Awards, stars sparkle in Sonoma County

Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

Locals and visitors who have experienced Sonoma County’s esteemed food and wine scene or stayed the night in a luxurious inn know first-hand how remarkable the destination is. But it’s always nice to hear it from someone else.

Recently, several hospitality businesses have seen their efforts of providing first-class service rewarded with world-renowned honors for food, wine, and accommodations.

Starred Restaurants
Sonoma County’s constellation of Michelin stars is shining a bit brighter. SingleThread, Healdsburg, has been awarded three Michelin stars – the guide’s top honor – for the 2019 guide. That makes it the first restaurant in Sonoma County to ever win this honor.

As the Guide notes, “Single Thread has risen to the top of Sonoma County’s dining scene since its opening in 2016. The talented couple behind this powerhouse project has shown consistent commitment to the highest standards of ingredient quality and exceptionally refined cuisine.”

And Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, and Madrona Manor, Healdsburg, have each been awarded one Michelin star. Both have held this honor in past years.

Michelin awards zero to three stars based on the inspections of anonymous reviewers. The reviewers concentrate on the quality, mastery of technique, personality, and consistency of the food.

“Bib Gourmand,” representing remarkable restaurants that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included), have been awarded to several Sonoma County restaurants: Backyard, Forestville; Diavola Pizzeria + Salumi, Geyserville; Glen Ellen Star, Glen Ellen; Bravas Bar de Tapas, Healdsburg; Chalkboard, Healdsburg; Risibisi, Petaluma; Monti’s Rotisserie, Santa Rosa; Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol; and El Molino Central, Sonoma.

Top Wines
Four wines from Sonoma County wineries that sourced Sonoma County grapes made Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, which honors the best in the world. The Sonoma County wines include two red blends and two Chardonnays. The entire list can be found at top100.winespectator.com/lists.

With a score of 95, the list’s 10th ranked wine is Bedrock’s 2016 The Bedrock Heritage Sonoma Valley. This is a “knockout red, focused and well-built but loaded with personality …” The field blend includes Zinfandel, Carignane, Mataro, Syrah, and Alicante Bouschet. At $46 a bottle, it’s recommended to drink now through 2027.

Ferrari-Carano’s 2016 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Tré Terre Vineyard Select Collection made the list at number 36 and received a score of 93. The $28 bottle is “… lightly oaky and creamy midpalate, this is deftly elegant and refined.” Drink now through 2022.

Coming in at 78 and with a score of 91, Landmark’s 2016 Chardonnay Sonoma County Overlook is “well-built and rich, with a solid core of apple pastry, fig and guava flavors that offer a creamy texture …” The $25 a bottle wine is drinkable now through 2022.

Ranked at 91, with a score of 92, Ridge’s 2015 Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley $40 red blend is made up of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Mourvèdre. The blend has “… floral black raspberry and licorice aromas and zesty, well-built dark cherry, smoky anise and pepper flavors that finish with ripe tannins.” It’s still a bit young and will be best enjoyed from 2019 through 2024.

Lodging
Farmhouse Inn, Forestville, has been named the No. 3 Best Hotel in the U.S. and Canada in Condé Nast Traveler's annual “Gold List.” The list is compiled by the esteemed publication’s editors of their favorite hotels, resorts, and cruise ships in the world. It spans six continents and 36 countries.

Answering the question “why is this place worth it,” the editors said, “Sonoma has so much to navigate that here, so more than anywhere, you need a hotel that’s well-located and comes with curated insider advice—the Bartolomeis’ deep Sonoma roots (they know everyone) help guests live like locals.”

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Experience Sonoma County, where Life Opens Up. Just as wine “opens up” when it’s allowed to breathe, Sonoma County inspires visitors to open up to new experiences. Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal. Hike among towering redwoods, cruise along rugged Pacific coastline, and get to know inviting small towns. Or, just sit back and take it all in. Because here, you’re free to go your own way.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call 707-522-5800.