The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience returns May 15–18, 2025, celebrating Sonoma’s best chefs, winemakers, and sustainable culinary excellence.
Where Wine Country Meets World-Class Flavor
There are few places where a vineyard sunrise feels like a work of art — and Healdsburg, California is one of them. This May, the town once again becomes the epicenter of culinary celebration as the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE) returns May 15–18, 2025.
A four-day festival honoring Sonoma County’s world-class wine, sustainable agriculture, and vibrant food culture, with a global cast of culinary stars.
From vineyard lunches and celebrity chef dinners to live music and poolside parties, this year’s lineup promises more flavor, more community, and more California sunshine.
A Global Celebration Rooted in Sonoma
“Each year, we’re fortunate to welcome wine and food lovers
from across the U.S.
It’s an honor to host guests in Healdsburg and
showcase world-class wine and food.
Steve Dveris
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience
founder and CEO
“Our goal is to celebrate the talented makers, honor our agricultural roots, embrace culinary diversity, and promote sustainability, all while pairing local talent with top chefs from across the country,” said Steve Dveris, founder and CEO of the festival.
The festival shines a spotlight on Sonoma’s farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs, while also welcoming iconic producers from around the globe. Partners include Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, Foley Family Wines & Spirits, FOOD & WINE, and the Sonoma County Winegrowers.
Events unfold across stunning venues such as The Matheson, Montage Healdsburg, Aperture Cellars, MacMurray Estate, and Rodney Strong Vineyards — a perfect blend of rural charm and modern luxury.
(Relatable moment: it’s one of those weekends where you’ll tell yourself “just one tasting,” and somehow find yourself discussing terroir under the stars with a winemaker named Marco.)
Saturday’s Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting: The Heart of the Festival
The Grand Tasting (Saturday, May 17, 12:30–4:30 p.m.) is the event’s beating heart — a sprawling feast of food, wine, and craftsmanship. Guests will enjoy curated bites by Food Network, Top Chef, and Iron Chef favorites Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, Lee Anne Wong, Stephanie Izard, Crista Luedtke, and Matt Horn, alongside wines from over 150 producers around the world.
Local legends Domenica Catelli, Duskie Estes, and Tracey Shepos Cenami also return, ensuring Sonoma’s homegrown culinary spirit remains front and center.
Signature Events: From Omakase to the NBA
The 2025 edition adds fresh energy to its signature lineup:
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants Omakase Dinner at Aperture Cellars
A multi-course exploration of craft, culture, and umami, set against the backdrop of Healdsburg’s breathtaking vineyards.
Courses On the Court Lunch at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
This farm-to-table collaboration — hosted by the NBA’s Official Wine Partner — celebrates the connection between precision in sport and artistry in the kitchen. Featuring Chef Tracey Shepos Cenami, Top Chef’s Stephanie Izard, NBA Hall of Famer Marc Spears, and basketball legends, it’s where fine dining meets courtside cool.
West Coast Barbecue Lunch with Chef Matt Horn
The acclaimed pitmaster of Horn Barbecue brings bold Southern flavors to Orsi Family Vineyards, merging Texas roots with California creativity.
Platinum VIP Lunch at MacMurray Estate & Dinner at Chalk Hill Estate
VIP guests will savor exclusive meals by Chef Michael Reed, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, and Crista Luedtke, paired with wines from Ravenswood, J Vineyards, and other icons.
Culinary Art Meets Cultural Expression
At J Vineyards, the acclaimed Shifting the Lens series returns. Chef Michael Reed, James Beard Best Chef West nominee, curates a soulful dining journey marrying the foodways of the Black South with his California upbringing — an homage to identity, innovation, and belonging.
It’s moments like this that define Healdsburg’s magic: the convergence of heritage and creativity, expressed through the universal language of food and wine.
For more culinary inspiration, visit FOOD & WINE, a trusted authority on global dining and travel.
Music, Wine, and a Little Mischief
Friday night turns electric with Allen Stone performing live at Rodney Strong Vineyards. Known for his soulful mix of funk, gospel, and folk-rock, Stone brings the kind of energy that pairs perfectly with a glass (or two) of Sonoma Pinot.
Meanwhile, Guy Fieri returns for The Big Bottle Party at The Matheson, featuring large-format pours from Sonoma’s top winemakers and late-night bites by Lee Anne Wong, Dustin Valette, and Viet Pham — all set to the high-energy sounds of Wonder Bread 5.
(Relatable moment: yes, your dance moves will get better after your third tasting. Science.)
Sunday’s Finale: Poolside Perfection
The festival wraps with a Wine-Down Pool Party at Montage Healdsburg, complete with croquet on the lawn and a Lifelong Leaders of Terroir wine panel featuring California’s vineyard icons — including Bruce Phillips (Vine Hill Ranch), Jeff Pisoni (Pisoni Vineyards), and Andy Erickson (Hyde Vineyard).
It’s a final toast to craftsmanship, community, and the terroirs that shape California’s winemaking legacy.
FAQ: Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience 2025
Q1: When is the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience 2025?
A: The festival runs May 15–18, 2025, throughout Healdsburg, California.
Q2: Who will be participating?
A: Over 150 wineries and chefs including Maneet Chauhan, Stephanie Izard, Guy Fieri, Matt Horn, and Antonia Lofaso, plus local culinary leaders from Sonoma.
Q3: What kind of events can guests expect?
A: Grand tastings, omakase dinners, farm-to-table lunches, live concerts, pool parties, and exclusive VIP wine experiences.
A Toast to What’s Next
As the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience 2025 approaches, one thing is clear: Sonoma isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. A celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and connection that invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and savor the good life.
Whether you’re a sommelier, foodie, or simply a lover of sunshine and great conversation, this weekend-long experience promises to be one for the senses — and the soul.
