Sarah Stierch

Hi! I'm a freelance journalist and photographer based in Sonoma, California.


I mainly write about wine, other adult beverages, travel and recently, the Sonoma & Napa wildfires. 


I currently contribute to Sonoma Magazine, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, North Bay Woman, and NorthBay Biz. I have contributed to KQED Forum, Huffington Post, Nuvo Newsweekly, Sonoma Valley Sun, and the Bohemian. 


As a photographer, I shoot historic sites, auto racing, and special events. My photography has been published by WAMU, California State Parks, ROAR, Washington Post, Utne Reader, NBA, Motorburn, Red Bull, Nature World News, Buzzfeed, Christian Post, KNPR, Thrillist, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Financial Observer, Hilton, PETA, Joie de Vivre Hotels, the National Park Service, and more.


I have been editing Wikipedia for over ten years. I am the former Wikipedian in Residence at the Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress and former Susan B. Miller Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. My efforts to encourage more women to edit Wikipedia and cultural institutions to partner with Wikimedia has been featured in Smithsonian, Slate, the Atlantic, East Bay Express, the Daily Dot, The Mary Sue, Tech Republic, Linux Magazine and on KCRW, National Public Radio, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Additionally, I serve on the Advisory Board for Wikimedia DC.

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Sonoma Magazine •

Sonoma Vintner Jean-Charles Boisset Launches Wine-Based Vodkas and Gin

Like a little caviar or truffle with your vodka? Or perhaps a touch of wine with your gin? Then eccentric vintner and ultra-luxury lover Jean-Charles Boisset has an elixir just for you: JCB Spirits. Boisset’s recently launched line of spirits comprises three vodkas and a gin, all distilled from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes from the Côte d’Or in Burgundy. The new spirits collection includes not only a classic vodka and botanical gin, but also two uber-fancy vodkas: one infused with French ca
Sonoma Magazine •

French Flea Market Brings Paris to Sonoma

Oui! Annual favorite fête the “French Flea Market” returns to Cornerstone Sonoma on May 26 and 27. This year’s market will feature over 30 antique and vintage dealers showcasing handpicked wares sure to fascinate even the fussiest of Francophiles. Hosted by Cornerstone’s French-inspired boutique Chateau Sonoma, the weekend aims to transport visitors to a classic Parisian flea market, such as Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Rummaging flea markets is a tradition for the French who, with Gallic in
Sonoma Magazine •

Signature Sonoma Valley 2018: What Not to Miss at This Year's Event

The event, which offers a “deep dive” into the wines, the land and the people of the Sonoma Valley region, will include the participation of vintners and winemakers from over 30 wineries, hosting parties and exclusive dinners, and providing rare access to special, limited wines. “Our goal is to educate, inspire, and delight our oenophile guests with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that showcase our world-class wine region,” shares Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance’s Executive Director Ma
Sonoma Magazine •

Camp in Style at New Mendocino "Glamping" Site

After a long day of wine tasting in Anderson Valley, hiking the coastal trails, and nibbling on fresh caught seafood in Fort Bragg, you can now go “off the grid” at a new “glamping” site just south of downtown Mendocino. Mendocino Grove, the latest addition to the North Coast glamping scene, bills itself as a campground that offers a “modern camping experience” for those of us who like the idea of washing our tired, hiked out body in a luxurious hot shower and then drying our skin with a nice,
Sonoma Magazine •

Sonoma International Film Festival Announces 2018 Lineup

The Sonoma International Film Festival has earned a reputation for blending Wine Country lifestyle with world-class films from around the world. This year’s festival, which takes place March 21-25, will feature 110 films from 18 countries and 200 filmmakers. The festival will celebrate food, wine and film and, in the wake of widespread sexual harassment and assault accusations in the movie industry, it will also explore gender roles in Hollywood.
Sonoma Magazine •

Amy Schumer Hangs Out at Sonoma Winery

Sonoma’s Scribe Winery is well known as a hangout spot for the for hip and chic (especially of the “boho” kind). During warm weather, the winery’s historic hacienda is flush with daytrippers sipping the coveted rosé and estate pinot noir that helped put Scribe on the wine map. This past weekend, Scribe’s cool factor skyrocketed with a little celebrity assistance. Comedian Amy Schumer, who stars in her own sketch comedy series, Inside Amy Schumer, was spotted hanging out on Scribe’s sunny patio
Sonoma Magazine •

7 Exceptional Wine Tasting Experiences in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino

From old vine rieslings to cool climate syrahs, there is no shortage of mind-blowing wines to taste in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino. But it is not just the wine that makes a wine tasting stand out, the tasting experience also counts. We went in search of the exceptional and lined up a selection of wine tasting experiences to try right now. From train rides to fine art exhibits to drinking in the winery owner’s house, click through the gallery above for all the details.
Sonoma Magazine •

Weekend Getaway: 12 Things to Do in Healdsburg

Healdsburg has always been on trend. In 1871, the first tourists visited by train to shop, drink, eat and enjoy the Spanish-style Plaza that serves as the centerpiece of the city. Today, Healdsburg is one of the hottest Wine Country destinations, maintaining its trendsetting position with world-class hotels, restaurants, wine, cider, beer, shopping, art….even a touch of nature. Click through the gallery above to discover how to spend a weekend in Healdsburg. Looking for more things to do in S
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