Applewood Inn Russian River
From Bellwether Farms Ricotta to Roshambo Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County is everywhere at the Applewood Inn's new cooking school, La Buona Forchetta. Chef Brian Gerritsen teaches in a homey, state-of-the-art kitchen lined with innkeeper Darryl Notter's housemade preserves. At one summertime class, squash picked from the inn's garden is quickly grilled, and ripe tomatoes are made into a sauce to accompany fresh pasta sheets. In autumn, just-picked Gravenstein apples will turn up in cider ice cream and a warm compote. After you've chopped all day and wined and dined the night away, it's not a bad idea to stay in one of the inn's quiet, fireplace-warmed rooms. After all, what's wrong with a little vacation after a hard day's work?