How To Plan For Wine Country
Thank goodness the time has come when planning a nice getaway to Sonoma County has included finding a nice event to attend. When planning to visit Sonoma County during pre-COVID times, we would get a notification about a special event, talk about it and then book our trip without giving it a second thought.
Nowadays, we cross our fingers and pray there are no unforeseen obstacles.
I got a sense of hesitancy people were having when booking their trips to Sonoma County as it showed in the delay in reservations we received this year. Guests didn’t start booking Sonoma Wine Nest until April, (instead of February and March). However, even as you may hesitate about when to go, if you plan well, you might have time to catch a nice event like this: Destination Durell 2022
Joseph Phelps Winery 2019
For an idea of what type of events to attend, the list is endless. From lavish dining events held outside with celebrity chefs welcoming you with appetizers like this one, to big concert festivals like Bottle Rock, one of the biggest concert events in Napa, the timing of when to go really helps.
The town of Healdsburg is becoming an epicurean center too as it’s beginning to get recognized on CNN as one of the most unique wine regions to experience and events are selling out fast.
When you’re trying to figure out the logistics with friends, what kind of event to attend, lodging, and time off, the preparation is sometimes knowing what each season has to offer to know what’s right for you and your party.
Winter
This is where you’ll find fields of mustard flowers envelop the vineyards. It’s literally fields of gold sometimes as far as you can see and the weather is crisp to bone-chilling cold (by California standards). Fireplaces are turned on inside where visitors can enjoy tasting full-bodied reds overlooking beautiful vistas.
Most tastings can be enjoyed without the crowds and finding a reservation at the last minute is in your favor. It’s the season for that last-minute romantic trip.
winter Events:
Holiday events at wineries
Crab season along the coast
Winter Wineland/Barrell Tasting/Food and Wine Affair
Spring
Spring is the 2nd peak season behind Crush (Harvest/Fall). Sonoma County comes alive after being very quiet during the winter. The vineyards start to turn green and barrel tastings allow you to try Futures (which is just a name for the wines you can try straight from the barrel for “future” sales).
Wineries start to showcase their wines with a small local music event. This is the time to search for what is happening during your stay well ahead of time. If you know you’re coming from March through May, check the event calendar.
This is the season to enjoy with family and friends.
Silver Oak Release Party 2016
Spring Events:
Barrel Tasting (although you can do barrel tastings year-round here.
Petaluma American Graffiti weekend
Farmer's Markets open
Outdoor theater at Jack London park starts its season of theater and music shows featuring food trucks, picnicking, guided hike tours, and four of the Bay Area’s most entertaining and compelling singer-songwriters who perform for visitors around the park throughout the day for their “Call of the Wild” weekend.
Sonoma Plaza events
Winery Events - dinners, pickup parties, wine launches
Summer
I personally find summer the most fun time to visit. This is the time to try all the beautiful white wines and rosés of Sonoma County although there are AVA’s (regions) that produce fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel such as the Dry Creek region.
The Russian River is known for amazing Pinot Noir, great year-round for all types of dishes in my opinion.
The outdoors are spectacular in the summer. It’s also the time to not only enjoy the Russian River but also to get in it! (I love the water.)
Sip and cruise along the river in a kayak, reserve a cabine at Coppola’s for a plunge in their pool or take a hike in the Armstrong Woods. Relish in BBQ foods with hearty bold wines. (I’ll write about the amazing BBQ later.)
This is the time for a girls’ getaway weekend!
Summer Events
Tamales Bay
Richard having a red with a pulled pork slider.
4th of July Festivals and fireworks
Russian River events
Harvest Viewings
Harvest Fair
Sonoma County Fair
Healdsburg Art Festival
FALL
For a brief period, you will find wineries humming with the harvest of grapes during the Fall season. Tractors are pulling grapes that you might find slowly moving in front of you on small roads as you succumb patiently driving behind them.
If you’re lucky, you might find a tour while wineries are in their full glory producing wine on a warm sunny day yet on the same day, nights are can be as chilly as in the 30s farenheit.
Vineyards are drenched in beautiful Fall colors in November too as this is the most esthetically beautiful time of year to visit. This is the season to bring the kids; visit the pets at the harvest festivals and take memorable family photos.
Time to get out your camera.
Fall Events
Wine & Food Affair (one of my bucket list events I’m still trying to attend!)
During the fall, you’ll find winery dinners and harvest festivals galore! Look up your favorite wineries for countless dinners, pairings, music, and harvest festivals if you’re not bringing the kids.
There is no shortage of events in Sonoma County throughout the year. However, it can be hard to plan for an event these days, especially if you’re not included on the list to receive a notification. Winery events typically cater to their membership for special events but always check their websites for more information.
Here is a great list of events by month.
You can also plan your own event: Read here for tips on how to make that happen.
Any time you plan to visit, you can always text me for a list of events because I receive notice throughout the year. So don’t hesitate to reach out too.
What is the best event you would recommend going to?
Always know you have a home to come to in Sonoma County.