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Sonoma Events in April 2023: Wine Tasting, Festivals, and More
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: April 6, 2023
Sonoma events in April 2023 include the Alexander Valley Film Fest, Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival, and Passport to Dry Creek Valley. You will also find plenty of wine tasting events at local wineries and a few other fun things to do this month.
Read on for details on the best activities in Sonoma this April.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Alexander Valley Film Festival
Dates: 4/29 - 5/7
One of the top Sonoma events in April for movie lovers is the Alexander Valley Film Festival. It features both locally produced and independent shows from up-and-coming directors. It will include both domestic and international documentaries and short films.
Shows will be at locations around Sonoma County.
>> Visit their site for this year's schedule of films
Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival
Dates: 4/22 - 4/23
The annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival lasts all weekend long, hosting live music, dozens of arts and crafts vendors, and kids activities, as well as wine and beer booths featuring some of Sonoma County's best.
As it is a fish fest, you bet there will be good, fresh seafood to try, too, including barbecued oysters, fish and chips, clam chowder, and more.
The festival celebrates the opening of salmon season with the Blessing of the Fleet and a wooden boat race. Proceeds benefit 22 local non-profit organizations.
Garagiste Festival Northern Exposure
Date: 4/29
The Garagiste Festival in Northern California is right here in Sonoma County! This event celebrates 40 wines from lesser known wineries producing a small number, but highly tasty wines.
The festival is held at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall from 11:30 am until 5 pm, depending on type of ticket purchased.
Napa Valley Wine Library Annual Tasting
Date: 4/30
Taste wines from more than 50 of the valley's world-class wineries. This grand tasting event happens once per year with the aim of preserving the region's rich history of winemaking.
At this event, you'll be sure to come across varieties and vintages that you've never tasted before, in the beautiful outdoors setting of the Grove at Silverado.
Sonoma County Wine Events in April 2023
Every weekend, you will find a variety of fun wine tasting events at wineries all around Sonoma County. They include wine tasting, food pairing and even hikes around the vineyards.
These are smaller Sonoma events in April, yet very popular and are open to the public. You will also usually receive discounted ticket prices to the event if you are a member of the winery.
BR Cohn: Easter Brunch (4/9) from 11 am to 1 pm, live music, Easter egg hunts for all ages, wines, and a boxed lunch
Bartholomew Estate: Hike & Lunch (4/23)
Buena Vista Winery: Spring Cleaning Sale (4/1 & 4/2)
Buena Vista Winery: Earth Day Flight at Buena Vista (4/15 - 4/23)
Buena Vista Winery: Chocolate Education (4/23)
Cline Cellars: Easter Sunrise Service (4/9)
DeLoach Vineyards: Spring Cleaning Sale (4/1 & 4/2)
DeLoach Vineyards: Earth Day Celebration Flight (4/17 - 4/23)
Emeritus Vineyards: End of Frost Party (4/29)
Gloria Ferrer: Winemaker's Lunch (4/15) from Noon to 2 pm
J. Rickards Winery: April Tax Relief Celebration (4/15) from 11 am to 4 pm
Jaccuzzi Wines: Olive Oil 101, What is EVOO Really? (4/2) from 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Jordan Winery: Earth Week Nature Walk (4/21, 4/22 & 4/23)
Kendall-Jackson: Garden Party (4/2)
St. Francis Winery (4/21): "Il Fratello" Wine Release Dinner
Taft: Rose All Day Sip & Paint with ArtXcursion (4/16) from 12 pm to 3 pm
Trione Vineyards & Winery: Food & Wine Dinner (4/15) from 6 pm to 9 pm
Viansa: Easter Celebration (4/9), food and wine available for purchase
Viansa: Earth Day Yoga, Wetlands, Walk & Lunch (4/22)
IPA 10K and Beer Mile Invitational
Date: 4/15
A 10k run (6.2 miles) and a beer festival? What could be a better way to celebrate Sonoma County's amazing craft brews? This event includes to types of races. The 10K runners will enjoy a brew before they set off on their scenic 10k run. After the run, they can enjoy additional beer at the festival.
The Beer Mile "race" is based on running (sort of) and drinking (definitely) as the race begins with each contestant drinking a beer, running a 1/4 mile lap, and then repeating this action 3 more times until the "winner" is announced. If you aren't running, being a spectator is also fun as you watch people stumble across the finishing line.
This is one of the Sonoma events in April that also offers a one day expo, the day before the race, at The Barlow in Sebastopol.
Occidental Fool's Day Parade
Date: Saturday, April 1
Head over to the Occidental Center for the Arts for the annual Occidental Fool's Day Parade. The laughs, and silliness, go on through the day as Zero the Clown presides over the parade and the king and queen are crowned along with Lunapillar rides!
This is one of the Sonoma events in April that also has a BBQ and other fun events throughout the festival. The proceeds go to benefit their art center, so it's a fun way to show your support. This event is located at the Occidental Community Center. Activities run from 1pm to 3pm.
April Event Calendar for Santa Rosa
Click the links below for tickets to these Sonoma events in April 2022.
Battle of the Brews
Date: 4/1
Battle of the Brews is a one day event featuring 50 different food and beer vendors. All of them are trying to get your vote to win the People's Choice award. Sample and vote for your favorites. It's sponsored by the 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa and proceeds to help the needy and disadvantaged kids in Sonoma County.
The event is located at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Tickets are available at varying locations, online and in person, and the event starts at 1 pm, so don't be late!
Hotel Deals in Sonoma
Are you planning to stay for a night or two to enjoy some of these Sonoma events in April? If so, make sure to check out the great deals on hotels all around Sonoma County.
Booking.com: Save on your Hotel in Sonoma with Booking.com, Planet Earth's #1 Accommodation Site. No booking fees ever!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in Sonoma County? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: You can also find some great places to stay on VRBO. They offer apartments, houses, cottages, and rooms for rent all around Sonoma County. Find some great places to stay here.
Earth Day Festival
Date: 4/22
The free Earthy Day Festival starts at noon and continues until 4 pm at the Santa Rosa City Hall. The festival is centered around conservation, community and protecting the Earth. Events include food, live events that focus on local and earth friendly products. There are also talks to help explain how you can also help create a healthier environment both at home and around the world.
Before the festival, make sure to help the environment with a group cleanup of Santa Rosa creek. You can help clean up the river, while saving native plants and doing some trail maintenance.
Apple Blossom Festival
Dates: 4/29 & 4/30
The two-day Apple Blossom Festival includes music, dancing, and a lot of fun. The event kicks off on Saturday with a parade at 10am on Main Street in the lovely town of Sebastopol. The parade includes marching bands, floats, horses, and many other participants.
In addition, there is also an art show and a special section for kids that include an animal farm for them to play in and explore. This area also has rides for the kids, a train station and games for them to enjoy. Tickets are available at the festival.
This is one of the Sonoma events in April where there are different prices depending on age or if you purchase for one or two days. Kids under 10 are free.
Wine Tasting Deals
After you enjoy these Sonoma events in April, make sure to visit some of our local wineries to sample our amazing wines. Here are just a few of the places that you can pick up discounts on Groupon before your tasting.
Battaglini Winery & Vineyard: $5 Buys You a Coupon for $5 Off a Wine Tasting for Two Plus 20% Off a Bottle of Wine, near Santa Rosa, check for availability
Harvest Moon Estate And Winery: Save on their wine and cheese tasting plates for one, two or four people, near Santa Rosa, check for availability
*Note: Most deals last for 120 days after purchase, so make sure to check the exact terms before purchasing.
Passport to Dry Creek
Date: 4/29 - 4/30
Passport to Dry Creek is the premier wine tasting event in the Dry Creek Valley wine region every year. It's a chance to sample some of the best local wines paired with gourmet goodies from top local chefs. More than 45 wineries in the district participate every year.
For two days, you will go from winery to winery to sample wine, enjoy tasty goodies, listen to live music and participate in other fun activities. It's a great way to get to know the wines of this region as well as meet some of the winemakers and other Dry Creek Valley wine lovers along the way.
This is my favorite Sonoma events in April and one you will not want to miss! It runs from 11 am to 4 pm all three days.
Butter & Egg Days
Date: 4/29
Just an hour north of San Francisco is the charming town of Petaluma. Back in the day, Petaluma was primarily known as a farming community, and therefore the Butter & Egg Day celebration to honor its heritage. This special celebration opens at 10 am and the parade starts at noon.
This is not one of your average festivals as it incorporates a lot of the old Petaluma day heritage including events such as Cow Chip throwing contest (if you don't know what that is, it is best to look it up before competing) and the Cutest Chick contest.
As with many festivals, it does include food and beverages, art and craft vendors and kids' activities. If you want to support the locals, and enjoy a delicious breakfast, the Lions Club puts on one from 8 to 11 am on Main Street across from Putnam Plaza.
If you decide to spend the night, and extend your trip, there is also the Spring Antique Faire on Sunday. Both events are free to attend.
Spring Antique Faire
Date: 4/30
The day after the Petaluma Butter and Egg Days the city holds their annual Spring Antique Faire. Stroll the gorgeous streets of Petaluma as you admire their antiques including jewelry, furniture, art, books and so many other items.
It's one of the larger Sonoma events in April with around 8,000 people in attendance each year. Make sure to arrive early to find the best items.
If you get want to grab a bit of breakfast before you start searching for your little bit of history, the Mason's prepare a wonderful breakfast, for $8, that starts at 8 am and continues until 4 pm. This breakfast costs 8 dollars but the Spring Antique Faire is always free.
Other Fun Things to Do in Sonoma
In addition to these Sonoma events in April, you will find a variety of other fun things to do from sunrise hot air balloon rides to cycling tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Sonoma this month.
Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour: Ride through Sonoma Wine Country on this 4.5 hour tour, starts in Santa Rosa and takes you to visit two to three wineries, entire trip is about 16-miles (25.7 km), route is mostly flat, check for availability
Food & Wine Walking Tour: Walking and food tour of Sonoma which stops at several gourmet spots for tastings, check for availability
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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