The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a three-day celebration that will showcase the best of Sonoma County as well as world-renowned food, wines and beverages. It is located in the heart of California wine country. It will feature the region’s producers – winemakers, farmers, and chefs – as well as internationally recognized wines from the best wine regions around the world. The festival aims to showcase Sonoma’s vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices, and deep connection with agriculture.
This weekend-long event will feature special wine tastings and seminars, delicious lunches, celebrity chefs’ demonstrations, and a grand tasting. There will also be a concert with The Band Perry, a country music band, at the outdoor stage. The event will be held on May 20, and 22 in Healdsburg. This small, welcoming city has become a popular destination for wine and food lovers.
Duskie Estes from Farm to Pantry and Douglas Keane, of Healdsburg Bar & Grill, are among the local star chefs participating in the event. Dustin Valette, of The Matheson and Valette, is also part of the talented culinary team at Kyle Connaughton’s Single Thread. The event will feature many international star chefs, including Ray Garcia (Los Angeles chef/owner), Stephanie Izard (Top Chef) winner, Nyesha Arrington (Top Chef) and Justin Chapple (Food & Wine). The culinary delights of Domenica Catelli and Crista Luedtke as well as Jesse Mallgren, Lee Ann Wong, and many others will be enjoyed by guests.
Events will take place all over Healdsburg including at The Matheson and Montage Healdsburg as well as wineries such as Rodney Strong Vineyards and Dutton Ranch, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards and Kendall-Jackson Estate.
This weekend was created to celebrate Healdsburg’s rise as an epicurean destination. It also pays tribute to Sonoma County’s legacy as a model agricultural center and sustainability center. Steve Dveris (CEO of SD Media Productions), the festival’s producer, stated that the festival’s goal was to showcase the vibrant cuisine, outstanding wines, and sustainable farming practices in Sonoma. We are delighted to highlight the deep connection between agriculture and Sonoma County. These true makers of the destination’s magic are what we are proud to show. Wine and food lovers are invited to discover and enjoy wine and food while learning more about where their food and wine come from. Karissa Kruse is President of Sonoma County Winegrowers and was instrumental in the creation of the event. Her association is a founding partner.
Wine and food are just one part of the equation. The event celebrates and supports local communities. The Saturday evening country music concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards will benefit the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation, whose mission is to raise funds for healthcare, affordable housing, workforce growth, and other resources that help local vineyard workers, farmworkers, and their families. The Future Farmers of America will benefit from Friday’s barbecue featuring Matt Horn, an award-winning BBQ chef. A scholarship fund will also be established for students interested in a career as a farmer.
An all-star partner list is available for the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience. Along with the Sonoma County Winegrowers, Kendall Jackson Wines, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards and Alaska Airlines, Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure are the sponsors of this event.
