Vive La France! 6 Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day in Sonoma County
What better way to celebrate Bastille Day than with fine wine, food, friends and French music?
On July 14, toast to the revolutionary spirit of our French friends, and our shared passion for fine food and wines, at these six Sonoma County events. Click through the gallery and get ready to celebrate all things French.
July 14, Bastille Day Picnic with Frenchie, Sonoma
Three Sticks Wines will transform their historic tasting room and patio into a Parisian bistro with a French picnic catered by Frenchie, a Sonoma mobile food car. They'll serve Croque Monsieurs, salmon Nicoise, Moroccan chicken salads and French-inspired snacks paired with Three Sticks' Burgundian wines. Guests are welcome to stop by for the afternoon, or for a quick lunch bite. Free with food & wine for purchase. 11AM-2PM. More information here.
July 14, Bastille Day at Chateau Sonoma, Sonoma
Chateau Sonoma is the ultimate Francophile retail escape with French antiques and lifestyle goods. On July 14, the French-inspired store will pull out the stops to celebrate the French National Day with plentiful antiques, flowing Champagne, and live French music. After shopping the afternoon away, explore Cornerstone's sculpture garden, you'll think you've been transported to Parc de la Villette. Free. 3PM-5PM. chateausonoma.com
July 14, Bastille Day Dinner
Jordan Winery will host an epicurean evening of "all things French" to commemorate Bastille Day. The dinner will take place at Jordan's French chateau-inspired winery and will start with a Champagne reception (they make their own Champagne in partnership with AR Lenoble) followed by an al fresco, French-inspired dinner using produce from their estate garden. Each course will be paired with Jordan's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. $200 per person. 6:30PM-9:30PM. jordanwinery.com
July 14, Bastille Day Concert, Petaluma
The Aqus Café will host its annual Bastille Day concert with live music by Gypsy Kisses. The duo, comprising tenor Michael Van Why and accordionist Sheri Migano, will perform French chansons all with the goal of transporting you to a French café in the heart of Paris. Pair the performance with the café's brie plate, served with dried figs and cranberries ($9.75) and a glass of wine. Free. 7PM-10PM. aqus.com
July 14-16, Bastille Day at West Wines, Healdsburg
Celebrate the delicious, bold wines of the Bordeaux region by sipping Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot on the patio at West Wines. This year, they'll celebrate their current vintage: 2011, one of the best years ever. They'll educate wine lovers about what makes a cuvee special and about the grapes behind Bordeaux wines. $15 or free for club members. 11AM-4:30PM westwines.com
July 16, Bastille Day Celebration, Kenwood
A wine haven for Francophiles, Chateau St. Jean will host their annual Bastille Day celebration on their expansive lawn. They'll serve their wines paired with seasonal Sonoma cuisine by the Fig Rig and French croquettes by Croques and Toques. The Violetto Trio will provide the soundtrack for the day, performing French Café and jazz music. They'll also have can-can dancers, stilt-walkers and a French mime to celebrate the day. Tickets $15-$20. 11AM-3PM. chateaustjean.com