Sonoma Magazine: Things to Do in Sonoma

What's New In Wine Country

A bee flies around a rhododendron at Hidden Forest Nursery in Sebastopol on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

Rhododendrons Are Blooming in All Their Rosy-Pink Glory Across the County. Here’s Where To See Them

In late spring and early summer, Sonoma County enjoys the unique beauty of lush forests blooming with vibrant rhododendron blossoms.

(From left) Bottles of La Sirena Moscato Azul, La Sirena Chardonnay, and Aviatrix Grenache at La Sirena tasting room in Calistoga Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

This Local Winemaker Crafted a $500,000 Bottle of Wine. Now She Finally Has Her Own Tasting Room

A dinner spread at SingleThread in Healdsburg. (John Troxell / Sonoma County Tourism)

One of North America’s Best Restaurants Is in Healdsburg

Mole Tamales from Sonoma Eats in Boyes Hot Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Two Locally Beloved Sonoma County Restaurants Reopening This Summer

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Dining

A selection of specialty doughnuts from SoCo Dough Co. inside the Graton Casino & Resort, clockwise from bottom, Gone Bananas, Pretty in Pink, Dubai of My Eye and Right Side Up Friday, May 29, 2026 in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Where to Get the Best Doughnuts in Sonoma County

Get a free doughnut on National Doughnut Day, June 5. Plus, more favorite local spots for these fried bits of heaven.

A view of a dozen donuts in a box. (Photography By Tonelson / Getty Images)

DoorDash Names Santa Rosa Doughnut Shop Among Best in US

Pesto and basil leaves. (gorchittza2012 / Getty Images)

Fresh Basil Is a Sign of Summer. This Simple Pesto Recipe Makes the Best Use of It

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Top Restaurants

Tacos de Birria con queso with consomme for dipping from Cielito Lindo restaurant in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

20 Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Sonoma County

If you're heading out to the coast, the Wild Poppy offers a creekside, dog-friendly patio with music for brunch on the weekends Saturday, July 13, 2024 on the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

24 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Sonoma County

Strawberry Tart with strawberry compote, vanilla cream, mint strawberry sorbet and meringue from Bijou Monday, July 1, 2025, in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma County’s Best New Restaurants of 2025

Spaghetti all Bolognese with American Kobe beef, veal and pork ribs in a slow-cooked meat sauce at Baci Cafe and Wine Bar Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The Best Italian Restaurants in Sonoma County

Seafood ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Cozy Sonoma Restaurants and Bars for Chilly Days

Beet and Butter Bean Hummus garnished with pickled carrot, toasted pistachios and mint, served with grilled ciabatta from chef Barney McGrath's Meatless Monday meals at Muir's Tea Room. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

25 Sonoma Restaurants for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

The Mushroom Pie with herbed cream sauce, chives, mozzarella and fontina from Buck’s Place Friday, July 19, 2024, in Sonoma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Top Sonoma County Restaurant Picks from a Food Critic, Part Two

A plate of tacos includes four types: al pastor, veggie, fish, and shrimp, at El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Sonoma County? Here Are Our Dining Editor’s Top Picks

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BiteClub

Smash, a new smashburger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser, has opened in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Glen Ellen Star Owner’s New Burgers Are Smashing

Chef Ari Weiswasser, the restaurateur behind Glen Ellen Star and Stella, has opened Smash, a fast-casual restaurant on Sonoma Plaza devoted to lacy-edged smashburgers and a family-friendly vibe.

Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini addresses an audience at Terra Madre 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Terra Madre)

Carlo Petrini, Slow Food Founder and Sustainable Eating Advocate, Dies at 76

Pizza, fried chicken sandwich and salads are among the favorite dishes at the newly opened Junction in Santa Rosa. (Photo: Jessica Paul @jessicapaulphoto )

The Junction Opens in Santa Rosa With Pizza, Beer Garden and Family-Friendly Patio

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Greatest Hits

Madeira House co-owner Jacqueline Goncalves in Jenner Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

A Complete Compendium of All Things Cozy in Sonoma County

The Ultimate Guide to Sonoma Tasting Rooms

Lumache al Pesto with spring pea pesto, morel mushrooms and aged parmesan from Stella Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

25 Not-to-Miss Sonoma County Restaurants in 2025

At House of Flowers’ 15.5-acre estate, guests can taste winemaker Chantal Forthun’s highly expressive wines in the architecturally impressive hospitality house or in the lush gardens beneath the redwoods. (Flowers Vineyards & Winery)

The Best Sonoma Wineries for First-Time Visitors

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Travel

Woman diving into the bay from FJORD sauna in Sausalito, California.

Wind Down at Wine Country’s Newest Hot Spots: Saunas

Saunas are associated with a long list of health benefits. Here's where to rest your weary bones in the North Bay.

Participants sit in a circle as they share experiences during “forest bathing” at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood, on Sunday, November 23, 2025. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Local State Park Named Best Hidden Gem in California

Local Beach Town Named One of the Best in California

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Top Wineries

Entrance to the wine cave at Thomas George Estates in Healdsburg. (Thomas George Estates)

Sip Wine and Stay Cool in These Sonoma Wine Caves

Outdoor wine tasting and picnic at Aesthete Winery & Farm in Healdsburg. (Aesthete Winery & Farm)

13 Favorite Sonoma Wineries for Picnics

Dogs are welcome at Mutt Lynch Winery in Windsor. (Mutt Lynch Winery)

33 Best Dog-Friendly Wineries in Sonoma County

The colorful flowers in the winery gardens of Lynmar Estate in Sebastopol make for a pretty backdrop for a selfie. (Lynmar Estate)

15 Sonoma Wineries With Gorgeous Gardens

Raghni Naidu, owner and founder of Naidu Wines and Vineyards in Sebastopol. Photo taken Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Local Wineries Among Best California Newcomers on Food & Wine List

Founded by John Pedroncelli, Sr. in 1927, the Geyserville property is now run as a fourth-generation business by president Julie Pedroncelli St. John, with Montse Reece as winemaker. (Pedroncelli Winery)

Meet the Women Behind Some of Sonoma and Napa’s Best Wines

Faust Wines' hilltop tasting room Faust Haus is set in an old Victorian overlooking Napa Valley, located in St. Helena. (Courtesy of Faust Wines)

Over a Dozen Local Bottles Make Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2024

Gap's Crown vineyard northeast of Penngrove. (Dan Quiñones/Courtesy Three Sticks Wines)

Wines To Try From the Most Iconic Vineyards in Sonoma County

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Magazine

Betsy Fischer is retiring as the head of the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Department. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

‘This Has Been My Whole Life’: SRJC Culinary Chair Bids a Bittersweet Farewell, Reflects on Joy of Teaching

Betsy Fischer has worked in Santa Rosa Junior College’s Culinary Arts Program for 26 years. As she prepares to depart, she dispenses lasting advice for students.