3 Things to Do in Wine Country in February
Author:Annette HanamiChristopher Hill Gallery grand opening in Healdsburg Plaza
Mingle with 21 local and international artists at the grand opening of Christopher Hill Gallery in Healdsburg at the Plaza. Over 40 new contemporary works of art are arriving this week for what owner Christopher Hill calls wine country’s own “mini Art Basel.”

Christopher Hill Gallery in Healdsburg
Works include Federico Arcuri’s brooding black and white paintings and Christy Lee Rogers’ sensual underwater photographs. The event takes place February 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 326 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg.

Bologna Exhibition by Federico Arcuri
Get smitten in Napa Valley

Bluebird by Bret Price. Photo: Courtesy Ma(i)sonry
Fall in love at “Smitten” (Feb. 7-Mar. 10) a new exhibition of alluring contemporary paintings and sculpture featuring Kate Salenfriend, Kathy Mason Lerner, Bret Price and Matt Gil. Opening receptions take place February 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at I. Wolk Gallery in Saint Helena and February 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ma(i)sonry in Yountville. RSVP for the receptions.

Ma(i)sonry tasting room. Photo: Deanna Apallas
Relax and sip Blackbird Vineyards wines as you explore the exhibit at Ma(i)sonry, an art, design and wine tasting “living gallery” with cozy nooks throughout the historic two-story building and in the art-filled garden outside. The warm patina of wood, metal, stone and glass furnishings unites the different periods of design from the 16th century to modern-day Hudson Furniture. Pops of color and whimsy from the contemporary art collection breathe life.

The antique Pomerol wine vessel is a nod to Blackbird Vineyard’s Merlot and Cabernet Franc-focused wines
Perfect pair of wine and olives in Sonoma Valley

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards piazza at night. Photo Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Sonoma Valley Vintners celebrate the end of olive season during Vinolivo weekend February 15 to 18. Festivities include a grand tasting, winemaker dinners, wine auction and 3-day weekend pass to the wineries with select wineries offering special tours and tastings. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards presents a full program of olive growing, curing, pressing, tasting and pairing on February 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission, wine available for purchase.

Vinolivo Grand Tasting 2012 at The Lodge at Sonoma. Photo: Megan Clouse
The Vinolivo weekend opens with the Grand Tasting at The Lodge at Sonoma on February 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. where 60 wineries and 25 restaurants will be serving local wines and seasonal bites alongside olive bars and a new Bubble Bar to extend Valentine’s Day sparkle. Grand tasting is $75 pp in advance, check website for other event prices.