What is Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience?

Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience is a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world. Our mission is to highlight the vibrant agricultural history of Sonoma, to explore sustainability in the wine, food, and travel industries, and to celebrate the extraordinary culinary diversity of the region.

What are the dates of Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience?

May 16-19, 2024

What charities does Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience support?

Future Farmers of America (Healdsburg Chapter): We have launched and will continue to support the HW&FE Scholarship Fund—to benefit economically challenged students looking to pursue a career in farming and/or agriculture.

Farm to Pantry: In 2008, the nonprofit Farm to Pantry was launched to serve a need in our local community: to provide a continuous supply of fresh, healthy produce to our most vulnerable neighbors who lack access to it by cultivating a community of growers and volunteers. The mission then and now is to bring together communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally-grown food with those who have been systematically marginalized. Farm to Pantry envisions a just food system in which everyone has access to healthy food that honors and nourishes our community and heals the planet through eliminating food waste, and we are proud to support their important work.

Is this event for 21 and over? 

All festival events are 21 and older. No children, infants, or pets are allowed to attend any festival event for the safety of all parties.

Can I bring a baby in a stroller or carrier?

No one under 21 will be permitted in any Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience events, including infants and small children in child carriers. This policy pertains to all events including demonstrations, seminars and Grand Tastings.

Can I bring my pet? 

Pets are not permitted in any Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience events. Service/working animals are not considered pets and are exempt from this policy. If you wish to bring a service animal, please contact us at least 14 days before the Event at info@healdsburgwineandfood.com.

Is smoking allowed? 

No smoking, vaping or electronic cigarette usage is allowed at any Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience events.

What items are prohibited from the events?

Prohibited items include but are not limited to: outside food and beverages, drugs, weapons, large bags or backpacks, and suitcases.

Where can I find information on Volunteering?

Sign up for our email list to get updates on participating in HWFE as a volunteer.

Where can I find information about participating as an exhibitor in the Grand Tasting? 

Sign up for our email list to get updates on participating in HWFE as a Grand Tasting Exhibitor.

When will I find out if I have been accepted as an exhibitor?

Sign up for our email list to get updates on participating in HWFE as a Grand Tasting Exhibitor.

How can my company become a sponsor? 

Sign up for our email list to get updates on participating in HWFE as a sponsor.

What is the cancellation policy?

All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.  All sales are final.  Tickets will not be replaced, refunded or exchanged for any reason whatsoever.  Tickets may not be resold for more than $1 over the original admission price, nor may any resale occur on any property where an event is being held.

What measures are being taken to ensure the health and safety of attendees? 

We will follow all local and state COVID-19 health & safety guidelines in place at the time of the Event and will communicate all requirements to ticket holders before the Event. Visit here for the most up to date California State guidelines.

Will I be able to leave and reenter the Grand tasting?

All ticket holders will receive a wristband at check-in that will allow them to leave and re-enter the Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting between the hours of 12:30pm-5pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024. You must wear your wristband at all times. Do not cut off or remove your wristband until you leave the Event for the final time.

If I am from out of town, where should I stay?

Please visit our Stay page or Stay Healdsburg for accommodations and information about planning a visit to Healdsburg.

Can I bring my backpack/purse into the event?

For everyone’s safety, all attendees must adhere to the Event’s Bag Policy: Each ticket holder may carry one HWFE-provided complimentary gift bag, plus one other below approved item. The following bags will be permitted inside Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience events and are subject to search: clutch or small purse or fanny pack (no larger than 5”x 8”), wallet, equipment bag for necessary medical items, one-gallon clear plastic storage bag. The following items are NOT permitted inside Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience events: large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, mesh bags, any bag larger than the permissible size, tinted or printed-pattern plastic bags. Please note we do not have a bag check or lockers, you will be responsible for carrying around everything that you bring with you.

What if I have food allergies?

The events at the HWFE feature a wide variety of foods and beverages from all categories. We cannot guarantee that participating chefs and restaurants will prepare dishes without common allergens, including nuts, dairy, gluten, etc. Additionally, not all events will have vegetarian options available. It’s important to always ask the chef, server or vendor whether or not allergens or ingredients are in the dishes you are going to consume.

What is the cost of the Live Outdoor Concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards? Are food & wine included or available?

The concert tickets are $85 each and will get you access to the concert event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and are not included in your ticket. No outside food and beverage will be allowed, and all attendees must adhere to the Event Bag Policy stated above.

What to bring & wear?

It's smart to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Daily temperatures can fluctuate significantly in Sonoma County, so we recommend bringing layers, such as a light sweater, jacket or fleece, and/or a scarf.

Is there designated parking and/or a shuttle available?

We will have parking lots and shuttles to transport guests to the Event. Specific details will be provided to ticket holders in May and can be found on the Know Before You Go page of the website.

What if I have read all the FAQ’s and I still have questions?

Please email us at info@healdsburgwineandfood.com, and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.