California Dreaming? Kick off Your Wine-Country Stay — in Western Boots! — at Sonoma County Wine Celebration

MORNINGS IN THE 50s and crisp sunny afternoons, Michelin star restaurants, and world-class wineries are just a few reasons to visit northern Cali wine country this September. Another reason? The new Sonoma County Wine Celebration September 19-21, which replaces the annual Sonoma Wine Auction, the largest wine charity in the region. Read on for tips on making the journey an action-packed weekend, where to stay, and where to taste. Just make sure to pack your finest cowboy boots, y'all!

The party starts Thurs., Sept. 19, at the popular Vintners Resort hideaway in Santa Rosa for a reception. After that warm-up, plan on exclusive add-on “Showdown Dinners” to choose from. On Friday, new events created by the Sonoma County Vintner’s include Winery Insider Tours. Pick your wine region — Dry Creek Valley, North Coast, etc. — and travel with the pros sightseeing, learning and tasting. Friday night Sept. 20, pull on your boots for Wine Country Nights: Boots, Bottles and Bites, which brings wild west fun to Sugarloaf Wine Co. for an evening of wine, food and live music. The beauty of the weekend is that you really don’t have to plan one thing. Just show up!

The Saturday auction, held at historical Chateau St. Jean, one of Foley Family Wines & Spirits’ luxury estates, culminates the three days. This charity auction moves briskly with bids on exclusive auction lots from rare wine to once-in-a-lifetime trips around the world. Rub shoulders with top winemakers while tasting regional wines and foods, and mingling with winery founders, industry luminaries, and big auction donors like Gallo, Jackson Family Wines, Foley Family Wines, Benovia Winery and Rodney Strong Vineyards.

But if you want to strike out on your own for a few days and nights, there are countless discoveries in the region. It’s worth it to make an appointment to visit Hamel Family Wines in the Sonoma Valley. The breathtaking contemporary winery offers several tasting experiences, including a must-do signature wine and food pairing prepared by the estate chef.

Also reserve ahead for one of the many remarkable experiences at Jordan Vineyard & Winery while savoring French-inspired wines. Established in 1970s, the 1,200-acre property takes a page from the beautiful French countryside, chateaus and all, and firmly plants it in Alexander Valley in the most authentic, modern way.

Optionally, cruise up Chalk Hill Road for valley views and taste a little bit of everything the region has to offer at Roth Estate Winery. Choose from several experiences including the BBQ lunch, tasting on the terrace, or the premier cave tasting. Nearby in Dry Creek Valley, Dutcher Crossing Winery is a fun stop for views, picnics on the lawn, petanque games, and eclectic white, rosé, zinfandel, wine blends and much more. First-timers to Dry Creek Valley should stop at the majestic Ferrari-Carano, an iconic winery flaunting ponds, dramatic fountains, endless views and Italian-inspired wines.

Sonoma County Wine Celebration (photo by Michael Woolsey)

Sonoma County Wine Auction

Chateau St. Jean

Where to Sleep: Vintners Resort

Vintners Resort

Located in Santa Rosa, Vintners Resort has long been a favorite for travelers seeking a regional hotel with walking spaces and amenities including culinary gardens, restaurants and spa. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for touring the different valleys including Sonoma, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The property is amid renovating John Ash & Co. Restaurant, and it recently hired new chef Sergio Howland who is creating several new dining options at the resort.

Where to Sleep: Hotel Les Mars

Hotel Les Mars

When you’re looking for the crème de la crème of the area, look no further than the chic town of Healdsburg. Hotel Les Mars is a French chateau inspired luxury boutique hotel under the Relais & Chateaux umbrella. The serene space is filled with unique 17th- and 18th-century antiques and the marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs are dreamy. Arandas is its new restaurant, which has a separate lounge for drinks and bites.