Popular Event to Feature Gourmet Food & Wine Pairings Created with Local Artisans
Healdsburg, CA, September 30, 2019—Wine Road, an association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, kicks off their annual event season with the 21st Annual Wine & Food Affair. The event, featuring two full days of tantalizing food and wine pairings along the Wine Road, takes place November 2nd and 3rd from 11am to 4pm each day.
Throughout the weekend, guests will have the opportunity to visit more than 80 participating wineries stretching across Sonoma County’s Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. Each participating winery offers a taste of gourmet cuisine prepared by a local culinary artist paired with the wine of their choice.
“Wine and Food Affair is our premier event, and this year we asked our wineries to take their wine and food pairings to the next level,” said Beth Costa, Executive Director of Wine Road. “We wanted the event to better showcase the bounty that Sonoma County has to offer, so each winery was required to partner with a local artisan, farmer or producer in some way to create their recipe. We’ve never asked this of our wineries before, so we’re excited to see – and taste – the results of these collaborations.” Recipes from the event and events past can be found on the Wine Road’s online cookbook, so guests can replicate the pairings at home. Featured collaborations for this year’s event include:
The Left Bank Association, which includes wineries J. Rickards, Kelley & Young, Mercury, and Ramazzotti wineries, will be celebrating local producers by partnering with Bernier Farms in Geyserville. Each winery’s featured dish will be centered on select seasonal ingredients from Bernier Farms. In addition, Bernier Farms will have a small farmstand set up at each winery selling their produce. Dishes will include Sonoma Harvest Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Alexander Valley Banh Mi, Chili Verde, and Hearty Italian Beef Stew.
Wilson Artisan Wines will take guests “Around the World in 8 Wineries.” Featuring flavors from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Lebanon, France, the South Pacific and the good ‘ole USA, Wilson Artisan’s eight Wine Road member wineries will offer pairings of award winning wines with a world-tour of tastes from a combination of in-house chefs and talented local caterers. The eight participating wineries include: Wilson Winery, Mazzocco, Matrix Winery, Pezzi King Wines, Rockpile Vineyards, Soda Rock Winery, deLorimier, and their newest, Coyote Sonoma.
Eastside Hills Wineries have banded together for the 2019 Wine & Food Affair to create recipes that focus on “big and bold” wine and food pairings using local Sonoma County ingredients. Tour these 7 neighboring wineries to experience some of the most flavorful and rich pairings on the weekend that include: Crispy Skin Pork Belly On Harvest Apple Slaw at Christopher Creek Winery; Short Rib Osso Buco at Foppiano Winery; – Beef Tenderloin Pops with Mushroom, Parsley, Dijon Glaze and Baked Macaroni with 3 Cheeses at Vizlay Winery; Skirt Steak Crostini at Notre Vue Winery; Acorn Squash Tamale with Mole and shaved Caproncino Goat Cheese at ACORN Winery; Braised Keftedes (Lamb Meatballs) with Cabernet Franc Reduction Sauce at Merriam Vineyards; and Smoked Brisket with Homemade Tangy Bourbon BBQ Sauce at Mutt Lynch Winery.
Attendees have the option to purchase tickets for the weekend or Sunday only of the event, enjoying Sonoma County’s finest at their own pace. Advance tickets are on sale now online for the weekend ($95), Sunday only ($75), and Designated Driver ($35). Advance tickets must be purchased as no tickets are sold at the door for this event. Ticket sales end Monday, October 28th.
New! Add-On Events
Visitors can now add additional events to their weekend to extend their wine & food experience. A ticket to Wine & Food Affair is required to purchase tickets to these add on events, which include:
Somm Series at Roth Estate Winery: Saturday, November 2, 9:30 to 10:45 am Join Wine Road for a Roth Estate Winery led Tasting Master Class, an educational pregame before the start of Wine & Food Affair. Whether a seasoned wine connoisseur or new to wine, this event will have something for everyone such as tips on wine tasting techniques, most effective language, and easy to digest food and wine pairing information that will continue to build appreciation for fine wines. – $60 per person / Limited to 30 guests
Winemaker Breakfast at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate: Sunday, November 3, 9:30-10:45 am Join winemakers from Kendall-Jackson, Hook & Ladder Winery and Sanglier Cellars for a morning of Q&A along with breakfast before heading out to Wine & Food Affair. This is an open forum for guests to meet and chat with winemakers in a casual setting. This is not a wine tasting experience, simply breakfast and conversation. – $20 per person / Limited to 20 guests
ABOUT WINE ROAD NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY:
Wine Road is the best source for discovering Northern Sonoma County’s exceptional wine country, which is famous for its renowned wine producers and cuisine, scenic beauty, and wine country lifestyle. The association hosts three celebrated wine events throughout the year, “Winter WINEland” in January; “Barrel Tasting” in March; and “Wine and Food Affair” in November. Made up of 200 wineries and 54 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys in Sonoma County, something is always going on along the Wine Road. To plan your next trip, please visit: www.wineroad.com. For additional information, or to request a free map, call 800.723.6336 or via e-mail at info@wineroad.com, or visit the Wine Road on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Wine Road packed its bags and headed towards San Diego to pour at the San Diego Food and Wine Festival, which took place Nov. 21 & 22, 2014. The 15 wineries and one lodging were grouped together in one section, ensuring the promotion of Northern Sonoma County’s wines....
Tasting Along the Wine Road is the premier event for Wine Road – Northern Sonoma County! Join us for a weekend of wine and food pairing in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. All of the wineries participating will have a favorite winery recipe available online, which they will prepare both days for you to sample, along with the perfect wine.
Ticket holders will receive their tasting glass and wristband upon check-in.
Ticket Prices: $80 Weekend, $60 Sunday $30 DD (plus tax and service fee) Designated Drivers are given a different color wristband and they are not served wine.
All Wine Road events are for adults only… NO ONE under the age of 21 is allowed to attend Wine & Food Affair -including no babies or children of any age
September 16 at Francis Ford Coppola, 2 showings & Tastings PLUS a showing & Seated Dinner. BUY your TICKETS NOW!!!!! Visit www.wineroad.com for more details.
We will pick you up at the Healdsburg City Hall parking lot, whisk you away in beautifully appointed buses from Pure Luxury for a day of magical wine and food pairings. Each tour will visit five wineries, only 40 people per tour.
The Mystery ~ is where you will be stopping! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure.
The Magic ~ is the wines you will be enjoying throughout the day.
Select from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley or Urban Wineries.
We'll have an entertaining captain on each ship (bus) to keep you energized between stops AND we've lined up some fabulous goodie bags for you to take home at the end of the day.
This event is for those 21 and over, no children or babies. Dogs are not allowed on this bus tour.
Happy Tasting.... Special thanks to our event sponsors
Join us for our newest event along the Wine Road ~ Esprit du Rhône, a weekend celebrating the spirit of the Rhône.
Friday May 18 Join 20 winemakers for a casual walk-around tasting at Longboard Vineyards: 5 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA . Sample wine, enjoy apps, live music and play some games…. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, $40 per person *Limited to 100 people
Saturday May 19 Join 30 wineries throughout Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys will be featuring their RHONE varietals for you to sample. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm $40 per person
This past summer,three wine industry colleagues came up with the idea of Come Over October to encourage people to get together once again to celebrate life’s special moments and friendships over a glass of wine.
Why Now?
Although we were all excited to be able to gather again after the pandemic shutdown, life demands derailed many of us from continuing to reach out to those we enjoy and carving out time to spend with them.
Come Over October’s mission is straightforward and simple: “… to encourage people to invite family and friends, new and old, to come together during the month of October to share some wine and friendship. We believe that through the simple act of sharing wine, we share other things that matter — generosity, caring, and a belief that being together is an essential part of human happiness.”
Getting together with friends for a glass of wine after work, on a Saturday afternoon with appetizers, or over a meal has been the social fabric of our lives. And, if you’ve got too much wine in your cellar, closet, or wine rack, this is the perfect time to share it. It feels great to turn friends or family members on to a new wine or introduce them to a new winery. Make October your month to share a special wine with someone you know will appreciate it, too.
Come Over October encourages us to put down our devices, hang out together and have real conversations. Sipping on a beverage is a natural part of gathering, so it makes sense to include wine in the mix. Even if your friends or family aren’t wine drinkers, the Come Over October movement is the perfect reminder to make spending time together a priority.Gather with friends at Merry Edwards WineryNo Excuses
Before you start thinking of all the reasons you can’t have anyone over, like your home is too small or you don’t have time to clean before asking someone over, let’s explore other options. Here’s a quote from the Come Over October website, “…invite friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family to “come over” to share some wine — at home, in a restaurant, or wherever get-togethers happen. Friendship is best when it is celebrated together.”
What about gathering friends for a picnic in a local park or other outdoor area? October is a beautiful time of year no matter where you live. Make it a potluck with everyone bringing a favorite appetizer and bottle of wine.
Gathering at a restaurant or bar works, too. Or, go wine tasting and take along a picnic lunch. There are a lot of wineries that have a picnic area and a bocce court, too. Sipping wine with friends as you look out over a vineyard will get your shoulders to relax and laughter to flow.
Bring friends along wine tasting and enjoy a picnic. Thank you Alexander Valley Vineyards for sharing your deck with us. More Options
Having a wine tasting at your home or office is also a fun way to gather folks together. If some of your friends aren’t wine drinkers, have an additional tasting of non-flavored sparkling water. We recently went to a wine tasting in someone’s home, and there was also a sparkling water tasting for the people who don’t drink wine. It was surprising and fun to taste the vast differences in sparkling waters, plus in between tastes we were talking and laughing, too.
If your bestie lives too far away to see them in person, schedule a call or Facetime, and enjoy each other’s company while each of you sip your favorite wine. My friends and family are scattered far and wide, so wine and phone calls happen often during my weekends.
What Can You Plan for Come Over October?
Streaming a movie, playing a video game or reading a book are relaxing and enjoyable, but these activities don’t fulfill our need for social interaction and stimulating conversation. If you miss being with your friends and family, plan something for Come Over October. If you really get into it, maybe plan more than one gathering, and who says we need to stop when October is over?Toast to an al fresco lunch with some DaVero wines.
I’ve given you a few ideas, but there are many more, just be creative. Don’t let a dusty or small home keep you from being with the people you enjoy most. Find ways to spend time together. Life goes by way too fast and it’s never predictable. Grab quality time together now.
You might discover that Come Over October helps you find what’s missing in your life — making time for those you love and enjoy the most!
Step into the magic of Winter Wineland, where the Wine Road transforms into a true wonderland. Imagine cozying up with friends and family, your favorite wines in hand, as you breathe in the crisp winter air and take in the vineyard views—nature’s perfect art, with neatly pruned vines resting peacefully under the season’s charm.
Celebrate the start of a new year surrounded by warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and the joyful clinking of glasses. Every stop along the Wine Road invites you to sip, savor, and bask in the moment. It’s not just wine tasting; it’s an unforgettable experience—rich with connection, beauty, and that irresistible winter glow.
Make memories. Share laughter. Discover your next favorite vintage. Winter Wineland is waiting to welcome you with open arms and endless cheers.
Savor the Flavors: A Weekend of Wine & Food Pairing Along the Wine Road
Embark on a culinary adventure as over 50 wineries along the Wine Road invite you to indulge in a weekend of perfectly paired wine and food. Each participating winery will showcase a bite of one of their favorite recipes, thoughtfully paired with a wine that brings out its best flavors.
Discover a mix of beloved classics returning by popular demand and exciting new creations debuting this year. Love what you taste? All recipes will be available online, so you can recreate your favorite pairings at home and relive the experience.
Spending a weekend sipping superb wines while savoring the perfect food pairing sounds like heaven. Add in breathtaking scenery and the relaxing ambiance of Sonoma County’s Wine Country, and now you have paradise perfected! This magical wine and food weekend becomes reality on November 1st and 2nd as the Wine Road hosts the 27th annual Wine & Food Affair.
A Sneak Peek at the Food Pairings
With 50 wineries to select from, there are too many food pairings to list, so here are just a few highlights.
If you love Italian-based comfort food, check out: Mushroom and Winter Squash Risotto at Pedroncelli Winery Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce at Pech Merle Winery Tatiana’s Famous Lasagna at Colagrossi Wines
If you’d rather pair Mexican, French or Cajun with delicious wines, here are some options: Roger’s Colorado Pork Green Chili at J. Cage Cellars Creamy Mushroom Chicken Facon Grand Mère at GC Lurton Vineyards Alison’s Jambalaya at Matrix Winery
And for dessert, these two options sound positively decadent: Rosemary Dark Chocolate Bon Bons at EHRET Winery Dark Chocolate Berry Port Ice Cream at Raymond Burr Vineyards
Wine & Food on Friday Night
Why not start the weekend off on Friday night, which also happens to be Halloween.
Baldassari Wines, located in Windsor just a short walk from the town green, will have local musician Nick Foxer playing from 6-8 p.m. The cost is the price of a glass of wine you can sip while you enjoy Nick’s show.
West Wines is offering a winemaker/owner hosted sunset Cabernet Sauvignon tasting with four older vintages—2004 through 2007—paired with appetizers. Advanced reservations are requested. To book your spot, visit the West Wine website.
VIP Experiences
Twenty lucky folks will be able to nab the very limited VIP tickets this year, which include an intimate VIP happy hour gathering at Foppiano Vineyards on Friday Night and a VIP breakfast at Russian River Vineyards’ beautiful Redwood Grove. VIP ticket holders will check in Saturday morning for the weekend tasting, then enjoy a delicious breakfast paired with Russian River Vineyards’ sparkling wine, as well as their other wines.
Meet the Wine Road team as you enjoy an easy paced breakfast before you launch into your day of wine and food pairings.
Effortless Planning
If you’d like to elevate your weekend experience, check out the four all-in-one packages that include your Wine & Food Affair tickets, lodging and more.
The Hilton Garden Inn package includes a two-night stay in a King-bed room, two weekend tickets and a welcome bag at check-in.
The Gables Wine Country Inn package includes a two-night stay in a King-bed room, two weekend tickets, a welcome bag at check-in, and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The Hotel La Rose package includes a two-night stay in a King-bed room, two weekend tickets, a welcome bag at check-in, and breakfast for two at Grossman’s Noshery, located in the hotel.
If you want the full VIP treatment for the weekend, consider the Premier VIP weekend package with a two-night stay in a King room at the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza. This package includes two VIP tickets (include the Friday night Happy Hour and Saturday breakfast), a voucher for Pure Luxury Transportation, a dinner voucher for the acclaimed restaurant, The Matheson, plus more.
If you’re a Wine Road Insider, don’t forget to get your 20% off event tickets. Don’t know about the Wine Road Insider program, but want to find out more? All the details and a link to sign up are available online.
Opinions Please
The Wine & Food Affair event program will have a QR code that will take you to a post-event survey where you’ll be able to vote on your favorites from five categories — best recipe, most mouthwatering food pairing, standout staff member, best setting or vibe, and the ultimate winery experience.
By voting after the event, you’ll get to share your opinion on your favorites, and you’ll also be entered to win two (2) tickets to 2026 Wine & Food Affair or the January 2026 Winter WINEland. There will be five winners — way better odds that playing the lottery, so be sure to cast your vote.
Savor the Wine & Food Experience
Whether you opt to enjoy the deluxe VIP package or to only purchase a weekend ticket, be sure to savor the flavors, drink in the glorious landscape, connect with winery owners, winemakers and various members of the winery staff, and create lasting memories of an exceptional Wine Country weekend.
Get out and explore along the Wine Road, check out some new wineries, visit your long-time favorites and stock up on some of your favorite wines for Spring.
Each winery will pour three wines for each ticket holder.
Order your ticket online, then show it on your phone at each winery you visit for the day.
This is a casual walk-in tasting, not a food-pairing. Plan to visit 3-4 wineries for the day.
Wine Road Elects Six New Board Members, Including New President
Infusion of leadership marks one of the largest board transitions in recent years
Healdsburg, CA, May 30, 2025 — Wine Road, the premier association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors—one of the largest board transitions in the organization’s recent history. Typically electing just two new members per term, this year’s changes reflect a unique and exciting chapter for Wine Road, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to its mission of promoting Northern Sonoma County as a world-class wine destination.
The newly elected board members are:
Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President, Pedroncelli Winery As a third-generation member of one of Sonoma County’s iconic Italian winemaking families, Julie brings decades of experience and deep roots in Dry Creek Valley. Pedroncellis have farmed the region since 1927, known for crafting quality wines with character and integrity.
Mari Pagan, Hospitality Director, Dry Creek Vineyard Mari represents one of Sonoma County’s iconic, family-owned wineries. She brings a strong background in guest experience and is committed to enhancing the connection between wineries and visitors across the region.
Lana Mounts, Co-Owner, Mounts Family Winery A fourth-generation grower and vintner, Lana brings a deep connection to the land and a passion for producing estate-grown wines that reflect the character of Dry Creek Valley.
Alexis Kandanes, Tasting Room Manager, Gary Farrell Winery A Sonoma County native with over 20 years in hospitality, Alexis brings valuable expertise in guest experience and community engagement. At Gary Farrell Winery, known for its elegant, vineyard-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, she showcases the charm of Russian River Valley through warm, elevated hospitality.
Janae Franicevic, Owner, Sunce Winery Janae leads Sunce Winery in the Russian River Valley, known for small-lot, limited-production wines. A longtime supporter of Wine Road events, she’s eager to share her success and help other members make the most of event participation.
Tom Buckley, General Manager, Hotel La Rose Tom oversees operations at this historic Santa Rosa landmark and brings valuable hospitality insight and perspective to the Board.
In addition to the new Board members, Wine Road also held its annual executive board election last week. Julie Pedroncelli St. John (President), Mari Pagan (Vice President), Helen Sharrocks (Secretary), Katie Ambrosi (Treasurer), and Aaron Krug (Lodging Representative) were elected to serve in key leadership roles for the upcoming term.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Board members, who bring unique skills and experiences to the table,” said Beth Costa, Executive Director of Wine Road. “Their fresh ideas and strong industry knowledge will help guide our work as we continue to evolve. At the same time, we sincerely thank our outgoing Board members for their dedicated service and lasting impact on our organization.”
The Wine Road Board is made up of eight winery representatives and three lodging representatives, each serving a three-year term beginning in April. Continuing on the Board are:
Helen Sharrocks, Balletto Vineyards
Katie Ambrosi, Wilson Artisan Wines
Aaron Krug, Best Western Dry Creek Inn & The Lodge at Healdsburg
Harry Wetzel, Alexander Valley Vineyards
Dan Christensen, The Geyserville Inn
This new group of leaders reflects the diversity and strength of the Wine Road community. Their collective experience will help guide Wine Road’s efforts to grow visitation, support member wineries and lodgings, and adapt to an ever-changing tourism landscape.
ABOUT WINE ROAD NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY The Wine Road is a travel resource for those looking to visit the region, which is famous for its renowned wine producers and cuisine, scenic beauty, and wine country lifestyle. The association hosts three celebrated wine events throughout the year, “Winter WINEland” in January; “Barrel Tasting” in March; and “Wine and Food Affair” in November. Made up of 130 wineries and 30 lodgings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys in Sonoma County, something is always going on along the Wine Road. To plan your next trip, please visit: www.wineroad.com. For additional information, or to request a free map, call 800.723.6336 or via e-mail at info@wineroad.com, or visit the Wine Road on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
The 2025 Barrel Weekend is all about tasting wines from the past, present and future. This annual weekend event has been reimagined for its 47th anniversary, letting the wineries along the Wine Road focus on more than just tasting wines from the barrel. And, giving tasters new opportunities for exploring and learning about wine.
More Tasting Options
With wineries pouring wines from past (library wines), present (current release wines) and future (barrel samples), attendees have more choices and can choose what they most enjoy or what they seeking to restock their wine cellars.
As you look through the online Barrel Weekend program, you’ll discover wineries pouring wines from one, two or all three of the category options. This information lets you, the ticket holder, design the tasting path that suits your palate preferences. If you love tasting only barrel samples and possibly buying wine futures, you can still do that. But, if you prefer to taste wines that are currently available to buy, or wines that have been in the bottle several years, you’ll find these options available to you as well.
Winemaker and owner Craig Colagrossi pours his wine for a guest.
Tasting the Past
Older vintage wines, often referred to as library wines, are not often poured in tasting rooms or during events. However, during Barrel Weekend, several wineries will be pouring library wines. Look for the word PAST on the program to see who is pouring older vintages.
At Longboard Vineyards, the PAST wine is a mystery that they’ll ask you to guess the varietal they’re pouring. Sounds intriguing.
You can try an Optima Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. An excellent vintage, and it’s rare to find a 2017 Cab that is still available.
TADDEI Wines is also pouring a rare find — a 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley.
These above wineries will also be pouring additional wines from the other categories, so be sure to check out the program for the full list of wines being poured.
F. Teldeschi Winery will have five library wines available for tasting, including Terranova (a blend of Carignane, Valdiguie, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah) and a Zinfandel Port.
Tasting the Present
If your focus is on PRESENT (current release) wines, most participating wineries will be pouring at least one of their current release wines.
Capo Creek Winery & Wine Cave is the perfect stop for Rhône varietal wine lovers. They’ll be pouring five current release wines, with four of the five being Rhône varietals or blends.
Leo Steen Wines @ The Drink, located in Healdsburg, will pour their newly released Sparkling Chenin Blanc and their Jurassic Chenin Blanc, plus a Pinot Noir. If you haven’t tried the Leo Steen Chenin Blancs, it’s while worth seeking them out.
Stephen & Walker, another Healdsburg winery, will be pouring five current release wines, including their port-like dessert wine, Portentous.
due Ruscelli and Raymond Burr Vineyards will both be pouring three PRESENT wines. due Ruscelli, who specializes in Primitivo and other Italian varietals, will also have a library Primitivo and their FUTURE Barbera. Along with their current release wines, Raymond Burr Vineyards will be tasting barrel samples of Chardonnay and a port-like dessert wine.
Capo Creek Winery co-owner Bob Covert pouring wine for visiting guests.Tasting the Future
Have no fear, there will be plenty of wineries pouring wine FUTURES. There are too many to list, but here are a few wineries (according to the program) that will only be pouring barrel samples for guests during the Barrel Weekend.
Carol Shelton Wines – Barbera, old vine Carignane, two Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite from the Rockpile AVA
Overshine Wine Co. – Maple Vineyard Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and a Bordeaux blend
Porter Creek Vineyards – a very popular spot to try three Pinot Noir barrel samples, plus a Chardonnay and old vine Carignane
Rockpile Vineyards – two Zinfandels (Jack’s Block and Petroglyph Reserve) and their renowned Buffalo Hallow Petite Sirah
Soda Rock Winery – these guys have a charming rustic setting and their wines are always worth checking out. This year’s barrel samples include Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sunce Winery & Vineyard – their FUTURES offerings include Viognier, Dobricic (yes, they make a Dobricic), and several more.
VML – three Pinot Noirs (Earth, Moon, Stars). Just the names make me want to go try them.
If you just want to focus on tasting wine futures, the above list gives you interesting and delicious options, but there are so many more wineries to choose from as well. Be sure to review the Barrel Weekend program for details on what each winery is pouring.
Fun and Educational, Too
One of the benefits of tasting wine during Barrel Weekend is learning how wines evolve over time, from how they taste in the barrel to mellowing with age once they’re bottled. Now let’s explore your options to experience a wine’s evolution and where you might learn more about your own palate preferences.
Comparing Present and Future
Several wineries are pouring barrel samples and then offering the same bottled wine from a previous vintage. This gives you the opportunity to discover how wine evolves after it’s bottled. The qualities of a wine change from vintage to vintage, but the same variety, grown in the same vineyard, will most likely taste similar from year to year once it’s in the bottle.
There are many wineries who will share this tasting opportunity during Barrel Weekend. Here are just a few examples:
David Coffaro Winery – Dave has barrel tasting down to an art form. Coffaro will be offering five side-by-side comparisons, allowing tasters to sip 2024 barrel samples and then 2022 bottled wine of the same varietal or blend.
DeLoach Vineyards – Enjoy three barrel samples you can compare with three bottled wines—same varietal and same vineyard.
Moshin Vineyards – Compare their 2021 Chardonnay with a barrel sample of their 2024 Chardonnay, still in the barrel. There are very few white barrel samples being offered, so this will be a treat. You’ll also be able to compare their 2020 Pinot Noir, Calliope Vineyard with the 2024 barrel sample of the same wine.
Mounts Family Winery – Savor the Mounts estate-grown Grenache and old vine Zinfandel as you taste the 2023 barrel samples and compare them to the 2022 bottled wines.
Tasting the Past, Present and Future
Time to explore the ultimate tasting experience — tasting the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE of the same wine. This isn’t always possible unless a winery holds back a few cases when a wine is about to sell out. Lucky for Barrel Tasting ticketholders that several wineries had done just that.
Foppiano Wine Co., known for their Petite Sirah, offer a 2014 Petite Sirah (library wine), 2021 Petite Sirah (current release) and 2023 Petite Sirah barrel sample.
At Spicy Vines, they will focus on their Block 7 – Old World Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Mountain, Cloverdale Peak by pouring a 2016 (library wine), a 2021 (current release) and a barrel sample from 2023.
Starlite Vineyards is all about Viognier during Barrel Weekend, with three library wines (2019, 2021 and 2022), the 2023 current release and the 2024 barrel sample wine.
Viszlay Vineyards has Pinot Noir for their PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE offering. They’ll be pouring a 2019 (library wine), 2021 (current release) and 2024 (barrel sample).
Three Days of Tasting
Only a portion of the wineries and their offerings are listed above, and yet, I already wonder how I’ll be able to visit all the wineries on my “must visit” list? Luckily, several of the participating Barrel Weekend wineries are offering ticket holders complimentary tasting on Friday, February 28th.
Here is a list of some of the wineries open to ticket holders on Friday. Be sure to plan a three-day weekend to get the most out of Barrel Weekend.
Curious about what makes Sonoma County special? Winter WINEland offers you the perfect experience! Discover our beautiful winter landscapes, stunning vineyards, and acclaimed wineries.
There's only one week left to secure your advanced tickets for Winter WINEland.
Acta Winery & Vineyards 2021 DEEDS Bordeaux varietal blend is a must-try. With only six barrels produced, this blend of 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot is perfect for pairing with a succulent grilled ribeye.
With so many wineries, lodgings, and wines along the Wine Road, the WineStopper Program highlights a different winery, lodging, and wine every week. It’s a great way to learn a little bit more about what’s happening along the Wine Road.
Recently, Spicy Vines in Healdsburg was the featured winery:
Healdsburg, CA, September 30, 2019—Wine Road, an association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, kicks off their annual event season with the 21st Annual Wine & Food Affair. The event, featuring two full days of tantalizing food and wine pairings along the Wine Road, takes place November 2nd and 3rd from 11am to 4pm each day.
Gather with friends at Merry Edwards WineryNo Excuses
Bring friends along wine tasting and enjoy a picnic. Thank you Alexander Valley Vineyards for sharing your deck with us.
Toast to an al fresco lunch with some DaVero wines.
Healdsburg, CA, May 30, 2025 — Wine Road, the premier association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors—one of the largest board transitions in the organization’s recent history. Typically electing just two new members per term, this year’s changes reflect a unique and exciting chapter for Wine Road, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to its mission of promoting Northern Sonoma County as a world-class wine destination.
Winemaker and owner Craig Colagrossi pours his wine for a guest.
You can still attend on Saturday if you buy a weekend ticket, and bonus, you can attend on Sunday as well. Why not make a weekend of it?
You can buy a Sunday ONLY ticket for the same price as the Saturday ticket and enjoy a leisurely day, and likely less crowds. 
