Looking for more insights and escapes? Find me at www.winecountrygoodness.com and we’ll create a custom trip, or you can search the site for advice and sign up for our blog. september/ october 2 0 1 3 34 A Taste of Sonoma’s West County A Sweet Escape for Napa Locals and Tourists by Sara Little, Proprietor at Wine Country Goodness I am a seasoned local who enjoys the finer details of life, an event planner, and a self-proclaimed “expert in indulgence.” I’ve lived in Sonoma County for the past 12 years and have wholeheartedly embraced the culture, but maintain the appreciation and excitement of a newcomer. At Wine Country Goodness, I thrive on sharing custom wine country experiences, from planning a quick weekend trip to an extravagant wedding set in local vineyards. Today, I’d like to introduce you to some of the diverse and mostly undiscovered experiences of West Sonoma County. Let’s begin our adventure in Forestville with a visit to Russian River Vineyards, which also hosts an on-site restaurant, Corks. They source products from the estate garden and trusted Sonoma County farmers, so the local flavor really comes through in each dish. I suggest the housesmoked chicken on a tostada, topped with a spicy citrus and dried chili dressing, shredded kale and cabbage, and oro grande grapefruit salsa, paired with a RRV Sauvignon Blanc. Yum! I also recommend taking Chef Ruben Gomez up on one of his private food and wine pairings at Russian River Vineyards, which also hosts a weekly farmer’s market and provides live music during the summer months. Next, we’ll head to Guerneville for an afternoon kayak run down the Russian River. Not frequented by tourists, this authentic experience will bring you face to face with eclectic locals and expose you to their rich history, and hometown attitude. Park downtown and meander through the quirky shops on your way down to Johnson’s Beach, where kayaks are available for rent. But before you do, be sure to stop into Big Bottom Market to grab a great cup of coffee, a bottle of wine, or one of their grab-and-go food selections. It’s been a long day in the sun and we got some exercise, so we deserve a tasty meal at Guerneville’s newest eatery, Seaside Metal. The owners of Bar Crudo in San Francisco bring their talents to what they call “a more rustic” version of their successful venture in the city. They offer a classic raw bar, as well as a carefully constructed menu and thoughtful wine list. Think comfort, think fresh, think creative. Try the yellowtail crudo garnished with lemon curd, crispy shallots, and micro basil, paired with an Inman Family Pinot Gris. Follow that with the ricotta gnocchi with baby leeks and topped with salmon roe and a Malbec from Jigar Wines. Speaking of Jigar Wines, they are opening a new tasting room in neighboring Forestville this summer. I highly recommend their wines and their private vineyard tour with owner Jigar Patel. Heart warmed, belly full, and skin sun-kissed, it’s time to head back to Boon Hotel & Spa to relax. This oasis embraces the farmhouse chic feel that has become popular in wine country. They are pet friendly, have intimate woodburning fireplaces, and host a solar-heated, saline pool and spa. You can hang by the pool and help yourself to sips from the bar, get a spa treatment, or take one of the complimentary bikes into Armstrong Woods Natural Reserve to gaze into the towering redwoods. Oh, and they just added “glamping” tents for the summer. The INK | p. 2
NVLife_SeptOct_2014
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