Sonoma Country Life

Big Wins in Marin County Fair Wine Awards

Hot news from the homestead winemaking hq here on Rivetti Mountain is that the Italian Husband's '08 Que Syra Syrah scored him a consecutive third year First Place rosette in the coveted Marin County Fair non-commercial winemaking awards.

Perusing the newly announced winners' placement list it appears that politics and wine making rub shoulders down in neighboring Marin. For State Assembly Member for the district, Jared Huffman had an entry in the same Class 5 category as our Que Syra, his vintage placing as a third.

The Marin County Fair's Amateur Winemaking Competition is open to amateur winemakers who produce wines without the assistance of a commercial winemaking facility. This contest employs a 'dutch' system for judging wines (wines submitted into the contest are NOT judged against other entries).

West Petaluma's Bob Peak (Partner in Santa Rosa's The Beverage People & fellow Petaluma Gap Wine Growers Alliance member) scooped a Best in Class for his Pinot Noir. Congrats Bob, Timo and Assemblyman Huffman!

Sonoma County's Vineyard Vacation Rental Cottages Face Potential Ban

Fancy a weekend in a cozy vintage Northern California wine country cottage nestled amongst the dense vines of a rural vineyard? Think again, for this quintessential Sonoma County sortee might well be a thing of the past if the powers-that-be in zoning decide to axe such romantic notions of rustic mini-break bounty.

For word is out amongst economically hard-pressed grape growers in the county that Sonoma County's Permit and Resource Management Department might have taken a notion to ban vacation cottage rentals on Land Intensive Agricultural (LIA) and Land Extensive Agricultural (LEA) zoned parcels - the vast majority of which are regional vineyards.

Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and the County's Tourism Board share concern for the many enterprising grape growers who have come to rely upon the extra income of small, vacation properties.

"We know that some grape growers depend upon renting a cottage on their land to keep afloat and these rentals seldom pose any problem to neighbors, so we are opposing the elimination of these rentals," says Green Certified Russian River Getaway's owner and Sonoma County Tourism Board member Camille LeGrand.

Mark Matson, owner of Birdsong Properties in Healdsburg has been designated as point person for vineyard vacation property owners, groups and organizations who have an interest in opposing the Permit and Resource Management Department's potential move.

As recession times continue to wreak havoc with wine sales, vineyard owners are becoming increasingly creative in diversifying their business models to attract visitors and maintain profitability. The welcoming nature of Sonoma County is enriched by authentic, one-of-a-kind hospitality. Like the simple B&B in much of Europe, a bed for the night on a privately owned property offers a pleasant repose for the traveler and a few extra pennies for the host.

Frequent reports of wild, unregulated, wine country vacation home issues aside, what is the problem with a small, carefully monitored rental cottage in an otherwise isolated spot?

Anyone for Tennis? The Wonderful World of Wimbledon Where it's Perpetually Pimm's O'Clock

Pimms has been the number one English summer-time drink - and signature cup at Wimbledon since the 1970s.

Pictured here during an off-beat Christmas in June gathering (more on that later), there is nothing quite like a pitcher of Pimms to herald the opening ceremonies of England's world-watched, classic tennis tournament (Monday, June 22, 2025).

The gin-based mixer is all the more refreshing with its chopped mint, cucumber and fruity additions, poured over fizzy lemonade (seven-up/sprite in the States) or better still, Ginger Beer.

I've read recently that there is one Wimbledon Pimms Cup recipe that involves raspberry syrup and fresh cream, but I think it's best to stick with basics for any Pimms newbies, state-side.

Shellfish monger James Pimm introduced his famous oyster house 'cup' in 1823 - flavored with fruit liqueurs and fruit extracts this zippy 'gin-sling' proved the perfect pairing with oyster-slinging dandies and city gents.

Today a Pimms Cup epitomizes summer-season gatherings and events throughout the small island and the very taste of it in distant lands conjure up a rapid nostalgia for meadow picnics and riverside pubs.

Quite how Serena and Federer will fit in to the hectic FIFA World Cup Viewer's action-packed schedule remains to be seen. For one, the audience, pleasantly sloshed on Pimms Cups, should be considerably mellower.

Southern Sonoma Country Life Pimms Cup (serves 4)

• 4 lemon slices
• 4 table spoons of fresh raspberries
• 8 thin orange slices
• 8 thin cucumber slices
• 3 cups Pimm's No. 1 Cup, available at most liquor stores & duty free!
• 2 cups sprite/seven-up or ginger ale soda
• 4 fresh mint sprigs, chopped
• Ice cubes

Pull out The Bells and Whistles for Fifth Annual Petaluma Trolley, Track & Trestle Extravaganza

The Petaluma Trolley, Track & Trestle Extravaganza is a benefit to restore the trestle along the Petaluma waterfront, get a working trolley system running from Foundry Wharf to the Petaluma Outlet Mall and create a local trolley museum. What's not to like about this idea?

Click here to find out what the trolley was, what it could be in the future and what has to be done to bring this wonderful vision to fruition.

When: Saturday, June 12, 2010, 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Where: The Yellow Barn, 110 Baylis & East Washington streets

Admission: $15 at the door includes fine food (first come, first serve). Fine wine, fine beer & all kinds of beverages also available

Line-up of musicians:

5:30: Bob Johns (with Steve Della Maggiora)

6 p.m.: Los Gu’achis (Barbara Arhon, Chris Samson, Steve Della Maggiora)

6:30 p.m.: Chris Samson & Friends

7:05 p.m.: Mike Phelan (of Marley’s Ghost)

7:45 p.m.: Cori Wood (with Steve Della Maggiora)

8:15 p.m.: Teresa Tudury

8:55 p.m.: D'Bunchovus (Pamela Joyce, Tom Farnham, John Lonacker, Gary Grubb, Russ Gauthier)

9:50 p.m.: Steve Della Maggiora & Tom Overton

10:25: That D.A.M. Band (Danny Merrill, Andrea Stevick, Matt Lane)

Watch Sonoma County.Com - Handy Resource for Your Local Polling Results

Itching to hear what went down in Sonoma County Politics at the polling primaries, yesterday? I recommend you check out WatchSonomaCounty.com for city-by-city and county results, plus streaming, live feeds from local political tweets.

This PD operated site puts the local news scene back on top for keeping us in the loop on who's who in the big political shake-up of 2010.

Hike in Helen Putnam Park for Poignant Reminder of Prime Time Local Politics

Racing ahead for a fast-approaching Southern Sonoma County Supervisory election as well as several soon-to-be-vacant Petaluma City Council positions, sparring candidates across the board would do well to take a time out and hike up into the hills of Western Petaluma for their predecessor's vantage point across this largely unspoiled region.

For the memory of the late Helen Putnam (namesake of the stunning Sonoma County regional park that overlooks the spectacular south county and beyond) - mother, wife, teacher, principal, long-time mayor and celebrated county supervisor serves as a poignant reminder of the bigger picture that (particularly) local politics should above all else, strive to continue to improve the quality of life within its communities.

Putnam was Mayor of Petaluma from 1965 to 1979 and County Supervisor for the south county from 1979 to 1984. Renowned for viewing the meeting of one's individual potential as the measure of success, her unique contributions to improving the quality of life in the south county have been largely unparalleled.

With its panoramic views of the south county and Northern Marin, this 216-acre park with entrances on Oxford Court and at 411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma, was named after Putnam in 1985.

Today, thousands of hikers, bikers and horse riders take to the scenic, wooded trails and visit the park's open spaces, park and playground from dawn until dusk, year round.

An annual award for excellence has been given in Putnam's name by the League of California's 480 Cities, emphasizing the importance of not only improving quality of community life but implementing efficiencies in service delivery and operations and providing services responsive to the community.

With the state of California's civic coffers, that challenge has never been so complex and demanding. The need for strong, passionate and enduring leadership is imperative.

Standing atop Helen Putnam Regional Park on a blustery weekend hike, looking down across the city of Petaluma and far beyond, across the mountain range to San Francisco Bay, one has to wonder what this remarkable political leader would have to say to guide us forward into this uncertain future.

Ticket to Ride - PHS Prom Goes Green with Golden Gate Transport

You have to hand it to Petaluma High School Class of 2010 - the green ticket goes to these enterprising, environment-friendly guys and gals for riding Golden Gate Transport down from Southern Sonoma County to prom at San Francisco City Hall. Thumbs up for breaking with traditional protocol, keeping pace with lowering gas emissions, general economical costs and raising the bar on SF Bay Area weekend public transportation attire! LOVE IT!

FIFA World Cup 2010 in the Media and West Coast TV Game Schedule

Before we get into the scheduling of FIFA World Cup 2010 games on the tele here on the West Coast, what did you think of this month's rather steamy Vanity Fair front cover featuring the most remarkably ripped players sporting nothing more than their team color undies?

Bit below the belt, VF, though a lot of this prestigious periodical's regular female readers might well be inclined to hang on to this entertaining issue a little longer than usual. "Oh, it's all fake," commented one male bystander (who wishes to remain anonymous). No, I don't think so. But really, that's another story. And one that could be told alongside a people's literary-choice debate as to what's going on with Vanity Fair editorial and yet another airing of Tiger Wood's already infamously dirty laundry.

Sells a few more online issue subscriptions to eager, early adapters of the new Apple I PAD is my guess.

And despite this bold new approach, there are still lots of really good, well-written articles to discover within the pages of Vanity Fair, either online or in glossy print. I hope the powers that be on that particular publication are able to find the right balance to maintain a credible viability. 

Back to the world's biggest ball game, and yes, to the rest of the planet, it's actually 'Football' fever we are talking about here.  For an inspirational look at the love of the sport around the world, pick up a copy of this week's May 24th 2010 issue of Sports Illustrated featuring "It's The Beautiful Game".

Superb photography and accounts from all over the globe, including phenomenal shots of a barefoot boy and his dad kicking a ball through the rubble-filled streets of Haiti and another of  trio of young players in Kenya with their poignant, plastic bag ball.

For anyone who has parented a young soccer player in the frequently over-esteemed US youth sporting culture, do us all a favor and buy that issue for your kid.

Printed out the televised schedule (see link at top) today amidst much banter between the locals as to group viewing logistics, particularly for the major games.

Like England Vs USA on June 12th at 11.30 pm Pacific coastal time. Now that should be exciting.

More news to follow on the best North Bay spots to watch games. Meanwhile, with readers all over the world, it would be great to hear from soccer fans as to where you'll be watching the big games.

Snap up Sonoma County-based Photographer Stephanie Rausser's Framed Art for Haiti

One way to get to prom!

Though word amongst the hip grad set at Petaluma High this month is that the Golden Gate Transit Bus is just the ticket for a thrifty/chic and environmentally friendly way to head down to San Fran from Sonoma County for prom at City Hall. Can't beat that!

If you love this gorgeous photo from the collection of Southern SoCo-based celebrity photographer the one and only Stephanie Rausser, check out the super cool new Art for Haiti online auction and place a bid to buy this beautifully framed, extremely limited edition print.

There are lots more incredible photo print purchasing opportunities within the novel auction, a unique opportunity to pick up something truly spectacular for your home or office art collection while helping fund the critical, continuation efforts to rebuild Haiti.

Click here to browse photos and bid

SoCo's Leo Laporte, the Tech Guy Pulls the Plug on Facebook

Hopefully by now you are well aware that absolutely everything you post about your private life on Facebook is public. 

And if you have had second thoughts about having wantonly splashed your innermost musings around the world wide web, you might have already attempted to deactivate your Facebook account.

Well, good luck. According to Wired Magazine's tech writer Ryan Single, numerous media watchdogs and Sonoma County's very own Chief Twit - the country's top digital media journo Leo Laporte, red flags raised on Facebook's blatant privacy invasion issues have exposed the social media monster's humongous protocol mistake.

By ignoring its users and pooling sophisticated and controlling identity profiles for an overriding advertising prowess as its main source of revenue, has Facebook actually sold its soul?

Now that our high profile tech media experts are pulling the Facebook plug in a top-tier revolt, one has to wonder how long it will take for we of the masses to follow suit?

Will Google step in on this social media scene?