Although the U.S. certainly isnāt moving back to the Prohibition era during which a nationwide constitutional law prohibited the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages are currently flourishing as more Americans cut back on drinking, according to a report by PBS. And while non-alcoholic beer, wine and cocktails continue to make up a small fraction of the overall alcohol market, sales are rapidly rising.
As the sober curious movement continues to make waves with 34% of Americans looking to consume less booze, visitors can still enjoy vacations that are not centered around the vine, but rather around vibrant, alcohol-free libations that are just as exciting.
Sonoma County, California, known worldwide for its award-winning wines and breathtaking vineyards, also offers several other intoxicating experiences, particularly ones that donāt involve alcohol. From creative mocktails to inventive alcohol-free concoctions, the region is home to a burgeoning scene of expert mixologists and crafters who are redefining beverage culture and helping visitors enjoy the area without the expectation that alcohol is necessary. Exploring wine country with non-alcohol options allows visitors to savor the picturesque landscapes and renowned culinary offerings without the pressure to imbibe, meaning a relaxed and inclusive experience for all.
These Sonoma County eateries serve a wide array of delectable mocktails and other drinks sans the alcohol.
Perch & Plow, Santa Rosa
Perch & Plow overlooks Santa Rosaās historic downtown square and is a lively, popular spot for small bites of farm-to-table cuisine and craft cocktails and mocktails. Featuring an abundant array of house-made ingredients such as shrubs, foams, purees, bitters and cordials, the expert bartenders at Perch & Plow can prepare a delicious mocktail with the freshest Sonoma County ingredients on request.
The Shuckery, Petaluma
The Shuckery is an oyster and seafood-focused restaurant in Petaluma that is opened and operated by entrepreneurial sisters, Jazmine and Aluxa Lalicker (also co-owners of The Oyster Girls). A comfortable, neighborhood spot with excellent service, The Shuckery aims to provide a high-quality dining experience, serving locally sourced, sustainable seafood. The menu includes a selection of raw and cooked oysters, as well as other seafood offerings like ceviche, clam chowder and various fish dishes. The menu also features a list of specialty non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails, such as a refreshing cucumber-mint lemonade and a grapefruit āpaloma,ā as well as a list of curated seasonal mocktails.
Fern Bar, Sebastopol
Fern Bar is a restaurant where the drinks, specifically the mocktails, take the spotlight. The restaurant team crafts garden-to-glass cocktails and serves them along side modern American cuisine inspired by West Sonoma County’s abundance of biodiversity. At Fern Bar, spirit-free elixirs’ contain beneficial ingredients like kava root, blue spirulina, goji berry and more. Fern Barās innovative cocktails and mocktails are developed by Sam Levy, an experienced former bar manager to a Michelin starred restaurant and a Sebastopol native. Visitors to Fern Bar will enjoy the welcoming, airy, plant-filled space that is located within The Barlow, Sebastopol’s popular shopping and dining destination.
Maya Restaurant, Sonoma
Maya Restaurant in Sonoma serves Latin American cuisine from the Mayan region, bringing a vibrant, spicy, and delightful take to its dishes. Known for its friendly, welcoming service, vibrant decor and high-quality, flavorful food, Maya Restaurant also offers guests a variety of fruit-forward mocktails.
Starks Restaurant, Santa Rosa
Starks Restaurant is a classic steakhouse located in Santa Rosaās Historic Railroad Square in Sonoma County. The restaurant was built in 1934 and is the oldest freestanding, continuously operating restaurant in Santa Rosa. Owned and operated by chef Mark Stark and his wife Terri Stark, Starks Restaurant serves sustainable seafood that is hand selected by the chef. The restaurantās Story Club Lounge is known for its happy hour and features an extensive wine, whiskey and cocktail menu. Starks Restaurant offers a robust list of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails crafted using house made infusions, fresh fruit and herbs to order.
Lagunitas, Petaluma
Lagunitas Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Petaluma, California, is known for its innovative and often irreverent approach to brewing, with a commitment to producing high-quality and flavorful beers. The brewery has a distinctive, laid-back atmosphere, and its beer labels often feature whimsical and humorous artwork. Lagunitas Brewing Company offers two options for those who are interested in alcohol-free or low ABV beverages: a Hoppy Refresher and an IPNA (non-alcoholic IPA). The Hoppy Refresher is a zero alcohol, zero calorie, zero carbohydrate, extra-low gluten beverage with all the flavor of a highly hopped beer and none of the guilt. The IPNA is a full-bodied, hoppy IPA with herbal, tea-like notes and the aroma of lemon zest and just 0.50% ABV.