Star Screening
Relax under the stars for the best in vintage films and wine to benefit the Stars & Vines Fund of Napa Valley. During four separate weekend dates, Sterling Vineyards presents a series of outdoor screenings which includes a pre-show tasting, cartoon classics and some of the most entertaining movies ever made. Showing Saturday, August 23rd, is Pillow Talk, starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. Wine tasting and concessions begins at 7 p.m. and each feature starts at dusk. Guests are invited to come early, dress warmly and bring a picnic or purchase a barbecue dinner or movie snacks. Ticket are $10 for adults and $5 for children (16 and under). For more information, call 1-800-726-6136. FYI: Go online and save $5 off the aerial tram and tasting of five wines.

Party Buzz
For a lively afternoon of nibbles and sips, head over to Ravenswood where the 2006 Vineyard Designates makes their debut on Sunday, August 23rd. Meet the growers of these rock star vineyards, sample foods paired with each wine and sneak a peek in the barrel of what’s coming next. Release parties are a great opportunity to taste new wine, schmooze with the growers and meet winemakers. Cost is only $35 per person. Call (707) 933-2323 for more details. 

Crab and Chardonnay
The ever popular Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival returns August 23rd and 24th. Now celebrating it’s 14th year, this event specializes in the best of California’s wineries and breweries, artists and craftspeople, entertainment and a delicious selection of fresh seafood from local vendors. This year’s gathering takes place on a scenic ranch in the picturesque town of Bodega, famous for the Hitchcock classic, The Birds. Barbecued oysters, crab cakes, cedar plank salmon, albacore wrapped in bacon and seafood jambalaya are just a few of the entrees served at the festival, and over 25 boutique wineries and a dozen microbreweries will be pouring their finest. A juried art and craft marketplace of a 100 top quality artisans will be displayed as well as lots of first-class entertainment on three stages, including an eclectic mix of blues, jazz and swing. Major performers such Tommy Castro and Zydeco Flames headline. Wandering jugglers, puppeteers and dancers provide ambiance throughout the day. Gate tickets are $12 per person, taste tickets are $12 per person and includes a souvenir logo glass. Kids under 12 are free. For more information, call (707) 824-8717.

Stellar Sips
Forty years ago, long before the world began to recognize that Sonoma County terroir was some of the finest in the world, St. Francis Winery made the commitment to craft wines exclusively from Sonoma.
St. Francis now owns over 600 Estate acres of prime vineyards in the Sonoma and Russian River Valleys. Under the direction of winemaker Tom Mackey, each of these vineyards were planted with varietals that are particularly well suited to the particular terroir of each site. St. Francis reaps the rewards from the bounty of outstanding fruit used to created luscious, fruit forward wines from superior mountain and valley vineyards. Each year, St. Francis celebrates Sonoma County terroir with “Dinner Under The Stars.” Sharing a warm summer’s evening under a magnificent Sonoma sky has made this annual gathering a perennial favorite with locals and visitors alike. Winery Chef David Bush’s superb wine and food tasting menu always makes the evening sparkle. Tickets to attend the August 23rd dinner is $140 per person. For more information, call 1-888- 675-6493.

Upcoming
Two of Sonoma Wine Country’s premier wine and food festivals partner to debut “Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.” This inaugural fete features more than 200 wineries and chefs during three days of fabulous winemaker lunches and dinners, a grand tasting and the most fun you’ll ever have at a wine auction. Tickets for the August 29th through 31st gathering will sell out. If interested in participating, call 1-800-939-7666 to receive an invitation.