Stay Healdsburg and Healdsburg wine bars show their love and support by welcoming Anderson Valley producers now through February 6th!
January 9, 2026 (Philo, CA) — Before the International White Wine Festival heads north to Anderson Valley, the celebration begins where Northern California wine culture converges: Healdsburg.
This January and February, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA), in partnership with Stay Healdsburg, invites wine lovers and media to three exclusive International White Wine Festival Preview Events hosted at beloved Healdsburg venues. The series offers an early taste of the energy, wines, and winemakers that define Anderson Valley’s white wine scene — all just weeks before the Grand Tasting on February 14.
Healdsburg serves as the gateway to Northern California wine country, seamlessly connecting Sonoma and Anderson Valley. Guests often stay in Healdsburg, and visit Anderson Valley, and those who live in Healdsburg tell us that they love to escape their local crowds and visit us. It’s also home to many Anderson Valley producers, making it the perfect place to raise a glass and kick off festival season.
FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENTS IN HEALDSBURG
January 18 — Meet the Makers: A White Wine Festival Preview & Flight
📍Little Saint – January 18 | 5–7 PM
An intimate, high-energy preview with Anderson Valley winemakers pouring side-by-side in one of Healdsburg’s most eclectic vegan dining, cocktails, coffee, wine, art, and music spaces. Taste Husch’s Dry Gewürztraminer, Smith Story’s Chenin Blanc, and a rare appearance by Michael Frey of DIRT Wine, sharing his Sauvignon Blanc crafted from vineyards verified by the Savory Institute’s Land to Market regenerative seal—the first wines in the world to carry the designation. Guests dining at Little Saint who purchase the flight will also receive a special pour of Husch Late Harvest Gewürztraminer. Director of Events & Marketing is Sara Beckstead sara@littlesainthealdsburg.com.
February 1 — White Wine Festival Preview Flight & Winemaker Reception
📍Maison Healdsburg – February 1 | 12–2:30 PM
A refined yet relaxed tasting flight spotlighting five cool-climate whites, poured by the winemakers themselves from Baxter, Brick & Mortar, Lichen Estate, Ottavino, and Read Holland. A polished afternoon of discovery, conversation, and early festival energy—followed by a private masterclass at The Friend at 3:30 PM for those wine collectors looking to go deeper and buy wine for their cellar. MAISON Healdsburg owner is Jade Hufford jade@maisonwinebar.com.
February 6 — Sparkling Wine Festival Preview at the Bubble Bar
📍Healdsburg Bubble Bar – February 6 | 4–7 PM
Anderson Valley bubbly takes center stage. Meet Kristen McMahan, winemaker at Goldeneye Winery, pouring her rarely tasted estate Sparkling Brut. Expect crisp bubbles, light bites, and the lively Friday-night energy that makes the Bubble Bar the perfect place to toast the International White Wine Festival. Bubble Bar owner is Sarah Quider info@healdsburgbubblebar.com.
A Perfect Prelude to February 14
“These Healdsburg previews set the tone for what makes the International White Wine Festival so special: connection, discovery, and an undeniable love around white wine & sparkling,” said Courtney DeGraff, Executive Director of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association. “Healdsburg is where many of our winemakers live, work, and gather. Kicking things off here feels natural and celebratory, connecting with those who are less familiar with our region.”
The preview events lead directly into the 16th annual International White Wine Festival Grand Tasting, held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, followed by Open House Sunday throughout Anderson Valley wineries.
About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
Founded in 1983, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) represents 24 vineyard members, 68 winery members, and 58 associate members dedicated to promoting and protecting the Anderson Valley appellation through marketing, education, and community initiatives. Learn more at www.avwines.com.
