Come, dear wanderer…

Through meadows adorned with dancing grass, graced with the mornings dew, and orchards heavy with the promise of sun-ripened fruit. Through the thickets and forests of hardy, acorn-heavy oaks, dappled with sunlight and rice paper leaves. In this idyllic sanctuary, where time surrenders to the languid rhythm of the land; where our hikes become a treasure hunt and every meal a celebration of nature's abundance- we can adventure together through this special corner of California. Let us be your guide on a journey of discovery, community, and culinary delights.

At the heart of every gathering, there lies a sacred ritual. At Goodness Gracious, ours is the cheeseboard…

Upon a wooden canvas, the cheeseboard unfurls-a culinary poem etched in textures and hues. Each cheese, a stanza in a tale of taste, whispers secrets of age and origin. Soft camembert beckons with its velvety embrace, while aged gouda sings of sun-drenched pastures and distant horizons. Prosciutto, draped like silken ribbons, weaves tales of salty sweetness, a dance of indulgence upon the tongue. Amidst this lavish tableau, freshly washed grapes glisten like amethyst gems, while figs offer their honeyed nectar in tender embrace and honeycomb glistens like liquid gold, a tribute to nature's bounty. And in this feast for the senses, fragrant herbs pirouette, their delicate whispers infusing each bite with the terroir of the earth. Oh, cheeseboard, you are more than mere sustenance—you are a sonnet of taste, a celebration of life's rich tapestry!

In the heart of Sonoma County, where the sun-kissed vineyards mingle with fragrant orchards, lies a world where nature's symphony plays out in every flutter of a bee's wing. Here, amidst the interweaving vines, we uncover the small, but ever-present, realm of honey production, where each jar tells a story of dedication, passion, and the indomitable spirit of Sonoma's beekeepers.

In the realm of culinary delights, salads often fare forgotten. But we’re here to champion the salad, and reimagine what it can be for our bodies and our environment. Beyond their taste and texture, salads boast a trifecta of benefits: they are vibrant, refreshing and delicious, sustainable, and incredibly healthy for both our bodies and the world around us. By utilizing the freshest product grown near, it’s possible to craft a salad worthy of entree status, and we’re here to show you how!

Ever danced with a goat while sampling artisanal jams under the California sun? Well, neither have we, and we're not entirely sure if that scenario would play out exactly like we’ve imagined, but there's no better place to dream of such things than some of Sonoma's most iconic, community driven, sustainable farms along the historic stretch of Highway 12.

Sonoma County offers so much more than wine tasting and indulgent culinary experiences, and is especially a destination for the winter months. The hills are vibrant green set behind the rows and rows of sunny, yellow mustard blooms. It really is a sight to behold, and a sight to slip you into relaxation and revelation of the natural beauty we are blessed with. Check out our tips for enjoying Wine Country this winter and beyond.

Sonoma County has some of the best hidden gems and day trip itineraries for every group! Whether you're an adventurous corporate group, bachelorette party looking to indulge and relax, or a family spending some quality time, there is something for you during every season here in the Valley. So come along for the ride with us, as our team reveals some of our favorite hidden gems and unique day-trip-destinations in Sonoma County! 

While Napa might be known for some of the most over-the-top winery experiences, we love the lack of pretense and true authenticity of Sonoma Valley wines. Take a look at some of our favorite boutique wineries in the Valley that are producing some genuinely remarkable wines. 

Now that the sun is shining, it’s no doubt you’re looking for the perfect outdoor dining experience for Mother’s Day, or your next date night. Check out some of our staff's favorite patios, gardens and backyards in Sonoma Valley!

“The attractions, fascinations there are in sea and shore! How one dwells on their simplicity, even vacuity! What is it in us, arous’d by those indirections and directions? That spread of waves and gray-white beach, salt, monotonous, senseless — such an entire absence of art, books, talk, elegance — so indescribably comforting, even this winter day — grim, yet so delicate-looking, so spiritual — striking emotional, impalpable depths, subtler than all the poems, paintings, music, I have ever read, seen, heard. (Yet let me be fair, perhaps it is because I have read those poems and heard that music.)”

-Walt Whitman on the splendor of Winter beaches

The smell of seasoned oak pouring through neighborhood chimney tops is not unfamiliar to Sonoma Valley natives. We look forward to the cool, crisp days of Winter where the sun appears almost auburn as it peaks through the rusty leaves still hanging on the trees, or the fog rolls in with a chilly mist at its haunches. Nothing sounds better to us on those days than curling up next to a stone fireplace with a strong drink and a dish to comfort.

If you’re visiting Wine Country in the Winter, here are some of our favorite places to lounge fireside and enjoy a great meal or a few drinks.

The Sonoma Valley in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, is at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists and one of the biggest Wedding destinations in the world, but few have considered a trip to the area in the Winter. As Sonoma county residents and natives, our team here at Goodness Gracious Private Chef and Catering are here to share with you the timeless sense of romanticism, and well-earned respite the cache of cities within the valley offer during the not-so-lull of Winter.

Yes, I live in Sonoma and I know wine should be my go-to drink but I’ll admit I actually prefer craft cocktails: the unique spirits, hand-crafted syrups and bitters, and the beauty in all of the colors and garnishes that come with them. When I travel, it’s important to me I discover the cocktail culture. I once took a class with award-winning mixologist in Milan, Italy, tasted through agave-based spirits with a sommelier in Mexico, and sipped aguardiente in Colombia. Luckily, we have quite the list of experienced and award-winning bartenders in Sonoma that I can’t help but visit weekly. I included both the fancier and divey bars, some with food some with only snacks, but all of these are well worth the visit for several reasons.

The Historic Sonoma Plaza, otherwise known as Downtown Sonoma or simply, The Plaza, is really just 4 square blocks surrounding a park and City Hall but if you look closely enough you’ll find hidden “Paseos” or narrow passageways shooting off of the main road that are home to some of the best restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops. Let me walk you through the Plaza to discover the variety of tasting rooms, from casual fun to nerdy somms, but always with a hospitable and friendly host and delicious food and wine.

In case you haven’t jumped on the glamping craze, it’s defined as “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.” Honestly, I used to love traditional camping but as I got older I really did want a shower and an electric heater, at least. It also makes enjoying some really beautiful outdoor adventure with kids more… sane.

The Sonoma Coast is known for its bucolic little towns hidden along windy roads and beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs, seals, and sharks. The beaches are gorgeous and inspiring but they can be difficult to navigate and enjoy. There is one beach, however, that comes a bit closer to a typical Southern Cali beach and that is Dillon Beach located due west of Petaluma. This beach is long and flat with soft white sand, sans any troublesome rocky terrain or a messy seaweed tangled shoreline. You can simply run right into the rolling waves from the beach unhindered. Because it’s long, it makes for a great beach to take runs or long walks.

When traveling, I like to experience the city without visiting any chain or corporate businesses because, well, you can experience those in just about any place. When it comes to my morning coffee, I especially enjoy popping into a local café rather than a Starbucks. Here is a list of the small, family-run cafés and coffeeshops to visit while in Sonoma Valley’s beautiful Wine Country.

The trip up Hwy. 128 through Anderson Valley and eventually to the coast is a new experience every time I visit; twice a year at least. This region is becoming more and more popular with new wineries and restaurants opening up all the time it seems like a different drive each season. Though I spent 10 years of my life growing up in Fort Bragg and Mendocino, hardly any of the things I recommend this time around is something I’ve done before. But of course, I know my way around and can offer the best tips of what do to and see like a local. My boyfriend and I strapped on our helmets, zipped up the leather, and took the bike for the journey through vineyards, redwoods, and sweeping ocean views.

The drive to Santa Cruz is quick— just 2 hours from Sonoma through the East Bay and then the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. The road trip is definitely part of the experience to this coastal college town. The destination as a whole is made of a grouping of small towns known for it’s own unique culture, including Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Santa Cruz itself. Visit Soquel and Aptos to experience the vineyard-laden countryside and Capitola and Santa Cruz for surfing, food, music, and shopping.