SONOMA, CA (March 21, 2023) – The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA), a non-profit trade association representing over 100 wineries and 140 grape growers in the Sonoma Valley, is pleased to announce the 2023 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival weekend of events. Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation (SVVGF) became the producers of the historic festival at the end of 2021. After the festival’s dormancy due to the pandemic, and a successfully executed first festival with a smaller-scale weekend of events in October 2022, SVVGA and SVVGF look forward to expanding the schedule of events and bringing back community favorite activities on Friday, September 29 – Saturday, September 30.
“The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival is such an important part of Sonoma Valley’s history and our community. It is an honor to continue to celebrate our incredible region’s hard work, dedication, and collaborative spirit and welcoming community through this event.” – Tom Rouse, President of the SVVGA and SVVGF Board of Directors.
2023 Vintage Festival Events:
Friday, September 29, 2023: Evening
Sonoma Valley Legends Dinner, presented by TricorBraun WinePak
An evening where wine enthusiasts and Sonoma Valley’s iconic community celebrate the Birthplace of CA Wine at one of its most vibrant wineries, B.R. Cohn Winery, kicks off the Vintage Festival weekend events. This unforgettable evening brings together the veritable winemaking and winegrowing legends of the Sonoma Valley, up-and-coming celebrity winemakers and winegrowers, and an incredible selection of library and rare vintage wines. Ticket information is to be announced soon.
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Daytime Festival
Official Kick-off | 5k Race & Fun Run, produced by Motiv Running
The daytime festival opens with a 5k race and a fun run for all ages. Start the day with a race for the whole family before continuing the fun on the historic Sonoma Plaza with a tried-and-true Sonoma Valley Community event. Race registration details are to be announced soon.
Live Music + Wine + Activities
Enjoy local wine and beer by the glass and various local food vendors throughout the day while listening to live music on the historic Sonoma Plaza. Stroll the Artisans Festival, local community booths, Sonoma Plaza shops, tasting rooms, and family fun in the Kids Zone with a Salami Toss and Tractor Pull races. Savor the season during the most anticipated time of the year. Family-friendly and something for everyone to enjoy.
Artisans Festival
The Artisans Festival brings together local artists, makers, and creators. See unique installations and meet artists from all over the Sonoma Valley. The festival is free and open to the public. Local Artisans who are interested in becoming a vendor are invited to apply by visiting the following link: www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/artisanapplication/
Sonoma Valley Grape Stomp, produced by Grape & Games
Toss off your shoes, roll up your pants, and get ready for Sonoma Valley’s Historic Grape Stomp, a harvest tradition and friendly competition. Register to compete on behalf of your business, with the whole family, with friends, or as an individual to compete. Registration details are to be announced soon.
Historical Reenactment of the Double Wedding
Take part in the time-honored reenactment of the June 1863 double wedding of the Vallejo sisters to the Haraszthy brothers, presented by Sonoma Valley Historian and Performance Actor George Webber.
Water Fights
Water availability is pending because we don’t want to be wasteful. Watch the local fire departments battle for the title of CHAMPION at the Water Fights on the streets of the downtown plaza.
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Evening
Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, presented by Merrill Lynch, the Gonzales Group
Join Sonoma Valley’s Vintners & Growers for an elegant and fun evening of wine tasting under the stars in the historic Sonoma Barracks. The Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting is your opportunity to experience the Sonoma Valley’s incredible diversity of wines and growing regions with an impressive collection from over 40 wineries. Engage with winemakers and winegrowers while you taste current vintages from each of Sonoma Valley’s six appellations. Enjoy locally prepared cuisine from some of the Valley’s most notable chefs and artisans. Ticket information is to be announced soon.
Tickets to the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival individual events go on sale June 1, 2023. Learn more and sign up for event updates by visiting www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance
SVVGA comprises hundreds of member wineries, grape growers, and associate members who work together to promote awareness of the Sonoma Valley and its extraordinary wines and grapes, incomparable climate, and richly diverse terrain and terroir. Its mission is to foster collaboration among Sonoma Valley’s wine industry and protect and preserve its winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage. SVVGA supports its members and wine region through advocacy, marketing, and education. For more information, visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.
About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization committed to activating the generosity of Sonoma Valley vintners and growers to support a thriving local community. The Foundation contributes to a healthy Sonoma Valley through grant-making, scholarships, and charitable programs.
