Labor Day Hijinks in Sonoma County Wine Country

In case you're one of the few people in the Bay Area that hasn't already settled on some way to escape the chaos of the city, you might consider spending a couple of nights in Sonoma. And no, I can't hook you up with a place to stay.

2015 marks the ninth annual Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and includes three flagship events, in addition to an array of intimate winery lunches, winemaker dinners and barbecues. You can find a bit more information HERE. And you can buy tickets HERE.

These are a few of the featured events that you might consider buying tickets to well in advance:

Sonoma Starlight at Francis Ford Coppola Winery $125/per person (General) $175/per person (Reserve) - Toast the start of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend with a spectacular evening of world-class wines, delicious cuisine and live music under the stars at Sonoma Starlight

Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Estate Vineyards $165/per person (General) $195/per person (Grand Reserve) - With more than 200 wineries pouring thousands of wines, and over 60 local chefs whipping up divine pairings, Taste of Sonoma, set at the historic MacMurray Estate Vineyards, delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for oenophiles and foodies alike

Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean, $500/per person - Sonoma County’s largest and most fun charitable event. Mingle with Sonoma’s finest winemakers and bid on a selection of rare world-class experiences and wines and join neighbors in the wine community in supporting charities that will build a better future for Sonoma County

I'm sure you'll see a lot more informal, less expensive events at other local wineries. You also should consider stopping by The Barlow, a mixed-used new development in Sebastopol with wine and spirits tasting rooms, great restaurants and shopping. You might also consider popping by the very sharp new MacRostie tasting room at 4605 Westside Road in Healdsburg. It's a modern beauty, and the wines are damn good, too.  That's how Modern Wine would rock a Labor Day weekend in Sonoma. I'd probably also pick up some Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee on my way up through Carneros and cruise out to Hog Island Oyster Company to take in the coastline, make out and whatever, but that's just me. And, oh yeah, you might want to bring a hoodie or a jacket, because fog happens.