Throughout the year, Northern California hosts a myriad of wine festivals
that celebrate the rich viticultural tapestry of this bountiful land.
From the sun-kissed vineyards of Napa Valley and Sonoma County to the rugged beauty of Mendocino County, these festivals offer an immersive experience for both seasoned connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re savoring exquisite vintages, indulging in culinary delights, or partaking in the vibrant local culture, each wine festival unfolds as a unique celebration of the art and science behind the world-class wines produced in Northern California.

Napa Valley Mustard Celebration
January-March – Napa Valley
During the three-month period, the Napa Valley Mustard Celebration is promising to be an amalgamation of sight, sound, touch, scent, and taste. Each of the five towns which comprise the Napa Valley – American Canyon, the City of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga – will feature events or activities to commemorate the Mustard season. Residents and visitors alike might expect live art demonstrations, discounts at local merchants, specialty food items, and open gallery exhibits at various locations in Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Truffle Festival
January 12-15 –  Napa Valley
Experience the magic of truffles while savoring some of the finest truffle cuisine in the world paired with magnificent wines amidst the splendor of world-class Napa wineries. Learn firsthand how to work and cook with truffles from the best Michelin star/master chefs. Explore a working truffle orchard, see where and how truffles are harvested, and meet the trained truffle dogs who find them (petting allowed).

Winter WINEland
January 13-14 –  Northern Sonoma County
Spend two glorious days along the Wine Road. Taste current vintages of multiple varietals grown there. Travel from winery to winery, visiting the ones you are interested in exploring and experience the beauty of winter in Sonoma County.

Napa Lighted Art Festival
January 20-February 18 – Downtown Napa
The Napa Lighted Art Festival is a celebration of creative arts, technology and lights, and supports innovative techniques using light and light technologies as a growing art medium.This walkable outdoor experience is FREE in Downtown Napa featuring 10 lighted art sculptures for 5 weeks. Projection artwork will be displayed on 3 iconic downtown buildings January 20th - January 28th; Lantern Parade, February 10.

ZinEX Saturday Grand Tasting
January 25-27 – San Francisco
A three-day wine and food extravaganza with wine lovers from all over the world at the premiere festival dedicated to a single-grape varietal. As a ZinEX VIP you will meet the classic characters who create and drink Zinfandel at five extraordinary events over the three days. Thursday evening:  VIP-only Opening Night Dinner; Friday:  a VIP-only tasting seminar with the winemakers followed by Evening with the Winemakers and Auction where you mingle and dine with the winemakers on the elegant and historic Klamath ferry boat; Saturday: all-day Grand Tasting.

Calistoga Wine Experience
February 3 – San Francisco
30+ world-class wineries – this is a rare opportunity to taste wines with the actual winemakers and winery owners, plus, purchase and take with you these hard-to-find Calistoga AVA wines, most of which are not available to the public. Enjoy artisan cheeses, charcuterie and other small bites.

Anderson Valley White Wine Festival
February 17-18 – Boonville, Philo, Yorkville
Escape to Anderson Valley  for a weekend of white wine, sparkling, rosé, and more! Several Anderson Valley wineries will welcome you with exclusive wine flights, food pairings and special library tastings.

Barrels & Verticals
February 24 – Kelseyville, Lake County
Sample exquisite wines straight from the source at twelve Lake County wineries. Experience the unique flavors that develop as wines age.

Barrel Tasting Weekend
March 2 & 3 – Wine Road, Northern Sonoma County
Meet winemakers, learn a bit about the winemaking process and mostly buy “futures” of the wines you’ll sample directly from the barrel.

Pigs & Pinot
March 15-16 – Healdsburg
The celebratory weekend offers a series of intimate dining and educational events hosted by Chef Palmer. A cast of Master Sommeliers, iconic winemakers and celebrity chefs will showcase some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noirs with perfect pork pairings.

Sonoma Epicurean – V Foundation
March 21-24 – Various Locations, Sonoma County
Sonoma Epicurean is a signature series of events that feature curated, hands-on experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans and world-class vintners. Adventures and experiences focused on lifestyle, wellness and sustainability. Proceeds from the event will benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research to fund game-changing cancer research and related programs.

California Artisan Cheese Festival
March 22-24 – Various Locations, Sonoma County
One-of-a-kind tours, tastings and seminars on Friday and Saturday. A fun cheese crawl on Saturday evening.
All leading up to the main event, The Artisan Cheese Tasting & Marketplace on Sunday.

NorCal Public Media Food & Wine Awards
March 30– Santa Rosa
Enjoy food and wine and celebrate leaders in agricultural and maker industries, foundations and philanthropists making a difference, biodiverse and regenerative food production, food justice, and workers’ rights.

Lodi Wine Festival
April 6 – Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Wine tasting from up to 40 wineries pouring over 200 varietals. This is a unique opportunity to explore the Lodi wine region has to offer all in one place; music, food available for purchase and much more. Grand tasting  includes wine tasting and a commemorative wine glass.

Stags Leap Vineyard to Vintner Weekend
April 26-28 – Napa
Vineyard to Vintner brings enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers and principals for a memorable weekend of esteemed wines, enchanting dining and in-depth education. Events include Library Wine Dinner,  Seminar, Grand Lunch, Sunday Tastings.

Passport to Dry Creek Valley
April 26-28 – Northern Sonoma County
Travel around 16 x 2 idyllic miles of world-class winemaking and revelry! Enjoy a wide variety of unique experiences in wine, food, education and entertainment.

Discover Coombsville
April 27 – Napa
The grand tasting event will feature more than 25 wines from the region. The area’s location on the south-eastern tip of Napa Valley makes for exceptional grape-growing conditions … and phenomenal wine.

Garagiste Festival – Northern Exposure
April 27 – Sonoma
A unique chance to taste with 40 ultra-premium, under-the-radar micro-wineries from Napa, Sonoma, Livermore, Lodi, Mendocino, Santa Cruz and Sierra Foothills AVAs – most without tasting rooms.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
May 16-19 – Healdsburg
A multi-day event showcasing the “Makers Behind the Magic”  featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. Included in Wine Enthusiast’s Best Wine Festivals in America.

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
May 17-19 – Boonville, Philo, Yorkville
More than 50 wineries pour, including two dozen prestige labels from Napa and Sonoma. Sample delicious food pairings, acquire library wines, exclusive experiences. Silent auction, educational seminars, Friday sunset BBQ, Grand Tasting on Saturday …  elevate your Saturday experience in the VIP Bubble Lounge… then explore the valley during Sunday’s winery open houses.

Collective Napa Valley Auction Weekend
May 31-June 1 – Various locations
World-class wines from more th Benefits Napa Valley children’s mental health programs.

Chardonnay Pinot Classic
June – Napa
An exclusive, weekend-long indulgence of luxury experiences alongside Master Sommeliers and winemakers in iconic Napa Valley. The program features iconic wine country experiences, gourmet lunches, luxury dinners, and unique tastings.

Taste of Howell Mountain
June 15 – St. Helena
Indulge yourself in world-class wines from 50 Howell Mountain wineries; gourmet food pairings, silent auction.

Taste of Sonoma
June 22 – Santa Rosa
One of Sonoma County’s most anticipated events. Taste wines from 100+ wineries, refuel at complimentary food trucks and relax at themed lounges. This unforgettable gathering brings thousands of generous wine aficionados and foodies to this bountiful region.

Rhone Rangers Savor Summer Tasting
June 29 – Sonoma
An afternoon wine tasting with 30 wineries on the lush cabana lawn at Cline Family Cellars.

Taste of Napa
July 13 – Napa
Joining live music with ​​exceptional food and wine, Festival Napa Valley’s annual signature tasting event celebrates the bounties of Napa Valley, sharing Wine Country’s gracious hospitality with visitors and locals alike. Taste of Napa guests may sample fare from wineries, breweries, craft beverages, restaurants, and culinary artisans. 

Festival Napa Valley
July 12-21 – Various locations
More than 60 world-class performances in iconic Napa Valley settings and beyond. A rich lineup of music, food and wine events for every taste and budget at venues throughout Napa Valley.

Gay Wine Weekend
July 19-21 – Healdsburg
A weekend of wine and celebration with winemaker dinners, winery tours and events benefiting Face to Face, Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network.

Petaluma Gap Wind to Wine Festival
Early August
Taste delicious wines produced from the unique wind and fog conditions of the Petaluma Gap – one of California’s best areas for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.Includes nibbles to complement the wines, a story corner showcasing Petaluma Gap winegrowers, live music, and attendees will be able to purchase the wines tasted onsite, directly from the participating wineries.

V Foundation Wine Celebration
August 1-3 – Various locations, Napa Valley
This three-day signature series of events highlights intimate winery experiences, gourmet meal and wine pairings, lively auctions, an enlightening cancer research symposium, and a private performance by an award-winning artist. This annual event raises millions for cancer research.

Project Zin
August 17 – Healdsburg
Celebratory weekend offers a series of dining events hosted by Chef Palmer, Clay Mauritson and some of the industry’s most elite winemakers. Saturday evening’s preeminent event, Project Zin, will gather some of the most sought-after Zinfandels paired with the food of Chefs Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen, as well as top local Sonoma County chefs. All proceeds will benefit the Down Syndrome Connection Bay Area (DSCBA).

Cochon Heritage Fire
August  – St. Helena
Heritage Fire is a live fire festival celebrating global cooking techniques. The outdoor feast offers an endless array of sustainably sourced food from the region’s top family farms, local purveyors and chefs. From whole pig, lamb and goats to responsibly raised fish, duck, chicken and locally grown heirloom vegetables, there is something for everyone. Beyond the food, the all-inclusive event includes free flowing wines, cocktails and craft beer.

Mount Veeder Appellation Wine Tasting
August 10 – Napa
An exclusive opportunity to taste small-production gems from 30+ Mount Veeder wineries, many of which are not normally open to the publice. Enjoy gourmet small bites, silent auction, and of course, amazing wines.

Crush Challenge
August 24 – Napa Valley
The ultimate food, wine, and cycling experience: Barrel Tasting, Food & Wine Marketplace, The Ride.
Taking place at various locations in the Napa Valley, enjoy a fun day while supporting local beneficiaries to find a non-toxic cure for cancer and helping local teens in the Napa community.

WineSong
September 6 & 7 – Mendocino
This cherished coastal tradition brings together the finest chefs, restaurants, wineries, beverage vendors, local bands, and artists to honor the culinary and cultural heritage that has shaped the identity of the region.

Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
September – Sonoma
Wine tasting, craft brews, food, live music, blessing of the grapes, grape stomp – honoring the wine, food, culture and heritage of Sonoma Valley at California’s oldest festival.

Access Alexander Valley
September – Healdsburg, Geyserville, Cloverdale
A special starlit evening that includes access to artisan wines from all participating Alexander Valley wineries, culinary delights by noted local purveyors and live music.

Sonoma County Wine Auction
September 19-21 – Various locations in Sonoma County
Join Sonoma County’s generous winemakers and chefs. Bid on the region’s top wines and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Make a powerful impact on the lives of those in Sonoma County who are in the most need.

Hands Across the Valley
September – St. Helena
Walk around tasting featuring noted Napa Valley chefs, restaurateurs and winemakers; silent and live auctions; dancing under the stars. Raises money specifically for the safety net food programs in Napa County.

Lodi Grape Festival
September 12-15 – Lodi
A four-day event filled with great entertainment, food, vendors, grape and commodity murals, competitive exhibits, carnival, wine tasting, and so much more.

Healdsburg Crush – Pouring on the Plaza
October, Healdsburg
Taste limited-production Pinot Noir and sparkling wines from more than 60 of the top California wine producers all while enjoying the beautiful Healdsburg Plaza. Silent auction.

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
November 1-3 – Big Sur
A culinary experience like no other. Events are held at special private properties where guests, wineries, chefs, artists and volunteers all come together in small groups to connect on a personal level with each other.  At no other place can you not only taste some of the best wine and food in the world, but also possibly share a hike, a dance, or a story with those who make it happen. Guests leave with full bellies and even fuller hearts.

Calistoga Food & Wine Grand Tasting
November, Calistoga
World-class wines from more than 30 Calistoga AVA wineries and incredible food from seven top wine country restaurants. This annual wine lovers’ pilgrimage features a walk-around wine tasting with gourmet food pairings and live music.

Wine & Food Affair
November, Northern Sonoma County
Winemaker dinners, breakfast with the winemakers, along with a weekend of wine and food pairings.

Winter Wine & Food Fête – Inspire Napa Valley
December – St. Helena
VIP lunch and walk-around tasting highlighting some of the most exceptional California vintners and winemakers in support of a worthy cause.