Celebrating the Season of the Olive in Sonoma Valley

Sonoma – with its landscape evocative of the Mediterranean climes of Tuscany and Provence, its agricultural heritage, historic roots, family-owned wineries and farms, artists, and artisan food producers – is the perfect setting for the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival. In its celebratory fifth year, authenticity, history and community underscore the festival. The historic Mission and Sonoma Barracks and Plaza – each in the heart of Sonoma – provide the center stage for key festival events. Historically, olive and grape harvests have been blessed and celebrated in this location for more than a century.
The fifth Sonoma Valley Olive Festival is a celebration of all things olive. The three-month Olive Festival takes place December through February and includes more than 35 entertaining, edible and educational events promising to transform the winter months in Sonoma Valley into a celebration of the senses. Local businesses have shared their inspiration and energy by creating imaginative ways to immerse locals and visitors alike in the essence of the olive throughout the Season of the Olive by creating this year’s exciting Olive Festival events schedule.
On any given day during the festival, one can select olive-related things to do from the menu of events. Sample a trio of olive oils, enjoy a soothing olive oil scrub at a local spa, or select a delicious dish from an olive-inspired menu paired with world-class wines with delightful local olive oils. Shake off those winter blues and enjoy the Sonoma Valley, where you can sip, savor and celebrate the Season of the Olive.

Olive Festival Signature Events

• Martini Madness at the Lodge of Sonoma
  January 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
  Exotic and delicious recipes abound for that perfect martini with more than eight local restaurants serving up these most special libations paired with olive-themed appetizers. Sip, savor, sample and vote for this season’s favorite martini. $20 tickets at the door.
• The Feast of the Olive at Ramekins  
  January 21, 6 to 10 p.m.
  Celebrate the Season of the Olive amidst gleaming candlelight with a champagne reception.  World-class olive oil producers, vintners, Wine Country chefs, members of the media, and other join to celebrate the bounty of the olive season.  Following the reception, participants dine on a special feast prepared by nine guest chefs using a variety of fabulous oil oils paired with luscious wines from local vintners. Guest of honor is Ed Stolman from The Olive Press. Seating is limited. Tickets are $150. For reservations, call (707) 996-1090 ext.108.
• VinOlivo at The Lodge at Sonoma
  February 18, 6 to 10 p.m.
  An epicurean showcase featuring a sparkling wine reception, food samplings from the valley’s finest restaurants, Sonoma Valley appellation wines and barrel tastings, a port and chocolate pairing and the Wine Marketplace highlighting Sonoma Valley wine and olive oil. Includes a silent auction featuring signed magnums and reserve case lots, as well as a barrel futures auction and live entertainment on two stages. Presented by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance.  $65 in advance, $75 at the door.  Call (707) 935-0803.
• Artisan Market on the Sonoma Plaza
  February 25-26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  This is a tented artisan market celebrating the olive in all its glory, with food, wine, art and entertainment as only Sonoma can create them.  Experience olive-encrusted cheeses, cured olives, flavored olive oils, and balsamic vinegars inspired by far away Mediterranean clines, along with a selection of breads, organic produce, and olive- related gifts from ceramicists and other talented artisans. You can sip and sample, while cooking demonstrations scent the air with tasty aromas. Tickets are $20 and include logo glass and tasting tickets; children under 12 free. Tickets are at the door.

For a complete listing of events go to www.olivefestival.com or call toll free 1-866-996-1090.

Related Information

• Sonoma Valley Olive Festival