Winegrapes Came to Sonoma 200 Years Ago
Sonoma Valley has been growing world-class winegrapes, and making wonderful wines, for years.
Join us as we commemorate the unique history of Sonoma Valley's wine culture, from an early Native American vintner named Viviano who was among the first private winemakers in the Valley, through the arrival of immigrants from China and Italy who contributed to the agricultural heritage of the region.
This multi-year celebration will focus on three different areas of winemaking in Sonoma Valley.
The first year is the The Year of the Farmer, noting all those who work in the fields to bring the grapes from the soil and vines. The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, one of the longest-running such festivals in California, will hold a special place for the farmers.
Following that is the Year of the Vintner, for those who take the grapes and make them into wine using ancient methods, modern equipment and a bit of patience and luck.
The final year celebrates all those who are part of enjoying wine: The Year of Community. This final celebration will be for everyone to sit down and enjoy the company of family and friends, and of course, raise a glass of Sonoma Valley Wine.
Come join us in Sonoma Valley as we celebrate the "Sonoma 200," whether during the quiet season of winter when the vines are sleeping and the farmers are busy pruning the canes, or during budbreak in spring when yellow mustard fields blanket the hills and the vines awaken, to the sunshine of summer as the fruits grow and set up the harvest, to autumn and fall, when the fields are abuzz with the restless energy of harvest and the town celebrates the bounty of the year's labor.