The post-holiday period may be a tad quieter, but there’s still plenty to do in Wine Country. Here’s just a sampling of wine-centric events, spirited gatherings and zero-proof tours to explore in the coming months.
Napa Zero Proof Tours: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekends January through April, downtown Napa. Take a three-hour zero-proof tasting tour that highlights Downtown Napa’s culinary scene and nonalcoholic libations on a loop that runs from Napa Yard to Oxbow Public Market. $195; https://napazeroprooftours.com/
Blind Tasting Classes at Compline: 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 9 and Feb. 6, Compline Wine Shop, 1300 First St., Napa. Learn how to objectively evaluate the sight, smell, taste and structure of four classic wines, including two whites and two reds, during these classes. $45; complinewine.com
Yountville Art & Mustard Celebration: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16, Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., Yountville, Napa Valley. This Napa Valley Mustard Celebration showcases the opening of the Wright from the Heart Gallery with a reception featuring gourmet bites, mustard and wine tasting by Bougetz Cellars, Bread & Butter Winery, Cakebread Cellars, Grgich Hills Estate and more. $20. yountville.com/events
Family Movie Night at 3 Steves Winery: 7 p.m. Jan. 17, 3 Steves Winery, 5700 Greenville Road, Livermore. Enjoy popcorn and snacks (and wine for the grown-ups) at this Livermore winery’s family-friendly movie nights held in the Barrel Room. Doors open at 5:30, the movie begins at 7 p.m., and tickets ($1) tend to sell out, so order early. www.3steveswinery.com/
Winter WINEland: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 18-19, Sonoma wineries. Sample wines throughout Northern Sonoma County — Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville, Geyserville and more — during this wine festival that showcases current vintages and multiple varietals. Tickets are $95 for the weekend, $75 for Sunday only and $10 for designated drivers. www.wineroad.com
Cuda Ridge Winemaker Dinner: 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19, Sons Of Liberty Alehouse, 2327 First St., Livermore. A cocktail hour at 5 p.m. precedes this six-course dinner that includes Australian wagyu steak and smoked short rib mole paired with Cuda Ridge Wines. $180. www.eventbrite.com
McGrail Wine Dinner at Locanda Capri: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Locanda Capri, 301 Oak St., Brentwood. Enjoy a five-course Italian dinner paired with McGrail Vineyards wines. $120 www.locandarestaurants.com/events/
Wine & Wellness: 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 1 at the Cuvaison Winemaker’s Lounge, 1221 Duhig Road, Napa. This “Bubbles, Balance & Body” event at Cuvaison includes a one-hour, all-levels resistance-based workout to strengthen and refresh, led by Napa’s Laisha Ames, followed by a glass of Cuvaison sparkling wine and light bites. $50. www.cuvaison.com/winery-events/
Mustard Celebration Wine Tasting: 3-6 p.m. Feb. 1, Silverado Resort, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, cheese and charcuterie – with a mustard twist – and local artisan offerings at this Napa Valley Mustard Celebration event that features wines from Napa Valley’s Peju, ZD Wines, Prime Solum and more. $40. www.silveradoresort.com/calendar/
International White Wine Festival: Feb. 15 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville and Feb. 16 at participating Anderson Valley wineries. Sample gourmet food bites and white and sparkling wines from around the world at a grand tasting on Saturday, then head for the region’s charming wineries, which are hosting open houses Sunday. Tickets $135 and up; https://avwines.com/
A perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day at the Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend.
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend: Feb. 15-16, 30 participating Lodi wineries. Celebrate love, local wines and local chocolate at this much-loved annual festival that includes winery tours ($75) at 30 participating wineries on Saturday and a Winemakers Toast ($95) at the Wine & Roses boutique hotel on Sunday. https://lodiwineandchocolate.com/
V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean: March 27-30 at various Healdsburg locations. This philanthropic event, a fundraiser for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, includes wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, live music and dancing, as well as a Wellness Breakfast and EpiCUREan Symposium with leading scientists, at locations including Bacchus Landing and Montage Healdsburg. Tickets start at $750; https://sonomaepicurean.v.org/
Related Articles
Celebrating New Year’s Eve: Here are a few basics about champagne
Los Gatos sommelier takes a sparkling journey through Champagne
San Jose’s J Lohr hosting 7-course wine pairing dinner
Bay Area wines sparkle with gratitude this holiday season
4 Bay Area wines to bring to Thanksgiving
Pebble Beach Food & Wine: April 10-13, Pebble Beach Resorts. This star-studded food and wine festival returns to Pebble Beach with a lineup of chefs that include Alice Waters, Elizabeth Falkner, Stephanie Izard and Tim Hollingsworth, wineries such as Champagne Bollinger and Schramsberg Vineyards, and events ranging from wine seminars to lavish lunches, walk-around tastings and after-hour parties. Tickets start at $195. www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
The Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival features a who’s who of culinary luminaries, grand tastings, dinners, chef demos and seminars. (Pebble Beach Food and Wine)
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival: May 16-18, Anderson Valley wineries. Sample hundreds of pinot noirs with food pairings by local chefs over the course of this weekend, which includes vineyard tours, educational seminars, a barbecue and a grand tasting. Tickets start at $34; https://avwines.com
