Each spring, Healdsburg in Sonoma County prepares for its annual food and wine festival. The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience will return from May 15–18, marking its fourth year. The event aims to honor the region’s agricultural traditions and highlight the contributions of local chefs, winemakers, farmers, and artisans.
The main event of the weekend is the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon. Over 150 wineries are set to participate, offering their selections alongside seasonal small plates crafted by both local chefs and well-known culinary figures such as Antonia Lofaso, Crista Luedtke, and Stephanie Izard. The focus remains on ingredients that are locally grown and in season.
Festival organizers have planned a variety of unique events that reflect both heritage and innovation within Sonoma County’s food scene. Attendees can experience a sushi dinner at Aperture Cellars featuring omakase paired with wines from the region. At Kendall-Jackson, an event called Courses on the Court will combine fine dining with basketball culture. Orsi Family Vineyards will host pitmaster Matt Horn of Oakland’s Horn Barbecue as he presents a California-inspired take on Texas-style barbecue with wines unique to the area.
For those seeking premium experiences, a Platinum VIP package is available. This package includes exclusive tastings, private vineyard lunches, and a special dinner at Chalk Hill Estate prepared by acclaimed chefs with curated wine pairings.
Live music is also part of the program. Rodney Strong Vineyards will feature soul singer Allen Stone in an evening performance outdoors. Guy Fieri returns to host his Big Bottle Party at The Matheson, which promises magnum wine pours and late-night food offerings.
Tickets for the festival range from single-event passes to full weekend packages including VIP options. Organizers recommend early booking due to high demand for popular events. More information can be found at https://healdsburgwineandfood.com/.
Healdsburg itself sits where three notable wine regions—Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley—meet. The town offers visitors a walkable downtown filled with tasting rooms, shops, restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred Single Thread to local favorites.
