September: 5 Things to Do in Wine Country This Month
Author:Annette HanamiAs the summer crops reach their peak, wine country is filled with the aromas of young wine and sweet produce. Here are some great things to do in Wine Country in September to celebrate harvest and ease into the fall design and arts season.
1. Sip Your Way Through Winesong in Mendocino
Lush botanical gardens, rugged coastline and exquisite art sing at this signature charity auction and tasting in Fort Bragg on September 8, 2012 from 11 am to 5 pm. More than 100 wineries from around the North Coast, 50 food purveyors and diverse music add to the festive atmosphere. Price is $100 per person or $200 per person, including VIP lunch prepared Chef by Bradley Ogden.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg.
2. Work Up An Appetite with Rock, Paper, Scissors in Yountville
As an extension of their exquisite little exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum “Secret Life of Paper” using paper as a medium for collage, jewelry and wearable art, the artists present the Art of Paper Workshop for adults on Saturday, September 8 from 10am-Noon. Cost is $20 per person. No experience necessary but reservations are required.
Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville
After lunch in Yountville, taste the pinnacle of wines at the Atlas Peak Appellation Harvest Celebration wine tasting from 1-4pm. These bold mountain wines hail from vineyards planted in shallow, rocky red soils on steep hillsides rising in elevation to over 2,600 feet. $25-$55 per person.
Atlas Peak Appellation, 6525 Washington St., Yountville.
3. Enjoy Edible Heirlooms at the Kendall-Jackson Tomato Fest
There is no shortage of tantalizing tomato dishes and inspired wine pairings at the 16th annual Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Fest on Saturday, September 15, where 50 Bay Area chefs work their magic with more than 175 heirloom varieties. Fine-tune your palate the night before by attending the first ever Chefs Tables in the Vineyards dinner benefiting the Cooking with Kids Foundation. $350 per person or $3,000 per person for seating with primary co-hosts, Mario Batali and Guy Fieri (includes admission to next day’s events).
Kendall-Jackson, 5007 Fulton Rd., Fulton
4. Shop a Posh Parisian Brocante in Healdsburg
No ordinary brocante, this lavish 3-day, 3-pavillion Parisian flea market at the Ivy House on September 21-23 from 11 am – 6 pm is co-hosted by legendary designer, Myra Hoefer, and the newest darling in Healdsburg, Tallulah Boutique owned by Denise Trefry. Look for fabulous furnishings and décor from Myra Hoefer’s own ateliers in Paris and Healdsburg, as well as from her chic Paris apartment, shipped over for the event. Denise brings enchanting décor and jewelry such as Andy Warhol’s iconic Chanel lithographs, signature vintage jewelry adorned with gossamer ribbon and chiffon, tempting taffeta pillows and much more. Music and refreshments on Friday after 3pm.
The Ivy House, 243 Center Street, Healdsburg.
5. Experience World-Class Music at the New Green Music Center in Sonoma
Big city performances meet world-class design at the new Green Music Center in Sonoma which opens formally on Saturday September 29 with internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang. The boxed-shaped, 1,400 seat Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, designed by William Rawn Associates, was inspired by Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. The warm-hued wood interiors, large windows framing the Sonoma mountains and rear barn door that opens to lawn seating evoke pure wine country. Grand opening weekend events continue on Sunday with the Santa Rosa Symphony Orchestral Opening concert and, in the evening, a performance by Union Station. Prices vary.
Green Music Center 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park
