The Marin Agricultural Land Trust extends a helping hand to weary cyclists training for the Aug. 7 Marin Century ride by hosting a fun fundraiser that combines a 50-mile trip through West Marin's hilly climes and finishes at Stemple Creek Ranch for a barbecue and a few cold ones. Slated for Sunday, June 6, Biking, Beef and Beer finds riders disembarking at the historic Stemple Creek spread for the ranch's grass-fed beef, local brews and even a vegetable or two. Ranch tours commence throughout the afternoon. $50–$60. Malt.org. . . .
Meanwhile, less active types can opt to spend that same Sunday smack down amid an ocean of chocolate as Napa hosts a chocolate salon that has some 25 cocoa-magic providers gathered at the Yountville Community Center to taste everything from truffles to chocolate-infused vodka. Admission ($10–$20; under six, free) allows visitors to wholly embrace their inner Augustus Gloop
and literally eat as much of the stuff as they like. Is this the perfect first date event or the worst? Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., Yountville. www.napachocolatesalon.com. . . .
Those with two days to fill can fill the time, their glasses and their bellies at the Taste of Alexander Valley, a self-guided tour of some 25 northern Sonoma County wineries that plan to pop plenty of corks June 5–6, pairing their wines with some serious eats. DeLormier, for example, is serving grilled steaks with their Cabs. Hanna offers open-faced BLTs on fresh brioche, with music from the Steve Pile Band. Rosso Pizzeria will be at Francis Ford Coppola; Medlock Ames pairs pie; fave chefs Duskie Estes and John Stewart of Zazu and Bovolo serve up pork cheek sliders at Sausal; Stryker Sonoma has Zin's chef-owner Jeff Mall cooking to match their Bourdeaux-style varietals; and Mercury has Diavola's Dino Bugica offering his housemade salumi, while artist Trevor Babb (the man responsible for Mercury's coolio handmade boxes) spins the platters. $65–$75 and well worth it. 888.AV.WINES.
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