At the crossroads of America's finest wine-producing region and the world's most magnificent stand of trees... Forestville, California (pop. 1776) is truly the town "where the wine country meets the redwoods." Situated beside the picturesque Russian River, Forestville is the gateway to the rugged recreational areas of western Sonoma County... a world-class mecca for campers, fishermen, hikers, bicyclists, birdwatchers, naturalists, and whale watchers. At Steelhead Beach, the rippling blue river winds through a pristine stretch of verdant wilderness, where once a Pomo Indian band lived in harmony with the forest. At nearby Armstrong Woods National Park, ancient stands of giant sequoias rise above the shaded forest floor to form a fragrant canopy. Scenic vineyards lie nestled among stately redwood, oak, pine, and madrone trees... and, close by, blanket the gently rolling hills of the Russian River and Alexander valleys.
The unincorporated town of Forestville is located 15 miles northwest of Santa Rosa, California and 70 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Logging operations flourished in the areas where Guerneville and Korbel Vineyards are located today, bringing the railroad across western Sonoma County. A stylish resort community arose along the Russian River. Forestville became a popular train stop for loggers and vacationers making the rugged journey from Santa Rosa to Stumptown, now known as Guerneville. Today, Forestville is a meeting place of the old and the new, with ancient redwood stands, world-class vineyards, and pristine recreational sites. The peaceful splendor of this area and the personal warmth of its people have attracted a broad cross-section of writers, artists, craftspeople, educators, and entrepreneurs. Forestville's diverse businesses range from small mom-and-pop stores and independent contractors to world-famous vineyards...and even a multi-national software publisher.
Courtesy of Arcadia Publishing
New book brings Forestville History to Life. Vintage photographs tell the story of the town's colorful past, in Images of America: Forestville by Peggy Hutten and the Forestville Historical Society. Forestville reveals more than 200 rare, previously unpublished historic photographs from both public and private collections. Available at area bookstores and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888) 313-2665.
Topolos at Russian River Vineyards is known both for its delicate wines and its sumptuous, innovative cuisine. Grapes for some of the world's most prized wines, including Fetzer wines, are grown in the vineyards around Forestville. Burke's Canoe Trips offers a world-class experience canoeing through rugged wilderness, past picturesque vineyards and rustic resort communities. Kozlowski Farms, a family-run fruit and berry farm, operates a retail store with not-to-be-missed pies, pastries, jams, and fruit spreads.
Speer's Market is a noteworthy attraction in its own right, worth a visit to check out its diverse selection of California wines, its collection of rare and unique liquor bottles, and its stunningly gorgeous clerks. The town pharmacy and hardware store, though not tourist attractions per se, provide patrons with a friendly, small town ambience and occasional glimpses of beautiful Northern California females.
Forestville's blues-band-in-residence, the Bluesburners, have enjoyed being the opening act for such superstars as the great blues guitarist Coco Montoya and the legendary Johnny Otis. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist K.C. Camarillo, BB plays a mix of rhythm and blues, pop, and contemporary blues.
Sally Quady asked us to mention her and her neighbors. Hi, Sally!
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