Calendar
As Northern California wineries and breweries reopen, many are offering outdoor wine and food experiences, with social distancing and mask protocols in place. (Given the ever-changing landscape of openings and closings, best to call before you go.) Others are continuing or expanding their virtual tasting events. Here are a few possibilities.
Ferrari- Carano Winery: This Healdsburg winery has reopened its doors for fall with new outdoor wine tasting experiences by appointment in the winery’s sycamore grove, with a wine flight paired with Italian-inspired food pairings ($50), and on the terrace ($20). 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. www.ferrari-carano. com
Halloween Wine and Pizza Night: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday. This family-friendly evening at Bricoleur Vineyards includes scary treats, a pumpkin patch, a costume contest and a menu that features wood-fired pizza, seasonal salads and brut and rosé wines. $35-$65. 7394 Starr Road, Windsor; www.bricoleurvineyards. com/collection/events
Pumpkin Patch Express: Sip beer and wine on the River Fox Train’s family-friendly fall harvest ride, which features trick-or-treating and other activities on weekends through Saturday. $10-$50, with snacks and sips available for purchase. 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento; www.river foxtrain.com/experiences
Enriquez Estate Wines Virtual Party Pack: This Russian River Valley winery is offering virtual party packs ($125 and up, purchase before Saturday, redeem any time through the end of the year) that includes two bottles of wine, a cheese and charcuterie nosh box, and a private, guided, virtual tasting experience with winemaker Cecilia Enriquez. bayareane.ws/enriquez
Page Mill Winery: Livermore winemaker Dane Stark is offering Virtual Twilight Tastings on Facebook at 6 p.m. Thursdays. Each week, the tasting benefits a different charity, with 10% of gross sales from the start of the virtual tasting to close of business Friday going to that week’s organization. www.pagemillwinery.com/ twilight-tastings
Big Dog Vineyards: Open from noon to 5 p.m. weekends by appointment. This locally owned boutique winery focuses on small-batch, handmade wines. 4545 Felter Road, Milpitas. www. bigdogvineyards.com
Art of Mixology: Bartenders from Oakland’s Bardo Lounge and Supper Club, Martinez’s Bar Cava, Moraga’s Canyon Club Brewery and Oakland’s Sobre Mesa have turned their favorite craft cocktails into Art of Mixology Cocktail kits as a benefit for the Lamorinda Arts Council. Kits, which include everything except the alcohol, can be shipped or picked up at Orinda Theatre Square through Friday. ($50-$200). lamorindaarts.org/ mixology
Priority Wine Pass Virtual Wine Tasting: Order curated wine selections for delivery, then schedule online video tastings with winemakers from Bridgette/ Courtesan, Boeschen Vineyards, Prime Solum and more. The virtual tasting experiences include a “Learn How to Wine Taste” experience with sommelier Victor Orozco. prioritywinepass.com/ virtual-wine-tasting
Concord Oktoberfest Celebration: Through Saturday. Create a celebration at home with an Oktoberfest “Porch Pour Party” package from one of four participating Concord breweries and restaurants, including E.J. Phair Brewing Company & Alehouse, Concord Tap House, Epidemic Ales and the Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop. www.visitconcordca.com