Since 1897, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival has brought people together to celebrate the annual grape harvest. Join winemakers, grape growers, and the community for a weekend honoring the region’s rich winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage in the birthplace of California Wine. Immerse yourselves and revel in the most anticipated time of year– harvest. The wine community looks forward to hosting you at some of Sonoma Valley’s most historic and captivating locations, raising a glass (or two) alongside some of the most talented individuals in winemaking and winegrowing, and sharing in the excitement of another vintage.

The 2023 Vintage Festival weekend features a variety of events for all ages, including:

LEGENDS DINNER – Friday, September 29

The Festival begins with an unforgettable evening at B.R. Cohn Winery, bringing together the winemaking and growing legends of the Sonoma Valley. Winemakers and vineyard owners will pour wines from their personal collections at the table with a dinner menu crafted by Glen Ellen Star’s Executive Chef Ari Weiswasser to complement the evening’s extraordinary and historic wines. The evening will also include a live auction with items and experiences curated by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation. Auction proceeds will benefit the Future Farmers of America Sonoma Valley Chapter, Sonoma Valley High School college scholarships, and local nonprofit organizations. The Sonoma Valley Legends Dinner is presented by Merrill Lynch, the Gonzales Group.

DAYTIME FESTIVAL – Saturday, September 30

The lively daytime festival begins on the Historic Sonoma Plaza with a 5k Race & Fun Run, where runners of all levels, families, and those who want to enjoy a stroll are welcome. Sonoma Plaza festivities will begin with the time-honored traditions of blessing the grapes, a historical reenactment of the double wedding, and the Grape Stomp. Throughout the day, sip local wine and beer by the glass while strolling the Artisans Festival and local community booths. Enjoy live music, a BBQ, a kid's zone with fun activities, story times, games, and Tractor Pull races, and watch the local fire departments battle at the Water Fights. The daytime festival is family-friendly and open to the public. The 5k Race & Fun Run is presented by Sonoma Raceway and Sonoma Cryo in partnership with MotivSports.

GRAND TASTING – Saturday, September 30

The 2023 Vintage Festival weekend concludes with the marquee of events, the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, during an evening under the stars at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Featuring an incredible variety of wines from the winemakers and six growing appellations that make Sonoma Valley so special. Guests will enjoy culinary delights prepared by the Valley's most talented chefs and restaurateurs while dancing to live music and celebrating the final night of the Vintage Festival weekend with the local community. This unique experience offers the best of Sonoma Valley wine and food in a truly special setting.

valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org

Photos by Michael B. Woolsey