Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Sonoma Valley Wine, “The Year of the Farmer”

Two centuries ago, grapevines were planted in Sonoma Valley. Community-wide festivities are planned to commemorate this milestone. The 127th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, September 26-29, celebrates the heritage and culture of Sonoma Valley through food, wine, and fellowship.
Foley Companies will be this year’s sponsor. “Foley Entertainment Group and Foley Family Wines are honored to sponsor the Vintage Festival,” said Courtney Foley, second-generation vintner. Proceeds support the Vintners and Growers Foundation, providing grants and scholarships in Sonoma Valley. Foley Companies’ commitment to community enrichment and excellence in the wine and hospitality industry underscores the festival’s dedication to celebrating Sonoma Valley’s rich viticultural heritage. This year is sure to be an unforgettable festival, thanks to Foley Companies’ generous support.
 
Festival Events

VIP ALL ACCESS PASS
The VIP Vintage Festival Weekend Package offers an unparalleled experience, including reserved seating for Vintage Movie Night, priority check-in, and transportation to the Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner. Enjoy entry for two and preferred time for the Grape Stomp, a VIP tasting experience on Saturday, early access to the Grand Tasting, and a 1:1 session with a vintner of your choice. Additional perks include Bubbles & Brunch at Wit and Wisdom, a VIP Gift Bag, premium wine, exclusive merchandise, and priority discount booking at The Lodge at Sonoma. Secure your VIP package for a luxurious and unforgettable weekend. Individual Packages are $1,075.

Thursday, September 26
Vintage Movie Night, 5:50pm, Sebastiani Theatre
Vintage Movie Night, featuring Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, is more than just a feast for the senses — it’s a journey through time and culture. Delve into the history of Sonoma Valley. Learn about the visionaries who shaped the region’s viticultural landscape from August Sebastiani’s pioneering spirit to the building of the Sebastiani Theatre, to the storied legacy of the Jack London Yacht Club.
Presented by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation, Jack London Yacht Club and Sebastiani Theater Foundation. Tickets are $100.

Friday, September 27
Sonoma Valley Harvest Dinner
5:30-10pm, Gundlach Bundschu Winery
An exclusive evening at one of Sonoma Valley’s most historic properties, Gundlach Bundschu Winery. This unforgettable event brings together the veritable winemaking and winegrowing legends of the Sonoma Valley, up-and-coming stars, and an incredible selection of library and rare vintage wines.  Your evening will begin with tastings from Sonoma Valley’s most famous vineyards accompanied by delectable, paired bites.  As the night unfolds, you will be hosted by one of Sonoma Valley’s wine industry leaders for a paired three-course dinner by Park Avenue Catering’s, Chef Ari Weiswasser. Each selection of rare library and current-release wines will be exceptionally paired to delight the senses and offer an experience you’ll never forget.  Tickets are $350 per person.

Saturday, September 28
Daytime Festival, 10am–4pm, Historic Sonoma Plaza
5k Fun Run 8 am on Sonoma Plaza
Kicking off the Daytime Festival, the 5K Fun Run will take you through some of the most scenic areas of downtown Sonoma Valley. Join your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun and active morning, enjoying the fall colors and fresh air of harvest season. All ages and levels are welcome!

Artisans Festival
The Artisans Festival brings together local artists, makers, and creators. See unique installations and meet artists from all over the Valley. The festival is free and open to the public.
Local artisans who are interested in becoming a vendor are invited to apply by visiting
www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/artisanapplication

Sonoma Valley Grape Stomp, 10am-4pm
Produced by Grape & Games
Toss off your shoes, roll up your pants and get ready for Sonoma Valley’s Historic Grape Stomp. Participate in this time-honored tradition and friendly competition.  Don’t miss the celebrity stomp at 10am! Tickets: $125/team of two.

Firefighter Water Fights, 11am
on Sonoma Valley Plaza on Spain Street
Teams of firefighters from various Sonoma County stations will face off, with a goal to push an empty beer keg into the opposing team’s end zone using only the spray power of a fire hose.

Live Music + Wine + Activities
Enjoy local wine and beer by the glass and various local food vendors throughout the day while listening to live music on the historic Sonoma Plaza. Stroll the Artisans Festival, local community booths, Sonoma Plaza shops, tasting rooms, and family fun in the Kids Zone. Savor the season during the most anticipated time of the year. Family-friendly and something for everyone to enjoy. Free and open to the public.

Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, 6pm
Sonoma Barracks, on the Plaza
Presented by Expedia Wine Cruises
Join Sonoma Valley’s Vintners & Growers for an extravagant evening of wine tasting under the stars in the historic Sonoma Barracks. The Grand Tasting is your opportunity to experience Sonoma Valley’s incredible diversity of wines and growing regions. This walk-around regional tasting will feature an impressive collection of Sonoma Valley’s most interesting and impeccably selected wines from more than 50 wineries. Engage with winemakers and winegrowers, while you taste current vintages from each of Sonoma Valley’s six appellations and enjoy locally prepared cuisine from some of the Valley’s most notable chefs and artisans. Tickets are $150.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Bubbles & Brunch, 10am-12pm at Wit & Wisdom
The weekend winds down with a special brunch at The Lodge at Sonoma’s Wit & Wisdom, Chef Michael Mina’s first venture into wine country dining. Tickets are $100

Tickets/information at valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
SVVGA (Sonoma Valley Wine) is a non-profit organization serving hundreds of vintners, growers, and associate members who share a mission to protect and preserve the winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage of Sonoma Valley. Visit SonomaValleyWine.com for more information.