Sonoma Cellar

Seven years after opening its doors to Old Town in 2015, Sonoma Cellar has become known for its fresh food, the quality of its wines and the wine country feel that founders Elizabeth and Rick Myllenbeck have tried so hard to emulate. The owners of a home in Sonoma County, California, the couple is passionate about food and wine, and long ago envisioned bringing a taste of California to Old Town.

“There’s a vibrancy and freshness to the food in California and we offer that same experience at Sonoma Cellar,” says Elizabeth, an online high school educator by day and restaurateur by night. “We specialize in offering a variety of flavorful, healthy seasonal dishes that you just can’t make at home and we offer an atmosphere that makes you want to come back.”

Best sellers include the burger, the fish tacos, Pacific coast salmon with risotto and their brunch tartines. “This is our homage to Sonoma County,” Elizabeth says. “We’ve created a fine dining experience without the pretentiousness you’d expect of such highquality food and wine, in a place that is relaxed and presents an unforced cool environment.”

The other element that makes Sonoma Cellar so special is the wine. Listed on Open Table’s “Top 10 Most Notable Wine Lists in the Metro Washington, DC Area,” Sonoma Cellar features a wide variety of exceptional, yet affordable wines that are sure to please the palate. “We have certified wine specialists on staff who can describe the differences and qualities of each bottle and assist each guest in discovering their preferences,” says co-owner Rick, who is also the founder and chairman of the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style.

To complete the Sonoma Cellar experience, guests can sit at the distinctive tasting table and engage with the wine specialists, enjoy the cheerful ambience inside or choose seating outdoors in the back patio area for intimate, open-air dining. “There's a vibrancy and freshness to the food in California and we offer that same experience at Sonoma Cellar."

ELIZABETH MYLLENBECK