[Sonoma, CA] – [June 7, 2023] – The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, a non-profit trade organization representing wineries and grape growers in the Sonoma Valley, is thrilled to share event updates and on-sale tickets with early access pricing for the 126th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival on Friday, September 29 – Saturday, September 30, 2023. The 2023 Vintage Festival features two days of community-wide events highlighting the winemaking legacy, agricultural heritage, and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley through food, wine, and fellowship. Since 1897, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival has brought the community together to celebrate the annual grape harvest season in Sonoma Valley.
“The Vintage Festival is a beautiful blend of the past and present, showcasing cherished traditions passed down through generations,” said Taylor Serres, SVVGA Executive Board Member and 5th generation farmer in Sonoma Valley. “It’s more than just a lively weekend event. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy all that Sonoma Valley offers, from expertly curated wine tastings to experiencing our impressive local food, arts, and music scene. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”
Tickets are on sale now for the Legends Dinner (9/29/23) and Grand Tasting (9/30/23). Early access ticket pricing ($95) to the Grand Tasting is now available through June 30, 2023. General admission tickets to the Grand Tasting will increase beginning July 1, 2023. Tickets are available at www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
The 2023 Vintage Festival weekend features a variety of events for all ages, including:
LEGENDS DINNER (Friday, September 29) – The 2023 Vintage Festival begins with the Sonoma Valley Legends Dinner and an unforgettable evening at B.R. Cohn Winery, bringing together the winemaking and growing legends of the Sonoma Valley. Winemakers and vineyard owners will pour wines from their personal collections at the table with a dinner menu crafted by Glen Ellen Star’s Executive Chef Ari Weiswasser to complement the evening’s extraordinary and historic wines. The evening will also include a live auction with items and experiences curated by the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation. Auction proceeds will benefit the Future Farmers of America Sonoma Valley Chapter, Sonoma Valley High School college scholarships, and local nonprofit organizations. The Sonoma Valley Legends Dinner is presented by Merrill Lynch, the Gonzales Group.
DAYTIME FESTIVAL (Saturday, September 30) – The lively daytime festival begins on the Historic Sonoma Plaza with a 5k Race & Fun Run, where runners of all levels, families, and those who want to enjoy a stroll are welcome. Sonoma Plaza festivities will begin with the time-honored traditions of blessing the grapes, a historical reenactment of the double wedding, and the Grape Stomp. Throughout the day, sip local wine and beer by the glass while strolling the Artisans Festival and local community booths. Enjoy live music, a BBQ, a kid’s zone with fun activities, story times, games, and Tractor Pull races, and watch the local fire departments battle at the Water Fights (pending water availability). The daytime festival is family-friendly and open to the public. The 5k Race & Fun Run is presented by Sonoma Raceway and Sonoma Cryo in partnership with MotivSports. Registration for the Grape Stomp and 5K Race & Fun Run opens June 26, 2023.
GRAND TASTING (Saturday, September 30) – The 2023 Vintage Festival weekend concludes with the marquee of events, the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, during an evening under the stars at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Featuring an incredible variety of wines from the winemakers and six growing appellations that make Sonoma Valley so special. Guests will enjoy culinary delights prepared by the Valley’s most talented chefs and restaurateurs while dancing to live music and celebrating the final night of the Vintage Festival weekend with the local community. This unique experience offers the best of Sonoma Valley wine and food in a truly special setting.
Tickets and Registration
Tickets for the Legends Dinner and Grand Tasting are on sale now. Early access ticket pricing ($95) for the Grand Tasting is available through June 30, 2023. Tickets are available at www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
Registration for the 5k Race & Fun Run and the Grape Stomp opens on June 26, 2023.
Sonoma Valley local Artisans are invited to complete a vendor application by visiting www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/artisanapplication/.
Proceeds from the 2023 Vintage Festival go towards the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation’s charities, grants, and scholarships in the Sonoma Valley. The 2023 Vintage Festival is supported by local partners and sponsors: City of Sonoma, Commerce7, DeMartini Electric, Eurostampa California, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Grapes & Games, Merrill Lynch the Gonzales Group, MotivSports, Native Sons of the Golden West, Sonoma Brands Capital, Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, Sonoma Cryo, Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma Valley Fire Department, Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, TricorBraun WinePak, Vintage Wine Estates.
About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA, Sonoma Valley Wine) is a non-profit trade organization serving hundreds of vintners, growers, and associate members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry and to preserve the winemaking legacy and agricultural heritage of Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Valley’s wine region comprises six American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley Central Corridor. SVVGA 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. It supports youth and children for future success, environmental preservation, and improving the health and welfare of our local communities. Since 2010 SVVGF has donated more than $800,000 in scholarships to Sonoma Valley students and their pursuit of education in agriculture. For more information about the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com. For information about the Vintage Festival, please visit www.ValelyoftheMoonVintageFestival.org.
