We are Slow Food Russian River, Sonoma County, California, a USA chapter of Slow Food International. As a worldwide organization we are dedicated to a global food system that gives us Good Food, Healthy Food, Clean Environment, Fair Pay, and Food Justice, for all. We work locally, with a eye on the global.
Who we are
We are Slow Food Russian River, Sonoma County, California, a USA chapter of Slow Food International. As a worldwide organization we are dedicated to a global food system that gives us Good Food, Healthy Food, Clean Environment, Fair Pay, and Food Justice, for all. We work locally, with a eye on the global.
Where we live
Slow Food Russian River is active in Sonoma County, California, in an area covering Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park and Cotati, and further toward the Pacific Ocean, so-called West County. Towns and hamlets in West County include Sebastopol, Freestone, Valley Ford, Bodega and Bodega Bay. Also Occidental, Graton, Forestville, and – along the Russian River – Guerneville, Jenner, Duncan Mills, and Rio Nido.
What Sonoma County grows and ferments…
Sonoma County is well known for the wealth and breadth of its agricultural heritage and its open spaces. Our grapes and wines are world-famous, our apples are rooted in our history, we make cider and some Eau de Vie de Pomme.
Come and look for our hops, and beers. All our sheep are above average, as are our goats and cows, and milk.
For yoghurts, and cheeses, wools and meats, charcuterie, come and celebrate with us all our small producers. Their entrepreneurial spirit will inspire you.
Gravenstein Apple Fair
Since 2014, Slow Food’s apple press has been one of the most popular attractions at the Gravenstein Apple Fair.
This year, August 12 and 13, 2023, the Fair celebrates its 50th Anniversary! Please help bringing joy to children and adults alike by volunteering to work for a four-hour shift on either day (or both days!).
More photos —>
What we do
Our activities include tours and events showcasing the best Sonoma County has to offer in good, clean and fair agriculture and food, a monthly book group, a summer film series, and education through this website with its blog, our newsletter, and our social media activities. Projects of Slow Food Russian River include the Gravenstein Apple Presidium, the Heritage Turkey Project in partnership with 4-H and our Snail of Approval program, certifying food producers for Good, Clean, and Fair, For All, in partnership with our sister chapter up North, Slow Food Sonoma County North. We also have a School Garden Project and a Book Group. Our Media and Communications Team is pretty productive, and we are active within Slow Food California in the area of Farm and Food Policy and on the Ark of Taste Committee.
