Southern Sonoma Country Life

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. 

Cheers to Petaluma Gap Winegrower's Alliance Celebrating its Fifth Year as an Official American Viticultural Area.

Image - Petaluma Gap  Winegrower's Alliance. 

Cheers to five years! It was a pleasure to raise a glass at the Petaluma Hotel this new year. I was fortunate to  be at the table of the very first, informal supper gathering of Petaluma area grapegrowers back in 2005 at my friend Teela Bihn's then vineyard estate. Who knew how significant that evening would become? On January 8^th 2023 the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance (PGWA) celebrated the first five years of the Petaluma Gap as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) by hosting two events at Hotel Petaluma.

Photo: Frances Rivetti

“Today is a big day for us. Our primary mission is to promote the Petaluma Gap AVA and to help consumers understand where the grapes came from to make the wine inside our wine bottles; that is why we celebrate our anniversary on this day,” said Tom Gendall, President of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance.  January 8, 2018 was the first day that Petaluma Gap could be included as an AVA name on the front label of wine bottles, following the federal designation on December 7, 2017.

The PGWA began the day’s celebration by hosting more than twenty-five of Sonoma County Tourism’s Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHPs) for a Petaluma Gap Accreditation Program (PGAP) training session, followed by a tasting of wines from some of the AVA’s most prestigious producers.  PGAP was launched in 2022 to help wine and hospitality professionals learn about the unique growing conditions of the Petaluma Gap, and how the wind creates the signature profile of wines produced in the region. For more information about this program go to: https://petalumagap.com/certification/

Photo: Frances Rivetti 

In the evening, the PGWA held its annual members meeting, to celebrate the achievements of the Alliance and to thank its many supporters.  More than sixty members, including winegrowers, winemakers, industry supporters and friends of the Alliance gathered to celebrate the 5th anniversary. Gendall reviewed PGWA’s accomplishments over the last year, including the sold-out Wind to Wine Festival last August, the technical seminar series for the organization’s growers and winemakers, the launch of the PGAP certification program and the many new wines from the Petaluma Gap added to the group’s “90+ Point Club” in 2022. 

Given its popularity, Gendall also announced that the Alliance aims to expand the next Wind to Wine Festival, tentatively scheduled for August 5^th, 2023 with more participating wineries and attendees.  Those interested are invited to “Get Petaluma Gap News” by signing up online at https://petalumagap.com/contact/

The 17th Annual CALIFORNIA ARTISAN CHEESE FESTIVAL Announces Lineup For Expanded March 2023 Event

Photo: Frances Rivetti 

California’s premier cheese festival, the California Artisan Cheese Festival  has announced this year's Festival dates:  March 24-26, 2023.  The popular festival will host the Marketplace at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, seminars at various wineries, a cheese crawl at The Barlow in Sebastopol, farm and cheese producer tours throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties and beyond.

image: CA Artisan Cheese Festival

For the first time since 2019, this beloved event is back for three full days of cheese tasting, education and celebration, bringing together artisan cheesemakers, farmers, chefs, brewers, winemakers, distillers and cheese enthusiasts. Throughout the weekend, guests will have the opportunity to experience new, limited-production, and rare artisan cheeses, and learn about the art of making cheese— all while supporting California farmers and cheesemakers. These public events include farm and producer tours, cheese tastings, pairings, educational seminars and demonstrations, a cheese crawl, and the Sunday Marketplace. Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell out quickly.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer support and recognition for our amazing local cheesemaking community with the return of the California Artisan Cheese Festival, which has become one of the country’s most anticipated annual events for cheese lovers and foodies,” said Judy Groverman Walker, Event Producer for the California Artisan Cheese Festival. “And because of the tough circumstances over the last few years, we are extremely grateful that we can come back and give folks the opportunity to safely attend three days of beloved events while supporting California farmers and cheesemakers who have had a tough go of it throughout the pandemic.”

This three-day cheese extravaganza starts with Friday’s Farm Tours, and several of the tours will visit areas outside of the immediate Bay Area, including North Sacramento, Central Valley and Mendocino County.

Tour G which travels to the Spenker Family Farm in Lodi even includes goat yoga! Saturday will feature seminars and demos in some gorgeous wine country locations including Balletto Vineyards, Kendall Jackson Wine Center and Sugarloaf Wine Company.

Since the seminars all take place at wineries, each one has a unique wine pairing experience available as an add-on for those who’d like to stay and enjoy the site a little longer.

Saturday night features a brand new event, a Cheese Crawl at The Barlow! This walk-around tasting event will be similar to a bar crawl, but focused on cheese pairings with local sips and nibbles from restaurants, distilleries, breweries and more.

Sunday’s Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace will take place at the Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. For those who’d like to get the inside track and early entry into the Marketplace,  Bubbles + Bites is a pre-marketplace light breakfast with author and radio personality Clark Wolf.  Wolf will be giving tips on how to best experience everything the Marketplace has to offer as attendees enjoy breakfast bites and local bubbles.

The Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace has always been considered the “grand finale” of the Festival because it gives cheese enthusiasts the opportunity to experience new, limited-production, and rare artisan cheeses as well as meet and sample the products from many Bay Area farmers, chefs, brewers, winemakers, distillers and artisan food purveyors.

The full schedule for the 2023 California Artisan Cheese Festival is as follows:

California Artisan Cheese Week
March 18-26, 2023
Various locations throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties

In the week leading up to the California Artisan Cheese Festival, cheese aficionados can expect to find special cheese-focused dishes and menus at some of their favorite local restaurants, tasting rooms, and businesses around the state for the second annual California Artisan Cheese Week. These businesses will be showing support for their favorite cheesemakers and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite standbys and discover new artisan cheeses in creative dishes, impressive cheese plates, special discounts, unique pairings and more.
**Specific details on participating restaurants and other businesses to be announced soon.
 
Friday, March 24, 2023
 
Producer & Farm Tours
Various Locations around Marin and Sonoma Counties and beyond
 
These fan-favorite intimate tours to various farms, creameries and artisan producers are some of the most popular events of the weekend, giving visitors a glimpse into the important role of the farmer and where cheese gets it start. Guests will be guided on behind-the-scenes walking tours where they can learn how cheese and other artisan products are made, meet the producers, farmers, animals and cheesemakers behind their favorite local products and, of course, taste the fruits of their labor.
 
*Please Note: there will be three tours beyond the Bay Area offered – one to the North Valley, one to the Central Valley, and one to Mendocino County. Please check the information specific to each tour for start and end time, parking information and the location of bus departure.
 
**Specific details and tickets for the Producer & Farm Tours and locations may be found at https://www.artisancheesefestival.com/tours-2023
 
Saturday, March 25, 2023

Seminars and Pairing Demos
11a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Various Locations around Santa Rosa and Windsor
 
Through a variety of interactive seminars and demos, cheese lovers have the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts, chefs and cheesemakers. Seminars will all take place at wineries, and will touch on topics including cheese and wine pairings, building cheese and charcuterie cones, and tasting cheese with chocolates. Each seminar location also features a special add on for guests who want to stay a little longer and enjoy their wines or participate in other tasting experiences.
 
**Full lineup of seminars and pairing demos may be found at https://www.artisancheesefestival.com/seminars

Cheese Crawl at The Barlow
4 to 6 p.m.
The Barlow in Sebastopol
Guests 21 and over only; rain or shine
 
Cheesemakers, restaurants, breweries and distilleries will come together for this light-hearted yet energetic night of discovery featuring California artisan cheese at different businesses throughout The Barlow. Each stop will host a cheesemaker offering samples to be paired with their partner food or beverage purveyor including regional artisan wine, cider, spirits and beer. This interactive and lively night of great cheesy nibbles culminates in a raffle where two lucky guests will win tickets to the 2024 Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace. Everyone is encouraged to bring their appetites to this not-to-be-missed event.
  
Sunday, March 26, 2023
 
Bubbles + Bites + Early Entry to the Marketplace
9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Showcase Café, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
 
Bubbles + Bites is the perfect way to start a Sunday full of tasting.  Enjoy light breakfast bites featuring local sparkling wine and some insider tips from local radio personality and cheese enthusiast Clark Wolf.  Clark and a special surprise guest chef will discuss tips and techniques on how to shop the Marketplace, and also how to use, pair and enjoy all of the fabulous products that complement the amazing cheeses and beverages that can be found at the Marketplace. Tickets include a festival logo glass and early entry into the Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace at 11 a.m. before it opens to the public at 12 p.m.

*Those who purchase a ticket to Bubbles + Bites do not need to purchase a separate ticket to the Marketplace; entry is included with purchase of the Bubbles + Bites ticket.

Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace
12 to 4 p.m.
Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa
 
The grand finale of the festival, the Marketplace brings together more than 100 artisan producers of the best California cheese, wine, beer, ciders and other specialty foods. Guests are invited to taste, discover and buy new cheeses and the next wave of interesting cheese accompaniments, as well as artisan products that complement cheese. Tickets include admission, live entertainment, author book signings, an Artisan Cheese Festival insulated cheese tote bag (complete with ice pack to keep your cheese cold) and a festival wine glass.
*Strollers are not permitted in the Marketplace. The event is rain or shine. Children’s tickets are available for ages 2-12 years old.

For more updates and details and to purchase tickets to the California Artisan Cheese Festival visit, http://www.artisancheesefestival.com/.

Generous sponsors of the Artisan Cheese Festival include American Ag Credit, Beehive Cheese Company, Bellwether Farms, Cowgirl Creamery, Culture Magazine, Cypress Grove Cheese, Donald and Maureen Green Foundation, Edible Marin & Wine Country, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Gourmet Foods International, Horizon Specialist, Lace House Linen, Marin French Cheese Co., Nicasio Valley Cheese Co., Oliver’s Markets, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Pure Luxury Transportation, Real California Milk, Rumiano Cheese Co., Russian River Brewing, Rustic Bakery, Seismic Brewing Company/Golden State Cider, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co., Sonoma County Tourism and Visit Santa Rosa/City of Santa Rosa.
 

About California Artisan Cheese Festival
A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, the California Artisan Cheese Festival strives to increase cheese appreciation, educate consumers about artisan cheeses, support the cheesemaking community and its sustainability and celebrate the creations of California’s many farmers and cheesemakers. The festival began in March 2007 as the first-ever, weekend-long celebration and exploration of handcrafted cheeses, foods, wines and beers from California. In keeping with its dedication to the community, the Artisan Cheese Festival has donated more than $165,000 in grants to nonprofit partners that support local sustainable agriculture including the California Artisan Cheese Guild.  For more information about the California Artisan Cheese Festival, visit http://www.artisancheesefestival.com/ or follow them on Facebook, Instagramand Twitter.