Each spring, Healdsburg in Sonoma County hosts the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, a festival that highlights the region’s food and wine culture. The event will take place from May 15 to 18 and is now in its fourth year. It aims to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage by bringing together chefs, winemakers, farmers, and artisans.
A central feature of the weekend is the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon. Over 150 wineries are set to participate, offering tastings alongside seasonal dishes prepared by local chefs as well as well-known culinary figures like Antonia Lofaso, Crista Luedtke, and Stephanie Izard. Organizers emphasize that local ingredients play a key role in these offerings.
The festival includes a range of unique events such as a sushi dinner at Aperture Cellars featuring traditional omakase paired with Sonoma wines, and a lunch at Kendall-Jackson that combines fine dining with basketball themes. At Orsi Family Vineyards, Matt Horn of Oakland’s Horn Barbecue will present his interpretation of Texas-style barbecue using California influences and regional wines.
For attendees seeking more exclusive experiences, the Platinum VIP package provides access to private tastings, vineyard lunches, and a dinner at Chalk Hill Estate led by acclaimed chefs with curated wine pairings.
Music is also part of the event lineup. Rodney Strong Vineyards will host live performances including soul singer Allen Stone. Guy Fieri returns to host his Big Bottle Party at The Matheson, which features large-format wine pours and late-night food options.
Tickets for the festival are available in various formats ranging from individual event passes to full weekend packages. Early booking is encouraged due to high demand for certain events. More information can be found at healdsburgwineandfood.com.
Healdsburg offers additional attractions beyond the festival itself. Located where Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley meet, it features a walkable downtown with numerous tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants such as Michelin-starred Single Thread.
