Gingerbread Contest

Traditional gingerbread houses go upscale in Sonoma, Dec. 1 to 31.

Elias Fotou, 13, of Petaluma makes a gingerbread house at the Gingerbread Doghouse Workshop at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California. (photo by Ramin Rahimian, 2011)

December 1-31, Sonoma Valley Winery Gingerbread Contest

The traditional gingerbread house goes way upscale, with architectural confections constructed from fondant, marzipan and an amazing variety of candies. Wine tasting takes on a holiday flavor in this friendly, annual contest, with participating wineries competing against each other. Sample some of Sonoma Valley’s finest wines, pick up gifts and vote for your favorite gingerbread creation. Ballots are available at each winery; every time you vote, you’re entered in a drawing to win a case of wine. 707-935-0803, sonomavalleywine.com.