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Sonoma Events in September 2023: Festivals, Wine Tasting Parties, and More
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: September 5, 2023
Sonoma events in September 2023 include the Rodney Strong Summer Concert Series, the Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival, and the Valley of the Moon Vintage Fest. Other top activities include wine tasting parties at local wineries, a few fun nightlife options, and other large festivals this month.
My calendar includes things to do in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, and other locations in Sonoma County. Read on for a full schedule of events this month.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Sonoma County Art Trails
Dates: 9/30, 10/1, 10/7 & 10/8
Sonoma County Art Trails is a way to learn about and support local artists. For four days in October, you will get the chance to step inside their studios, learn about how their create their art, and ask the artists questions. If you love some of their work, you can even pick up a piece or two for your own home.
Studios will be open from 10 am to 5 pm all four days. You can pick up a map at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts.
Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival
Date: 9/9
Times: 1 - 5 pm
Sample hand-crafted beers from more than 20 local brewers at this annual beer tasting event. It's one of my favorite sudsy Sonoma events in September where you can support local producers in historic downtown Petaluma.
The event is along the river and also includes food and entertainment.
They start pouring beer at 1 pm and will close at 5 pm.
Wine Tasting Parties in September 2023
You will find plenty of wine tasting parties on this calendar of Sonoma events in September. You will get the chance to taste exclusive library wines, eat paella, and celebrate harvest. Other fun events include picking parties, hikes in the vineyard, and lobster boils.
Alexander Valley Vineyards (9/16): Let's Crush It 2023, from 9 am to 2 pm, pick grapes, grape stomping tournament, live music, lunch paired with wines
Buena Vista Winery (8/31 - 9/4): The Count's Birthday
Buena Vista Winery (9/24): Annual Harvest Brunch
Cline Cellars (9/10): 1st Annual Chili Challenge from 2 to 4:30 pm
Dry Creek Vineyard (9/30): Endeavour Release Party from 12 pm to 4 pm, seasonal bites paired with the 2020 vintage Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon
Emeritus Vineyards (9/4 - 9/6): Harvest Camp, learn how to harvest and make wine and enjoy them at the same time
Gary Farrell Winery (9/24 & 9/28): Harvest Seminar from 11 am. Limited to 12 guests.
Gloria Ferrer (9/10): Harvest Brunch, from 11 am to 1 pm, enjoy wine paired with food led by winery staff Harry Hansen and Brad Kurtz
Hawkes Wine (9/23): Annual Pyramid Dinner with great food and wine
J. Rickards Winery (9/9 & 9/16): Harvest Hands Events from 8 am to 1 pm, light breakfast with mimosas and then learn to pick fruit in the vineyard
Jordan Winery (9/1 - 9/2): Picnic Weekend at Jordan, enjoy wines, food, and more as you have a fun picnic on the grounds
Landmark Vineyards (9/23 - 9/24): Pinot & Paella Harvest Lunch at Hop Kiln Estate
Meadowcroft Wines (9/1): Meadowcroft Summer BBQ Party from 4 to 7 pm
Medlock Ames (9/24): Backyard Nights: Live Music & Food Truck, from 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy wine, food and live music on their grounds
Trione Vineyards & Winery (9/29): Winemaker Friday, meet winemaker John Duckett, tour the cellar and learn about wine as you enjoy them
Viansa (9/21): Viansa di Notte, from 6 pm to 8 pm, live music, light bites and wine
Book Your Hotel in Sonoma County
Make sure to check out the deals available this month in Sonoma before you book your room. Options include discounts on your hotel room rate or free amenities such as breakfast or parking. By clicking on the links below, you can also read recent guest reviews to get a great feel for what it's like to stay at each hotel in Sonoma.
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.
Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival
Dates: No event scheduled for 2023
Another one of the most anticipated Sonoma events in September is the two-day Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival. The event features dozens of performers along the banks of the Russian River.
Make sure to bring along blankets and low back chairs for seating. High back chairs and umbrellas are allowed but need to be set up in an area that doesn't block other attendees.
Healdsburg Arts Festival
Dates: 9/28, Plaza Park
Spend the weekend in the Healdsburg Plaza for the annual Healdsburg Arts Festival. This event features fine art and crafts from no more than 55 artists. They limit the number of artists in order to provide the best experience and products possible. Other highlights for this festival include art demonstrations, interactive experiences, live music, food, and, of course, wine.
The event takes place on Saturday and runs from 10 am to 7 pm.
More Fun Things to Do in Sonoma
In addition to all of these great Sonoma events in September, you will also find several fun things to do all around this gorgeous wine region every day. These are just a few of my favorites.
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
Sonoma County Wine Auction
Dates: 9/14 - 9/16
The annual Sonoma County Wine Auction offers you a chance to sample tasty local wines as you help raise money for the community. This event features a Preview Party, Vintner Dinners, and a large auction. This year's events are held at the gorgeous La Crema Estate at Saralee's Vineyard. Pick up your tickets early.
>> Find tickets on their website
Petaluma Antique Faire
Date: 9/25
Antique collectors and lovers will once again enjoy the selection at this year's Antique Faire. Petaluma has a lot of the top Sonoma events in September, and this is another great one. Head downtown to admire antiques from more than 200 dealers. You never know what you might find!
The event runs from 8am to 4pm and is free for all to attend.
Sonoma Events in September: Live Music & Nightlife
The two best places in Sonoma to see larger name bands on stage are in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park. Click the links below for ticketing details for each show.
Santa Rosa
Rohnert Park
Tasting Deals in Sonoma
If you miss these Sonoma events in September, but still plan to do some tasting during your stay, make sure to check out these great deals. They give you a chance to do even more tasting without breaking the bank.
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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