Be There
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Pinot
A popular adage in the wine country is “taste not, want not.” But what fun is that?
Holiday in Carneros, the annual winery open-house event hosted by 20 individual wineries from the popular Carneros appellation shared by both Napa and Sonoma Counties, offers a bevy of special tastings (“barrel,” “reserve,” “library” and “new release”) sure to inspire some holiday cheers. Visitors are also invited to enjoy food and wine pairings, live music, art and craft shows. The weekend-long shindig runs November 22 and 23. Admission is $40 per person and is valid for both days of the event. Imbibers receive a Holiday in Carneros logo glass and access to all participating wineries. Proceeds fund scholarships at Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College. For more information, including winery locations, visit www.carneroswineries.org or call 800.909.4352.
Wine and Dine
Come December 4, Santé Restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn will be the site of much seasonal merriment as Chef Andrew Cain and his culinary cohorts continue their calendar of winemaker dinner events with a tasty tribute to Hanzell Vineyards. A recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award, Santé was heralded by Condé Nast Traveler as “worth a special trip just to eat here.” Likewise, critically-lauded Hanzell Vineyards boasts America’s oldest pinot noir vineyard, the product of which is sure to be well-represented at the dinner. For more information and reservations, call 707.939.2415 or visit www.fairmont.com/sonoma.
Olive, the other reindeer
In 2001 the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau conceived the idea of honoring Sonoma’s contribution to olive cultivation and culture through the annual celebration of the Olive Festival. Seven years later, the festival continues with its annual kick-off, the Blessing of the Olives ceremony, December 6 at the Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, followed by a reception and the Olive Founders’ Dinner. For times, tickets and information on all Olive Festival events (including the Martini Madness competition), contact the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, 707.996.1090, or visit www.olivefestival.com.
Which wine pairs with gingerbread?
What started as a friendly challenge from Ramona Nicholson of Nicholson Ranch to fellow Sonoma Valley wineries is now one of the valley’s most popular and highly anticipated traditions. In an effort to outdo each other, competing wineries pull out all the stops to erect the most elaborate likeness of their winery, which they display in their tasting rooms throughout the month of December. Winery visitors can pick up a map and a ballot at any of the participating wineries and cast their ballots for the “People’s Choice Award.” As an added bonus, each time voters cast a ballot they will be entered into a raffle to win a mixed case of Sonoma Valley wines. The winners of the Gingerbread Winery Contest and raffle will be announced on January 12. For more information on the Gingerbread Winery Contest, including a full list of participating wineries,
visit sonomavalleywine.com.
Chillin’ in Sonoma
Move over, Frosty – the wine country has its own snowmen, or at least “Sonoman Season.” The Third Annual Sonoman Season (formerly “Sonoman Festival”) features whimsical and inventive snowman-themed displays by local merchants to the delight of Sonoma Valley visitors and residents alike. The month-long event begins Saturday, Nov. 29 with the “Lighting of the Sonomen at Cornerstone” (Cornerstone Gardens is located at 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma). Expect carols, live music and other events to follow throughout the month. For a complete listing of Sonoman Season events, visit sonomanseason.com.
Yummy Yuletide
The holidays are about giving – so give yourself a break from the kitchen and let visions of sugarplums dance in your head courtesy of award-winning Chef Janine Falvo. This year, the local culinary goddess is preparing a Christmas Day Dinner hosted by the Lodge at Sonoma’s Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar. A four course prix fixe dinner featuring local artisanal ingredients and seasonal desserts is sure to delight. Dinner is $60 per person ($30 for children). To make a reservation, call 707.931.2042.
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