Wineries — Matanzas Creek

Winter's Purple Passion

By Heather Irwin

January may seem an odd time to go looking for lavender. But in Northern California, just after December's unyielding rains, the countryside is knitted together in patches of bright green. After months and months of nothing but crisp, dry brown, the days just after Christmas bring a sneak preview of spring to Sonoma County, teasing not a few brave buds.

Like its hearty herb brethren rosemary and thyme, lavender persists through the winter — though with a bit more reserve than its lush summer persona. And one of the best places to find it, whether winter or summer is at Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa, California. Home to hundreds of carefully cultivated lavender plants, Matanzas Creek winery is a sort of Provence–in–Sonoma with fields of grey and purple shrubs throwing off a delicate, vegetative perfume regardless of the season. Sniff deeply, and their aroma will stay with you through the day, calm and meditative.

Take a virtual walk with us through the grounds of Matanzas Creek. Even in the cool winter months, there's plenty to admire at this Santa Rosa winery.

EDITOR'S PICK

Highly recommended De Schmire Restaurant gets my pic this month. Not because I have yet been there, but because I have heard SO much about it. And not from your regular food snobbies, but from a number of not–so–super–tasters, but super enjoyers.

Described as continental cuisine, and California fare with strong French leanings, the restaurant has been around for about 30 years. Local art is featured in the two dining rooms and the open kitchen provides visual entertainment, as well as gustatory.

It takes a bit of bling, so it maybe your next special occasion out. I will probably take my 17–year–old daughter. It is always a special occasion when we can enjoy a civil meal.

De Schmire Restaurant
304 Bodega Ave, Petaluma, CA
Tel: (707) 762.1901

WINE COUNTRY HIGHLIGHT &ndash MONTEREY/SANTA CRUZ, CA

Pajaro Dunes Company offers luxurious, fully furnished ocean view vacation rentals, townhouses, and condominiums. Take advantage of their "3 Nights for the Price of 2" Special Lodging Promotion. Make lodging reservations now through April 30, 2006 and if you book two nights, you will get the third night free! Offer valid for new reservations only, based on availability and excludes major holidays.

Destinations — Santa Rosa, CA

Renaissance in Railroad Square

By Heather Irwin

Santa Rosa makes no apologies for being a practical sort of town. One of the largest metropolitan areas north of San Francisco, it has always been the work–a–day Wine Country suburb where visitors might find convenient parking, strip malls, churches, schools and tract homes — but not necessarily the tourist-friendly bars, restaurants and shops that out–of–towners and visitors practically stumble over to the north and south.

Instead, Santa Rosa is the place where many Sonoma residents actually live and raise their families. And though there have always been a few notable Santa Rosa tourist destinations, like the influential John Ash, or the ground-breaking Willi's Wine Bar, Santa Rosa has for a long time lacked a central hub where folks could walk around, shop and eat — like the central plazas of Healdsburg or the town of Sonoma.

But recently that's been changing. Slowly at first, but with increasing speed Railroad Square, just west of downtown, is becoming Santa Rosa's own Wine Country destination spot.

WINE COUNTRY RECIPE — SONOMA, CA

California Almond Cake with Balsamic Strawberries and Orange Mascarpone

Create a dessert masterpiece with this recipe from John Ash & Co at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa, CA. The California Almond Cake with Balsamic Strawberries and Orange Mascarpone is rich in taste and the perfect ending to any meal.

Or escape to Central Sonoma Wine Country and stay at Vintner's Inn. Steps away from your luxurious private room is John Ash & Co. Restaurant. Experience a feast for the senses. With their picturesque vineyard as a backdrop, Chef Jeffrey Madura utilizes the freshest of locally grown products to create inspired wine country cuisine for your pleasure.

WINECOUNTRY.COM DRAWING

Enter and Win!*

Sonoma Getaway Package

Start the New Year with a trip to Sonoma Wine Country that boasts luxurious lodging accommodations, wine tasting, dining, and an array of activities. We'll even help get you started.

Enter to win the Sonoma Getaway Package that includes two spa gift certificates to Osmosis, two Reserve Wine Tasting certificates for Kendall Jackson, and two dining certificates at Healdsburg Charcuterie. Package Value is $220!

You can enter to win by answering the following question from this Newsletter: "What place soothes the soul, no matter what time of year you go?

Click here to enter this drawing!**  The Winner of this Drawing will be announced on The Winner's Page after February 28, 2006.

*some restrictions apply
** No purchase necessary. Must be at least 21 years old to enter. Only one entry per person permitted. Winner will be selected February 28, 2006 by random drawing from the correct entries. Winner will be notified by email.  Employees of Freerun Technologies are ineligible. Void where prohibited by law.

Matanza Creek Winery • Renaissance in Railroad Square • Wine Country Recipe
Wine Country Events • WineCountry.com Drawing • This Issue

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