I had so much fun sipping, swirling and munching on amazing wine, beer, cheese and other tasty farmstead tidbits at the 2017 California Artisan Cheese Festival, at the Sheraton Petaluma, last weekend.
This three day event gets better and better each year. This March I only made it to the Sunday marketplace. If you've never attended this top notch foodie fest, make a note to self to get over to the marketplace next year. Tickets are sold separately for farm tours, seminars, dinners and the marketplace. You won't be disappointed.
My bag was full by the time I'd fully explored all of the delicious cheeses of our region and many other fine, artisan cheeses of the western states. I like that there are so many other products that pair with cheese to sample in the marketplace as well as beautiful, handcrafted wares such as these distinctive, reclaimed wood boards and bowls meticulously made in Santa Rosa, by woodworker artist Gwen, who works in a small studio on Hendley Street.
Everything she crafts is one of a kind and has a past. She explained how the wood she uses is salvaged or from a fallen tree, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood including captivating knots, blemishes and color variation.
It's not unusual to spot wooden boards and bowls at craft fairs and on the shelves of our favorite wine country stores. Yet Gwen's style is so unique, contemporary yet timeless, it stopped me in my tracks. I had to buy one to add to my collection. I will use it often.
Click photo link or here for The Hendley Hard Goods site.
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