YOUR WINE TOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
The 35th Annual Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest is a prominent event that celebrates local agriculture and business in Sonoma County, drawing over 1,500 attendees. As the largest crab feed in California and possibly the nation, it features a festive reception with top-notch Sonoma County beer, wine, and spirits. Guests can participate in both silent and live auctions while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere praised by many. The event is crucial for funding the Sonoma County Farm Bureau's agricultural education programs, which include initiatives like Ag Days for students, scholarships, support for 4-H & FFA, Young Farmers & Ranchers, and various training and advocacy efforts. By attending, participants contribute to strengthening agricultural impact and education in the community.
The Sonoma County Barrel Auction is an exclusive, invitation-only event organized annually by the Sonoma County Vintners. It showcases unique, one-of-a-kind wines, termed "Never Before, Never Again," crafted by some of Sonoma County’s foremost vintners. These wines represent the diverse styles and exceptional quality that the region is known for. The auction is open only to members of the wine trade and media. Proceeds from the auction are used to fund marketing programs and initiatives that benefit the Sonoma County wine community, supporting both trade and local promotional efforts.
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair, established in 1975, is a significant event designed to showcase the agricultural, industrial, and recreational offerings of Sonoma County. Known for being one of the premier regional wine judgings in the country, the fair attracts attention both statewide and nationally. It features a professional wine competition where 18 judges from various sectors, including trade, education, and hospitality, assess over 900 wines made exclusively from Sonoma County-grown grapes. This competition helps elevate the recognition of Sonoma County's premium wines on both local and national levels. Additionally, the fair celebrates local cuisine with professional food competitions and maintains a distinctly local charm despite its national prominence. Overall, the Harvest Fair balances its appeal as a major tourist attraction with a strong community focus.
The 32nd Annual Winter Wineland offers a splendid two-day exploration of Sonoma County's wine country during the winter season. This event isn't confined to a single location but spans multiple wineries across Northern Sonoma, including Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and several other locations. Attendees start their journey by selecting a check-in winery, where they receive a glass, a wristband, and an event map. This wristband and glass are essential for the entire weekend, allowing access to wine tastings at all participating wineries. The event features wine tasting at each location, with at least three tastes per winery, and an event program is provided to guide attendees.
