
Looking for a wine fest, beer event or other spirited fun? Here’s just a sampling of options. (Like everything else these days, these events are subject to change. Double-check details before you go.)
Sonoma County Vintners Wine Wednesdays: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and April 19, The Matheson, 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg. Mix, mingle and meet some of Sonoma County’s most creative winemakers, starting with the team from Cirq on Wednesday and J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery on April 19. Taste through their wines alongside tasty bites. bit.ly/SCVWineWednesdays
First Friday Block Party: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Donkey & Goat Winery, 1340 Fifth St., Berkeley. Donkey & Goat Winery’s monthly TGIF Block Party offers wines from Hammerling Wines, Broc Cellars and Vinca Minor, as well as their own vintages alongside tasty treats from local pop-ups, plus artists and live music. Free admission. bit.ly/DonkeyGoatParty
IPA 10K Brewfest & Beer Mile: 8 to 11 a.m. April 15, The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol. Check out this one-of-a-kind celebration that combines running, craft beer and more. The IPA 10K and 3K start with a beer and cider toast before taking runners on a scenic loop course north of The Barlow. After the races, browse the Brewfest, which features local craft brewers plus wine, food, bands and exhibitors. Free admission. ipa10k.com
Bay Area Craft Beer Festival: Noon to 4 p.m. April 15, 245 N. Court St., Martinez. Come out to Waterfront Park for a fun afternoon featuring drinks, live music and delicious food. This year’s festival includes more than 40 local breweries and 100 beers to sample, including a homebrew category. $60-$70. eventbrite.com/e/bay-area-craft-beer-festival-2023-tickets-526071412757
Taste of Campbell: 3 to 6 p.m. April 15, Orchard City Banquet Hall, 1 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell. Enjoy an afternoon sampling two dozen wines, food and drinks from local vendors, and live music and dancing at the fifth annual Taste of Campbell fundraiser. $39-$54. campbellcert.org/taste
Hall Cabernet Cookoff: Noon to 2:30 p.m. April 22, 401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena. This annual food and wine pairing competition features an impressive lineup of renowned teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice, with delicious proceedings judged by Huey Lewis, Natalie Morales, Joy Bauer, Craig Conover, Raj Mathai and chef Ken Frank. $150-$300. hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff
Festival Napa Valley — Vitamin String Quartet: 5:30 p.m. April 22, Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco. Enjoy a reception featuring Grgich Hills Estate wines at this Festival Napa Valley event, followed by a concert at 6:15 p.m. featuring the Vitamin String Quartet and its eclectic blend of classical, rock and pop music. Think “Bridgerton” soundtrack. This is the ensemble that performed those classical takes on Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Tickets $85. festivalnapavalley.org
Uncorked Tasting Extravaganza: 5:30 to 9 p.m. April 26, City Hall Plaza, 1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek. Spend a lovely spring evening sipping and strolling your way through downtown, listening to live music, enjoying food tastings and sampling beverages from more than 30 California wineries, breweries and distilleries. $40-$65. bit.ly/uncorkedwalnutcreek
Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. April 29, Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St., Sacramento. This festival offers a grown-up take on a classic with a fabulous grilled cheese, beer and wine tasting event. Enjoy unlimited samples while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games and enjoying the music of a live DJ. $65-$95. eventbrite.com


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