Haute Spot
When a new sushi place opens, I don’t wait for someone to take me there. Toyo Japanese Bistro (3082 Marlow Road, Santa Rosa), Sonoma County’s newest, and best, sushi spot enchants with its captivating romantic beauty bewitching even the most cosmopolitan of patrons. Hosts David and Lisa Lin have meticulously created a destination restaurant where guests can bask in the charms of Toyo’s visual aesthetics while delighting in its exquisite cuisine. The decor and ambiance are the restaurant’s main appeal, but the menu is laced with undeniable treasures that caters to all tastes and appetites. This trendsetting establishment is the perfect place to gather with friends for appetizers, where drink options range from a distinctive wine list, including selections by the glass, to a large variety of exotic sakes (a delicious Sake Bomb makes for a great start). Mounted above the sushi bar is an unobtrusive flat panel for watching your favorite programs while catching a few bites. The spacious indoor dining room is filled with lively patrons and the extra comfy booths allow guests plenty of space to relax and enjoy the creative design, attentive staff and close to perfection Wine Country cuisine. Defining style rather than following it, Toyo Japanese Bistro is the ideal mix of trendy atmosphere, hip crowds and upscale Asian dining. To reserve your table, call (707) 527-8871.
Big Deal
The 30th Annual Russian River Wine Road Barrel Tasting Weekend is so in-demand – it has extended festivities over two weekends; March 1st and 2nd and March 8th and 9th. Encompassing three of Sonoma County’s best grape-growing regions: Russian River, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley, this year’s soirée promises to be the biggest wine-tasting event ever! With more than 100 wineries opening their cellars, wine lovers have the opportunity to sample wines directly from the barrel, and in many cases you will be able to purchase futures if you like what you’re tasting. Purchase futures now, usually at a great discount, then come back 12 to 18 months later when the wine is bottled and ready for release. Often these wines are so limited that the only way to get them is by purchasing futures. No tickets are required, simply purchase a glass and wristband for $20 at the first winery you visit (each weekend). Go to www.wineroad.com for a complete list of participating wineries. For more details, call 1-800-723-6336 FYI: Please do not bring your dogs to the wineries during this event.
Hot Tickets
Jazz and wine lovers, say adieu to winter by gathering at the exciting “Mustard, Mud & Music” festival. For the first time in it’s six-year history, Mustard, Mud & Music is now a weekend-long happening with two afternoons of wine tasting and live jazz held at various venues all over the charming enclave of Calistoga. In addition to a tasty variety of cool jazz sounds and scores of delicious local wines, Mustard, Mud & Music offers those unfamiliar with the upvalley wine scene, the perfect opportunity to discover a distinctively hip destination complete with one-of-a-kind boutiques, world-class restaurants and relaxing spas. Jazz Packs for the March 8th through 9th event can be purchased at a bargain price of only $15 per person. For details, visit www.calistogajazz.com or call (707) 942-6333.
Best Bet
Want to impress your friends with more than a couple bottles of from-the-source wines? Each Saturday, visitors to the Napa Valley have a unique opportunity to acquire the knowledge of a seasoned sommelier with a day full of fun and education. On Saturday, March 1st, St. Supéry winery is offering a tutored tasting of their award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon paired with artisan Italian cheeses prepared by the winery’s private chef. Available are four distinctly different wines that will perfectly demonstrate the meaning of “terroir.” Limited participation is $35 per person and reservations are required. Return again on Saturday, March 8th and go behind the scenes at this fabled world-class winery. This is your chance to see first hand what goes on “inside” St. Supéry’s cellar with a wine educator and learn about the entire winemaking process from crushing to bottling. Your experience concludes with a barrel tasting of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot paired with fresh oysters and hors d’oeuvres. If your looking for something besides the standard wine tasting fare, this is a cool experience for guests visiting Napa Valley. Cost is $35 per person and reservations are necessary. To participate, call 1-800-942-0809 or visit www.stsupery.com.
On the Radar
• One the most popular gatherings of the Napa Valley Mustard Festival is The Marketplace - A Signature Event for Connoisseurs. This year’s event is scheduled for the weekend of March 15th and 16th, and celebrates the season with a palette of mustards from around the world, delicious foods and, naturally, some of the planet’s best wines. Marketplace provides wine and food lovers the opportunity to explore the best of Napa Valley during the most beautiful time of year in Wine Country. For tickets, call (707) 938-1133 or visit www.mustardfestival.org. 
• “Real Wine Country” continues its annual spring celebration of premium wine tasting during Savor Sonoma Valley – A Barrel Tasting & Culinary Experience. Now in its 18th year, the March 15th through 16th gathering stars moe than 15 boutique wineries with each showcasing 2007 vintage wines straight from the barrel. Sample new releases and award-winning wines paired perfectly with delicious culinary creations prepared by talented local chefs and restaurants. Meet winemakers, mingle with wine lovers behind-the-scenes, peruse art from local artists and listen to live music. Tickets are only $55 per person for a Weekend Pass which are limited, so reserve your glass today. For more infor­mation, call 1-866-794-9463 or visit the website at  www.heartofsonomavalley.com.