AUTUMN EVENTS
Harvest is upon us again here in Sonoma County. Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, wineries and local organizations are buzzing with action. Everything just looks a little different. The fall calendar is full of events—some virtual, some in-person. Here is a rundown of the upcoming happenings that have our attention.
Happening today, the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses with its annual Healdsburg Business Awards. This year’s event, titled “A Toast of the Town,” will be virtual, but winners are reflective of a popular vote, just like they have been in years past. Special guests include State Senator (and former Healdsburg mayor) Mike McGuire, as well as actor John O’Hurley, who played J. Peterman on the “Seinfeld” television show. Check it out today from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The Healdsburg Farmers’ Market is in full swing as usual, operating Saturday mornings in the parking lot behind Hotel Healdsburg and Tuesday mornings around the Plaza. This year has seen an uptick in the number of vendors serving food that’s ready to eat; at last check, the Saturday market had ethnic options such as Indian and Mexican, as well as bagels, smoothies, and more.
Windsor’s Bricoleur Vineyards (pictured below) has rolled out a dinner series under the talents of Chef Shane McAnelly, formerly the chef at The Brass Rabbit and Chalkboard in Healdsburg. The next meal, scheduled for this Saturday, September 26, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., will feature a four-course menu comprising produce from the property’s expansive culinary garden. Tables will be distanced appropriately, and meals will be served outside. Every course is paired with a Bricoleur wine.
The best way to experience the 1,200-acre estate at Jordan Winery is on foot, and the winery has resurrected its vineyard hikes program. The next hike, scheduled for Thursday, October 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., starts at the chateau and passes through woods, vineyards, and meadows. The tromp is moderately difficult, and it includes a total of about 300 feet of elevation gain. Along the way participants sample some of Chef Todd Knoll’s delicious morsels paired with Jordan wines.