With more than 400 wineries, Sonoma County has a quaff for every wine-lover. Why should the food be different? Here are eateries to satisfy the most diverse of dining desires.
For the Veggie Hugger
From a crispy Brussels sprouts salad to a cassoulet of heirloom beans with fried tofu and black truffle butter, the vegetarian options shine at Woodfour Brewing Company, located in a converted apple-processing plant. Pair your eats with a farmhouse-style sour, saison, or a dark ale.
Kinsmoke likes to say that its dining room is "always set for family."
For the Committed Carnivore
Hankering for St. Louis–style pork ribs, a sandwich of smoked brisket and apple slaw, or a spicy wings? Head to Kinsmoke, where the "nondenominational approach" to barbecue includes traditions from Texas, the Carolinas, and even California.
For the Sweet Tooth
The ever-changing choices at the Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar are anything but same old, same old. We're talking salted-caramel Mississippi mud pie, spiced custard–apple compote pie, and ice creams like single-origin Sightglass coffee and matcha-almond green tea.
Valette serves ahi in inventive ways.
For the Adventurous Omnivore
Nearly one-quarter of the diners at Valette order the Trust Me menu, a chef's-choice, seasonal selection of four dishes minimum that might include roasted butternut squash pasta, smoked lamb "bacon," and poached ahi "ceviche" with blood orange aioli.
The Craft Mac N Cheese from Bird and the Bottle includes crispy brussel sprouts.
For the Fickle Foodie
Have trouble committing to a single dish when eating out? You can mix 'n' match at Bird and the Bottle, where smaller bites (pickled Gulf shrimp, grilled radicchio with smoked blue cheese) and to-share big plates such as eight-hour smoked port shoulder are served family-style.