Post Author | July 24, 2013

Wine Country Summer Events in 2013


Summer is in full swing and before we wake up and realize September is over, it’s time for residents and tourists alike to take advantage of the best that Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Country has to offer.

This is often in the form of wine events and festivals and can vary from rowdy weekend concert series’ to more intimate food and wine pairing soirées!

Although there is a constant rotation of wine-centric events seasonally, summer is one of the best times of year to enjoy these types of gatherings due to the warm weather and laid-back atmosphere.

Don’t forget about the mouthwatering summer fruits and veggies! Here is a list of a few upcoming events to consider attending before summertime winds down…if you happen to miss these, not to worry! Just check out our Napa Events and Sonoma Events calendars to check out the latest happenings in our beautiful wine country:

Wine & Chocolate Festival – Grgich Hills Estate:

Indulge in Special Selection and library offering wines with an array of confectionary delights from 3D Candies, Kollar Chocolates and the amazing Le Belge Chocolatier. Explore how both savory and sweet treats can truly enhance how a wine tastes! $35/person, free for club members. Saturday, August 3rd, 2013 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Seated tastings – reservations required, call or email to RSVP. Contact: Stephanie Simunovich at (707) 963-2784, [email protected]. Grgich Hills Estate, 1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA 94573.

Honig Vineyard & Winery – Annual Lobsterlicious Event:

Bid adieu to summer and welcome the harvest with a delectable lunch catered by John Sorenson. Munch on corn, potatoes, sausage, shrimp, garlic, onion, artichoke, and of course – LOBSTER – boiled and served family style. This quintessential summer meal will be served with an array of Honig Wines! Groove to live music by Honey B and the Pollinators. Sunday, August 11th, 2013 from 12-3 p.m. $85 for members, $95 for non-members. Contact: Rapha at 800-929-2217 x 330 or [email protected] by Friday, August 2nd to RSVP. 850 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA, 94573.

Wine Blending Experience – Sebastiani Winery:

An ideal opportunity for those interested in the scientific aspect of wine tasting and wine making. Attendees will participate in a hands-on session with Stuart Ake of Tasting Lab and learn how to analyze wine from a winemaker’s perspective while exploring base wines for a variety of items such as aromatics, taste, and texture. Unique blends will be created while the ideas of how climate, geography, and vineyard/winemaking choices can alter the smells and flavor profiles in the wineglass. $65 per person. Sunday, August 11th, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. 389 Fourth Street East, Sonoma, CA, 95476.

Wine Country Benefit – Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa:

Join the Hemophilia Foundation of Northern California at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa who are partnering with the Sonoma Wine Shop, Epicurean Connections, and Sonoma Valley wineries for a charitable and glamorous evening of tasting and education paired with culinary marvels. All proceeds will be donated to HFNC’s crucial programs and services, such as summer camp for children in need. $150 per person. Sunday, August 11th, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, CA, 95476.

Barrel & Bottle: A Summer Barrel Tasting, Eighth Street Wineries Sonoma:

Hang out with Sonoma’s exclusive boutique wineries at the first ever Summer Barrel Tasting. Only minutes from the downtown Sonoma Plaza, take this rare opportunity to visit several wineries all in one place! Meet the winemakers – a limited opportunity – and sip on wines still in the barrel just before they are bottled. The majority of these wines are limited editions and can be tough to locate outside of the tasting rooms! Wineries represented include: Anaba, Enkidu, MacRostie, Parmlee-Hill, Patz & Hall, Stone Edge Farm, Three Sticks, Tin Barn, and Ty Caton. $40 per person in advance, $45 at the door. DD tickets for $10. Comes with a souvenir glass and access to wines from wineries listed above. Saturday, August 17th, 2013 from 12-4 p.m. 21692 Eighth Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Kunde Family Estate Hike & Taste in the Vineyards:

Take an amazing hike that will guide you through the 1,850 acre volcanic and vertical marvel of what is the Kunde Estate. A limited chance to bear witness to sustainable winegrowing techniques while enjoying some of Sonoma Valley wine country’s most breathtaking views. Traverse through the estate’s diverse eco-systems, each contributing to the sustainable winegrowing process in its own unique manner. A somewhat strenuous hike that will last about 4 hours. The hike will end at Kunde Estate’s Tasting Room, where the hikers will get to taste organically made estate wines. Bring your own sack lunch, SPF, H2O, and wear appropriate hiking footwear. $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Saturday, August 17th, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact: Naomi Doherty, Director of Hospitality, (707) 282-1531, [email protected]. 9825 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, CA, 95452.

Stomping ManPeju’s Annual Grape Stomp:

Hit the welcome station and enjoy breakfast at Peju Provence winery before being shuttled to Pope Valley for the annual Grape Stomp and BBQ. Access includes a welcome tasting, continental breakfast, shuttle service, BBQ lunch with wine, and the stomp competition. $65 for members, $75 for non-members. VIP passes can be purchased for members for $85 or $95 for non-members that include an event tee, Private Reserve/library tasting with European breakfast, all access pass to the hospitality suite, wine, snacks, reserve seating, and the stomp. Saturday, August 24th, 2013 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To register, call 888-446-7958 or visit peju.com. Contact: Ann Marie Howle, (707) 963-3600, [email protected]. 8466 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA, 94573.

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend 2013:

The foremost wine and epicurean event that highlights the birthplace of CA wine composed in partnership by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance as well as the Sonoma County Vintners. Features Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, Sonoma Harvest Auction at Chateau St. Jean, Sonoma Starlight at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and countless private and exclusive winery lunch and dinner parties at several locations sprinkled throughout Sonoma County. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County non-profit groups. Friday, August 30th – Sunday, September 1st, 2013 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Turnbull Wine Cellars – 34th Harvest Celebration:

Imbibe in a night of incredible wines paired with a harvest BBQ, live music, and a great crowd. Guests will be offered an array of 100% Estate grown wines and envied library vintages opened simply for the harvest event! $80 for members, $100 for non-members. Register online or call to attend. Saturday, August 31st, 2013 from 6:30-10 p.m. Contact: Ryann Calder, (707) 963-5839, [email protected]. 8210 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville, CA, 94562.

HALL St. Helena Kathryn Hall Release Party:

LES BON TEMPS! Gather with Craig and Kathryn Hall to toast to the 2010 release of HALL ”Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy cajun style eats with a live Zydeco band,  including an all you can eat crawfish and plenty of and HALL wine! This marks the premier celebration on the Bergfeld Lawn at the brand new Winemaking and Hospitality Facility! $100 per person. Saturday, September 21st, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. Call to register. Contact: Jocelyn, (707) 967-2626, [email protected]. 401 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, CA, 94574.

Cheers!



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