Spring Into Sonoma County For Fresh Food and Wine Experiences
Spring in Sonoma County overflows with bright green vineyards, vibrant wildflowers, and warmer weather. It is a prime “shoulder season” offering fewer crowds than summer, fresh seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, and new wine releases. We have all the news for you.
Springtime in Sonoma County: Days grow longer. Vineyards begin to bud. Valleys turn lush green. Rivers and creeks flow full. Cities and towns feel brighter and more open. Farm stands reopen with the season’s first harvests. Outdoor tables are set again. Mustard plants and wildflowers line vineyard rows and coastal hillsides. Hiking trails invite longer walks. Wineries open their patios, and relaxed tastings return to the center of the experience. After winter’s rest, fresh life appears everywhere, from Gualala in the north to Carneros in the south. In Sonoma County, spring brings nature and community into focus as Life Opens Up.
New in Hotels
Preferred Hotels & Resorts has recognized Vinarosa Resort & Spa as part of its global collection of independent luxury hotels. The designation indicates that the property meets Preferred’s rigorous quality and service standards and now participates in the organization’s international marketing, reservation, and travel advisor network. For Vinarosa, this recognition enhances its position as a top-tier Sonoma County Wine Country resort and places the property among a global group of vetted luxury destinations known for exceptional service, amenities, and an authentic sense of place. Book here.
New in Wineries
Skipstone Estate Winery has opened its new estate facility in Alexander Valley, marking a significant addition to Sonoma County’s wine tourism scene and strengthening the region’s leadership in sustainable hospitality. The LEED Platinum-certified winery now welcomes visitors for the first time with immersive, estate-focused experiences that showcase its architectural design and commitment to environmental stewardship. Built with sustainability as a core principle, the estate integrates organic farming, low-impact operations, and advanced green building techniques to create a thoughtful, place-based visitor experience. Aimed at eco-conscious travelers and discerning wine enthusiasts, Skipstone sets a high standard for responsible wine tourism while delivering the quality and authenticity for which Sonoma County is known. Book places to stay nearby here.
A new tasting room by winemaker Martha Stoumen has opened just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza, marking the first permanent public space for a winery that has built a loyal following through pop-ups and events. The intimate venue reflects Stoumen’s creative approach to natural winemaking, featuring a warm interior designed to highlight sensory elements like texture, lighting, and sound. The space offers inviting seating areas with redwood trim, cork paneling, burlap accents, and copper tabletops built to age and develop character over time. Unlike many tasting rooms that close before dinner, this location stays open late and accepts reservations until 9 p.m. on weekend evenings, offering a relaxed setting for evening wine tasting. Book a hotel nearby here.
Harper’s Rest Winery has opened on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. The 36-acre estate in Healdsburg’s Middle Reach features vineyards planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with a tasting room and a natural garden setting. It takes its name from 1850s hop farmer Reuben Harper, who once worked the land. Harper’s Rest also includes the 18-acre Moon Dust Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills, supporting a terroir-driven portfolio of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown using regenerative organic practices. Winemaker Vance Rose focuses on minimal-intervention techniques to showcase site expression. Book a nearby hotel here.
Café Aquatica in Jenner on the Sonoma Coast is becoming an even bigger culinary and wine destination with new features that make it timely for travel coverage. The waterfront café, famous for its scenic views where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean and its expanded menu since 2018 under owner Rachel Kulinski, will open an adjacent retail space called Jenner Outpost this spring. Inside that space, acclaimed sommelier and winemaker Patrick Cappiello will launch Outpost Cellar, a 1,000-bottle wine bar and Monte Rio Cellars tasting room showcasing wines from California drawn from his extensive personal cellar. Café Aquatica was recently named one of Sonoma Wine Country’s top 25 restaurants by San Francisco Chronicle critics, adding editorial credibility to its appeal. Book a nearby hotel here.
New in Restaurants
Graton Resort & Casino will open the next phase of its $1 billion expansion this spring, unveiling a new culinary and entertainment hub in Sonoma County that coincides with a major upgrade to its gaming experience. The resort is adding a series of original dining venues led by chefs Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar, including a 28,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant called AYA, a lively sports bar with elevated comfort food, and a dedicated artisanal doughnut and dessert shop. Additional food, nightlife, and hospitality offerings, including a new hotel tower with over 200 rooms and an adults-only pool, are scheduled to open later in 2026 and 2027.
A new culinary concept is set to debut this spring in Occidental, as the former Hazel restaurant space is reimagined as Bohemian Bistro under chef James Millar, in partnership with the founders of Acme Burger, Todd and Erica Kniess. The project marks an unexpected evolution for the fast-casual restaurateurs, who are moving toward a more refined, white-tablecloth style while continuing to expand their popular burger brand elsewhere in Sonoma County. Led by Millar and his wife, the bistro will feature prix-fixe menus based on French techniques with global influences, along with a more casual midweek locals’ night.
A longtime Santa Rosa landmark is preparing for a new chapter. The historic Villa restaurant, a hilltop dining destination overlooking Annadel State Park, is being restored and will reopen as The Junction, a casual, family-friendly eatery focused on craft beer, cocktails, and upscale pizza. The 64-year-old property, which has been vacant for three years, is being revitalized by restaurateurs Liz and Dez Fiedler and partner Jeff Krupman. Renovations include expanded glass walls to highlight the sweeping views, a 4,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden with a stage for live music, and refreshed indoor spaces.
The restaurant at Farmhouse Inn in Forestville is shifting away from its previous Michelin-starred tasting menu format toward a more approachable, upscale à la carte concept. Now led by new chef Julio Aguilera, the refreshed direction emphasizes seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes signaling a move toward a more relaxed yet still refined dining experience in West Sonoma County. Book a stay here.
Healdsburg Bar & Grill begins a new chapter with renowned chef Charlie Palmer, combining the comfort of local favorites with upscale cuisine and drinks. Palmer teamed up with owner Danya Richter to update the menu, bar selections, and décor while keeping classic dishes like the HBG burger and fried chicken. New offerings feature Palmer’s signature dishes such as beef bourguignon and duck confit, along with inventive cocktails and a brighter, more welcoming interior.
Galvan’s Beer Garden has opened as a lively new destination for game-day fun and casual outdoor dining. Started by brothers Omar and Ivan Galvan following their success with three popular taco trucks, the beer garden features communal picnic tables, large-screen TVs, and a relaxed layout designed for fans to gather and enjoy sports events year-round. Located in the former Jaded Toad space, the family-friendly venue also offers Monday-night cornhole and additional programming, making it a welcoming hangout for both sports fans and visitors to Sonoma County.
The former French Garden restaurant space in Sebastopol is set to reopen this spring as Mansoor, introducing a new concept focused on interactive, tableside dining. Previously home to the French Garden and later Gravenstein Grill, the property is being reimagined by developer and restaurateur Matt Sadati as a “flambé house,” where dishes are finished with fire in front of guests. The menu will feature theatrical preparations, blending classic techniques with a modern, experiential approach. Led by chef Zack Ghidotti, the reopening shows West County is reinvesting in dining and brings a distinctive, experience-driven concept to one of Sebastopol’s longstanding restaurant locations.
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