Southern Sonoma Country Life

Red Barn Studios 14th Annual Holiday Show December 11th & 12th, 2021

Estrellas — Moments of Illumination Along El Camino De Santiago — An Inspiring & Moving New Memoir by Sonoma County Author Suzanne Maggio

My dear friend Suzanne Maggio has done it again — a second published memoir, this one penned during the extended stay-at-home era after an epic walk on the Camino when the world was still turning obliviously with regard to what was to come. 

Jokes ran rampant about time for writing best sellers and pulling off amazing feats of accomplishment during the months we were all stuck at home, with most people being satisfied with baking a plate of homemade cookies every other day. And so, I'm really impressed with my writer-pal for actually sitting down quietly and pouring her thoughts and experiences onto the page. 

I purchased several copies of Estrellas — Moments of Illumination Along El Camino De Santiago at Suzanne's book launch, this November, outdoors at Penngrove Market - one for myself & more to gift to friends who are searching for deeper understanding of themselves and the world in these tumultuous times.

Suzanne could not have timed her pilgrim walk more perfectly, on turning 60 the year prior to the pandemic and her poignant retelling of this profound experience is shared with all who pick up her book.

It’s astonishing how vivid her recall and how well it blends with memories & reflections on life before, during and after her month long solo walk. If you’re thinking of a Camino pilgrimage this book will clue you in on invaluable insight as to what to expect physically & emotionally. If you can’t see yourself embarking on such an expedition, reading Estrellas is the next best thing for walking it yourself - minus the blisters.

Bravo to this talented author who opens her heart with honesty & without ego or vanity.

Click here to order a signed copy of the book directly from the author. If you're in Sonoma County, Vibe Gallery in downtown Petaluma and Penngrove Market both carry signed copies of the book. Alternatively, order through your favorite bookseller or online from whichever bookseller you prefer. I like Bookshop.org when ordering online and I've added Suzanne's new book to my Sonoma County book list. 

Stockhome Restaurant and River Front Grand Central Petaluma Invite You to Celebrate the Annual Festival of Lights With an Outdoor Holiday Market December 11th, 4pm to 8 pm.

Petaluma's popular Stockhome restaurant is collaborating with Grand Central Petaluma on December 11th for the Festival of Lights.  

Stockhome will be serving warm Glög (warm spiced wine) and warm pita wraps at Grand Central Station, on Weller Street in a fun, family outdoor gathering that celebrates the decades-long tradition of the festive boat parade down the Petaluma River. In addition, Grand Central will also be hosting an outdoor holiday market showcasing numerous local vendors.

Support Young Artists & Art Media Entrepreneurs with a Pre-Order Scratch Zine Collectors Issue Number 4

Sonoma County, Petaluma-raised Stella Brown is blazing a trail as an art media entrepreneur with the release of the fourth issue of her internationally-collected, limited edition Scratch Magazine. 

In an online era of declining print subscriptions for traditional media, it's super exciting to witness and absorb soon-to-be art student graduate Stella's real world success in reaching beyond her current Northern California base to an impressive base of young artist contributors and fans around the world. 

I asked Stella, who is wrapping her undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz from her San Francisco base, to tell us how she found herself as editor-in-chief and publisher of the super cool Scratch Zine. 

"Scratch was started as a collective space for collaboration and expression of all art mediums," she explained. "It was originally intended to be a physical event in March of 2020 in Portland. As it became clear that we would all be socially distancing for a longer amount of time, the original concept was translated to print. Scratch is now an evolving web of connections for up and coming artists. The magazine is meant to represent a community space for art; it is alive and growing and has vibrant energy of its own. Each volume of Scratch is a curated group art show."

 

Each issue has garnered a continually growing audience and back issues are highly sought after amongst collectors. The multi-media artists and designers whose submissions make it into an issue reach out to one another across state and international borders. I expect we'll see great things for these youthful creative forces in the short and longer term.

 

I've preordered my copies and look forward to the tactile experience of perusing the varied, eclectic works in actual print. It's really so much more fun to hold a collection in hand than virtually scrolling a screen.

 

Stella attended Petaluma and Novato public schools before attending universities in Oregon and California. At 23 she's already a dynamic leader in her field.  

 

Check out the magazine's website: www.scratch-zine.com / follow on instagram: @scratchzine

Click here for website and pre-orders for new and past issues. 

Contributing Artists:

888vino888 (@888vino888)
Aja DeWolf Moura (@ajadewolfwoura)
Axel Steeno (@lexa_s.o.s)
BANGRS (@bsclothingsf)
benedetto b (@detronome)
Bryant Sina (@bryant.sina)
Build & Break Records (@build8breakrecords)
Classic Jasik (@classicjasik)
das wassup boss (late_2party)
Destroyedpeoples (@Destroyedpeoples)
Devin Jie Allen (@devjie)
Gage maurie (@gage_maurie)
Gunnar (@smorgus.board)
Hannah Ronningen (@hangbabyart)
iracema steurs (@ikbencema)
Jack Boucher (@Legomaniac1256)
Jacoby Zel Gutierrez (@jacobyzel)
Jonas Anderson (@on__island__time)
Josie Tolliver Shaw (@fishnjipz)
Lu Gold (@Prince__charming__lu)
Nik Cotten (@niks_photography_56)
祿 OROKU (@oroku.work)
Parker Luse (@mozarts.requeim)
Ryan Nurse
Sam Shin (@samshin.ai)
Sarah Pincock (@artmuseum.edu_ )
Sarah Sekula (@photosfordayz)
Sasha Grace (@sashagracephoto)
Sky (@ _dirtfarm)
Sofia Peters (@art_4urbrain)
Sophia Jean Van Dyke (@m.f.corncob)
S.O.S. clothing (@s.o.s.clothing)
starkey fossgreen (@star_key_f)
Stella Brown (@contra.pesto)
Tiger Brown
Tony DiPasquale (@hopelesscomix)
Undergroundteaparty: (@undergroundteaparty)
WARNING? (@unattaniable_warning_noise)
Zoë Gleitsman (@matzohballmama)

***Pre-ordered magazines will ship in 3-4 weeks, no guaranteed delivery before xmas***

Petaluma Gap Winegrowers' 2021 Holiday Recipe Pairings — Trombetta Family Wines 2018 Gap's Crown Chardonnay Paired with Pumpkin Sourdough Rolls

Here's the second in a series of recipes from the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA), chosen to pair with our wonderful local wines for upcoming 2021 holiday celebrations. This one is from Erica Stancliff, President of the Board of Directors of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA). 

“We selected the wines that have received the highest scores over the last year of lockdown,” said Erica. “The business of growing grapes and making wine continues and we are grateful for the plethora of awards our wines have garnered over the last year. At last count, there were more than 100 wines that joined PGWA’s 90+ Point Club, since last year’s harvest. The Alliance staff asked winemakers to suggest which recipes they would pair with their wines." 

Click here to check out the Trombetta Family's excellent wines. 

First of Petaluma Gap Winegrowers' 2021 Holiday Recipe Pairings — Gust Wines 2019 Chardonnay Paired With Baked Brie, Walnuts & Honey

With easing restrictions and a pent-up-desire to gather, the winemakers of the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) have selected some delicious recipes to pair with their wines for upcoming holiday celebrations.

“We selected the wines that have received the highest scores over the last year of lockdown,” said Erica Stancliff, President of the Board of Directors of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA).

“The business of growing grapes and making wine continues and we are grateful for the plethora of awards our wines have garnered over the last year. At last count, there were more than 100 wines that joined PGWA’s 90+ Point Club, since last year’s harvest. The Alliance staff asked winemakers to suggest which recipes they would pair with their wines."

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing recipes, along with details about the wines to pair them with. Here's a great one to start with for Thanksgiving. Click here for more info on Gust Wines. 

 

 

May Our Hearts Be Full of Thanks — And Giving! Wherever We Are in the World! Seventeen Ways To do Thanksgiving

photos via Pinterest

Thanksgiving is upon us. This time last year I was setting a far smaller table than in previous years. I've hosted as many as 20 for Thanksgiving dinner, which is a lot given that my immediate family members number five and most everyone else I'm related to by blood or marriage live about as far from my table as could be. Thanksgiving being an American holiday, on the rare occasions that we've had family over from Europe in November, they've very much enjoyed our version of turkey day without all the extra layers of Christmas.

I always thought it would be nice to host a bunch of students who were far from home and did so for several years when my youngest son, Dom, was a student at UC Davis. 

2020 was a different story for all of us. And it was a beautiful day weather-wise, so at our house, we set up outside and enjoyed a long walk, followed by a more intimate gathering of six in the afternoon sunshine. 

This year we're back up to nine. It'll be an outdoor gathering if the weather permits. One of the positive aspects of the pandemic era has been that we're more inclined to give ourselves, our hosts, family members and our guests permission to mix things up — a little, or a lot, when it comes to holiday entertaining. 

It really is fun to hear of the many different ways that friends plan to celebrate the day, or not, if it's a quiet day of contemplation in giving thanks that appeals. I reached out on social media to find out what kind of festivities are afoot. 

Here's what's in the mix:

"We're mixing it up this year, and having dessert first and early! Everyone wants a different pie flavor; all of the great pie makers are too busy to fit us in for delivery on the day, so.... we're having dessert this Saturday, with 7 mini pies. I can't wait for this pie-extravaganza."

Sue D

"We do the traditional Thanksgiving meal on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day we might go to the beach or to the city or the east bay for Chinese Food. Out of town family members often travel on Thanksgiving Day cuz it’s cheaper and less crowded."

Val R

"Return to tradition"

Tamara A

"I am hoping to dine outside, we do every year. it is one of my favorites, Autumn in CA."

Allison W.M. 

"Spending the day with my family for the first time in over a year & half. I am making a traditional thanksgiving dinner..3 days later Chanukah starts this year." 

Julie P

 

"Yes first Thanksgiving with my moral vegetarian father and our family of four in Las Vegas. I will have all the usual side dishes of course . But food will not be the focus- instead family and good times and may be a little casino show for the fun."

Heidi A 

 

"Driving north to Moms for a small family gathering. Still sensitive to the pandemic so not the extended family yet. Ham dinner ordered in and bringing a few special sides and deserts! Hanging with 91 year old Mom is the centerpiece!"

Jane S

 

"Love April Pantry in Petaluma & we’re having them cater a traditional Tday dinner instead of this mom cooking the traditional Tday dinner all by herself. Still immediate fam only like last year (5 adults & a 2-y-o ) to keep it safe."

Leslie C

"We are meeting a group of about 25-30 Expats at a restaurant called Malandrinos in Orvieto. The chef will prepare the turkey, potatoes and stuffing and many will bring their favorite American dishes. This will be our first Thanksgiving out of California."

Margaret V

"After cooking turkey for over 200+ meals on wheels guests, no turkey for thanksgiving! Standing pork roast with Demi glacé and poached dried fruit compote. Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussel sprouts, savory porcini bread pudding and of course Little sweet pickles in honor of my great aunt Helen who hosted thanksgiving. Cheers. Pairs nicely with a Pinot or Chardonnay. I’m partial to Hanzell vineyards!"

 

Tracy G

 

 

"My kids requested a roasted chicken this year instead of turkey. So, I was planning that, along with cornbread dressing, cranberry compote, roast brussel sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade dinner rolls, and pies (sweet potato pie and an apple pie). BUT, our priest at St. John's Episcopal Petaluma sent out an urgent request to help him host 10 Afghani refugee families newly resettled in Petaluma. So we're doing that instead."

 

Monty S

 

 

"I am doing a brined Turkey, but with celery root gratin (that’s a new one), grandmas cranberry relish. My bonus daughter is doing a Brussel sprout yumminess, and maybe a sausage stuffing."

 

Thea D

 

 

 

"We usually co-host our T-day weekend at a country cabin with no TV, no Black Friday shopping. But due to remodeling of the cabin, this year we are instead being feted by dear friends in Petaluma. Not our usual weekend, but Dave will get to watch all his football games, the girls will get to shop, and I will provide only side dishes-, stuffing, cranberry sauce, chutney and pie."

 

Lynn H.K. 

 

 

"Hanging out with very close friends at a Thanksgiving potluck. Eight or so people that we've known for 30 or so years. Looking forward to it!"

 

Val H M

 

 

"We are opting for Surf and Turf on a beach in Florida this year."

 

Anja W

 

 

"Heading for Costa Mesa with Brenda and daughter Erin to break bread with son Jack and his bride Tori. Much music will be made."

 

John M 

 

 

"Family is here - smoked turkey and all the sides! I always add something different and this year it's the twice roasted kabocha squash! Love all the food of Thanksgiving - but especially love a day dedicated to gratitude! So much to be thankful for! Life is a precious gift!"

 

Denise R 

 

However you are spending your day on Thanksgiving this year, may it bring peace and contentment and gratitude for where we are and how far we've come over the past year and a half. Cheers to you and yours! 

 

T'is The Season to Stock Up on The Region's Best Sparkling Wine (Culinary and Decorative Wreaths, Garlic Braids and Spices Too) — Mendocino County Fair's Best In Class 2021 —McFadden Cuvee Brut

History, heritage and trailblazing are a few of my favorite things — alongside beautiful, seasonal, locally grown and produced culinary herbs and spices, garlic braids, bay leaf wreaths, wild rice and . . . oh, delicious wine.

And so when an invitation to drive up through the misty morning's newly-greened hills of Northern Sonoma County and over the border into neighboring Mendocino County made it into my inbox this November, I didn't have to think twice about a visit to the sweetest little Blue Quail Wines Tasting Room that is located in the heart of Hopland gateway to McFadden Farm's more remote, organic Potter Valley vineyards.    

Click here for garlic and herb wreath

Blue Quail Patriarch and experimental farmer Guinness McFadden, planted the first vines, tucked into the Northwest corner in Potter Valley back in 1970, ignoring the initial nay-sayers who claimed the climate at 1,200 feet in altitude was too inhospitable to produce world-class wines, all the while raising a family of five kids on his farm in the hills alongside his highly sought-after grapes. 

Today, all of the family wine grapes are still estate grown and organic. The McFaddens proudly carry on this family tradition while representing their small valley across the USA. Guinness, it's good to hear, thriving in his 80s, maintains the homestead and extensive vineyards and farm while younger generations steer the reigns of sales and marketing and distribution. 

It's always a pleasure to meet multi-generational wine families. It's a romantic way of life if you're not the one living it day in, day out, but it takes real stamina and vision and commitment to continue to grow and produce the kind of wines that win best of class in a highly competitive marketplace. 

I've been a fan of Mendocino County sparkling wines for years and I make a bee-line for them when I'm stocking my fridge for the holidays and other celebrations. But I had yet to taste a McFadden Cuvee Brut. 

Now that I have, thanks to Fontaine McFadden's lovely little get-together in which I not only tasted, but learned about the integrity of the family's award winning bubbly, I'm going all-in on the 2021 Cuvee Brut for this holiday season. Made by méthod Champenoise, this striking sparkling is 100% traditional and made with the family's estate grown, organic grapes (45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir). It is aged in the bottle for four whole years before it is released which helps to develop the apple and bready yeast notes that make this wine a fantastic sparkling for all occasions.

The McFadden's organically grown fruit has won out over Roederer Estate and Scharrfenberger Cellars  for the past two years in the coveted Sparkling Wine category of the Mendocino County Fair which is a big deal, as both competitors make terrific bubbly.

Who wouldn't love to receive an award winning Bay and Bubbly gift this winter? 

The McFadden's use different farming techniques across 10 varietals to enhance their individual characteristics and terroir of the stunning piece of land that straddles the Russian River and the border of Mendocino National Forest. Once harvested, grapes are whole cluster pressed and then cold-fermented in stainless steel, which results in super clean, crisp wines, true to the varietal character. 

12,000 cases of wine a year are produced under three labels: Blue Quail McFadden (Sparkling) and Fontaine (Rose). 

Because the farm and vineyards are altogether a long way off the beaten track, a tasting room along the busy 101 corridor in the heart of Hopland makes perfect sense. As fate would have it, a total remodel was completed days before the pandemic shut down in March of 2020 and traffic through Hopland slowed to a virtual halt until May of this year. 

Now that we're all out and about again and familiar with the mask mandate and other protocols, aren't we ready to rediscover our region and venture out a little farther over county lines when the weather is nice? 

Hopland is a fun little day-trip destination with its 12 wineries, Hopland Tap, with its live music and locally sourced food & wines and beers from the finest brewers in the land, The Solar Living Institute’s 12 acres of grounds that contain kids’ play areas, ponds, and native plantings is nearby and don't forget the Bluebird Café, renowned for its giant moose head, its wide selection of unusual burgers and great pies as well as its sister restaurant, The Golden Pig.

Right next door to the Blue Quail Tasting Room is a darling little coffee shop Steep Organic Coffees and Teas. 

"It's really a family operation on every level," says Fontaine, whose family business employs its dedicated farm and vineyard team through each season of the year. The farm's foreman has been with them for 48 years, two more cherished employees for 38 years. 

In 2017, wildfire burned on all sides of the McFadden's property, which is located on the corner of a dead-end in Potter Valley. Considering that no one other than the UPS driver ventures that far on a daily basis, it's a miracle that the property was spared. 

Fontaine and her siblings grew up roaming the land freely and exploring its bucolic swimming holes in summer. Each July wine club members are welcome to experience an epic farm weekend of camping and feasting on a traditional hog roast. 

I came home with a beautiful wreath, a couple of bottles of Blue Quail 2020 Chardonnay and bubbly — this 50th Anniversary edition was a hit with my fellow tasters and I've no doubt we'll be buying more. Fresh and bright with orchard fruit aromas and priced competitively at $16 a bottle, it's another winner in my book. Great value for a wine made with California Certified Organic fruit.

Who doesn't love a great dry Rosé? Appropriately named Fontaine, this one is as delightful as its namesake. A crisp, dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, it is well-balanced with strawberry notes and fresh flowers dominating the nose. Also a super deal at $16 a bottle. Click here to order. 

Blue Quail Sauvingnon Blanc  another $16 steal is bright and refreshing with ripe honeydew melon upfront balanced by a crisp acidity that sings off the palette. Zippy green apple, tart citrus, flint and smoke on the nose. The palate is rich, textured, and fruity with lots of fresh acidity and it's no surprise that this is a best seller. 

If You Go:

The Blue Quail Tasting Room is located at 13275 S, US-101, Hopland, CA 95449 right in the middle of town, on the right hand side if you're traveling north.  Tasting Room is open for drop-ins Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11 am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Appointments are available if you can't make the opening times/days. Call (707) 744-8463.

Staying Over? Check out the nearby newly refurbished The Thatcher Hotel with its Cafe Poppy, Bar, Library, pool and outdoor courtyard. This fully restored Victorian hotel was established in 1890 by founder and pioneer William Thatcher. The hotel's long, mahogany bar and dining room has been the heart of the community's social life for more than a century. The 21-room hotel, formerly known as the Hopland Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a little spooky looking with its dark-painted gingerbread trim, but take a peek at its web site as the redo, rooms and shared spaces are gorgeous. 

If you're looking for a more rustic overnight, how about Vichy Springs? 

• Holiday GIFT idea: from the farm's Bay Leaf Trees the family makes Wreaths, Garlands and Swag, keeping long time employees busy year round — you and your gifting recipients will enjoy the festive look of a fresh green wreath in the kitchen or front door and when it dries, simply pluck off a bay leaf for soups, stews and any cooking! Click here for the collection. 

 

Southern Sonoma County Holiday Season Fairs and Festivities — Shop Locally, Shop Small, Gift Thoughtfully

Click here for tickets to the Holiday Food Fair. 

Windrush Farm Holiday Art Faire  Saturday & Sunday, November 27th and 28th: 10 to 4pm. 

Free admission SHINE ONLY

A Windrush Farm tradition for 20 years. Strolling around the pasture, you will find hand made gifts from local artisans. After you've worked up an appetite shopping, wood fired pizzas are available to eat at the farm or take home.

Santa's Annual Small Boat Cruise and Small Business Saturday takes place on November 27th. Mr and Mrs Clause are set to disembark by Taps in the Golden Eagle Center at noon. Dancers and music will add to the festivities and downtown business invite you to shop their freshly stocked stores for the best of the season's offerings.

Put Downtown Petaluma's Annual Merchant Holiday Open House & Kentucky Street Holiday Marketplace on your calendar for Saturday, December 4th. Gather your friends and family and make a day of shopping locally. Kick off the festivities with breakfast or coffee before strolling through the market on Kentucky Street. Local vendors will be setting up stalls with pottery, knitted items, honey, crafts and gift items galore. 

If you'd like a stall of your own local, handmade goods, contact the downtown team with an email to admin@downtown.com. 

Carolers and crafting stations await. Look out for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Grab lunch and leave some room for all of the treats in store thanks to generous vendors who will be welcoming shoppers with open houses filled with holiday cheer (11-5pm). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vendor list to come !

Holiday Open House Schedule to come .

 

Petaluma's Favorite Holiday Tradition Returns!

The 5th Annual Gingerbread House Showcase & Competition returns to the Petaluma Hotel this December. Join the event's Facebook Event Page for details and updates. 

Submitting an entry? Register online. 

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, December 17th through Sunday, December 19th. 

Entrant Categories:

• Adults - (Ages 18+)
• Teens - (Ages 13-17)
• Youth - (Ages 8-12)
• Kids - (Ages 7 and under)
• Business/Organization
• Family or Group
• Professional (culinary, pastry)

Awards will be given in each category. The community will vote for the People’s Choice winner. Show your civic pride by competing in the Petaluma Proud category. All winners will be announced on the final day of the showcase, Sunday, December 19th.

Guidelines

• Kits and pre-made gingerbread are allowed. Just be sure to add your personal touch!
• Graham cracker houses are permitted in the Kids category.
• Houses must have been built within the current year.
• Please build and deliver your house on a sturdy base measuring no bigger than 30”x30”.
• Visible elements of the house should be edible. (Does not include base.) Items in the environment of your house may be inedible.
• Designs may be any structure: houses, businesses, public buildings, hotels, churches, etc.
• Houses will be viewed from all angles.
• Limit one entry per person/group.

Entries must be delivered to the Petaluma Hotel in completed form on Thursday, December 16th between 11am and 7pm. Entries will be showcased in the Goldman Ballroom Friday December 17th through Sunday December 19th.

Entries must be picked up on December 20th between 11am and 5pm.

Showcase Days/Hours:
Friday 1pm - 9pm
Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm

 

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Presents — Drive Thru Dickens' London this Holiday Season 2021 — Book Ahead for A Taste of Dickens' Christmas from the Comfort of Your Car

 

Join my friends, the Producers of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in supporting talented artists, caterers and crews who have been unable to resume their normal employment opportunities due to COVID-19.

Drive Thru Dickens' London is a safe way to enjoy the beloved San Francisco Great Dickens' Christmas Fair's celebrated fine foods, unique handcrafts and delightful characters from the streets and stages of Victorian London ~ a win-win for guests and participants alike this holiday season!

Only a handful of tickets are available for each day and time slot ~

Click here to Purchase your Vehicle Ticket (advance purchase is required) today! Entry is $25.00 per vehicle and includes all vehicle occupants.

This is a drive-thru-only event. The event producers look forward to returning to the much-missed indoor event next year!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
& Victorian Holiday Party