Third Year Return: The Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience Event

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience returns for its 3rd year from May 16-19th in Sonoma County, California.

The first time is a point, the second time is a line, and by the third time it’s a pattern. Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE) is back on Thursday, May 16 for a 4-day celebration. It’s here in Sonoma County, amidst the clinking of wine glasses and laid back luxury that first-time visitors will question why they didn’t find this place and event sooner. Having had the distinct pleasure of attending this Healdsburg wine and food event since its inception, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-visit for any serious food and wine aficionado, each year has built upon the last, refining and expanding the experience in ways both subtle and significant.

This year’s expansion includes:

“We’re thrilled for our third annual event in May,” exclaimed Steve Dveris, founder and CEO of the festival. “In just a short time, we’ve made a national impact as the first international wine and food festival in Sonoma County and Napa Valley, showcasing wines from around the globe. Our event pillars remain celebrating the talented makers, honoring our agricultural roots, culinary diversity, and sustainability, while pairing local talent with top chefs nationwide. Get ready for an incredible weekend packed with fun, surprises, music, and, of course, the finest wine and food!”

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram will be performing at Rodney Strong Vineyards during Healdsburg Wine & Food (HWFE)

In addition, HWFE will continue to offer special wine tastings and seminar discussions, extraordinary lunches, dinners, celebrity chef presentations, cocktail experiences, and a live outdoor concert featuring KINGFISH at Rodney Strong on Friday, May 17. But what would a food and wine event be without a GRAND TASTING? The main event will take place from 12.30pm to 5pm on Saturday, May 18 for patrons to enjoy wine, spirits, and beers from over 150+ brands. Also top chefs like Crista Luedtke, Kelsey Barnard Clark, and Matt Horn will be present offering their handcrafted dishes and bites. I’m personally excited to finally try Sushi by Scratch, whose pop-up will be on-site.

The impact of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience on the local community cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate economic boost, which is noticeable to anyone who has tried booking a room in the area during the festivities, there is a deeper, more lasting effect. The outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday evening with KINGFISH benefits Farm to Pantry, whose mission is to unite our communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally grown food with those who have been marginalized. In addition, HWFE will contribute to the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The organization’s mission is to raise funds that support the Leadership Academy, which focuses on workforce development and other resources that elevate local vineyard workers, farmer workers and their families. Lastly this year’s event will also support Healdsburg Future Farmers of America (FFA). Thanks to a sizable donation from Foley Family Wines, the HWFE Future Farmers Scholarship will benefit students from the local Healdsburg High School FFA chapter.

“As co-founders and partners in this incredible endeavor, we are deeply committed to our dual mission: showcasing Sonoma County’s extraordinary wine, agriculture, and commitment to sustainability on a global platform, while simultaneously raising vital funds to uplift and honor our local vineyard workforce. This mission permeates every aspect of our events and messaging throughout the entire weekend. What could be more fulfilling than enjoying oneself while also making a positive impact?” – Karissa Kruse, CEO & President of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a four-day celebration featuring the unparalleled delights of acclaimed food and wines while simultaneously highlighting the “Makers Behind the Magic.” This fascinating festival spotlights the integral contributors of the region – the farmers, cultivators, vintners, and culinary masters – alongside globally recognized wines from the premier wine regions around the globe. HWFE accentuates the bubbly culinary diversity, sustainable farming methodologies, and a profound bond with agriculture through various tastings, informative culinary demonstrations, enlightening seminars, engaging events, and much more, all taking place in the beautiful environment of Healdsburg & Wine Country. Uncover more here.

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to voice your opinions.

Our community is centered around connecting people via open and considerate dialogues. We encourage our readers to exchange their viewpoints and discuss ideas and facts in a safe and welcoming space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service.  We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

So, how can you be a power user?

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!