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Sonoma Events in March 2023: Festivals, Wine Tasting & More
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: March 2, 2023
Sonoma events in March offer you the chance to sample a variety of wines from top producers. Top events include their Annual Barrel Tasting and several events right at the wineries.
Other top things to do include their International Film Festival and the California Cheese Artisan Festival. I've also included some other fun activities as well as tips on where to find some great hotel deals.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Sonoma International Film Festival
Dates: 3/22 - 3/26
Known as one top 10 film festivals in the world, the Sonoma International Film Festival returns this March. Running for more than 20 years and featuring more than 90 different independent movies the Sonoma International Film Festival is a must attend during your stay. All shows are at venues around downtown Sonoma.
Schedule in advance as tickets often sell out and there are different prices depending on how many movies, and how many events, you want to visit and you don't want to miss out.
>> Visit their site for this year's schedule of films
Hotels in Sonoma
If you plan to spend a night or two in Sonoma, make sure to check out the great hotels deals available. You can find discounts on your room rate, free breakfast and more. Click the links below for details.
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.
St. Patrick's Day 5k
Date: 3/12
This 5k footrace in charming Santa Rosa is a fun annual community event benefitting the local Parks & Rec scholarship fund, which provides summer camp experiences and swimming lessons for local children.
The race is chip-timed and open to all ages and abilities. Participants receive a finisher's medal. Join in on the post-run fun with music, giveaways, a costume contest, and more!
The cost to register is $65 for adults and $40 for youth 17 and under, with a $5 discount for early registration before 2/25.
Pigs & Pinot
Dates: 3/17 - 3/18
This weekend-long event celebrates perfect pairings of pork with the popular Pinot Noir varietal that the region is known for. The pork is sourced from sustainable ranches, and it will star in the Tournament of the Pig seminar, an Iron Chef-style competition that you'll get to see up close.
Between Friday and Saturday, there will be several small events, culminating with a gala dinner. All of them will be hosted by Chef Charlie Palmer, along with other international celebrity chefs and Master Sommeliers, at the Hotel Healdsburg, just steps away from the beautiful historic downtown plaza.
>> Find more details on the event website
California Artisan Cheese Festival
Dates: 3/24 - 3/26
This weekend long event offers a variety of activities for cheese lovers. You can head out on one of the Farmer and Producer Tours where you learn more about the cheese making process. Enjoy one of the seminars or pairing demos or spend Saturday night sampling some of the best at Cheese, Bites and Booze.
Sunday is also full of activities including two Bubbles & Brunch events. The most popular part of the festival is the Sunday afternoon Tasting & Marketplace at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
>> Visit their site for tickets and more information
Beer City Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
Date: 3/4
This is one of the more unique half marathons you'll find, offering a beautiful course along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail, and ending with a taste of local beers and kombucha, paired with delicious cheese!
In addition, the post-race festivities will include food trucks, music, and more.
There are 10k and 5k options for those looking to participate in a shorter route, with the start times for each race staggered by half-hour intervals.
All finishers receive a T-shirt and medal, and the half marathon finishers receive a Beer City tasting glass.
Local Roots Makers Market
Date: 3/6
For those who love handcrafted goods with a personal touch, this market has just what you're looking for. There's nothing like finding that perfect gift or accessory for your home, and purchasing it directly from the artist who created it!
At this all-day Saturday event at the Old Courthouse Square in downtown Santa Rosa, you'll have the chance to browse through booths from over 50 local makers, enjoy good food and drinks, live entertainment, kids' activities, and more.
North Bay Science Discovery Day
Date: 3/11
One of the best Sonoma events in October for kids is the North Bay Science Discover Day. The event features more than 150 hands-on exhibits and it's a chance for your kids to meet local engineers and scientists.
The event is at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.
It runs from 10 am to 4 pm and the event is free for everyone.
Annual Barrel Tasting
Dates: 3/3 - 3/5
One of the biggest Sonoma events in March is the Annual Barrel Tasting Event. It runs two days in March and offers you the chance to sample a variety of wines including those still maturing in the barrels.
This event is all about the wine (not about food pairing). You will get the chance to not only sample the wines, but also to buy futures. It runs from 11 am to 4 pm all three days.
>> Visit their site for details and ticketing information
Sonoma County Wine Events in March 2023
Amphora Winery: Futures Barrel Tasting & Sale (3/3 - 3/5 & 3/10 - 3/12) from 11 am to 3 pm
Buena Vista Winery: Anniversary Dance Party at the Chateau (3/10)
Dutton Goldfield: 25th Anniversary Limited Library Tasting Weekend (3/4 & 3/5)
Medlock Ames: Blending Seminar with Ames & Abby (3/18) from 2 pm to 4pm
Papapietro Perry: Sips & Slices (3/16)
Viansa: Puppies and Pinot (3/12)
Viansa: Essential Wellness Project with Jen Bakane (3/19)
Events in Santa Rosa in March
You will find a variety of fun events in Santa Rosa this March. These are some of my top picks.
Sonoma Wine Tasting Deals
In addition to all of these fun Sonoma events in March, you will also find some great wine tasting deals all around the county. Here are just a few of the top deals currently offers.
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.
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