Spring 2014 events in Sonoma County

It's springtime and a great time to visit. Warming temperatures, vines starting the new year's growth, and lots of exciting events to tempt you.

Early spring in Sonoma Valley

Wine related events

March

28-2 and 7-9 Wine Road Barrel Tasting 
This winery open house is Friday through Sunday the first two weekends of March (the first Friday is actually Feb 28th).
Over 100 wineries in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys participate. Many aren't normally open to the public. The theme for this event is tasting barrel samples of wines before they are finished and bottled, usually with a chance to buy futures. Some wineries will also offer food samples, wine sales, music, etc.
This is a very popular event and certain venues can get very crowded, especially on Saturday afternoon.

15-16 Savor Sonoma 
This open house is similar to the Wine Road Barrel Tasting event on the previous two weekends, but in a different part of Sonoma County.
Twenty-six wineries in Sonoma Valley will be offering barrel tasting, new releases, wine sales, food and wine pairings, etc.

21-22 Pigs and Pinot
Hosted by Chef Charlie Palmer at his restaurant in the Hotel Healdsburg.

April

5 Pick of the Vine
An evening of food and wine tasting plus music. A local fundraiser for seniors.

12 Taste of Olivet
Winery open house along Olivet Road in Russian River Valley.

20  Easter Sunday
Many wineries will be closed.

26-27 April in Carneros
An open house for approximately fifteen wineries in the southern region of Napa and Sonoma counties--an area known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.

26-27 Passport to Dry Creek Valley
About 50 winery open their door with food, wine, music, and vineyard tours--usually hosted by the winemakers. A pricey, but well-done event.

May

17-18 Taste of Alexander Valley
Similar theme to the Passport to Dry Creek Valley above, but with fewer wineries and a lower price. Alexander Valley is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, but you'll find everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Petite Sirah.

24-25 Pinot Classic
Seminars, tastings, and dinner in the Russian River Valley

Non-wine events

March

10-16 Sonoma County Restaurant Week
Participating restaurants throughout the county offer fixed-price lunch and dinner menu specials.

21-23 Artisan Cheese Festival
Chef demos, pairings, and meet the cheese makers in Petaluma.

22-23 24 Hours of LeMons
A fun weekend at Sonoma Raceway. Five hundred dollar cars dressed up to look like anything from the Starship Enterprise to the devil himself. Really!

29 Battle of the Brews
Food and beer tasting.

April

2-6 Sonoma International Film Festival
Viewing of 90 independent films--and there will probably be some wine involved.

12-13 Apple Blossom Festival
A parade, music, food, beer, wine, and, of course, apple cider. All in Sebastopol where the apple crop used to be bigger than the grape crop.

26-27 Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival
Seafood, wine & beer, music, and the blessing of the fleet.

May

17 Rose Parade
The 120th Rose Parade in Santa Rosa.

17-18 Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival
Some old, and very expensive, historic race cars on the track. If you're tired of wine bouquet and want to sniff some burning oil and hydrocarbons this is the place.

30-1 Bottle Rock
The second year for this amazing music festival in Napa. The first year left unpaid bills. 2014 has new promoters so anything could happen (or not happen).

Signs of Spring!