FRESH OFF THE PRESS THIS SUMMER, the 226-page book profiles 20 talents such as winemaker Vanessa Wong of the spectacular Peay Vineyards, set on a steep, fog-kissed hillside near the Pacific Coast, and restaurateur Octavio Diaz of the regional Mexican theme Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa. Read on for the stories of and recipes from dedicated farmers, cheesemakers and other boutique food stewards who bring us fresh oysters, specialty sausage, cage-free ducks and more.
“I’ve been thinking about creating this book for a long time,” says Palmer, a Healdsburg resident, who fell so much love with the area that he relocated from New York. “When my family and I moved to Sonoma County more than 25 years ago, it reshaped how I see everything: how we cook with intention, how we grow from the land and how craftsmanship shows up in every detail. Wineland is a reflection of that spirit, and of the people who bring it to life here in Wine Country.”
Co-written with another Healdsburg resident, Matt Villano, the book dives into such marvels as mouthwatering plant-based vegan cuisine created by chefs-farmers Jeff and Laurie Ubben of Healdsburg’s Little Saint, and tangy-sweet sheep milk berry yogurt from Liam Callahan of Bellwether Farms in Petaluma.
The project took local photographer Emma Kruch more than 18 months to capture the beauty, displayed in 125 brilliant portraits. “I got to go out in the field and meet so many people I idolize,” she says. “I was thrilled to help lift these people up, who I love and respect and who make such a difference here.”
Wineland by Charlie Palmer with Matt Villano (Artisan Books). Photographs by Emma Kruch. Copyright © 2026. Release date: June 16, 2026.
For more details, visit: charliepalmer.com/books/wineland
Join the book launch event at Appellation Healdsburg with Copperfield’s Books: June 16 from 5:30 to 7pm.
