Stomp and sip: Vintage Festival returns to Sonoma
Sometimes you stomp the grapes, other times you sip the wine. Since 1897, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival has brought the community together to celebrate the grape harvest season in Sonoma Valley.
September 29-30, the event celebrates Sonoma Valley’s winemaking legacy with a range of events like a Grape Stomp Competition, public festival on Sonoma Plaza, evening tasting event and a fine-dining dinner experience. Just announced: the firewater water fight.
“The Vintage Festival is a beautiful blend of the past and present, showcasing cherished traditions passed down through generations,” said Taylor Serres, a fifth-generation farmer in Sonoma Valley.
Serres is an executive board member of The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, the nonprofit trade organization that produces the festival.
“It’s a chance for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy all that Sonoma Valley offers, from expertly curated wine tastings to experiencing our impressive local food, arts, and music scene,” she said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”
LEGENDS DINNER (Friday, September 29) – An unforgettable evening at B.R. Cohn Winery, bringing together the winemaking and growing legends of the Sonoma Valley. Winemakers and vineyard owners will pour wines from their personal collections at the table with a dinner menu crafted by Glen Ellen Star’s Executive Chef Ari Weiswasser to complement the evening’s extraordinary and historic wines.
DAYTIME FESTIVAL (Saturday, September 30) – The lively daytime festival begins on the Historic Sonoma Plaza with a 5k Race & Fun Run, where runners of all levels, families, and those who want to enjoy a stroll are welcome. Sonoma Plaza festivities will begin with the time-honored traditions of blessing the grapes, a historical reenactment of the double wedding, and the Grape Stomp. Throughout the day, sip local wine and beer by the glass while strolling the Artisans Festival and local community booths. Enjoy live music, a BBQ, a kid’s zone with fun activities, story times, games, and Tractor Pull races.
GRAND TASTING (Saturday, September 30) – The weekend concludes with the marquee of events, the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, during an evening under the stars at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Featuring an incredible variety of wines from the winemakers and six growing appellations that make Sonoma Valley special. Guests will enjoy culinary delights prepared by the Valley’s most talented chefs and restaurateurs while dancing to live music and celebrating the final night of the Vintage Festival weekend with the local community.
Tickets and info:
Valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
Proceeds from the 2023 Vintage Festival go towards the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation’s charities, grants, and scholarships in the Sonoma Valley. The 2023 Vintage Festival is supported by local partners and sponsors: City of Sonoma, Commerce7, DeMartini Electric, Eurostampa California, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Grapes & Games, Merrill Lynch the Gonzales Group, MotivSports, Native Sons of the Golden West, Sonoma Brands Capital, Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Cryo, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma Valley Fire Department, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, TricorBraun WinePak, Vintage Wine Estates.
