Every labor day, thousands of foodies and winos make their way up to Northern California for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

The main event is Taste of Sonoma on Saturday, September 3rd. Over 170 wineries will be pouring (download the full list of wineries participating), and 60 Sonoma County chefs will be paring local culinary treats with wines. This day of food and fun was named one of the 10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States by Celebrated Living magazine and definitely lives up to the name.

There will be plenty of veggie fare for us vegetarians to enjoy as well. This wouldn’t be my favorite event in Sonoma County three years running otherwise.

MacMurray Ranch in Russian River Valley is the host winery and is the perfect backdrop for a day of wine tasting, talking to your favorite Sonoma County chefs, educational seminars and wifi (yes, the team at MacMurray Ranch has a social media lounge).

In addition to enjoying food and wine from all over Sonoma County, Taste of Sonoma hosts many “experiences” celebrating Sonoma’s farm-to-table culture. Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and vineyard tours will run throughout the day and will feed your stomach and mind (make sure to RSVP online).

A few not-to-miss events/areas are:

  • “PAIR WITH THE PROS, A Wine & Food Pairing” sponsored by Kendall-Jackson. Executive Chef Justin Wangler will be teaching attendees how to pair food with Kendall-Jackson wines.
  • The Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge (conveniently located as you enter the event) where Cindy Friedman, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard's Consumer Marketing Manager will be showcasing sparkling wines and food parings.

Some tips before you go: There will be so much wine and food, so make sure to take a picture of everything you eat and drink to help you remember the next day.  Also, make sure to hit all appellation tents, and taste different varietals from all twelve wine growing regions in Sonoma County. 

Taste of Sonoma is THE mecca to sample the best Sonoma County has to offer and there is still time to buy tickets before they sell out.