We usually don’t profile events here on Palate Press, but when three events over three months in Sonoma County keep getting bigger and better, we owe it to our readers to let them know. These events are tried and true and not going anywhere. Your investment of time, money, and travel will be worth it. I guarantee you will taste and experience foods, wines, spirits, music and downright fun like you never imagined. We all hate the expression, but these events are “elevated” and they are proven winners.
Pigs and Pinot March 20-21, 2026
As the name implies, there will be pork, and there will be Pinot Noir. The weekend of incredible wine and creative nibbles, started by Healdsburg’s own celebrity chef, Charlie Palmer (Aureole, Charlie Palmer Steak, Dry Creek Kitchen, and more) is in its 19th year and just keeps getting more-faceted and creative.
Having been hosted at Dry Creek Kitchen until now, 2026 marks the first year of Pigs and Pinot at Charlie’s new resort in Healdsburg, Appellation. It also has a father-son chef twist with Charlie and his son, Reed Palmer, being joined by Wolfgang and Byron Puck, and Emeril and EJ Lagasse. This is chef succession planning at the highest level.
March 20-21 is a weekend of stunning Pinot Noirs that visitors, locals, and professionals alike await every year with anticipation. It’s a local wine festival where we locals party with our friends and meet other guests from around the world. My partner, a hospital pediatrician, loved his first year at Pigs and Pinot. He is working the day in San Francisco, driving to Healdsburg, and will be back at the hospital by 8 am the next day. It is that much fun. There are still tickets so act quickly, You will not regret it.
Dry Creek Valley Passport – April 24-26, 2026
I have been going to Passport for many years but kind of forgot about it the past few years. I live in Dry Creek Valley, known for fantastic Zinfandels, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhone varietals, so I kinda put the event on the back burner. Not anymore! New energy in the Dry Creek Valley Association means an exciting approach to a weekend event long-beloved for its access to vintners and winemakers, as well as the incredible food paired with the wines of Dry Creek Valley that just seem to get better and express more finesse each year.
I guarantee you will be impressed by the camaraderie among wineries, their approach to local produce and farm-to-table chefs, as well as the opportunity to experience an April weekend in this beautiful valley. Two days of exploring new wineries as well as the old favorites, which continue to reinvent the Dry Creek Valley experience.
Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience – May 14 – 17, 2026
This multi-day event is in its fifth year and is only growing in popularity. Star chefs, renowned winemakers and foodies from around the world come together in the charming village of Healdsburg to celebrate the year in culinary and beverage success – yes, there is beer and spirits!
Saturday’s Grand Tasting (12:00–4:00 p.m., with VIP early entry from 11:00
a.m.–12:00 p.m.) is the centerpiece. Featuring bites from nationally recognized chefs including Joe
Sasto, Nadia Caterina Munno “The Pasta Queen”, Viet Pham, Lee Anne Wong, and
Britt Rescigno, while more than 150 local and international wine producers pour
throughout the afternoon.
The Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting will showcase Willer Larreal of Sushi by Scratch
Restaurants; Jeffrey Lunak of Sumo Dog; Mark Stark and Chef David Zimmerman of
Stark Reality Restaurants featuring Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar; Todd Kneiss of Acme
Burger; Kris Austin of A&M BBQ; Dino Moniodis of Dino’s Greek; Carlos J. Mojica of
Guiso Latin Fusion; Jake Rand of Sushi Koko; Ari Weiswasser of Glen Ellen Star, Stella,
and Park Avenue Catering; and Sheana Davis of The Epicurean Connection.