You Have Olive Me

Sonoma Valley 2015 Olive Season

Move over cheese: wine has a new best friend! Meet Olive, the diverse, multi-talented fruit that is the life of the party in Sonoma this winter. The 14th Annual Sonoma Valley Olive Season goes through February (one of the best times for escaping to real wine country). Many of the festivities and celebrations happen around the vibrant heart of old Sonoma—where the historic Mission, the Sonoma Barracks, and the picnic-friendly Plaza provide a beautiful central backdrop within easy walking distance to stores, tasting rooms, spas, and restaurants. From olive-themed cooking and wine pairing classes to spa treatments (olive oil and sea salt massage, anyone?) not to mention great ways to say "Olive You" over Valentine's Day weekend, events include the sumptuous Feast of the Olive, winery tours, food pairing classes, and a fantastic Finale Weekend. There are plenty of ways to explore Sonoma Valley, which is home to more than 100 wineries. This winter, turn your weekend getaway into olive affair that lasts.

BONUS: Sonoma Valley is very hike and bike friendly! Download a Hike/Bike guide, which includes the Sonoma History & Wineries self-guided bike tour of wineries and notable sites. Or pick up the info at either of the two visitor centers.

Check out all of Olive Season's events plus take advantage of seasonal savings on lodging, spas, wineries, and more!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

    View
  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View
  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View