With Cabernet season in full swing and a festive holiday spirit in the air, California wine country is as enticing as ever. A visit to the wine-and-food haven in the coming weeks also supports local winemakers and businesses rebounding from the recent North Bay fires. Go for one of these upcoming events, and linger a while to soak up the region’s enduring charms.
Holidays in Healdsburg Tour
November 25–December 31 (daily)
Healdsburg Plaza
The perennially in-demand Fine Wine and Foodie Walking Tour visits the area’s best restaurants and tasting rooms, where you’ll enjoy fine wine pairings and a cozy, small town atmosphere all decked out for the season. The guided tour is the best way to eat and drink like a local.
Sonoma Valley Holiday Open House
November 25–26
Multiple wineries along Highway 12, Kenwood
The holiday cheer is high at this roving event showcasing 21 Sonoma Valley wineries. A ticket buys you tastings, small bites, and the chance to mingle with winemakers (and get started on your shopping).
BottleRock Presents Spoon
January 15
JaM Cellars Ballroom, Napa
The producer of the annual Bottle Rock Napa Valley festival is hosting a concert featuring Spoon and special guest White Reaper at JaM Cellars, a winery-slash-music-studio with an event space for intimate shows. Kick back and enjoy the indie rock over a flight of JaM’s popular Butter Chardonnay, JaM Cabernet Sauvignon, and Toast Sparkling.
New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala
December 31
Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga
Don your best Roaring Twenties attire for this NYE bash in a 13th-century Tuscan-style castle. Guests will dine on a gourmet five-course dinner, dance to live music, and ring in the New Year with a Spumante toast at midnight.
Napa Truffle Festival
January 12–15, 2018
Westin Verasa Napa
This 8th annual festival starring the world’s most delectable and in-demand fungi is a gathering of chefs known for their truffle cuisine, expert (and aspiring) truffle growers, and gourmands. A festival highlight is a truffle-centric dinner prepared by a culinary team led by Michelin-star chef Ken Frank of La Toque.
Winter WINEland
January 13–14
Multiple wineries, Healdsburg
Sample limited production wines, new releases, and other special vintages at this
two-day tasting event showcasing dozens of the region’s renowned winemakers, including La Crema and Chalk Hill Estates.
Mendocino Crab, Wine and Beer Festival
January 19–28
Various locations throughout Mendocino County
Think family-style crab feasts, winemaker dinners, beer tastings, art exhibits and performances, and other activities. Don’t miss the Crabcake Cook-off & Wine Competition, a fundraiser for Mendocino Coast Clinics.
Napa Valley Restaurant Week
January 21–28
Take advantage of prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at the Valley’s culinary hotspots, including Siena Restaurant at The Meritage Resort and The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, for seven sumptuous days. Of course, the wine specials will be flowing, too.
Sonoma Valley Delicious!
All of January
Sonoma Valley celebrates it delicious bounty for the entire month of January, with discounts at wineries and tasting rooms and specialty cocktails and dishes at high-end restaurants. (Still hungry? There are plenty of Northern California Restaurant Month events.)
13th Anderson Valley Aromatic White Wine Festival
February 24
Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville
If crisp, cool Rieslings or sweet Gewürztraminers are your favorites, this showcase of white wines from around the world is for you. Sip an array of Alsace-style wines while chatting with the winemakers and nibbling on paired bites.
