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As great California Chardonnay continues to distance itself from the stereotypical style built around oak and butter, Julien How­ sepian, winemaker at Kosta Browne, creates a considerable distance between that cliché and this rich but intensely vibrant white. Savory, wet­-stone minerality opens on the nose, intriguingly layered with exotic cit­rus, orchard blossoms, hints of tropical fruit and crème brûlée...

This week on May 21, California Sister will celebrate five years of being in business in the Barlow. And it all started thanks to a not-quite-midlife re-assessment on the part of one of the business’s co-owners. Self-taught florist Nichole Skalski started California Sister on her own in 2013. The company is named after the California Sister butterfly.

One of Sonoma County’s favorite free concert series is back at a new location. The Peacetown Summer Concert Series has traditionally been at Ives Park in Sebastopol, but because of the uncertainty of Covid restrictions, Peacetown is relocating to The Barlow. Organizers say, “Peacetown 2021 is a community built of cooperation, collaboration, and creativity, a community that welcomes diversity and celebrates music, art, fine food, and nature.”

While outsiders may think of Sebastopol as a bastion of kale and tempeh, locals know that the food scene in this West County town is thriving, with boundary-pushing global fare that depends heavily on locally grown ingredients and sustainability. Restaurants here rarely disappoint, because they know exactly who they are – or they don’t last long Sebastopudlians insist on good food, made well and with a conscience. Here are some favorites: Read more…

Food and wine destination in Sonoma County seeing uptick in business.Barney Aldridge, founder of The Barlow in Sebastopol, explains what’s new at his wine country destination since Sonoma County shifted into the orange tier.

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