Southern Sonoma Country Life

Dried Pressed Flower Pumpkin Decorating at Dutcher Crossing Winery

Dutcher Crossing Winery, Sonoma County's hidden gem with award-winning wines, has a festive, fall “add on” to tasting reservations: mod podge pumpkin decorating!

 

For  $30 per person, each guest will be supplied with a pumpkin, pressed dried flowers and the space to create their masterpiece to bring home. Dutcher Crossing is one of my favorite wineries and I love the idea of having something fun and creative to do while tasting excellent wines here in the north of the home county. 

 

Get yourself up there with family and friends before Halloween. 

McEvoy Ranch and Hog Island Seafood Dinner & Wine Pairing — October 28th, 5pm

McEvoy Ranch is teaming up with Hog Island Oyster Co. to celebrate their new cookbook, The Hog Island Book of Fish and Seafood, written by acclaimed chef John Ash.

 

Recipes taken straight from the new book will be paired with McEvoy Ranch wines or beverages over a four course meal for an unforgettable evening.

What's more, President of McEvoy Ranch Samantha Dorsey, Chef and Hog Island Cookbook Author John Ash and Hog Island Oyster Co. Founding Partner/CEO John Finger will all be there to share stories and mingle.

 

General Price: $150

 

McEvoy Member Price: $127.50 - Not a Member? Join Here

 

There's a lot going on at the ranch this fall, click here for the event page on the website. 

Travel Tuesday — Four Top-Rated Petaluma Gap Wineries Invite Wine Lovers to Join them on a Burgundy Cruise in June 2025

The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance and Expedia Wine Club Cruises, an award-winning wine-cruise agency located in Petaluma, CA, are pleased to jointly announce a June 2025 Burgundy sailing adventure with four top-rated Petaluma Gap wine producers aboard the luxury river cruise ship, the AmaCello. 

Expedia Wine Club Cruises is the exclusive partner of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance on this wine enthusiast's dream vacation. Join Al and Lisa Brayton, founders and proprietors of Thirty-Seven Wines, Victoria De Crescenzo, proprietor of Bevan Cellars, Suzanne Farver, founder & proprietor of Panther Ridge and Robert & Laura Schermeister, founders & proprietors of Schermeister Winery for exclusive wine tastings, wine-pairing dinners, and social events. 

All four wineries have won awards for their Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA).  Passengers will also be able to savor Burgundy’s wines at excursions to visit local producers in Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon and Lyon, with great opportunities to understand the similarities and differences between these two growing regions known for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

“This will be the third cruise for the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance as a partner with Expedia.  A Burgundy trip was long overdue, since the Petaluma Gap is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, signature grapes for both winegrowing regions,” said Tom Gendall, President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance. 

"What could be better than sipping wine with one of your favorite Petaluma Gap wineries? Sipping wine with four of your favorite Petaluma Gap wineries while sailing through the Burgundy region of France!” said K-K Afre, VP of Sales for Expedia Wine Club Cruises. 

Staterooms can be booked immediately, and early reservations are recommended as this is a small craft with staterooms for just 137 passengers.  A portion of the proceeds from this cruise will support the ongoing marketing and communications for the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.

For more information, please contact Expedia Wine Club Cruises at 877-651-7447 or email at [email protected] and mention that you heard about the cruise from the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.

About the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance

The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) exists to educate members of the wine trade and consumers about the Petaluma Gap AVA and to increase awareness of the region’s unique growing conditions and resulting wine quality. PGWA additionally supports member winegrowers and vintners within the region through ongoing programs and communications designed to help them maximize their success within the industry. The group’s membership is made up of grape growers, wineries, associate business members, sponsors, and local community members with a passion for the region and its wine.

About Expedia Cruises – Wine Club Cruises is a travel agency specializing in unique wine cruises designed for a limited number of guests, allowing each  passenger the opportunity to better interact and dine with exclusive wine personalities. Guests explore both favorite and exotic destinations in the company of fellow enthusiasts from all over world. With limited availability, these programs do sell out well in advance.

Life by Design Upcoming Events at Petaluma's Barber Cellars — A Monthly Series by Place Matters

Spend an evening at Petaluma's Barber Cellars for a look at the ubiquitous nature of design in our public and private lives and spaces through the lenses of art, science, and problem solving. 

Join founder and curator of Place Matters, Carin Jacobs and team this summer in an exploration of form and function with local designers from all walks of life.  Also check out the Makers Amongst Us series and a roving, curated restaurant experience A Moveable Feast. 

 

July 8

 

August 11

Click here for more info and to buy a ticket 

Every 2nd Tuesday - Tickets $20

Cash at the door or purchase in advance

Social Hour from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Program runs 7:00 - 8:30pm

Barber Cellars is located at:

112 Washington St, Petaluma, CA

Buy Limited Tickets Now for Petaluma's Popular Annual Wind to Wine Festival, August 5th, 2023

Ticket sales are now open for the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers’ popular, annual Wind to Wine Festival, celebrating the distinct and highly-awarded wines grown in the wind-driven Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA).  To ensure a quality experience, tickets to the event, which takes place at SOMO Village in Rohnert Park on Saturday, August 5, are limited, with VIP tickets allowing early access, a more intimate experience, and the opportunity to taste limited-release and large-format wines and barrel samples during the early hours of the event.

Once again, the Wind to Wine Festival will feature the AVA’s signature varietals—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah—with additional wines offered from winemakers pushing the cool climate envelope with their Albariño, Pinot Gris, Grenache, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among others. Over the last year, the number of 90+ Point Wines from the AVA has substantially increased, and many will be offered for tasting, along with wines from winemakers without tasting rooms, making it a rare opportunity to taste these wines before purchasing.

In addition to the more than 25 wineries pouring their wines, eventgoers will be treated to artisanal cheese pairings by Point Reyes Cheese Company, wine-infused chocolates by Bert’s Desserts, and savory bites catered by the culinary talents of Sally Tomatoes. Back this year, winemakers and growers will entertain and educate with behind-the-scenes tales at the Petaluma Gap Story Corner and guests will enjoy live classical and flamenco-style guitar outside in the towering redwood grove, by local favorite, Mark Taylor.

A wide array of wines will be available to taste, with Pinot Noir being featured due to its prominence in the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) and in advance of National Pinot Noir Day later in the month. 

Participating wineries include:

Adobe Road	Leghorn Wine Company
Bevan Cellars	Lombardi Wines
Brick & Mortar	MacRostie Winery
Brooks Note Winery	McEvoy Ranch
Bruliam Wines	Merryvale
Calstar Cellars	Montagne Russe
Cline Family Cellars	Panther Ridge
Daniel Wines	Parum Leo
DeLoach Vineyards	Ron Noble Wines
Guarachi Family Wines	Sangiacomo Wines
Gust Wines	Schug Winery
Kendall-Jackson	Thirty-Seven Wines
Keller Estate	Trombetta Family
Kendric Vineyards	And more…

“The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers would like to thank American AgCredit who generously renewed its Presenting Sponsorship for the Festival,” said Tom Gendall, President of the Board of Directors for the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.  “We also want to thank Supervisor David Rabbitt and the Sonoma County Community Board of Supervisors for additional support they provided and Marin Magazine and KSRO’s The Drive as media partners, joining us for what is certain to be another outstanding event.”

VIP tickets are $125, with early entry at 12 noon. General Admission tickets are $85, with entry beginning at 2 PM.  Food, wine tasting, story-telling, and live music will be available throughout the festival, which ends at 4 PM.  Tickets can be purchased at petalumagap.com.  

Marvelous Montecito — Read my Story on Weekending Like a Royal in Coastal Californa

Photo: Frances Rivetti 

I'm back in California and dipping my toes in the water to get back to my writing. Here's a super fun clip from an article I wrote for The Royal List prior to leaving for the UK. Please do click here and read the full story . . . 

 

Montecito, the peaceful, super-private, panoramic enclave of a not-so-secret roster of ultra-elite residents, is home-sweet-multi-million-dollar-home to Harry and Meghan’s family of four. And if it’s good enough for the Sussexes, it’s good enough for us.

A winding, two-hour drive north of Los Angeles brings you to Montecito. We soak in its subtle Southern California vibe and pleasant, Mediterranean climate with a drive-by of its upper-village gates of gorgeously-landscaped, lavish, hillside estates of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their star-studded neighbours, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Rob Lowe, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Orlando 

Global Wine & Food Event Returns to Sonoma County — The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, May 18-21,2023

Last May I was fortunate to attend the inaugural Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE)  — a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. 

This fantastic festival is back for a second year and is set to showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. I can't wait to revisit. It is an extraordinary gathering that highlights the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to agriculture that Sonoma County offers.

The weekend-long event includes special wine tastings and seminar discussions, barbecues, exceptional lunches, dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, cocktail experiences, and an expansive Grand Tasting. And there's  a live outdoor concert featuring Maddie & Tae at Rodney Strong on Saturday, May 20th.

New highlights from this year’s event will feature a Farm-To-Glass cocktail seminar hosted by the award-winning team of the Little Red Door from Paris; culinary demos from chefs including Joe Sasto, and Viet Pham; a special dinner experience at Michelin starred and recently reopened Cyrus; and a new Zinfandel tasting and pairing event hosted by Leslie Sbrocco called Zinfandel Live, with a unique live music component at Villa Chanticleer on Sunday.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be returning for our 2^nd annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience,” says Steve Dveris, founder, and CEO of the festival. “Our goal has always been to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, amazing wines and sustainable farming practices of Sonoma County as it relates to the rest of the world.”

Chefs who are participating in the event include local chef Dustin Valette, chef/owner of The Matheson and Douglas Keane from award winning Cyrus; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef Matt Horn; Food Network star Maneet Chauhan; “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard; Food Network’s “Chopped” star and “Top Chef” finalist Joe Sasto; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef and Iron Chef America winner Viet Pham. The local participating beloved chefs include Thomas Bellec, Domenica Catelli, Duskie Estes, Matt Horn, Crista Leudtke, Tracey Shepos, Leah Scurto, Casey Thompson, and Ari Weiswasser.

Events will be held around Healdsburg, including at The Matheson, Montage Healdsburg, and the Madrona, along with wineries including Aperture Cellars, Bacchus Landing, Bricoleur Vineyards, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Kendall-Jackson Estate and Gardens, and Rodney Strong Vineyards, and more.

The event also strives to give back to the local community. The outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Saturday evening with the band Maddie & Tae benefits the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The organization’s mission is to raise funds that support the Leadership Academy, workforce development and other resources that elevate local vineyard workers, farmer workers and their families. This year’s event will also feature a community brunch at Chalkboard Restaurant to benefit Healdsburg Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sponsored by Foley Family Wines, a significant donation will go towards the HWFE Future Farmers Scholarship, created by HWFE for students from the local Healdsburg High School FFA chapter. We will also contribute to Farm to Pantry, whose goal is to bring together our communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally grown food with those who have been marginalized.

“As co-founders and partners in this event, we believe in the dual mission to showcase Sonoma County wine, ag and sustainability on this global stage while raising funds to elevate and celebrate the local vineyard workforce. The mission is exemplified in the events and messaging throughout the entire weekend.  Have fun while doing good, what is better than that?” comments Karissa Kruse, CEO & president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

Partners of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience include Kendall-Jackson Wines, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Foley Food & Wine Society, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, along with event co-founders the Sonoma County Winegrowers. For more information: healdsburgwineandfood.com. A la carte tickets, VIP Ticket packages as well as Ultra VIP packages are available.

About Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a four-day celebration featuring the best of world-renowned food and wines and highlighting the “Makers Behind the Magic.” The festival showcases the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. HWFE highlights vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and a deep connection to agriculture, through tastings,

Culinary demonstrations, seminars, events, and more, in the beautiful setting of Healdsburg & Wine Country. https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com/

Petaluma Gap Winegrower's Alliance Invites All Producers of Petaluma Gap AVA Wines to Be a Part of its Annual Festival Celebrations at the 2023 Wind to Wine Festival, August 5th

Photo: Kim Badenfort

The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) invites all producers of Petaluma Gap AVA wines to participate in the annual festival celebrating the distinct wines grown in the wind-driven Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) by pouring their highly- awarded wines at the Wind to Wine Festival on August 5, 2023 at SOMO Village.

The Alliance anticipates another sold-out event with over 400 attendees and 25+ wineries participating. In addition to a wide array of Petaluma Gap wines being poured, the festival will include nibbles to complement the wines, a story corner showcasing Petaluma Gap winegrowers, live music, and attendees will be able to purchase the wines tasted onsite, directly from the participating wineries.

New this year is the addition of satellite Wind to Wine events hosted by individual vintners and allowing attendees to participate in intimate winemaker dinners and hosted experiences.

PGWA encourages all producers of Petaluma Gap wine to sign up to be part of the Wind to Wine Festival starting March 1, and work with the alliance to promote their own Wind to Wine event in conjunction with the AVA festival.

“Once again the Wind to Wine Festival will feature the AVA’s signature varietals--Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah--with additional wines offered from winemakers who push the cool-climate envelope with their Albariño, Pinot Gris, Grenache, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, among others” said Tom Gendall, Director of Winemaking for Cline Cellars and President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) Board of Directors.

“Over the last year, the number of 90+ Point Wines from the AVA has substantially increased, and many will be offered for tasting at the festival. In addition, several winemakers who do not have tasting rooms will participate, so this is a rare opportunity to taste their wines before purchasing,” Gendall said.

A menu of delicious bites from Sally Tomatoes, selected to complement the wines, will be served in the charming Fireside event space along with an array of artisanal cheeses from Point Reyes Cheese Company, whose dairy farm is located along the Pacific near the edge of the Petaluma Gap AVA.

Back by popular demand, guests will be entertained and informed by a story corner, featuring tips and tales from Petaluma Gap winemakers and growers. And the venue’s Redwood Grove will be the site for live music, enjoyed under the shade of the towering 80-food redwoods.

“The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers would like to thank American AgCredit, returning as Presenting Sponsor for Wind to Wine,” Gendall said, “and we look forward to new partners, co-sponsors and guests joining us for another successful and fun event.”

Tickets will go on sale starting on Monday, May 15, at 12 noon.

To be notified when ticket sales open and get updates on the event, including the Winemaker Dinners, please join the PGWA list here.

Photo: Fabian Jauregui

 

New For Spring in Sonoma County — Life Opens Up

With awe-inspiring views, coastal redwood trees that are older than most buildings, and countless opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, the natural surroundings of Sonoma County invite us  to stop and pause. And it is within this pause that the magic happens. At that moment Life Opens Up and mindful travel, or for those of us who are lucky to live here, staycationing begins. For inspiration, ideas and itineraries visit Sonomacounty.com. 

New in Accolades for Sonoma County

• More than fourteen properties in Sonoma County made U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 list of “Best Hotels in the USA.” The list, which evaluated over 6,000 hotel properties nationwide, includes Timber Cove Resort (590), Vintners Resort (656), The Stavrand (842), Gaige House (849), The Farmhouse (850), The Lodge at Bodega Bay (1106), Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn (1216), Kenwood Inn & Spa (1250), The Madrona (1611), The Astro (1840), Graton Resort & Casino (2265), Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine County (4967), and the Flamingo Resort (5518). 

• TripAdvisor has unveiled its Travelers' Choice Destinations Award for the Top 10 Trending Destinations in the U.S. in 2023. Rather than relying on a cadre of tourism editors to tout what they believe are the best destinations worldwide for a vacation, TripAdvisor's rankings are based on insights from millions of real travelers who visited these destinations in the past year and left their feedback. Wine tasting through Sonoma Valley is among the top 10. 

• Slow Food in Sonoma County is an international program that recognizes food-related businesses that excel in sourcing, environmental impact, cultural connection, community involvement, and business values. In addition to fourteen current businesses, the 2023 Snail of Approval awardees include Americana, COOKIE...take a bite!, Corner Project Ales & Eats, Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Petaluma's Lunchette, Maison Porcella, Sunray Farm, and Taub Family Outpost. 

New in Restaurants  

Chef Mark Malicki's pop-up dinners have launched at The Tea Room Cafe, Western Avenue, Petaluma, Tuesdays 5pm to 8pm. No reservations, get in line! See photo above. 

Little Saint Reopens with New Food Program  

Healdsburg’s Little Saint has reopened with a more casual all-day food program. Changes include a new menu from chef Bryan Oliver highlighting their 100% plant-based, vegetable-forward cuisine, driven by what is grown seasonally on local Sonoma County farms. The wine list has been transformed with emphasis on an expanded collection of small-producer wines. A new bar program offers a creative take on both spirits-based and non-alcoholic cocktails. 

The Roadhouse Collective 

The former Fork Roadhouse in Sebastopol has been reimagined as a food collective. The growing cast of food businesses at the renamed Roadhouse Collective include Fork Catering, Just Eat Some Plant-Based, Bayou on the Bay, Happy Cat Pizza, and SubHuman, a sandwich shop. The food collaborators will share the space as an event venue, commissary kitchen, and pop-up space for their concept restaurants. The Roadhouse Collective believes collaboration is key to a thriving and sustainable food business model. 

New in Hotels 

Astro Adventures 

The Astro has launched its inaugural season of weeklong “Astro Adventures” in partnership with chefs, master sommeliers, mixologists, and authors, and their restaurant, The Spinsters Sisters. Each week the adventure is hosted by a different expert who guides the group through Sonoma County. The Astro Adventure package includes lodging at the midcentury motor lodge, several meals at The Spinster Sisters tasting fees, transportation, and goodies to bring home.  

Extended Stay Promotion in Sonoma County 

The late winter-early spring months are far from sleepy in Sonoma County. In fact, it is an excellent time to feel like visitors are getting Sonoma County all to themselves, especially mid-week. Check out Sonoma County’s deals page for cool trip ideas. Or if visitors prefer more buzz balanced out by time to relax, they may consider extending their weekend stay and saving more. 

New in Wine 

WildWood Wine gives back to the community 

WildWood Wine is selling its wine in partnership with community-based non-profit organizations that improve lives and contribute to the well-being of people in the Sonoma County community. For every bottle they sell, WildWood Wine is donating 25% of the purchase price to one of the partnering non-profits to create a new funding stream for the non-profits. Customers choose online which organization they wish to support. WildWood Wine has four initial partnering organizations currently committed to the program. They include Food For Thought, Ceres Community Project, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), and Forget Me Not Farm. 

Winemaker Dinner Series by Santé  

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s Executive Chef Jared Reeves, in partnership with some of Sonoma's most renowned winemakers, are collaborating for a 2023 winemaker dinner series at Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Each experience begins with a sparkling wine reception commencing at 6:00 pm followed by a 4-course wine-paired dinner presented on the patio under the Fairmont’s famous water tower. The winemaker dinner series features: 

• April 26, 2023 – Dan Kosta, Convene Wines  

• May 31, 2023 – Michael Sebastiani, Highway 12 Winery 

• June 28, 2023 – Alison Smith Story, Smith Story Wines 

• July 26, 2023 – Erich Bradley, Sojourn Cellars 

• September 27, 2023 – Silver Oak Winery 

New in Events 

Early Spring Activities in Jack London State Historic Park 

A slate of outdoor events is taking place at Jack London State Historic Park this spring. Here are a select few: 

• Deborah Large, creator and keeper of the Jack London Park “Blooming Now” wildflower guide, will lead the “An Eye for Wildflowers” hike to locate the wildflowers featured in the current issue of the online guide. The distance will be determined by the location of the wildflowers on the day of the walk and should be one to three miles in length. March 18. 10:00 am.  

• A variety of uplifting musical selections will be presented by the Jack London Piano Club, a talented group of volunteers at Jack London State Historic Park, in its Springtime Piano Concert. The music will be performed on Charmian London’s 1901 Steinway piano, located on the second floor of the House of Happy Walls, Charmian’s former home and now the museum of Jack and Charmian’s life together. March 19. 2:00 pm. 

• Award-winning author, scientist, and nature guide Rebecca Lawton will lead a two-hour literary bird walk from Jack London State Historic Park along the trails of Sonoma Mountain. The group will take a leisurely stroll to the site of Jack London’s Lake looking for wild birds and musing on seasonal and long-term changes in water and wildlife. Lawton will also talk about writing on the mountain before, during, and after Jack London’s time. She will share samples of ancient and contemporary language about the mountain and wildlife (birds, specifically), in part exploring how London himself described them. March 25. 8:00 am. 

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen is operated and funded by Jack London Park Partners, one of the first non-profit organizations to be entrusted with the management of a state park on behalf of the people of California. 

Transcendence Theater Company 

Transcendence Theatre Company is Sonoma County’s premiere live entertainment experience. With three original outdoor musical revues produced every summer, the company’s mission is to create extraordinary evenings featuring the best talents from Broadway and beyond. Evening performances begin with a picnic dinner surrounded by the lush scenery of Jack London State Historic Park. It culminates with an electrifying, fully staged evening of song and dance, set within the majestic ruins of a former winery, all against a moonlit, star-dotted night sky. Subscription and single ticket sales begin March 3. 

Sonoma International Film Festival 

Celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2023, the five-day Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) offers the best in film, food, wine, and fun in one of the most intimate, engaging, and inspiring settings on the film circuit. The festival is dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world, inspiring savvy film lovers, and introducing the power of film to student filmmakers. March 22-26. 

California Artisan Cheese Festival 

Meet award-winning California cheesemakers, local winemakers, brewers, and distillers at the 17th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival. Sample and buy artisan cheese and other handcrafted products perfect for pairing with cheese; taste beer, wine, cider, and spirit. This year’s Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace will feature over 80 artisan producers showcasing their products. March 24-26. 

IPA 10K Brewfest & Beer Mile 

This one-of-a-kind celebration combines distance running, craft beer, and more.  The IPA10K and 3K start with a beer and cider toast before taking runners on a scenic loop course north of The Barlow. After the races, browse the Brewfest, which features local craft brewers plus wine, food, bands, and exhibitors. April 15. 8:00 am. 

Petaluma Butter and Egg Days Parade 4oth Anniversary April 22, 2023.  

The 2023 parade highlights 40 years of tradition in Petaluma and is an opportunity to celebrate our community, our history, and our great sense of fun!  This year  join in celebrating the Ruby Jubilee Anniversary and the theme “There’s no Place Like Home” which will incorporate artistic visions from the Land of OZ, Ruby Slippers, our amazing Earth (as it’s also EARTH DAY), and what makes Petaluma such a special Hometown.  This year’s parade should inspire and bring smiles to the masses.  The parade will showcase over 100 units with approximately 3,000 participants and 200 volunteers. The popular antique faire takes place the following weekend, Sunday April 30. 

Apple Blossom Festival 

The Apple Blossom Festival in Sebastopol is a quintessential Sonoma County event. The festival kicks off with a small-town Americana parade down Main Street featuring local participants celebrating the rich agricultural heritage and spirit of the community. At the conclusion of the parade, the crowd makes their way to Ives Park in Sebastopol for the festival. Bustling with activity, it includes live music, a children's play area, artisan crafts, and food booths. Two entertainment stages will feature a variety of musical acts. April 29 – 30. 

Costeaux French Bakery 100th Anniversary  

Costeaux French Bakery is commemorating its 100-year anniversary with various year-round celebrations throughout 2023. Programs include a call for personal Costeaux stories, a pop-up dinner, a family-friendly community event, an exclusive luncheon for wholesale accounts, and a 1920s-themed party. Each month, a Costeaux golden ticket will be placed in cakes and bread bags. The individual who finds the Costeaux Golden Ticket will receive complimentary baked goods and special commemorative items celebrating the 100th anniversary of this beloved Sonoma County bakery. 

Join Illustrator of The House on Liberty Street Gail Foulkes and Myself, Author of This Local Best Selling Novel for Supper, Conversation & a Reading at Aqus Cafe, Petaluma, Thurs Evening, March 16th, 2023

Please join Gail Foulkes and myself at our favorite neighborhood gathering spot, Aqus Cafe at Foundry Wharf on Thursday evening March 16th. We'll be hanging out at Aqus during the Art Alive monthly walk-about, eating supper, chatting about our collaboration on this latest novel of mine and enjoying a glass of wine prior to my reading at 7pm. 

The House on Liberty Street continues to make its way out into the world and has been the best selling book at Copperfield's Books in Petaluma this past month. Apologies to Prince Harry for knocking him off his best seller perch locally, but somehow I don't think he'll notice. There's only room for two British Americans in that lofty position in Petaluma right now and I get to share these 15 minutes of fame with fellow Brit, Gail! 

We'll be at Aqus on the 16th from 5.45 pm, so please do mark it on your calendar and join us for a (no-host) libation or two and/or an appetizer or light meal and conversation. We're grateful to Lesley, John and team at Aqus for their support of us and opening their inviting space to so many local creatives over the years and so it's important for us to be reciprocal and encourage additional custom prior to and during the March 16th reading. 

Here's a link to view Gail's gorgeous slideshow of the many images she made around historic West Petaluma during the months we were talking about the cover illustration for The House on Liberty Street.

Framed images are now on show at Aqus Cafe — do stop in for coffee and a bite to eat next time you are in the area and also on the evening of  March 16th. We'd love to see you!  

Thank you to the Petaluma Argus Courier and P360 for the great article on me and my books this February. Click here to view/read. 

If you've read The House on Liberty Street and enjoyed it, I would greatly appreciate it if you'd leave a brief review on Amazon. It doesn't matter if you didn't buy it on Amazon as long as it's a genuine review. And that's the place where number of reviews help to elevate a book out into the world at large.