Springtime Food and Wine Events

Celebrating excellent food and wine is one of our favorite pastimes year-round. But in the spring, Sonoma County is even more special for such a luxury, as the amazing spring bounty comes in and visitors are welcomed with sights like flower-lined valleys and farm animals that dot the highways and byways. Get ready to be inspired by Sonoma County’s gourmet scene, and join us at our spring table – you’ll discover how Life Opens Up in our culinary world.

Sonoma County Wine Month

April is the new Sonoma County Wine Month. Visit sonomawine.com for unique special offers, virtual events, spring wine pairings and wine accolades, all in celebration of Sonoma County wine from the Sonoma County Vintners.

Spring Floral Workshop

This collaboration between Dragonfly Floral School & Notre Vue Estate Winery is just what you need to ring in spring. While overlooking the stunning valley below, design artful seasonal arrangements using spring greens, garden roses, tulips and more. Sip on chilled rosé, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. Boxed lunches from Costeaux French Bakery are available for pre-order. This is definitely a class for girlfriends, colleagues, or as a great gift for Mother’s Day.

Pam Bell from Dragonfly Floral School will lead guests in the basics of floral arranging through a demonstration, then you will put your own creativity to the test. Leave with your own unique arrangement to enjoy at home or present to your favorite friend.

Brunch in the Vineyard with Enriquez Estate Wines

Want to experience a Wine Country breakfast like no other? Join Enriquez Estate Wines for the Vineyard Brunch series on one Sunday per month with live music and wine in the vineyard. Relax (socially distanced) in the vineyard with award winning wines and enjoy live music by talented local musicians.

For those looking to enjoy some quality time outside (or for those looking to remain extra socially distant), enjoy a self-guided vineyard walk and picnic — includes a bottle of wine and an individual cheese and charcuterie Nosh box per person. See more information here.

Distinctive Wine Experiences in the Sonoma Valley

Calling all Sonoma Valley lovers! Sonoma Valley is pleased to present three months of uniquely curated wine experiences for all to enjoy. Each month from March to May, visit the Sonoma Valley and partake in different wine tastings and exciting experiences within three themes: Wine and food, library wine tastings, and spring release wines. Please see more information here.

Belden Barns Virtual Events

Join Belden Barns for three virtual events. On Thursday, April 1st join a fun and informative evening of cider tasting, complete with a behind-the-scenes look at everything that went into making such a mouth-watering brew. Along with their farming partners, Jenny and Vince Trotter, and Scott Heath (of the nationally-acclaimed Tilted Shed Ciderworks), they’ll walk you through the process from planting to bottling and talk about some of the similarities and differences between cider and winemaking.

Belden Barns

On Thursday, April 15th, join Alberto Solis and Helmut Drews, co-founders of Encina Farms, to provide a truly unique and informative tasting experience highlighting artisan food entrepreneurs making waves on the California food scene. 

And then on Saturday, May 1st they are teaming up with Kim Westerman, founder of HEDONIC Terroir-Driven Coffee to learn about the process of small-batch, terroir-driven coffeemaking from tree to cup. They’ll also discuss how they made their Blanc de Noir Sparkling wine, as well as share some fun mixology ideas and brunch recipes to make this session complete.

Barrel Tasting on the Wine Road

Northern Sonoma County boasts more than 100 wineries, many of which come together each year to throw the spectacular Barrel Tasting gatherings over two beautiful spring weekends. It’s an opportunity to meet winemakers, learn a bit about the winemaking process, buy “futures” of the wines you sample directly from the barrel, and explore the beautiful Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. See more information here about this year’s Barrel Tasting in late May.

Additionally, the Wine Road is hosting WINElove Weekend, a new twist on Winter WINEland, over the weekend of March 19-21. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Find out more info, and purchase your tickets here.

Hands on Cheesemaking Classes with The Epicurean Connection

Join The Epicurean Connection cheese guru Sheana Davis for a private, hands-on cheesemaking class for two, or for a virtual class on the second Saturday of each month. Learn how make a fresh, warm ricotta cheese that is ready to serve and enjoy within 90 minutes or to make at home. In-person classes include a glass of Epicurean Connection Rose, plus a cheese cloth, cheese ladle, cheese recipe card, and a cheese trail map. Virtual guests receive a shopping list and supplies by mail to join the fun. Reserve classes here.

Pizza & Wine on the Green

Join Rodney Strong Vineyards for the first Pizza on the Green of the year on April 25th. Come wine and dine on the lovely Terrace + Green with pizza provided by KIN restaurant. Each ticket includes a personal 10” pizza, Rodney Strong wine, and an ice cream sandwich from Noble Folk in Healdsburg. Or, if you are feeling crafty, customize a hand crafted candle with Sonoma 707 Candle using recycled wine bottles on April 11th. Each ticket includes two candles of different sizes, all craft materials, and a glass of wine.

Private Wine & Cheese Hour with Benziger Family Winery and The Epicurean Connection

Take your love of cheese and wine a step further with a virtual wine and cheese tasting. Join Jill Benziger and Sheana Davis as they pair Benziger wines with cheeses from The Epicurean Connection. Davis, a Sonoma Valley Cheesemaker and culinary educator, has been supporting artisan cheesemaking for more than 25 years. Together they will help you discover delicious combinations of Benziger wines and select cheeses that will be shipped to you prior to the event. Gather family, friends or work peers and enjoy this fun and delicious virtual tasting from the comfort of your home. See more information here.

Pedal to the Metal with Bike Healdsburg

Want to pedal to earn your wine? Spring in Sonoma County is the perfect season to do just that. The idea is great: a rolling cabana with bar stools and pedals, where up to 14 passengers at a time (private groups of 6-14 people) must use their foot power in order to get around. Bike through Healdsburg with your pals and experience three unique tastings, complete with small bites.

Be “Whisked Away to Wine Country”

Join Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery this spring for a series of webinars featuring local partners and their shared passion for all things Sonoma County. Each Thursday beginning on March 18th they’ll pair a discussion with culinary partners, community advocates, and local artisans with a selection of Gary Farrell Wines. Please see more information here.

Want to explore all of the wineries in Sonoma County? Get the FREE Wineries Map. Check out our 7 tips for Sonoma wine tasting, so that you’ll be a pro when your time comes to visit them.

Want to fly directly into Sonoma Wine Country? The STS – Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa offers non-stop flights from Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco and more.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas when planning your trip to Sonoma County.