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FOOD & WINE
Food & Wine in Sonoma County's Wine Country
The temperate climate of West Sonoma County provides ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and vines. Local producers were early adopters of organic and sustainable farming techniques, so our local produce is second to none in quality. Likewise, local dairies produce organic cheeses of extraordinary quality.
Festivals, Fairs and Farmers’ Markets
During the summer, towns such as Guerneville, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Occidental and Bodega Bay host weekly farmers’ markets where the freshest local produce is available. Depending on the market, you may find a variety of food stands serving everything from barbecue to vegan. Local musicians often provide a melodic background of bluegrass, jazz and blues.
Festivals throughout the county celebrate a variety of local foods, such as the Bodega Seafood & Art Festival, the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol and the Flavors of Fall in Guerneville. Events such as A Wine & Food Affair and the Russian River Food and Winefest showcase the finest foods and wines of the region.
Enjoy Wine Tasting in the Russian River Valley Appellation
The soil, topography and climate of this region provide excellent growing conditions for a variety of grapes—most notably the pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc varietals. Our skilled winemakers then transform each harvest into world-class wines. The Russian River Valley appellation stretches from Guerneville in the northwest corner, south to Highway 12 and then east of Healdsburg onto the far side of Highway 101. Neighboring appellations include Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and the Coastal Region. There are wine-related events such as barrel tastings and food pairings throughout the year suited to both seasoned wine lovers and newcomers alike.
