A Tribute Trip: In Honor of Firefighters & First Responders

Here in Sonoma County, we have the deepest respect and fondness for our firefighters and first responders, as they work hard to keep our land, homes, and residents safe. Travel with intention this summer (and beyond), and follow this tribute itinerary of first responder-related events, tours, distilleries, and wineries in Sonoma County—and help us honor those who work hard to protect us!

Sonoma 4th of July Celebration 

Held on and around Sonoma Plaza on July 4th, this parade, festival, and fireworks show is put on by the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association to provide fundraising for the Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority. Spectator setup begins at the Plaza at 6 a.m., the parade begins at 10 a.m., and following an afternoon of music and presentations, fireworks begin at 9 p.m.; see more schedule info here. Want to do more than just watch? The Association is actively seeking volunteers for this event. 

Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma 

In 1850, seven years before he founded his Buena Vista Winery, Agoston Haraszthy was elected the first sheriff of San Diego County. Today, the winery continues to honor his pioneering role with a wine called “The Sheriff,” a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Mission that the winery describes as, “authoritative and loyal.” 

A portion of the proceeds of every bottle sold of The Sheriff is donated to the National Sheriff’s Association Education Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving the Office of Sheriff and its affiliates through education, training and law enforcement information resources. 

You might want to enjoy a bottle of The Sheriff onsite at historic Buena Vista, where you can tour the grand estate, hear Haraszthy’s story, and taste wines that have been “thieved” right from the barrel.

Hook & Ladder Winery

Founded in 2003 by growers/vintners Cecil and Christine De Loach and now helmed by their grandson, winemaker Jason De Loach, this Santa Rosa winery’s name and decor pays homage to Cecil De Loach’s 17- year career as a San Francisco firefighter.

In addition to a genuine vintage fire truck on-site, the tasting room features the inlaid design of a fire truck on the floor; a collection of fire station T-shirts given to the winery by visiting firefighters from around the world; and on the walls, a mural celebrating both firefighters and Sonoma County.  

The winery itself specializes in limited-production bottlings from their Russian River Valley estate vineyards, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style reds, and Sauvignon Blanc. “The Tillerman” red blend honors a firefighter position once held by founder Cecil de Loach: steering the back of a hook & ladder fire truck. 

Note that beginning June 6, 2022, Hook & Ladder will no longer require reservations for tastings. 

Kincade Fire Mural in Windsor 

Painted by students from Sonoma County’s Bay Area Art Academy, this mural is installed in an archway in the town of Windsor, at the intersection of Windsor Road & McClelland Drive. The names of all the fire agencies who responded to help battle the 2019 Kincade Fire are listed on each side of the mural, along with QR codes that detail a timeline of events.

Sonoma Brothers Distilling 

Also in Windsor, this popular spirits distillery is owned and run by twin brothers and first responders Chris Matthies, owner and a Santa Rosa firefighter, and Brandon Matthies, director of operations, head distiller, and a Santa Rosa police sergeant. The brothers’ offerings include American gin, rye and bourbon whiskey, brandy, and vodka, and tastings of six spirits (neat) can be sampled in their tasting room. 

Tour the Healdsburg Fire Station

The staff of this midtown fire station are happy to provide tours, sharing the station’s daily activities, services, and goals—and quite possibly a snuggle with a member of their “A Triple F” Furry Face Friend Program, an animal-adoption partnership with the Healdsburg Humane Society. 

If possible, plan your tour 30 days in advance and make a reservation via email or phone at 707-431-3360. Just keep in mind that an emergency response and other duties may interfere with your visit.

Peterson Winery

For 35 years and counting, winery proprietor and winegrower Fred Peterson has been a volunteer firefighter for the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection Department, and now also serves as as director of the Geyserville-area fire district. He cares passionately about the power of emergency preparedness to protect Sonoma County’s land, people, and animals.

For more than 30 years, Peterson has been sustainably farming Rhone varietals like Syrah and Cabernet Franc on his 16-acre Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard, which sits more than 1,200 feet above the Dry Creek Valley. (He also buys grapes—Zinfandel, Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc, and more—from other area vineyards.) His son Jamie, now the winemaker, continues his dad’s low-tech, high-touch approach of “Zero Manipulation” to create expressive, soulful wines; his daughter Emily handles sales and marketing. 

The Peterson tasting room is in the Timber Crest Farms collective on Dry Creek Valley Road, five miles from downtown Healdsburg; tastings are by appointment only. 

This summer and beyond, please join us in supporting our Sonoma County firefighters and first responders! 

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Written by Melanie Wynne