The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience will return to Sonoma County from May 15–18, marking its fourth year as a showcase for the region’s food and wine. The festival aims to highlight the area’s agricultural heritage and features contributions from chefs, winemakers, farmers, and artisans who help define Sonoma County’s culinary scene.
Central to the event is the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon, where more than 150 wineries will offer selections alongside seasonal small plates prepared by both local chefs and well-known figures such as Antonia Lofaso, Crista Luedtke, and Stephanie Izard. Organizers emphasize that the locally sourced ingredients are a focal point of the tasting.
Other scheduled events include a sushi dinner at Aperture Cellars that combines omakase with local wines, a lunch at Kendall-Jackson called Courses on the Court that mixes fine dining with basketball themes, and a barbecue at Orsi Family Vineyards led by Matt Horn of Oakland’s Horn Barbecue. Each gathering is designed to reflect regional traditions and innovation in food preparation.
A Platinum VIP package is available for those seeking additional experiences. This option provides access to exclusive tastings, private vineyard lunches, and a special dinner at Chalk Hill Estate featuring dishes paired with wine.
Live music will be part of the festival as well. Allen Stone is set to perform at Rodney Strong Vineyards. Guy Fieri will host his Big Bottle Party at The Matheson, an event that includes magnum wine pours and late-night snacks.
Tickets are available in several formats—from individual events to full weekend packages—and early booking is recommended due to high demand. More information can be found at healdsburgwineandfood.com.
Healdsburg itself sits where three wine regions meet: Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. Visitors are encouraged to explore its walkable downtown with numerous tasting rooms and restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred establishments like Single Thread to casual neighborhood spots.
