Sonoma County Harvest Fair to Feature 150 Wineries, Grape Stomping Competition, More

By Sonoma County Fair

Santa Rosa, Calif – September 6, 2013 – The annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair celebrates the bounty of our grand harvest, which results in world-class wines, award winning beer and our culinary wealth. With Sonoma County’s lifestyle of farm to table, the Harvest Fair perfectly highlights our season of growing and the delectable outcomes inspired by our hard working ranchers and farmers.

The epicenter of the Harvest Fair is the Grand Tasting Pavilion featuring over 150 Sonoma County wineries, innovative cuisine from this year’s Professional Food Competition and delicious locally made craft beers and ciders. Expanded categories in the culinary competition have enticed some of Sonoma County’s most famed restaurants to participate this year, such as John Ash & Co. and the Dry Creek Kitchen. On October 4, 5 & 6, guests will be able to enjoy what was previously known as the Grand Tasting for all three days. This new, all-inclusive tasting offers guests a chance to savor award winning food paired with some of the area’s best wines, beers and ciders each day.

The all-inclusive tastings will take place Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, offering a full Sonoma County food and beverage experience. The Tasting Pavilion is open to adults 21 and over only and requires a ticket for entry. Tasting Pavilion tickets are all-inclusive and available now for $50 each. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased in advance for two for $90. The pre-sale savings is good through October 3, 2013. Tickets can also be purchased online, at the Box Office located at 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa or at the door the day of.

As an added bonus, gate admission to the Fair is free. Those of you looking to take home Sonoma County’s finest wines and epicurean bounty will be delighted by the many free attractions this year, including the Wine Country Marketplace. The Hall of Flowers building will be transformed into the premier “Go Local” shopping experience under one roof. Peruse local artisan vendors and farmer’s market, sit in on a chef demonstration, learn about backyard farming, take a wine seminar or learn to make beer and cider. There is something for everyone in the Wine Country Marketplace.

Shoppers can stock up on gold medal wines from the professional competition, purchase local beers and ciders, as well as special vintages that may not be readily available from the local grocer. You will also find a host of artisan vendors with unique wares including jewelry, clothing, lavender soap and olive oil.

Also free to guests is the World Championship Grape Stomp. Come cheer on your favorite costumed team as they compete to stomp out the most juice to fill their jug and win $1500. Qualifying stomps are held each hour between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday. The Championship Finals will be held on Sunday at 4:00 pm.

For those interested in enhancing your wine tasting experience, daily Free Wine Seminars will be hosted by local experts who will discuss "Everything you wanted to know about wine tasting but were afraid to ask" in short-course seminars. Seminars are free to adults 21 and over, and are conducted two times daily on Saturday and Sunday in the Marketplace. 

Interested in making your own beer or cider, curing olives or planting a back-yard vineyard? Then you won’t want to miss one of our Free Harvest Workshops, where you can learn a few tricks of the trade. These mini workshops are designed to teach you the basics on harvesting at home. Please visit the website for more information on topics and schedules at harvestfair.org. 

Free Chef Demonstrations are scheduled in the Marketplace each day so that you can get the most from your Harvest Fair experience. Join local celebrity chefs as they share culinary techniques that can take your meals from great to unforgettable!  Mark your calendar for Justin Wangler and Eric Frishkom of Kendall Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens on Friday, October 4th at 4:30 pm. Dustin Valette of the Dry Creek Kitchen at 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 5th and Michael Kennedy of diVine Pizza at 3:30 pm. On Sunday you can catch Executive Chef, Thomas Schmidt from John Ash Restaurant at 12:30 pm and Michael Kennedy of diVine Pizza at 3:30 pm. 

Also on Sunday, join Brent Farris from KZST Radio as he hosts The World Wrapped Cooking Competition, sponsored by La Tortilla Factory and Clover Stornetta Farms. This new competition challenges creative chefs to a tortilla throw down. Similar to the Food Network show Chopped, contestants will be provided a mystery basket from Oliver’s Market of fresh, local ingredients and a time limit of one hour to create a delicious recipe using La Tortilla wraps and Clover Stornetta cheese. A live audience is encouraged to root for their favorite team along with a panel of celebrity judges who will be on-hand to taste and critique the creations. Don’t miss this all-inclusive weekend of fun!

The Sonoma County Harvest Fair hours are Friday, October 4th from 4 to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday October 5-6from Noon to 5 pm. Gate Admission is free. The all-inclusive Tasting Pavilion tickets are $50 each or two for $90 through October 3rd. Tickets are available for purchase online at harvestfair.org or at the Box Office, which is located at 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa or at the door the day of the event.