An Insider’s Guide to Taste of Sonoma

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Taste of Sonoma is coming up this Saturday, September 2 at a new location - the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. Whether you're a seasoned "Taste" veteran or planning your first trip, expect this year’s Sonoma County food and wine festival to offer something a little different. Here are 12 tips to ensure you plan the best Taste of Sonoma experience: (Photo by John Burgess)

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Plan by nailing down the details. Tickets sell out the week before the event so get your ticket ASAP if you want to attend. Tickets range in price from $150 to $255 per person and include unlimited food and wine tastings and chef demos. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Pack the night before, so that you don't forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, and pick out your favorite “wine country casual” outfit. If you need help figuring out what that means, head over to “How To Master the Art of Wine Country Casual” for some styling tips. The Green Music Center has cell coverage (as opposed to the Russian River Valley location where previous Taste events were held) so bring a portable charger if you plan on Instagramming your way through the day. (Photo by John Burgess)

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Figure out your transportation. Attendees have a few different options for getting to the event. Purchase tickets online for a round-trip Pure Luxury shuttle from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Healdsburg or Sonoma. Parking at the Green Music Center is included in the ticket price, but you should plan on getting there early to get a spot under the oak trees. For those wanting to take an Uber or Lyft, check car sharing opportunities for large groups. (Photo courtesy of Pure Luxury)

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Start the day with bubbly and oysters. The venue may be different, but the Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge will still be the first attraction for Taste of Sonoma guests. Start off your day with a glass of bubbly paired with The Oyster Girls raw oysters. And don't forget the mac & cheese balls from Feast Catering. This area is the first to run out of food, so get in line to start your experience with some sparkle. (Photo by John Burgess)

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Plan your wine tasting. Wineries are featured in alphabetical order this year. Most people will start at the front, with the A’s like Alexander Valley Vineyards and Arista Winery, so why not head to the end of the alphabet and grab Wonderment Wines Pinot Noir or Trione Winery Rosé. Starting off your day with lighter wines will help your palette. Take your time in the morning and enjoy talking to the people behind the table. Hit up higher alcohol wines like Zinfandels and Cabernets later in the day, and remember to spit. (Photo by John Burgess)

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Get ready to eat. Another difference at this year's event is that, instead of doing the “Perfect Pairings” where wineries and chefs team up to provide a wine and food pairing, the chefs will take center stage in the chef lounge. Attendees can watch Sonoma County locals like Executive Chef Thomas Schmidt of John Ash & Co Restaurant and veteran Kenwood restaurateur and YouTube chef Steve Rose of the Rose Ranch talk about their process and share dishes. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Pick up a map and sample your favorite Sonoma County bites early, the afternoon always sees longer lines. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Remember - wine tasting isn’t a marathon. Take a break from the food and wine, and enjoy hanging out with friends. Rest on the grass or in any of the lounges around the event. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Sample all things Sonoma County. The Sonoma County Marketplace is where some of the best local food producers can be found. First-time vendor, Golden State Pickle Works will be there with an assortment of fermented foods. (Photo by John Burgess)

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Pair barbecue with a pint of beer. Pork, tri-tip, paella and everything in between, Sonoma County knows what they are doing for barbecue. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Try a Russian River Brewery STS Pilsner or a Saison from HenHouse Brewing, both complement the sweet and savory tastes of barbecue. (Photo by Shana Bull)

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Revisit your faves. After you have checked out everything on your list, head back to the wineries or visit the chefs you enjoyed the most. Let them know why you had to come back to try their wine or food again. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend)

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Experience Sonoma County. Did you LOVE any chefs or wineries you tried at Taste of Sonoma? Do your research and check out the tasting room or the restaurant for an extended experience in Sonoma County. (Photo courtesy of Gundlach Bundschu Winery)

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TASTE OF SONOMA, Saturday, September 2, 2017
12-4pm (Club Reserve entrance 11am)
The Green Music Center
1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
General Admission: $150, Club Reserve Tickets: $255
sonomawinecountryweekend.com