Festivals of Fun

You don’t have to worry about ever running out of wine to taste or food to eat in Sonoma, but it’s also a region full of celebrations that put a bit more fun into the imbibing. Here are some events you may want to think about planning a trip around.

November
Annual Wine and Food Affair
It’s a weekend of pairing wine and food throughout the valleys of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River. You can even pick up a cookbook highlighting the recipes from each winery.

December
Healdsburg Strolling Dine Around
Restaurants around the plaza participate in a “Three Hour Dining Experience.” Here’s your chance to sample some favorites and check out new places.

January
Anniversary Winter Wonderland
This celebration is a time for you to actually meet the winemakers and taste some of their specialties, such as library wines and new and limited releases.

February
Valentine’s Day
Plan your own event with the one you love, starting with a bottle of wine from your favorite Sonoma winery!

March
Annual Barrel Tasting
Can’t wait until the wine makes it to the bottle? Here’s your chance to taste right out of the barrel at many of the wineries throughout the region.

April
Passport to Dry Creek Valley
Check out the wines in this event, which focuses on one of the more popular regions of Sonoma. Visit the Dry Creek Valley wineries and enjoy the food, entertainment and some unique wine offerings.

May
Geyserville May Day Festival
This event has been taking place in Geyserville since the 1980s. The Chamber of Commerce puts on a day full of music, food, local wine and plenty of kids’ activities.

June
Farmer’s Markets
Grapes aren’t the only fruit being grown in Sonoma. See the freshest of produce at all the farmers markets.

July
Annual Lobster Feed
Head to the Harvest Moon Winery for Pacific oysters and Maine lobsters, paired with wine. Plan to attend this event far in advance, as it always sells out.

August
Sonoma County Fair
For more than 75 years, the fair brings a unique combination of horse racing, family entertainment and food celebration to Sonoma.

September
Harvest
This is the most important month in the county. The grapes are ready to be picked. Join a crush and have some fun!

October
Wine Country Half Marathon
Finish up the race by sampling some new fall releases.

Check the Wine Road Northern Sonoma website for more events in the area.

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