Holiday Happenings in Sonoma County

December 6th, 7:00 – 10:30 p.m., Gloria Ferrer Wine Maker Dinner:

Join Gloria Ferrer and the Inn at the Tides Bay View Restaurant in Bodega Bay for the 27th Annual Winemaker Dinner Series. Winemaker Bob Iantosca will present an amazing 5-course wine and food pairing dinner to include Blanc de Noirs, Carneros Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, and VA de VI Ultra Cuvee. The Inn will be offering exclusive room rates for attendees. The cost is $99 (plus tax and gratuity). Call 707.875.2751 to reserve your seat!

December 7th, 12:00 p.m., Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Holiday Open House:

Shop holiday specials on Sonoma-Cutrer wines and take advantage of tastings, appetizers, sweets, Victorian caroling, and more!

December 7th, 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., GunBun Holiday Palooza & Toy Drive:

Open to the public from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; enjoy complimentary tastings, food pairing, and door prizes with your unwrapped toy donation at Gundlach Bundschu Winery and Vineyards. The proceeds will benefit Sonoma Valley youth – have fun and donate to a great cause! Members only from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.

December 8th, 4:00 p.m., 9th Annual Lighting of the Snowmen Festival:

Live music, a holiday outdoor cinema, pictures with Santa, gingerbread man decorating, hot chocolate, face-painting, kids’ holiday crafts and games, grab-bag gifts, and more! Head over to Cornerstone Sonoma to partake in all of this fun in one location. Fun for the adults too – check out Keating Wines, Meadowcroft Wines, Tricycle Wine Co., and Park 121 for delectable wine tasting and gourmet dishes. Parking is $5 on-site or attendees can take the free parking shuttle.

December 14th, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m., St. Francis Winery Ode to Crab Winery Dinner:

Celebrate the beginning of the Northern California crab season with Chef David Bush, who has come up with a mouthwatering menu specializing in all things crabby. One of the most popular events of the season over the past few years, this crustacean themed dinner offers a St. Francis wine pairing with each course! $125 per person ($99 for club members). Call 888.675.WINE for details – to place reservations (required) – email [email protected].

December 18th and 19th, 7:30 p.m., The Nutcracker Performance:

Moscow Ballet’s globally renowned production – the Great Russian Nutcracker – will be in Sonoma County this Christmas! Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts for as low as $28. Click here to purchase tickets!

December 31st, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., New Year’s Eve at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa:

Enjoy the high life in Sonoma’s wine country by attending a NYE celebration at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Indulge in a 7-course dinner, a midnight champagne toast, and entertainment to ring in 2014 in style! $195/person, call 707.939.2415 for reservations.