Oh, the holidays in Wine Country! Spending the holidays in Sonoma County is magical.

The lights around the Healdsburg Square are not only beautiful, but the chill in the air allows us to wear furry coats, mittens, and high-heeled boots, even for small-town locals and tourists like us. 

The extravaganzas, celebrations, and soirees were not anywhere to be found though, unlike in the past. This year, not even Napa had their usual festivities and masquerade balls, except for exclusive high-ticketed events. 

Regardless, the wines were pouring, and the dinners were as spectacular as ever. With the fires that ravaged the communities and then COVID to seal the momentum of adversity, Wine Country has had its challenges. This past holiday could have had a sense we were amid business owners who were grateful to be open and locals who were quietly unashamed to celebrate the new year in Wine Country.

It’s an interesting time.  

And so the revelers, be it with slim pickings on where to go, are nonetheless grateful to pay tribute to the oenophile lifestyle with glad and sincere hearts. And with great company, the celebration of a new year was welcomed! 

Richard and I had the pleasure of dining with Peter and Carmen Gray, Managing Partners for the Elite Club at Vintage Sotheby’s International Realty in Yountville.

We have done wine tastings with them before as we continue to discover this part of the valley together. Peter and Carmen, who are locals, have a real understanding of not only the exchange of businesses and land but also do it with a welcoming charm. Their warm, hands-on approach with the locals is magnetic.

Carmen Gray, a native of Northern California, is phenomenal as she treats everyone she meets as neighbors. She always asks questions and relates to all whom she comes across.

From the pourer at J Vineyards to the server at Dry Creek Kitchen, she has a way of having fun and sincerely touching everyone’s hearts. She brings a breath of fresh air to a place where everyone is thankful to be serving, pouring, and attending to guests once again. Carmen wants to get to know everyone she meets and makes it a joy to serve.

As Carmen and I spent time searching for big soirees that were not happening, these were nice finds.

Here are five great experiences during the holidays: 

The Madrona 

A hotel not only to stay in, but to have dinner, they have probably one of the best evenings for New Year’s Eve. Have a late dinner close to midnight, and walk around the mansion in semi-formal cocktail attire while being served sparkling wine while listening to music. Bring in the new year with a bang.

If you’re looking for a quaint yet captivating evening with the right partner, this is it.

Carmen spoke very highly of having dinner at The Madrona a few days before ringing in the new year with us. She says it was amazing! They were well taken care of by the staff and Charles Kimball, Wine Country’s maître d’ who also was the maître d’ at Press in St. Helena, who offered a “unique version of travel and hospitality.”  

Sparkling Wine Tastings

Sparkling wine is not only great during the holidays but is great on a rainy day, hot day, by the pool, the fire, etc. etc. What’s not to love?

J Vineyards was memorable! A shout-out to Patricia Philitsa, CSW, CS, our pourer, who made it that much more special. I love it when we have tastings done by down-to-earth locals, and she and Carmen hit it off. We loved hearing about Patricia’s travels while she poured sparkling wines that were first-rate vintages. What a way to celebrate the holidays and get a kick-start to a day of wine tasting! Cheers!

Korbel Winery has an amazing deli. I had known about it but didn’t know how perfect it was for breakfast! That’s right! As we searched for something hot and savory in the morning on a rainy day, it was the perfect choice to load up on breakfast burritos, hot chocolate, and seasonal mimosas. What a way to prepare before a well-known champagne tasting! (Yes, champagne.)

Dry Creek Kitchen 

A Healdsburg Square pillar for years, this is a lovely tradition to take hold. From the ambiance to the service, they were graciously accommodating. When asked to switch out the meat for fish on the New Year’s set menu, options were warmly offered.

Their chips and herbed soft cheese with caviar had me at hello with my Sonoma County sparkling wine. The fresh fish that followed with grapefruit was a fresh start, and the pork belly with bacon consummé was not only sensational but has me still thinking about it to this day. 

This was a fair-priced holiday set menu at around $175pp ($95 additional for wine pairing). I would go soon if you could, even if revisiting. They were the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Healdsburg in 2007, so you can be sure you’re in the right place on any holiday, including Thanksgiving.

With a new chef and new renovations, they are headed towards another Michelin star in their future endeavors. You can’t go wrong here, and after going through dozens of menus, we ultimately chose Dry Creek Kitchen for its menu offerings, and it didn’t disappoint. 

Dukes

A local favorite hangout for spirits and fun is Dukes Spirited Cocktails, and it was busy on NYE. When you’re waiting for your table, need a cocktail to rest, or are in town during the holidays, it usually hits the spot with a full bar, awesome music, and, yes, sometimes even a good dance. 

At Duke’s, ask any bartender to pour you their specialty; my request is typically a herbaceous cocktail…in a coupe.

Calluna Vineyards

And last but certainly not least, there’s Calluna Vineyards. I’ll be writing more about this winery and sharing about the amazing wine in my wine highlight, but it was not one to be missed.

We knew how a place like this grabbed the attention of David Calluna and became his passion the moment we pulled up and were warmly welcomed. We were given a tour around the perimeter of his home with views as far as you can see from Atlas Peak to the Sonoma Coast. The views were inspiring only to be invited into his home for his first-class wines and olive oil.    

Experiencing a wine tasting in the home of a Sonoma County winemaker can help let go of any anxiety of years past and feel the warmth of hospitality that makes Sonoma County so special. What an experience to have during the holidays. 

This season, although quieter than most years, lies in the hope for enough rest and not the quiet before the storm. It’s always a great season to enjoy Sonoma County, as every holiday and adventure brings new experiences.

Let’s make this year more about what counts. As some things change, others do not. And that means, come to think of it, you will always have a home in Sonoma County.  

Cheers!