Centre du Vin Toasts Everything French

As approaches, there’s reason to celebrate at , a French Bistro at the in the heart of the historic Sonoma Plaza.

Master craftsman, vintner and philanthropist reopened the hotel and bistro in April of 2011. The philosophy here is “Live life to its fullest!” Or, if you’re French, “Croquer la vie à pleines dents!” A great thought on Bastille Day, when the French, and those who love everything French, celebrate the beginning of a revolution that changed a country.

On Saturday, the French Bistro Centre du Vin plans to celebrate pretty much the same way they celebrate every day – with a hearty menu that features classic dishes like Croque Monsieur, Duck Confit and Steak Au Poivre paired with an array of varietals including many French Bordeaux and Burgundy style wines. They decided on French cuisine because it is so wine friendly and all the dishes, as well as pairings, revolve around the wine.

Literally translated, Centre du Vin of course means “center of wine.” And that it is: the versatile wine menu features local wineries, as well as wines from proprietor Steve Ledson’s sister wineries, Ledson and Zina Hyde Cunningham.

The wine selections represent a wide array of varietals from some of Northern California’s most flourishing appellations - Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley, Redwood Valley, Alexander Valley and even that little place over the hill, Napa Valley, to name a few.

Oh, I should mention that they have a full bar as well for those who choose to toast with a different kind of libation. The beautiful bar has red leather chairs, elaborately detailed overhead lighting, wooden bistro tables and chairs, warm colors, and Italian marble floors.

The experience at Centre du Vin, and the Ledson Hotel, is an enticing mix of the Old World and new. Photos of the Ledson family dating back to the 1700s hang on the walls. Sidewalk seating invites you to watch the world of Sonoma pass lazily by. When it’s nice out, the French doors are wide open; when it’s cold, a fire burns in the fireplace. It’s intimate yet open – an interesting combination, and a great place to watch the "passing parade" as on .

On Saturday nights you can catch live music at no charge, ranging from jazz and blues to classically inspired performances. This Saturday it's pianist Dan Daniels with vocalist Joyce Grant, an experienced jazz singer with 20 years of Bay Area success. 

As they say in France, "Vive le jazz!" And oh yes, "Vive le revolution!"

-- Julie Weinstock, a regular Patch contributor, also does social media for Ledson’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.