The holiday season is upon us.
Not ready? It’s okay. Take a deep breath. There’s still plenty of time to get all the shopping done.
But it’s just as important to take time for yourself and enjoy the spirit of the season. Wine Country knows how to give the holidays that magical twist. Wreaths have been hung and halls have been decked—all that’s missing is you.
Need a little inspiration to hop in the car? Here are some of our favorite festive happenings in Sonoma and Napa.
The charm of après-ski takes a decadent twist at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor in a decked-out winter greenhouse overlooking the winery’s lake.(Courtesy of Bricoleur Vineyards)
Can’t Miss Holiday Happenings in Sonoma County
Après Bricoleur
Wine tasting never felt so cozy. The charm of après-ski takes a decadent twist at Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor in a decked-out winter greenhouse overlooking the winery’s lake. Thanks to a partnership with Pendleton, cozy blankets and pillows abound—there’s even a dog bed for folks who want to bring along their pooches.
The tasting flight highlights include French onion soup paired with chardonnay, tableside raclette (atop potatoes, wild mushrooms, and more) paired with pinot noir, and a plate of fruit and cake bites to dip in a sweet fondue trio (white chocolate, raspberry, and dark chocolate, oh my!) paired with cabernet sauvignon. Just when you think you’ve tasted everything, out comes cabernet sauvignon-infused hot chocolate. It’s a thing, and it’s tasty. The greenhouse comfortably seats two to six guests. Obviously, all of the wines are available for purchase. If you see any Pendleton goods that pique your interest, it’s easy to order thanks to a discount code that’s emailed to all guests. // Two seatings, 11am and 2pm, Friday through Sunday through December 21st; cost is $150 per guest; 7394 Starr Rd. (Windsor), bricoleurvineyards.com
Sonoma Swiss Chalets
A trio of Swiss chalets have commandeered primo real estate on the front lawn at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Sip a glass of wine or holiday cocktails such as Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice (Tito’s vodka, espresso, Luxardo Espresso Liqueur, pumpkin pie syrup, pumpkin whipped cream) or a Tarragon Hot Toddy (Woodford Reserve Bourbon, lemon, tarragon honey syrup). Dinner selections range from a light winter chicory salad (grilled pear, pomegranate, citrus Dijon dressing, spiced pepitas) to alpine fries (rosemary ham, pickles, raclette) and chocolate fondue (strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels). Each chalet comfortably seats two to eight guests; reservations recommended. // Through February 28th; seatings from 3pm to 6:30pm daily, $50 per-person minimum; 100 Boyes Blvd. (Sonoma), fairmont-sonoma.com
Sippin’ Santa
If your idea of the perfect holiday season involves Santa on a surfboard instead of tromping in the snow at the North Pole, Sippin’ Santa at the Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa is your kind of place. The pop-up takes over the Lazeaway Club, covering the poolside eatery and bar with lights, tinsel, sparking Christmas trees, and more. This year, for the first time, zero-proof cocktails will be offered alongside their alcoholic counterparts. // Through January 6th; 2777 4th St. (Santa Rosa), flamingoresort.com
Every year, Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma transforms into an explosion of kitschy Christmas décor.(Courtesy of Brewsters Beer Garden, Miracle)
Miracle Cocktail Pop-up
Every year, Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma transforms into an explosion of kitschy Christmas décor in the best, smile-inducing way. Raise a—perhaps unicorn- or Santa-shaped—drinking vessel and celebrate the season. Reservations are recommended. Brewsters’ newly opened sister restaurant in Rohnert Park, Waterhawk Lake Club, will also be hosting its own Miracle pop-up. // Through January 4th; 229 Water St. (Petaluma), brewstersbeergarden.com; 5000 Roberts Lake Rd. (Rohnert Park), thewaterhawk.com
A Candy Cane Lane Holiday Tour & Tasting
At Jordan Vineyard & Winery, even the oak wine tanks get gussied up for the holidays. Awash in twinkling lights, the newly renovated dining room is the final stop on a festive walking tour. Enjoy multiple pours (including a rare older vintage of cabernet sauvignon) and hors d’oeuvres the likes of turnip borscht (caviar, crème fraîche) and beef Wellington vol-au-vent (local mushrooms, beef tenderloin, black truffles)—but know that pacing is essential. The sweet finale of holiday cookies, confections, and hot chocolate with housemade marshmallows is not to be missed. // November 25th through December 18th; cost is $100 per person. 1474 Alexander Valley Rd. (Healdsburg), jordanwinery.com
Geyserville Tractor Parade
Everything from tractors to mail trucks to vintage agricultural vehicles is decked out with countless lights for this annual tradition. Restaurants and many tasting rooms will be open; reservations recommended. // November 29th, 6pm - 8pm; parade begins at 6:15pm at the north end of town and Highway 128 will be closed (Geyserville), visitgeyserville.com
At Goatlandia, a handful of newly rescued goats need bottle feedings several times a day to grow strong and thrive.(Courtesy of Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary)
Crafted by Appellation
Co-founded by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, Appellation Healdsburg opened in September. The culinary-centric hotel, which runs immersive workshops with makers and artisans throughout the year, has a December lineup that includes Holiday Cupcake Making, The Craft of Coffee Cocktails, Holiday Wreath Making, Point Reyes Holiday Cheeseboard, and Terrarium Crafting. // Select dates, December 6-20; cost ranges from $125 to $150; 101 Dovetail Ln. (Healdsburg), appellationhotels.com
Bottle Baby Breakfast Club
If you want to do some good and feel fantastic this holiday season, book a Bottle Babies Breakfast Club Experience at Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary. A handful of newly rescued goats need bottle feedings several times a day to grow strong and thrive. For a $250 donation to the nonprofit (which covers milk and supplies for weeks of feedings), up to four people can participate and get in some quality cuddles with the adorable itty-bitties. // Now through December 15th at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm daily; 1567 Cunningham Road (Sebastopol) goatlandia.org
Can’t Miss Holiday Happenings in Napa Valley
12 Soaks of Christmas
It’s as brilliant as it sounds, a seasonal spin on the classic Calistoga soak at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. The merry menu includes baths infused with all sorts of wonderful things, including cranberry, peppermint, and frankincense. We’re all in for the Gingerbread Spice Soak; infused with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, it’s said to ease tension and boost circulation. All soaks also include time in the geothermal steam sauna, a hydrating facial mask, and a blanket wrap. // Now through early January; cost is $209 for a 60-min treatment; 1507 Lincoln Ave. (Calistoga), drwilkinson.com
The Yurt Village Supper Club at The Charter Oak
Pre- and post-holiday dinners have never been so chic. The Charter Oak is paying homage to the classic steakhouse. Chef Christopher Kostow and his team serves up some flair with favorites such as shrimp cocktail, prime rib, chicory wedge salad, and potatoes delivered to your own private yurt in the restaurant’s courtyard. A portion of the proceeds from the Yurt Village are dedicated to the Cameron Thompson Legacy Scholarship, honoring the memory of a restaurant family member. // Now through early spring; The Supper Club menu is $135 per guest and available Thursday through Sunday for dinner, with all-day service Saturday and Sunday; 1050 Charter Oak Ave. (St. Helena), thecharteroak.com
This year's yurt village at The Charter Oak pays homage to the classic steakhouse. (Courtesy of The Charter Oak)
12 Days of Yountville Cheer
The self-proclaimed “Brightest Town in Napa Valley” gets into the holiday spirit with thousands of twinkling lights and six weeks of holiday-related events, including the inaugural 12 Days of Yountville Cheer. Launching on Small Business Saturday, there will be exclusive deals to encourage folks to shop early and local. // November 29th through December 10th along Washington St. (Yountville), yountville.com
Merry Meritage
Take a twirl on Napa Valley's largest open-air ice rink at The Meritage Resort and Spa. Ice skating sessions are 90 minutes long and skate rental is included in the ticket price. Ice skate helpers are available for an additional $5 for beginners ages 12 and under. // November 25th through January 4th; cost is $19 on weekdays and $29 on weekends; 875 Bordeaux Way (Napa), meritageresort.com
St. Helena’s Beringer Wine Barrel Tree
You know the holidays are in full swing when the wine barrel tree lights up in St. Helena. Bring your friends and family and snap a selfie. Beringer donated 109 wine barrels to create the one-of-a-kind holiday tree that stands nearly 36 feet tall. // November 26th through January 4th at Hunt Ave. & Main St. (St. Helena), beringer.com
Santa Train Jolly Journeys
Ride the rails through Napa Valley with jolly Old Saint Nick. Napa Valley Wine Train experiences with the big guy range from cocoa and cookies to three-course meals. The Wine Train is partnering with Napa-based foster youth organization Expressions of Hope for the holiday season. Guests are encouraged to bring toys and clothes for foster youth (ages birth to 17 years of age) to the train depot. // November 28th through December 23rd; tickets start at $119; 1275 McKinstry Street (Napa) winetrain.com, eohfamilies.org
Take a twirl on Napa Valley's largest open-air ice rink at The Meritage Resort and Spa.(Courtesy of The Meritage Resort & Spa)
Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade
This beloved holiday celebration draws thousands of visitors from near and far to watch tractors and floats wrapped in twinkling lights parade through downtown Calistoga. This year marks the event’s 30th anniversary. // December 6th, 7pm-8pm; Lincoln Ave., Calistoga’s main drag, closes for the parade, and typically reopens by 9pm (Calistoga), visitcalistoga.com
5th Annual Latke Throwdown
Who makes the best latkes in Yountville? Head to Bardessono Hotel & Spa to find out. At the annual friendly competition, you’ll eat them all, then watch the winner be awarded the coveted Golden Spatula. // December 11th, 5pm–7pm; cost is $20 and proceeds benefit local nonprofit ParentsCAN; 6526 Yount St. (Yountville), parentscan.org
Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Buffet
Say “hello” to Hanukkah. After a blessing and the lighting of the menorah, a buffet dinner is served at Silverado Resort’s Vintners Court. // December 14th, 6pm–8:30pm, 1600 Atlas Peak Rd. (Napa), silveradoresort.com
