Strong turnout offers an encouraging sign for Petaluma Gap wineries
amid challenging industry conditions
October 21, 2026 (Petaluma, CA) — The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance’s annual Wind to Wine Festival drew its largest crowd yet on Saturday, October 17, welcoming 400 attendees to the Barn at Gambonini Family Ranch. The record turnout was especially encouraging for participating wineries during a difficult year for the wine industry, reflecting strong interest in the region and its award-winning wines.
Guests mingled with favorite wineries, discovered new ones, and talked with the people behind the wines about the vineyards and coastal winds that define the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA). For the Alliance and its winery and grower members, the Festival offered valuable time with longtime supporters and prospective new customers. Guests were able to taste Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and other varieties from twenty-four wineries, while enjoying a delicious array of savory and sweet bites from partners including Appellation Hotels, Della Fattoria, McEvoy Ranch, Paella by Omar Cruz, and Bert’s Desserts. Live music by Karmic Beauty and gentle Petaluma Gap winds rounded out the spirited afternoon.
This year’s Festival also featured the Alliance’s first-ever Wind to Wine auction. Winery members and friends donated collectible wines, wine-focused travel, and wine country experiences, with proceeds supporting the Alliance’s work to promote the region and its growers and wineries. Online bidding allowed people to participate from afar, while festival guests could also bid on items available only at the event.
With its beautifully restored historic hay barn and sweeping ranch views, The Barn at Gambonini Family Ranch was also part of the draw, offering a charming setting rooted in Petaluma’s agricultural history. The Alliance thanks the participating wineries, donors, sponsors, venue hosts, volunteers and all 400 participants who made this its best-attended Wind to Wine Festival yet and hopes it bodes well for the industry as we enter the holiday season!
Participating Wineries
Adobe Road Winery | Anaba Wines | Blue Farm | Brooks Note Winery | Calstar Cellars
Carpenter Wines | Cline Family Cellars | Deodora Estate Vineyard | Gust Wines
Keller Estate | Kendric Vineyards | Lombardi Wines | MacRostie Winery | McEvoy Ranch
Montagne Russe Wines | Panther Ridge | Sangiacomo Family Wines
Schermeister Winery | Schug Winery | Thirty-Seven Wines | Three Sticks | Toje Wines
Trombetta Family Wines | Vaughn Duffy Wines
About the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance
The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area and supporting its winegrowers and wineries. Spanning southern Sonoma County and northern Marin County, the Petaluma Gap is distinguished by the coastal winds that help shape its signature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Learn more at petalumagap.com.
