The City of Sonoma’s Annual 3-day Salute to Food, Wine, and Art

SONOMA COUNTY—The usually sleepy Sonoma plaza rumbles to life this weekend for the annual Sonoma Salute to the Arts. Festooned with white tents, revelers pour into the town with hungry tummies, thirsty palates and an appetite for art that lasts for three fun-filled days.

A taste of Sonoma
What better way to sample the restaurants and bakeries of Sonoma, than with a fork and plate (and a glass of wine) in hand? Dozens of local chefs will be on hand throughout the square, serving up nibbles of their wares. Among them:
Artisan Bakers
Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar
El Dorado Kitchen
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
The Girl and the Fig
Maya Restaurant
Meritage
Shiso
Sonoma Saveurs
Swiss Hotel
Wolf House Restaurant

Celebrating its 21st year, the event showcases the food and wine of the region, along with visual and performing arts on several stages July 28, 29 and 30. Starting with a walk through some of the town's secret spaces, attendees will be treated to a series of exclusive parties tucked into courtyards surrounding Sonoma Plaza, opening at 6:30 p.m. Discover Club Vingt et un à Château Sonoma; Ekees Club in the secluded courtyard behind Zagora and Sonoma Silver Shop; Club Ventuno at Red Wolf Gallery and Sign of the Bear; Club Viente Uno at El Paseo de Sonoma; and the famed 21 Club of New York City at Sonoma Court Shops. Costumes encouraged!

Festivities continue at Saturday evening's Ninth Annual Sonoma Salute to the Arts Dinner and Live Auction at Sonoma Golf Club. Executive Chef Bruno Tison of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa heads up a sumptuous meal, followed by the auction. On the block: exclusive winemaker dinners and lunches, wine country excursions with lodging at MacArthur Place, The Lodge at Sonoma, and The Cooperage Inn, cooking classes and more.

Many local performers head to the stage throughout the weekend, including the Spiral Mystics, songwriters Asher and Paige, and funk trio Tudo Bem. Sculptors, jewelry-makers, painters and glass artisans will sell their wares on the plaza throughout the weekend.

If you go:
Tickets for the Salute Celebration are $95 per person in advance, $125 at the door. Tasting Packages for the Plaza event are $30 in advance, $35 at the event. For more details, go to www.salutetothearts.com.

There’s a lot happening in Sonoma. If you are looking for something to do, check out our events listings!