Reimagined event expands in its second year with vineyard excursions, winemaker-led experiences, farm-to-table offerings, and activities for wine lovers and non-drinkers alike
June 16, 2026 (Healdsburg, CA) — Following a successful inaugural year, Alexander Valley Winegrowers (AVW) is expanding Alexander Valley Wine Week for 2026, inviting visitors to experience the region beyond the tasting room through a week of exclusive vineyard excursions, harvest celebrations, educational experiences, and behind-the-scenes access available only during Wine Week.
Taking place September 21–27, Alexander Valley Wine Week evolved from the organization’s longtime Taste Alexander Valley event. The reimagined format allows guests to spend an entire week exploring the vineyards, wineries, farms, and family properties that define one of California’s most celebrated winegrowing regions.
Building on the enthusiasm generated in 2025, this year’s event features new experiences, additional participating wineries, and expanded opportunities for visitors to connect directly with the growers, winemakers, and families who steward Alexander Valley’s agricultural landscape.
“For many people, wine country begins and ends in a tasting room,” said Jessie Vallery, Executive Director of Alexander Valley Winegrowers. “Wine Week was created to offer something much deeper. We invite guests into the vineyards during harvest, into our caves and cellars, onto our ranches and properties, and into conversations with the people who farm this land. For one week, visitors get to experience Alexander Valley the way locals do.”
Throughout the week, participating wineries will host intimate experiences designed to showcase both the wines and the agricultural heritage of the region. Guests can ride through historic vineyards on tractor tours, hike among the vines, explore underground wine caves, blend wines alongside winemakers, participate in grape stomps, enjoy vineyard picnics, and experience harvest firsthand.
This year’s Wine Week features experiences hosted by Trione Vineyards and Winery, Robert Young Estate Winery, Bedarra Vineyards, Silver Oak, J. Rickards Winery, Lampson Family Wines, La Cienega Vineyard, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Mercury Wine Geyserville, and Stuhlmuller Vineyards. Each winery has crafted a unique offering that reflects its connection to the land, allowing guests to experience Alexander Valley through the people who farm it, steward it, and call it home.
Featured experiences include a vineyard tractor tour and picnic lunch with fifth-generation grower Robert Young II at Robert Young Estate Winery; an immersive cave tour and tasting at Alexander Valley Vineyards; hands-on blending and bottling experiences at J. Rickards Winery; Silver Oak’s guided vineyard and winery tours; harvest celebrations and grape stomps at Trione Vineyards & Winery; vineyard hikes and artisan picnics at Stuhlmuller Vineyards; and a competitive wine blending challenge at Mercury Wine.
While Alexander Valley is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other premium wines, organizers have intentionally expanded the event’s appeal beyond traditional wine tourism.
“At its core, this event is about the land and the people who care for it,” said Vallery. “You don’t have to be a wine drinker to enjoy Alexander Valley. Many participating wineries are offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options, including estate-grown grape juice, shrubs, and other seasonal beverages, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience together.”
The event reflects the organization’s longstanding message: We Are Farmers. From multi-generational vineyard families to boutique winery owners, the people hosting Wine Week are actively farming, growing, and producing in Alexander Valley year-round. Wine Week offers a rare opportunity to experience that agricultural lifestyle firsthand.
During Wine Week, guests are invited beyond the tasting room to discover the stories, landscapes, and people that make the valley one of Sonoma County’s most treasured destinations. Many experiences have limited capacity and advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.alexandervalley.org.
About Alexander Valley Winegrowers
Founded in 1984, Alexander Valley Winegrowers is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the vineyards, wineries, growers, and agricultural heritage of Alexander Valley. Through education, advocacy, partnerships, and consumer outreach, the organization works to preserve and elevate one of California’s premier winegrowing regions.
