Cheers to these new Sonoma County wineries and breweries:
Freeman Vineyard & Winery
This iconic red barn winery is the birthplace of the now cult classic Williams Selyem’s first vintages, but owners Ken and Akiko Freeman prove they know a whole lot about their own excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, too. Taste for yourself in the new wine cave, set with a bar in front of a display of library bottles. Save time to tour the beautiful hillside grounds, and pack in a picnic to enjoy beneath the towering redwoods. // 1300 Montgomery Road (Sebastopol), 707-823-6937, freemanwinery.com.
Sonoma-Loeb Tasting Room
The Chappellet name is famous in these parts as the winery family and owners of Pritchard Hill vineyard, founded in 1967 in Napa Valley. They acquired Sonoma-Loeb in 2011, and this past May, they set up this upscale lounge on Sonoma Plaza. It’s a pretty place to drink, in an industrial Asian mood of rich woods, dark metals, and an abstract sculpture made from reclaimed Chappellet estate grape stakes. // 27 E. Napa St., Suite A, Sonoma, 707-934-8363, sonoma-loeb.com.
Virginia Dare Winery
This is Francis Ford Coppola’s newest project, focusing on an interesting concept of Virginia Dare, the first child born in the ill-fated Virginia Colony that was established in 1587 but mysteriously completely disappeared just three years later. In keeping with the theme, the wines are labeled The White Doe, Manteo, Two Arrowheads, and The Lost Colony, while the tasting room is old saloon style. // 22281 Chianti Road,
Geyserville, 707-735-3500,
virginiadarewinery.com.
Cooperage Brewing Company
The Santa Rosa craft brewery scene just keeps getting more interesting. Now, owner Tyler Smith has opened a shop specializing in “sour and funky” beers inspired by the lambic beer producers of Belgium. Also on tap are fresh hoppy beers (pale ales and IPAs), Belgian styles, stouts, and porters. // 981 Airway Court, Suite G
Santa Rosa, 707-293-9787, cooperagebrewing.com.
