If you feel like heading down there make sure you tell them Joe sent you, who knows I may even leave you a drink.

Murphys Irish Pub is located at 464 1st St E Sonoma, CA

Wines from California's Sonoma County have been chosen to pair with each of the four cheeses. The cheese and wine descriptions tempt one with mouth-watering images such as, "2004 Overlook Chardonnay; Crisp green apple, lemon rind, roasted nut, carmel" flavors to complement Minuet cheese, which is "Soft-ripened goat milk enriched with cow's milk crème fraiche."

Reservations may be made by calling Ginger at 707-833-0228. http://landmarkwine.com/. Cost $15.

French cooking ware. Utensils that make meal prep easier. Bia Cordon- Bleu ramekins, pie plates, casserole dishes. Let’s not forget the saucier pans, the roasting pans, and the ovenware ceramic pans that make cooking a pleasure. This is Sonoma. The founding city of that now-famous kitchenware chain, Williams-Sonoma got its start here.  Long since gone, the early beginnings of WS have been replaced by Robin’s Nest, the premier-discount-kitchenware store in the ce.nter of town. The small brown building has been a staple on East Napa Street for years, serving locals and visitors alike with a wide array of discounted kitchenware. Need a roasting pan for that holiday turkey- Robin’s Nest has it. Ramekins for the spinach timbales at a dinner party that evening. Robin’s Nest. 116 E. Napa, Sonoma, CA. 707-996-4169

A Blue Tree sprouting thousands of blue balls pays welcome to visitors year round traveling north on Highway 121 into Sonoma. The sprawling limbs are a pleasant site for visitors and locals alike. A landmark since the Cornerstone Gardens opened a short three years ago, the tree is only one of the many sites to feast on at this unique architectural garden museum.

On a daily basis, the designs of such well known designers and artists as Marco Anotnini, Roberto Capecci, Pamela Burton and Andy Cao can be visited and enjoyed at Cornerstone.

Developed in a field once hosting cattle and hay, the project has come to life since its opening. More importantly, the ever-changing landscape brings a smile to the faces of those whizzing by, urging a must-stop and see. If you have never walked through a sculptured garden before, Cornerstone will be an experience to talk about. The gardens that make up this cultural gallery change frequently. Each Christmas, to the delight of Sonoma residents. Hundreds of lighted snowmen make their wayto Cornerstone, lined up along the highway in a holiday tradition.

Aside from the encompassing gardens, Cornerstone offers interesting retail concepts. Meander through Artefact Design and Salvage- one of the nation's leading high-end architectural salveage companies offering architrectural elements from around the globe.And the Blue Tree cafe offers light breakfast, pastries, and coffee drinks along with hand made chocolate truffles.

Cornerstone is a tremendous find on your way to wine country. It's a stop that will linger on your memory mantle long after you return home.

For more information, hours, and current exhibits, contact: Cornerstone Gardens - 23570 Hwy 121 Sonoma, CA 9547 p: 707 933.3010 f: 707 933.3856

The Fig Pantry is sweet. Bernstein’s latest sojourn along the roads of culinary adventure stimulates the soul of all who enjoy pairing modern and historic. The figsters have added new life, style, and flavor into the corner of East Eighth St. and East Napa. A destination long departed, the store has become the latest popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.

Opened last year just after the rains, the store has been soaring to success ever since. This winter, the Sonoma weather has been on everyone’s side and the deli case, filled with prepared foods, is becoming a place to be-seen in Sonoma. An oasis in the night, the store has on occasion been the perfect place to binge of Tony’s Spumoni or Keller’s muffins. Brightly colored windows, gleaming with product for the palate, the home, or the wine cellar are a welcoming call to all passerby.

Bernstein, however, added yet more adventure to her culinary journey. Her passion with this project took on new light. Aside from edible offerings, she has extended her vision of hospitality. Four cottages, dubbed Les Petites Maisons, grace the property behind the store. Accouterments worthy of Sunset or Coastal Living Magazine take the chill off Sonoma winter mornings for lodgings guests in the quaint, modern cottages that people less traveled only gaze into fantasy hillsides to experience. Bernstein has completed the circle in this her most recent acquisition.

For more information and reservations visit on line of call 707-933-0340.

The Swiss Hotel reopened this weekend after its yearly two-week repaint and refresh period. The hotel, a landmark in Sonoma, is one of the few places that visitors can hear how the Sebastiani grapes are doing, how Viansa is handling the frost, or, how the farmers in Schellville are coping with the lack of rain.

The Swiss has so much to boast about, but topping the list is that it is the only outdoor seating area on the sunny side of the street over looking the park. The hotel is the meeting place for locals and visitors.

Built between 1836 and 1840 by Don Salvador Vallejo, brother of General Vallejo, the home served as the family homestead for years. In 1892, the home was turned into a hotel and has operated since then.

Although the rooms at The Swiss Hotel are comfortable, quaint and romantic, the flavor t everyone gathers for comes from the kitchen and the landmark bar.

Mahogany walls - covered with photographs of town folk who have worked the land and produced the finest wines in California for decades- encompass the most historic bar in the county. Aside from photos of vintners, philanthropists, ranchers, cowboys and golfers, stars from another era join the wall of frames, as they would often commute to the community to enjoy the spas at Boyes Hot Springs.

Chef Nancy Brunner has led the kitchen at The Swiss into culinary notoriety for the past three years. Serving both lunch and dinner, Brunner is known for her nightly specials. The enormous outdoor patio off the main dining room is graced with the warmth of an enormous wood burning fireplace, along with heaters that fend off any frigidity.

The sidewalk café, in front of the hotel, is one of the best people watching spots in the county.

Aside from great food, quaint atmosphere, and historic memorabilia, the service at the Swiss is rivaled by none. Whether in the main dining room or enjoying a meal in the bar, the customer is the main attraction. It is one of the few restaurants that make visitors and locals feel at home. Plus, with a front row seat for the farmers market every Tuesday night beginning in April, The Swiss Hotel is a must visit while in wine country.

Country Italian Food and American Classics. Sonoma Valley's finest wines.
On The Plaza - 18 West Spain Street
707-938-2884

Upon entering Sonoma, city hall is perched at the head of Broadway. Lined with light posts resembling those in Concord, Massachusetts, the main street welcomes visitor, locals, and transients. Designed around  a Rockwellian town square which comes to life with picnickers, revelers, and soap-sud filled fountain gazers, the center of town is its heartbeat.

Retail, restaurants, hotels, bookstores and gourmet shops encompass the grass and walkway designed park filled with trees, ducks, an amphitheater, a state-of-the-art duck pond,  and on occasion, live chickens placed by pranksters. The eclectic mix boasts the style of the Hamptons, Telluride, and places in between.

The city of Sonoma - although the topic on the tip of the conversationalists tongue when speaking of wine country, is only one of the jewels of the county. As we continue the journey we are invited to Petaluma, Jenner, Guerneville, Healdsburg and other stops enticing sipping, tasting and teasing the senses.

As you travel the Internet, researching travel plans, points of excitement, places to experience, destinations to enjoy and possibly call home, check in regularly. We look forward to having you join us on this journey.