GARAGISTE FESTIVAL
Sonoma, April 13
This festival changes location each year to give the state’s many wine areas a chance to shine: this year, it’s in Sonoma. Named for the ’90s French winemakers who popularized small-lot vins de garage, this is an event for discovering new and innovative producers.
AUCTION NAPA VALLEY
Napa Valley, May 29–June 3 This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Napa Valley Vintners, and they’re toasting it with an exclusive charity auction where you can rub shoulders with California’s finest winemakers.
THE MONTEREY WINE FESTIVAL
Monterey, June 1–2
The 43rd celebration of this coastal region’s wines is also a salute to seafood: chowder on the first day, calamari on the second.
CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL
Santa Barbara, July 19–20
The Central California version of this event may be the most picturesque, opening with a Sunset Rare and Reserve Tasting at the old-world Carousel House and continuing with a beachside wine event featuring live bands and gourmet nibbles.
PACIFIC WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC
Newport Beach, August 17–18
A culinary festival of all things Southern California, served up along the sands of Newport Beach.
CALISTOGA FOOD AND WINE
Calistoga, May 9–11
Explore the refined wines of Calistoga with events including a VIP reception at Clos Pegase, a chef experience, a California Winegrowers Roundtable, and a culminating Grand Tasting at Solage.
Still More Festivities…
- Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Cloverdale, Geyserville and Healdsburg, April 27–28
- Paso Robles Wine Festival, Paso Robles, May 16–19
- Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, Anderson Valley, May 17–19
- Tiburon Peninsula Wine Festival, Tiburon, May 18
- RoséFest, Sterling Vineyards, Calistoga, June 8
- Festival Napa Valley’s Taste of Napa Valley, Vista Collina Resort, July 13
- San Rafael Art & Wine Festival, San Rafael, August 10
- Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival, Bodega Bay, August 24–25
- Winesong Mendocino, Mendocino, September 6–7
- Harvest on the Coast, San Luis Obispo, November 1–3
