Events & Festivals

The Best Upcoming Food and Wine Events in Sonoma

Dry Creek Valley (Photo Courtesy Passport to Dry Creek Valley)

It’s time to get those summer calendars organized because an amazing lineup of food and wine festivals are getting ready to kick off in Sonoma County. Think award-winning vino and bites that, in some cases, are paired with famous musicians from around the globe.

Below are a few stand-outs you don’t want to miss. For more information and other happenings this spring and summer, make sure to check out our events page.

Passport to Dry Creek Valley, April 26-28

Wine and flowers at Quivira — Passport to Dry Creek Valley (Photo Courtesy Charlie Gesell)

Now in its 32nd year, Passport to Dry Creek Valley welcomes visitors to more than 30 wineries throughout one of Sonoma County’s most famous wine regions. Along with stellar wine and food pairings, there’s a winemakers welcome dinner at The Madrona in Healdsburg and a winemakers and growers brunch at SingleThread Farms, also in Healdsburg.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, May 16-19

Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience — Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience

Farmers, growers, winemakers, chefs — they’ll all be showing off the food and wine that’s made in Sonoma County during this event. Activities include a Champagne and caviar pairing seminar, cocktails at Lo & Behold in Healdsburg and a barbecue lunch with chef Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue at Dutton Ranch, followed by a private vineyard tour.

Part of the proceeds from the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience go to a trio of local nonprofits that includes Farm to Pantry, the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation and the Healdsburg chapter of Future Farmers of America.

North Coast Wine & Food Festival, June 15

North Coast Wine and Food Festival — North Coast Wine & Food Festival (Photo Courtesy Will Bucquoy)

Nearly 100 gold-winning wines from the North Coast Wine Challenge will be served alongside dishes from 25 much-loved Wine Country chefs at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. This event is organized by The Press Democrat, sister publication of Sonoma Magazine. There is a 15% convenience fee for phone and online ticket sales. To avoid this fee, tickets can be purchased in person at the LBC ticket office.

The North Coast Wine & Food Festival supports local nonprofit Sonoma Family Meal, a network of chefs, farmers and food producers fighting food insecurity during disasters. The nonprofit was founded by Heather Irwin, dining editor at Sonoma Media Investments, owners of Sonoma Magazine.

Taste of Sonoma, June 22

More than 100 wineries will be pouring at the walk-around wine tasting at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens in Santa Rosa. There will be wine seminars, food trucks, themed wine lounges and even a beer garden.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair Grand Tasting, Oct. 12

A local favorite since 1975, this event introduces attendees to new favorite wines to add to their collection. The World Championship Grape Stomp is a highlight of the annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair, held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

Written by Dana Rebmann