Wine Tasting in Sonoma County’s Winter WINEland

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Looking for a winter weekend get away? How about two days of wine tasting at some of the best wineries in Healdsburg, one of California’s paramount wine producing regions? Healdsburg is about 2 hours from Palo Alto, making it a perfect destination to enjoy one or both days of Winter WINEland, a 2-day tasting extravaganza.

Winter WINEland takes place along Wine Road in Healdsburg, a small, quaint town that is one of the top 10 small towns in America, thanks to the Alexander, Dry Creek and the Russian River Valley wine-producing regions. Wine Road, an association of wineries and small lodgings, began 39 years ago with only 9 wineries and has become a ‘spirited constellation of 197 wineries and 54 lodgings’, including some of California’s oldest wineries.

Whether you’re an amateur or professional wine connoisseurs, this 2-day celebration of vino offers the opportunity to experience Northern Sonoma County’s picturesque landscapes in the Alexander, Dry Creek and the Russian River Valleys. Russian River Valley varietals include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while Dry Creek Valley is known for its Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. Alexander Valley is admired for its Cabernet and Merlot.

During the 24th annual Winter WINEland, you’ll chose from among over 100 participating wineries, meet wine makers, taste tantalizing limited production wines as well as library wines and new releases. If you find something you like, be sure to take advantage of the special discounts on select vintages.

Among the 140 wineries involved in the event include Rodney Strong Vineyards, Paradise Ridge Winery and Simi Winery. A complete list can be found here.

This delicious event will be held on January 16th and 17th from 11am to 4pm each day. Tickets are available in advance for the two-day event ($45) or for Sunday only (435) and include tasting at all participating wineries as well as a tasting glass. Ticket prices increase January 11th.

The event producers and participating wineries encourage responsible tasting, which is why designated drivers pay only a nominal fee to attend and will be served nonalcoholic beverages.

Tickets can be purchased online at EventBrite or ‘at the door’.