Food and Wine Pairing in Sonoma Wine Country: A Guide to the Best Local Restaurants, Chefs, and Recipes

Sonoma wine country is home to some of the world's finest wines and a thriving culinary scene. With an abundance of local restaurants and chefs showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it's no surprise that people are interested in learning about food and wine pairing. In this blog post, we'll explore the best food and wine pairings in Sonoma wine country, highlight local restaurants and chefs, and offer recipes that pair well with Sonoma wines.

Best Food and Wine Pairings in Sonoma Wine Country

1. Chardonnay and seafood: Chardonnay is a popular varietal in Sonoma, known for its rich, buttery flavor. Seafood is abundant in Sonoma, and Chardonnay pairs well with shellfish, crab, and lobster. Try pairing a Sonoma Chardonnay with a seafood chowder or grilled shrimp.

2. Pinot Noir and duck: Pinot Noir is another popular varietal in Sonoma, known for its light to medium body and fruity notes. Duck is a classic pairing with Pinot Noir, as the wine's acidity and tannins complement the rich, gamey flavor of the meat. Try pairing a Sonoma Pinot Noir with roasted duck breast or a duck confit.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon and steak: Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-bodied red wine that pairs well with red meat. In Sonoma, beef is raised locally and grass-fed, making it a perfect pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon. Try pairing a Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon with a grilled ribeye or a beef tenderloin roast.

Local Restaurants and Chefs

1. Valette: Valette is a contemporary American restaurant located in downtown Healdsburg. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and the wine list features many Sonoma County wines, including some lesser-known gems. Try the Sonoma duck breast with a glass of Pinot Noir or the Wagyu beef with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

2. SingleThread: SingleThread is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Healdsburg, known for its Japanese-inspired cuisine and emphasis on sustainability. Chef Kyle Connaughton creates a tasting menu featuring ingredients from the restaurant's farm and local producers. The wine list features many small-production Sonoma County wines. Try the abalone with a glass of Chardonnay or the A5 Wagyu beef with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

3. Glen Ellen Star: Glen Ellen Star is a rustic-chic restaurant located in the village of Glen Ellen. Chef Ari Weiswasser creates a menu using ingredients from local farms and purveyors, and the wood-fired oven is the star of the kitchen. The wine list features many Sonoma County wines. Try the wood-fired cauliflower with a glass of Chardonnay or the grilled New York steak with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Recipes

1. Seafood chowder: This creamy seafood chowder is perfect with a glass of Sonoma Chardonnay. The wine's rich, buttery flavor complements the creaminess of the chowder, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood. Click here for the recipe.

2. Roasted duck breast: This roasted duck breast is perfect with a glass of Sonoma Pinot Noir. The wine's fruity notes complement the rich, gamey flavor of the duck, while the acidity and tannins cut through the fat. Click here for the recipe.