Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival returns this September, and tickets are on sale now for the weekend lineup of events.
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation, a nonprofit trade organization representing wineries and grape growers in the Sonoma Valley, took over the historic event last year and is excited to level-up this year’s festivities.
The 126th Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival will be held Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30, and feature communitywide events highlighting the winemaking legacy, agricultural heritage and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley through food, wine and fellowship.
Since 1897, 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 fifth-generation farmer in Sonoma Valley, in a new release. “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 and Grand Tasting. Early access ticket pricing ($95) to the Grand Tasting is now available through June 30. General admission tickets to the Grand Tasting will increase in price beginning July 1. Tickets are available at www.valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
The 2023 Vintage Festival weekend features a variety of events for all ages, including the following.
Legends Dinner, Friday, Sept. 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 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 Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation. Auction proceeds will benefit 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, Sept. 30
The lively daytime festival begins on 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 re-enactment 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 barbecue, 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.
Grand Tasting, Saturday, Sept. 30
The weekend concludes with the marquee of events, the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting, during an evening under the stars at the historic Sonoma Barracks. It will feature 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.
Financial support
Proceeds from the 2023 vintage festival go toward the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation’s charities, grants and scholarships in Sonoma Valley.
The 2023 Vintage Festival is supported by these 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 and Vintage Wine Estates.
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. Tickets are available at valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org.
Registration for the 5K Race & Fun Run and the Grape Stomp opens on June 26.
Sonoma Valley local Artisans are invited to complete a vendor application by visiting the website.
Contact information
Grape Stomp and Artisans Festival inquiries: [email protected] Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected] Media inquiries: [email protected]