Come to our Events.
Raise a glass in celebration.
Tastings, interviews, panel presentations, winery visits, and more.
Whether in the Wine Library, the vineyard, or the winery…
…our Association is proud to offer a robust and rousing schedule of events, including tastings, interviews, panel presentations, winery visits, and more. We look forward to welcoming you back at these one-of-a-kind extraordinary events destined to become some of your most memorable special occasions. See you soon!
Annual Toast for Millie
Please join us for an intimate toast as we honor the founder of the Sonoma County Wine Library, Millie Howie, on June 13th, the anniversary of her birthday.
We’ll gather on the Millie Howie Patio, just outside of the Wine Library, located at the Healdsburg Library, 139 Piper Street. The sparkling wine reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., as we share stories and memories of Millie, the “patron saint” of the Wine Library. A brief tour of the Wine Library will follow, showcasing some of the unique treasures and resources available to the public.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at this special celebration!
Tickets: $5
To abide by library policy, we are unable to provide free alcoholic beverages. Your $5 donation, or more if you can, will go directly into our Millie Howie Century Fund to support the Wine Library. Walkup tickets will also be available for the event.
Past Events
Our Members Party
We’re thanking our SCWLA members for their support this past year by offering a
“Thank You” party at Dutton Estate Winery, one of our Industry Members.
Please join us for an antipasto tray, cheese platter, lively conversation, and a beautiful spring evening enhanced by the wines of Dutton Estate Winery, per their kind donation.
Join Us
Thursday, May 4, 5:30 to 7 pm.
8757 Green Valley Rd, just north of Sebastopol
Free for Members
Celebrating Writing Between the Vines
The SCWLA will be joining the Sonoma County Wine Library for an evening honoring the writers and wineries who participate in the annual “Writing Between the Vines” program. For the past ten years wineries have provided vineyard retreats to writers for a week-long retreat. Adam McHugh (2019 participant) will read from his recently published book “Blood From a Stone” along with selected readings from past and current program retreat recipients. Wine will be available for a small donation from participating wineries Moshin Vineyards, Keller Estate, West Wines, DeLoach Vineyards, and Jordan Vineyards & Winery.
To learn more about the writing program visit: https://www.writingbetweenthevines.org/.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
6:00pm – 7:30pm
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Tasting Event
For the second year in a row, we are pleased to present a rare opportunity to taste award winning wines from the Atantic Seaboard Wine Competition. On January 28, ASWA representatives will be on hand to share details about their mission, and to present the Best of Show & Best of Categories Winners.
The tasting will feature varietals like Chambourcin, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Tannat and other less common grape varietals and hybrids, in addition to more familiar varietals such Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, sparkling and other wines, all with an East Coast flair.
Join Us
Saturday, January 28, 3 to 5 p.m.
The Clubhouse at the The Healdsburg Golf Club in Taymen Park
Light appetizers will be offered
Tickets: $30 for Members, $35 for Non-Members
Not a member yet? Click Join Us to sign up and receive member benefits on future events.
Meet The Future of Sonoma County Wine on November 10th –
Legends: Next Gen
We are proud to bring back our “Legends” event! This year we’ll be featuring a panel of five impressive sons and daughters of illustrious Sonoma County winemaking families. Journalist, Sommelier, and host of YouTube’s “The Varietal Show,” Christopher Sawyer, will moderate our panel discussion for what promises to be a compelling evening. You’ll hear about the past, present and future from these legends in the making:
Jamie Benziger – Imagery Wine Estates
Drew Damskey – Palmeri Wines
Mari Jones – Emeritus Vineyards
Shelly Rafanelli – A. Rafanelli Wines
Alan Ramey – Ramey Wine Cellars
The panelists will be pouring their wines during the reception, and a charcuterie platter will be provided.
To help support the wine library’s mission, our silent auction will feature special wines, gifts and wine country experiences, such as a William Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine Magnum, MacRostie Winery, Lock and Key Flagship Duo – 2019 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, including a complimentary tasting for two, a bottle of Valette Rose and a ‘Best of Chef Best’ dinner for two at The Matheson’s Roof 106, a two night stay in a quaint winery cottage nestled in the Dry creek valley along with a complimentary bottle of wine from A. Rafanelli, and so much more!
Join Us
Thursday, November 10
Reception at 6:30, Panel discussion from 7:30-8:30
Steele Lane Community Center
415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa
Tickets: $55 for members, $70 for non-members
Winemaker
Jamie Benziger
Moderator
Journalist, Sommelier
Christopher Sawyer
Winemaker, Consultant
Palmeri Wines and others
Drew Damskey
President
Mari Jones
Winemaker, Director of Operations
Shelly Rafanneli
President
Alan Ramey
Thursday, September 29th
Sonoma Community Center, 276 E Napa St, Sonoma
Just one mile south of the former Ravenswood winery and tasting room
Doors open at 6:30pm, the event begins at 7:00pm
An appetizer platter will be provided
Tickets: $40 / $30 for Members / $20 for SRJC & SSU students
A Visual Oral History with Joel Peterson
Peterson is a giant in the history of California Zinfandel. The founding winemaker of Ravenswood Winery, known for “No Wimpy Wines,” he helped launch Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) to promote California’s heritage grape. Joel studied with the renowned Joseph Swan, which provided the opportunity to meet “the dean of American winemakers,” Andre Tchelistcheff. Under Peterson’s leadership Ravenswood boomed with the introduction of his Vintner’s Blend and single vineyard wines, which led to his nickname, The Godfather of Zinfandel. He eventually sold his 25-year-old business in 2001. Returning to his roots, he started his latest venture, Once and Future in 2016, specializing in wines from single vineyards made with a sensitivity to place.
Prior to the Visual Oral History, Joel will pour his Once and Future Wine and will be available afterward for a Q&A.
The Visual Oral Histories
The screenings of our Visual Oral Histories are one of the Association’s most popular events. The VOH guest will be in attendance as you watch the video interviews hosted and produced by Jeff Davis for the Wine Library archives. The evening provides a unique opportunity to meet and pose questions to those who made an indelible contribution to the Sonoma County wine industry. Join us at each of our upcoming events and enjoy two glasses of premium wine with our compliments.
The Sonoma County Wine Library Proudly Presents an Exclusive Tour of the Acclaimed Oliver Ranch
Saturday, September 10, 10AM to 12:30PM, Geyserville, CA
Located in the heart of Sonoma County, 70 miles north of San Francisco, the Oliver Ranch is home to 18 remarkable site-specific art installations commissioned by the Oliver family. Realizing this was a fundraising tool that could benefit non-profits, the Olivers decided to make tours available to non-profit organizations who could then offer the tour as a fundraiser.
Over the years, acclaimed artists have created works that are enhanced by Oliver Ranch’s natural beauty. Join us for this unique opportunity to visit the enchanting, immersive experience that Oliver Ranch provides.
The tour will take nearly two and a half hours and covers approximately 2.5 miles. Similar to a light hike in the woods, the paths are unpaved with 600 feet of up and down elevation change. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are recommended.
This rare opportunity is limited to 30 guests. Reserve your space for $125.00.
All funds raised will benefit the Sonoma County Wine Library Association.
The shuttle will leave at precisely 9:50 AM from Geyserville. Directions on where to meet will be sent following your reservation.
We hope you can join us for this unique experience on September 10th. We will see you then!
Monday, June 13th
The Millie Howie Patio outside the Healdsburg Regional Library, 139 Center Street.
We will gather from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.
Korbel Winery is providing California Champagne, and sparkling cider also will be served.
Tickets: $5.00
Covid safety protocols will be observed. Proof of vaccination will be required.
Not a member? Click Join Us for savings and to show your support!
Sonoma County Wine Library Celebrates Founder Millie Howie with Tales and a Toast
Join us as Sonoma County Wine Library Association celebrates its founder, Millie Howie, with a special sparkling toast on the anniversary of her 100th birthday.
Special guests will share remembrances of Millie and her decades of achievements. Korbel Winery is providing California Champagne, and sparkling cider also will be served.
Millie worked non-stop to promote our region, our wineries and, with the help of other like-minded locals, created the Sonoma County Wine Library at the Healdsburg Regional Library. She campaigned tirelessly and her passion bore fruit – a wonderful collection of books, research material, labels, posters, maps and more, all focusing on wine and grape growing. We invite you to join us as we pay homage and cheer our founder, Millie Howie.
Visual Oral History –
Hank and Linda Wetzel
of Alexander Valley Vineyards
The Wetzel family has been part of Alexander Valley since the purchase of the initial property in 1962, which led to the planting of a number of grape varieties.
Hank and Linda Wetzel took the next step and founded Alexander Valley Vineyards in 1975. AVV quickly established a reputation for estate grown wines with distinctive varietal character. To this day, the winery has been a family business, now in the fourth generation. As they enter their 60th year on the property, the Wetzels continue to be deeply rooted in the history of the region.
In this Visual Oral History, you’ll hear about the humorous mishaps and great successes they experienced – from being one of the first to grow grapes in Alexander Valley to becoming a beloved, highly awarded national brand.
Before the showing, Hank and Linda will proudly share their wine with attendees. A Q&A will follow the screening.
This Visual Oral History is presented in honor of Wine Library founder, Millie Howie, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday on June 13th.
Thursday, June 9th
The Healdsburg Clubhouse located on the historic grounds of the Healdsburg Golf Club, 927 S. Fitch Mountain Rd.
Doors open at 6:30pm, the event begins at 7:00pm
An appetizer platter will be provided
Tickets: $40 / $30 for Members
Covid safety protocols will be observed. Proof of vaccination will be required.
Visual Oral History Event-
Zelma Long at Paradise Ridge Winery
Thursday, April 7, 7pm
Zelma Long is one of the female pioneers in California and has worked in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. As a student at UC Davis in 1970, Mike Grgich convinced her to put her studies on hold and join him at Robert Mondavi Winery. She went on to become president of Simi Winery. While there, Zelma sourced grapes from Paradise Ridge Winery, who graciously offered to host Zelma’s Visual Oral History. She returned to Napa Valley and served as Executive Vice President at Domaine Chandon.
In 1997, following international opportunities, she and her husband Philip Freese co-founded Vilafonte Wine Estate in South Africa. However, Zelma is proud to call Sonoma County home.
She will be on hand for a Q&A following the presentation of her Visual Oral History. Don’t miss her tales of breaking barriers and seeking adventure.
Thursday, April 7, 7pm, doors open at 6:30
Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr,
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Tickets: $40, Members $30
Two glasses of Paradise Ridge wine will be included with your ticket. Wine will also be available for purchse following the event.
Special Author Showcase
Robert Camuto and his new book South of Somewhere: Wine, Food and the Soul of Italy
This is a must-read book for anyone who loves Italy and Italian wine and food. Named in the best wine books of 2021 by the New York Times, it’s a personal memoir of an American with a long history in Italy. Its focus is the Italian South at a critical time of wine renaissance — told through vivid stories animated by passionate and colorful characters.
Robert Camuto is a prize-winning American author and journalist who has lived in Europe for 20 years, where he has immersed himself in the food and wine traditions of Italy and France. A contributing editor for Wine Spectator since 2008, Camuto has written many cover stories and writes a twice-monthly column for winespectator.com called Robert Camuto Meets…. South of Somewhere is his third book and second from Italy, following his critically acclaimed: Palmento: A Sicilian Wine Odyssey (2010). He lives with his family in Verona, Italy.
His current book will be available on-site for purchasing at a special discounted price, and signing. During the evening Italian Colosi Bianco & Colosi Rosso wines, and Sonoma County Italian varietals from Acorn Winery and Pedroncelli will be served!
For this event we are returning to the Sonoma County Wine Library,
139 Piper Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Friday, March 18, 7pm, doors open at 6:30.
Visual Oral History Event –
Gary Heck, Korbel Champagne Cellars
Thursday, February 17, 7 pm; Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa
Gary Heck has spent nearly his entire life at Korbel Champagne Cellars. Continuing the legacy of his father, Gary is the owner, President, and Chairman of Korbel. During the hour long video, you’ll see images and hear stories about the property’s rich history. As you’ll learn, the Korbel Brothers were quite the inventive entrepreneurs prior to, and following their arrival in 1868.
Gary has experienced many changes since his father purchased the property in 1954, and expanded the business to produce nearly 1.6 million cases a year. That’s quite a success for a boy who used to ride his horse to the one room schoolhouse near Guerneville.
Joining for the evening will be Korbel’s Director of Winemaking, Paul Ahvenainen. He will bring California Champagne to share and will stick around for a Q&A after the screening. He’s been with Korbel over 40 years, so we’re pretty sure he’ll have the answers to your questions.
The Hyatt Regency will provide a glass of wine and light tapas when you enter the lobby. Then join us in the Dry Creek Valley Ballroom II for the event.
Tickets: $40 / $30 for Members
Director of Winemaking, Paul Ahvenainen
