine Country are set to be a memorable experience for attendees. These performances will create an intimate atmosphere of inspiration and transcendence. We look forward to sharing these one of a kind experiences celebrating a broad collection of artists whose work teaches us all to live life to the fullest. See highlights for each show below:

Trans_ArtistSeries_FINAL

Carrie Manolakos in Concert
Benziger Family Wine Cave | July 13 at 7:30p.m.

Singer/Songwriter and YouTube sensation Carrie Manolakos delivers a night of powerful music in the breathtaking Benziger Wine Cave that follows her journey from Broadway to her life as an independent artist. This concert, featuring songs from her debut album, Echo, promises to be historic.

An Evening with Sutton Foster
Jack London State Park | August 1 at 7:30p.m.

Two-time Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster (Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie), along with musical director Michael Rafter, presents a powerhouse night of enchanting entertainment in the winery ruins of Jack London State Historic Park.

Leah Sprecher’s “Old at Heart”
Benziger Family Winery Barn | August 13 at 7:30p.m.

Transcendence Theatre Company’s very own Leah Sprecher presents her one-woman show chronicling her unique and endearing kinship with old ladies in this hilarious, but powerfully touching show full of songs, characters and anecdotal stories.

The Stephanie Cadman Trio
Jack London State Park | August 24 at 7:30p.m.

World-champion tap dancer and Celtic fi ddler Stephanie Cadman returns with her band to Wine Country by popular demand for an exclusive onenight performance; featuring music and dancing that will make your heart come alive!

Get tickets here: http://www.transcendencetheatre.org

Two-time Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

Two-time Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

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Stars Align for 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival

Posted on April 18, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

From celebrity sightings to interviewing filmmakers and actors and getting to know them on a personal level, to the parties, delicious wine, incredible music, gourmet food and more; the 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival was a grand success.

Bringing the best film, food and wine to Sonoma’s historic square and the surrounding venues, the Sonoma International Film Festival was a magical five-day event. Opening Wednesday evening with a reception at MacArthur Place gathering VIPs, filmmakers and directors, the first screening of The Iceman, featuring actor Ray Liotta and director Ariel Vromen, packed the Sebastiani Theatre and included a Q&A session. Attendees danced the opening night away at The General’s Daughter with more food, wine and music to officially kickoff the event.

Some of our personal favorite films included Inocente, a film featuring a 15 year-old homeless girl living in San Diego who paints with incredible passion, bringing many in the audience to tears, but mainly inspired viewers. A well shot, edited and produced film called Spinning Plates followed three amazingly different restaurants but with similar stories and triumphs. Living on One Dollar follows four college students on a journey to Guatemala to live on one dollar each day and shares a powerful way to get involved with their newly formed nonprofit to help those living in poverty with microfinance loans. The film received the Audience Award for Best Documentary.

If you didn’t get a chance to meet the talented Director Nikki Braendlin from As High As The Sky, you probably saw or heard actress Caroline Fogarty, who lit up the screen (and the event) and helped the film take home both the Best American Independent Feature and The Stolman Audience Award for Best American Independent Feature.

This years Sonoma Spotlight Award recipients Demian Bichir and Mary-Louise Parker reflected on their solo and joint ventures through their career with playful conversation and discussions with moderators Elliot Kotek and Claudia Mendoza-Carruth. Receiving the fashionable Tiffany & Co wine ice buckets from Executive Director Kevin McNeely, the two participated in the delicious Tribute Dinner catered by a favorite Sonoma restaurant the girl & the fig.

Festival highlights included a dance party at HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma on Thursday evening, the LGBT Secret Disco Party in the Backlot Tent and the Festival Gala, complete with music from local U2 cover band Unforgettable Fire and its Bono look-a-like lead singer.

Directors, actors and all others associated with films at the Sonoma International Film Festival want to talk about their film and share their stories, making it one of the best features about the festival. Stay tuned to view our recap video and interviews from our journey through the festival.

Other award winners included Blackbird for Best World Feature, Terms and Conditions May Apply for Best Documentary Feature, Chance of Rain for Best Narrative Short, The Flogsta Roar for Best Documentary Short, and Jackie for the Audience Award for Best World Feature.

Sonoma International Film Festival

SIFF 21031

 

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Your GUIDE to the 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival

Posted on April 8, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

The start of the 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival is just days away, April 10-14, 2013, so we wanted you to be ready for the memorable event. The schedule includes some top-notch films from independent filmmakers around the world, and the list of guests attending is growing by the day. Mingle at some of the best parties and film premiers at eight locations around our historic Sonoma Plaza. Be sure to check our website and social media for full, live coverage of the event.

Follow us during the festival:
Facebook.com/SomethingAboutSonoma
@SomethingSONOMA #SIFF13

Take ACTION and buy your tickets now at SonomaFilmFest.org and check out the full film schedule.

Sonoma International Film Festival

Wednesday

Opening Night Reception
4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m. at MacArthur Place

Open to Star and Premier passholders only.

Opening Film – The Iceman
6:30p.m. and 9:30p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre

Notoriously unrepentant Mafia hitman Richard Kuklinski was arrested in 1986 for murdering over 100 men in the course of three decades (although he may have killed twice that number). The all star cast of this riveting thriller includes Oscar-nominee’s Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder, and Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco.

Special guests include Director Ariel Vromen and actor Ray Liotta.

Opening Night After Party
9pm to 12am at the General’s Daughter

Continue opening night at the after party featuring the “Eighth Street 5” band. Open to Filmmakers, Sponsors, Star and Premiere passholders. Limited general admission tickets for $25 cash at the door.

Thursday

Films All Day
Screening venues

Beer Dinner
Ramekins

New Belgium Brewing is partnering up with The Homebrew Chef himself, Sean Paxton, for a beer dinner to be held at Ramekins. The evening will include a cocktail hour and a gourmet 4 course meal using local and seasonal ingredients. Space is limited.

Dance Party
9p.m. to midnight at HopMonk Tavern

Dance the night away at HopMonk Tavern after the second day of the film festival. Limited capacity so get there early! Open to star and premiere passholders.

Friday

Films All Day
Screening venues

Latin Fiesta
6p.m. to 8p.m. in the Backlot Tent

Come celebrate Spanish Language films with Mexican food by Rancho Viejo, Latin music by the Carlos Herrera Band, beer, Margaritas, wines from Ceja Vineyards and Robledo Family Winery. Open to Sponsors, Filmmakers, Star and Premiere passholders. General Admission $25.

After Party
9p.m. at the Swiss Hotel

Hosted by Consul General of Switzerland and Quebec Government Office in LA, round out your day at a local hot spot. Limited capacity. Open to Star passholders.

Saturday

Films All Day
Screening venues

Sonoma Spotlight Award
6p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall

A tribute to Mary-Louise Parker and Demián Bichir.

Mary-Louise Parker has enjoyed a diverse career in film, television and on stage. Most recently seen in the hit action-comedy RED opposite Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren, she will reprise her role in RED 2, due out this summer. Parker is widely known for her starring roles in such films as FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, BOYS ON THE SIDE, RECKLESS, THE CLIENT, NAKED IN NEW YORK and LONGTIME COMPANION.

Oscar-nominated actor Demián Bichir has impressive film and television work in both the United States and Mexico. For his moving portrayal of an undocumented worker in Chris Weitz’s A BETTER LIFE, Bichir received Best Actor nomination from the 2012 Academy Awards. He also starred in Steven Soderbergh’s 2008 two-part epic CHÉ as a young Fidel Castro, as well as Oliver Stone’s SAVAGES.

Open to Star & Premier passholders, general admission tickets are $50.

LGBT Secret Disco Party
7pm to 10pm in The Backlot tent.

Disco dance with a DJ, no-host bar. Open to passholders, general admission: $10.

Tribute Dinner
7p.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall

A limited number of tickets ($175) are available for an elegant dinner at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall immediately following the Tribute / Spotlight Award. The dinner will be catered by the girl & the fig.

Festival Gala
9p.m. to 12a.m. at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall

Festive food & beverages with music by Sonoma’s own Bosonomans and Unforgettable Fire, the band featured in the documentary: UNFORGETTABLE FIRE: The Story of a U2 Tribute Band. Tickets are $50.

Sunday

Films All Day
Screening venues

Closing Night Film- A Monkey on My Back
6:30 at the Sebastiani Theatre

Mila and Javier are a passionate husband-and-wife team of heart surgeons, routinely repairing and stitching up hearts on the operating table. When Mila unexpectedly becomes pregnant, the prospect of a baby undermines the balance of their relationship. An engaging story of marital collapse from award-winning director Marion Laine (A SIMPLE HEART), starring Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche (THE ENGLISH PATIENT) and Venezuelan superstar Édgar Ramírez (CARLOS).

Awards Ceremony
8:30p.m. to 10p.m. in The Backlot tent.

Close out the festival at the awards ceremony to celebrate the top filmmakers, actors and producers at this years’ Sonoma International Film Festival. Open to passholders, general admission is $10.

 

Other key films and notes

Screening Venues
Offering venues within a short distance from the historical Sonoma Plaza, the Sonoma International Film Festival will screen films at the following locations:

  • Sebastiani Theatre
  • Mia’s Kitchen at Vintage House
  • Shellback Screening Room at Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club
  • New Belgium Lounge at Burlingame Hall
  • Murphy’s Pub
  • Rodeo Room at MacArthur Place
  • Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
  • Booker Hall at La Luz

Backlot Tent
The tent on the Sonoma Plaza on the North side of City Hall. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The tent will offer wine tasting, cheese sampling, sponsor demonstrations and live music throughout Festival. (VIP area is open to Premiere and Star Passholders from 10-5 PM)

VIP Maysonnave House
Located at 291 First Street East, just two blocks north of the Sonoma Plaza. Hours of operation: Wednesday, April 10, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Thursday through Sunday, April 11 to 14, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This charming, historic home house is open to all sponsors throughout the festival and includes concierge service and wonderful food from Epicurean Connection, wines from local vintners and yummy snacks from partners. Film sponsor receptions are also held here.

Project Censored
Media watchdog group Project Censored exposes important stories that are rarely — if ever — reported by the corporate media. Determined to break the grip that “junk food news” has on the American people, two California fathers uncover the corporate media’s true agenda. Using Project Censored as their road map, they take the veil off corporate media and prove to the people of America that media watchdog groups like Project Censored are the antidote to a broken media system.

Paperman
The story of a young man in New York City relying on his heart, imagination, a stack of papers — and a little luck — to win the girl of his dreams. Winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Animated Short.

Inocente
An intensely personal and vibrant coming-of-age documentary about a young artist’s fierce determination never to surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings. Fifteen-year-old Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by life as a homeless, undocumented immigrant. A timely snapshot of the new face of homelessness in America – children – and a timeless story of the transformative power of art. Winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Culinary Corner
Films such as: “Tu Seras Mon Fils,” “A Year in Burgundy,” and “Cannubi: A Vineyard Kissed by Gods” in addition to the documentary, “STORM,” about award-winning winemaker, Ernst Storm round out the Culinary Corner films.

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Spring and Summer Outlook

Posted on March 12, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

With spring upon us and summer just around the bend, we’re looking forward to another great season of events, wine tastings, delectable restaurants and more in Sonoma County.

With 2011 and 2012 well behind, the 2013 event season with SomethingAboutSonoma.com will highlight the upcoming 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival, countless tasting events, Broadway Under the Stars and Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

Sonoma International Film Festival
As our second year as a media partner with the Sonoma International Film Festival approaching, we’ll bring you an inside look at this year’s happenings including celebrity news, films to watch, hundreds (if not thousands) of photos and video coverage of all the hottest events, tributes and parties. With the historic Sonoma Plaza as the venue for ‘Sonomawood,’ the April 10-14 Sonoma International Film Festival offers a unique taste of Sonoma flair and style and promises to be an exciting event.

Sonoma International Film Festival

Wine Tasting Events
With wine tasting events including Savor Sonoma by the Heart of Sonoma Valley Winery Association and April in Carneros by Hospitality de los Carneros, wine tasting events are abundant throughout Sonoma County. Our list of must-attend events also includes Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Gay Wine Weekend and other harvest-season gatherings.

Broadway Under the StarsBroadway Under the Stars
Our talented friends from Transcendence Theatre Company are putting together a magnificent lineup of talented stars for the second season of Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Park. Starting with an opening weekend, June 28, Broadway Under the Stars will run 14 shows, culminating with the Gala Celebration on August 31. Picnicking in Jack London State Park before the show, plus Broadway artists from across the globe is something you don’t want to miss.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
Looking further down the road in Wine Country, what more could you ask for from the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend event? This year, August 30-September 1, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend will again bring over 200 wineries and chefs from Sonoma County for one unforgettable experience. The newly added Starlight Sonoma Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery was a big hit last year, not to mention the classic 33rd Annual Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch and the 20th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean. We’re excited to hear the lineup for this years’ weekend and will let you know when we find out!

The 2012 harvest was one of the best this county has seen in years, so we hope the 2013 harvest (and tourism season) will again bring great fruit for unforgettable Wine Country experiences. Stay up to date with our events list and let us know where we’ll find you.

See you in Wine Country!

Wine grapes ready for the Harvest!

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Sonoma International Film Festival around the corner

Posted on March 5, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

With new updates coming every day, we’re excited to hear a few films revealed for the 16th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival. Two of these films include Oscar winning films “Inocente” (Best Documentary Short) and “Paperman” (Best Short Animated).

“This is a tease for the 85 plus film program, which will be out no later than next week,” says Kevin McNeely, Executive Director of the Sonoma International Film Festival.

SIFF Oscars

IMDB describes “Inocente” as a personal and vibrant coming of age story about a young artist’s determination never to surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings. At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by being an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Color is her personal revolution and its sweep on her canvases creates a world that looks nothing like her own dark past. ‘Inocente’ is both a timeless story about the transformative power of art and a timely snapshot of the new face of homelessness in America: children. The challenges are staggering, but the hope in her story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do.

IMBD states Disney’s Paperman is where “An urban office worker finds that paper airplanes are instrumental in meeting a girl in ways he never expected.”

Other films announced include the ‘Culinary Corner’ films such as: “Tu Seras Mon Fils,” “A Year in Burgundy,” and “Cannubi: A Vineyard Kissed by Gods” in addition to the documentary, “STORM,” about award-winning winemaker, Ernst Storm.

Demian Bichir

IMDB: Demián Bichir

“This will give you an idea of the depth and caliber of our films,” McNeely says. “This year, we will honor Demián Bichir, nominated in 2012 for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in ‘A Better Life.’ Bichir is here to support our Latino film program.”

Passes are available for purchase now through SonomaFilmFest.org and the official box office here. Now in its 16th year, the Sonoma International Film Festival takes place April 10-14, 2013 in the heart of Northern California’s Wine Country and showcases wonderful venues all within walking distance of the historic Sonoma Plaza.

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April in Carneros 2013 wine tasting

Posted on February 7, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

The April in Carneros wine tasting event features some of the best wineries in Sonoma Valley (and Napa Valley). The unique Carneros region sits just north of the San Pablo Bay creating cool fog and breezes perfect for growing grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Carneros also boasts many sparkling wine producers.

April in Carneros celebrates the arrival of Springtime in the Carneros Wine Country and offers visitors the opportunity to visit familiar and new wineries in the region at special open houses. This years event takes place April 20 and 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check back for participating wineries.

This multi-winery wine tasting event features more than 20 wineries in the Carneros region of both the Valleys. Each winery will open its doors for April in Carneros to visitors to join in on a variety of activities, offering their own special variety of food and wine pairings, live music, art or craft shows, special wine tastings (barrel, reserve, library and new release).

View further April in Carneros event details here.

The Hospitality de los Carneros Member wineries include: Acacia Vineyards, Adastra, Artesa Winery, Anaba Wines, Bonneau Wines, Bouchaine Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, Ceja Vineyards, Cline Cellars, Curvare Winery, Cuvaison Estate Wines, Domaine Carneros, Enkidu Wines, Etude Winery, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Homewood Winery, Kamen Estate Wines, Keating Wines, Larson Family Winery, MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Madonna Estate, Mahoney Vineyards, McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery, Meadowcroft Wines, Parmelee-Hill Wines, Richardson Vineyards, Robert Stemmler Winery, Robledo Family Winery, Schug Carneros Estate Winery, Talisman Wines, Tin Barn Vineyards, Truchard Vineyards, Ty Caton Vineyards and Viansa Winery.

April in Carneros

The beautiful Carneros wine region.

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Kid Friendly Dining in Sonoma Valley

Posted on January 28, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

Guest blog by Mary at Modern Mama

With numerous Michelin rated restaurants, Sonoma is definitely a culinary mecca. There’s no reason to let kids deter you from hitting the town. From formal to casual, there are endless places to enjoy. Here is my short list.

The Fig Cafe, Glen Ellen – With kid friendly tablecloths, divine food and friendly service, the Fig Cafe has it all. Savor the seasonal flavors and local produce while your little Picasso decorates the tablecloths. Don’t panic, because the cloths are topped with butcher paper (yay!). Bobby and CJ (well and to be honest I) highly recommend the mac & cheese. Bring your favorite bottle of wine as corkage is complimentary. A word to the wise – make sure to avoid the long wait by arriving when they open at 5:30.

Hopmonk Tavern – With a lovely beer garden that is nearly fully enclosed, Hopmonk is absolutely kid friendly. Hopmonk also hosts a variety of musical gigs, which can be captivating for young-ones as you enjoy the local brew.

Murphy’s Pub – Warm enough to dine al fresco? Then Murphys is a great spot. With burgers, fries and chicken strips, the menu offers kiddo friendly food. Bobby and CJ love the curry fries. So order up your favorite pint and enjoy!

The Red Grape, Sonoma Square – Who doesn’t love Italian food with fresh Sonoma flair? In a laid back setting, the Red Grape allows families to do so in a no fuss setting. And, what kid dislikes pizza? I recommend just ordering off of the adult menu and providing Junior a slice of the adult flavor. Should you be meeting up with friends, consider reserving a spot in the back room. The bench is a great way to corral tumbling toddlers.

Taste of the Himalayas, Sonoma Square – This quaint restaurant is perfect for kids. With warm service and flavorful food, kids are right at home. They’ve brought food out for the kids almost immediately. Bobby recommends the garlic naan and CJ the lentil soup.

Fancy a special breakfast spot? Then check out the Fremont Diner or Studebaker Cafe.

Fremont Diner – It doesn’t get more kid friendly than Fremont Diner where you’ll be greeted by rusty trucks out front. Watch out Cars fans, Bobby has cited Mater. Farm enthusiasts will delight watching the chickens free range in the back garden. The patio hosts picnic tables perched atop gravel. A delight for toddlers as they toss their food on the floor (yay!). So, grab a table and order up some comfort food. I’m in love with the breakfast sandwich, and my husband with the biscuits and gravy.

Studebaker Cafe home to the Golden Hawk Cafe (breakfast only) offers a more casual experience. Fully equipped with a train table and developmental toys, Studebaker Cafe can help keep your kids entertained while you enjoy some of the decadently sinful offerings there including the famous cheesecake. They have a nice and affordable breakfast menu. For example, organic egg omelets with cheese are $4. That said, I highly recommend the scones. with each bite, a symphony if bliss. Maybe its from the fact that Studebaker takes endless efforts to ensure perfection, including making their own buttermilk. So, check it out.

Did I miss your favorite spot? I’d love to learn about it.

Original post can be seen here: http://modernmamamary.com/2013/01/24/where-to-dine-with-kids-in-sonoma-glen-ellen/

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Broadway Under the Stars set for 2013

Posted on January 23, 2013 by SomethingAboutSonoma.com

Broadway Under the StarsWith success in 2012, Transcendence Theatre Company is proud to announce its second season of the Broadway Under the Stars series in Jack London State Park, slated for summer 2013.

Check out details and a preview of what’s to come in 2013. If you weren’t able to catch a show last year, be sure to get your tickets early, and check out some of our recaps from 2012! Transcendence Theatre Company will surely perform at other venues across Sonoma County all summer and we will let you know as we hear about them!

Festive pre-show picnicking at the park begins at 5pm. Signature wines from local wineries as well as additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Purchase food from Food Trucks at the park or bring food of your own. Chairs for the concert seating will be provided.

Each of the Broadway Under The Stars concerts begins before sundown in the spectacular Kohler & Frohling winery ruins in the park. Experience the magic of high caliber musical theatre in the Valley of the Moon under the stars.

Fly Me To the Moon
June 28, 29, 30 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
July 5, 6 (Fri, Sat)

Inspired by the unique and brash optimism of the American musical, this show is all about soaring beyond the usual limits through music.

Featuring songs from Bway’s greatest composers- including Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephan Sondheim, Cole Porter, Stephan Schwartz and more- this one is guaranteed to leave you shooting for the moon!

Fantastical Family Night
July 19, 20 (Fri, Sat)

Back by popular demand is the Fantastical Family Night. “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your Day! Your mountain is waiting, So…get on your way!..” (Dr. Seuss) and head straight to TTC’s Fantastical Family Night, our second volume of fun for the entire family!

Saturated with Classic Broadway and Disney songs alike, this night of interactive entertainment will keep you wearing a smile from ear to ear.

Featuring a special and exclusive performance by TTC’s Broadway Kids Camp, this one’s not to miss!

Dancing Through Life
August 9, 10 (Fri, Sat)
August 15, 16, 17 (Thurs, Fri, Sat)

“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” – Vicki Baum

Get your feet tapping with Dancing Through Life, a unique tribute to those show stopping chorus numbers that keep you humming along to the rhythm of life.

Mixed with a genuine variety of both song and dance, this show will feature music from shows like Chicago, Crazy for You, A Chorus Line and even more! If dancing is a shortcut to happiness, then come to the edge of your seat and prepare to soar!

Gala Celebration
August 30, 31 (Fri, Sat)

Join us in wrapping up our season as we commemorate with our second annual Gala Celebration!

A two-night only weekend extravaganza and fundraiser, this show brings the community together for one last launch into the end of summer and the beginning of new dreams!

Celebrate the community, life and all the magical moments of Season Two as we sing you to inspiration one last time!

Featuring songs from Broadway and the Standard American Songbook, there’s no better way to bring the summer to a close! Get your tickets while they last!

 

Be sure to get your tickets early as shows WILL sell out. Maybe keep an eye out for promotions on our Facebook page for your chance to win free tickets!

http://www.transcendencetheatre.org

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