Cellars of Sonoma Wine Tastings
Railroad Square, Santa Rosa
Located in historic Railroad Square of Santa Rosa, Cellars of Sonoma is stylish and unique collective tasting room serving award winning wines from Sonoma’s rising star wineries. Take a group of friends for a fun Aroma Seminar (Saturdays at 11am & 2pm) or just stop by and mention LocalGetaways to receive two complimentary current release wine tastings. You can also log onto their website to watch interviews with local wine makers. Open 7 days a week until 8:30pm and Thu-Sat until 10pm with live music every Friday night. 113 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa. 707/578-1826; www.cellarsofsonoma.com

Introducing the Artist Dinner Series
March 9 & 30, Carmel Valley
Come to beautiful Bernardus Lodge in Carmel valley for an artistic gourmet feast for your senses—a 3-course organic meal that’s perfectly paired with Bernardus wines and the art of Patricia A. Qualls (March 9) and Tom O’Neal (March 30). The evening will begin with a welcome wine reception and artist gallery at the Marinus Restaurant. Chef Cal Stamenov will then welcome guests to experience his spring-inspired menu ($95 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity). 831/658-3595; www.bernardus.com

24th Annual Dinner with the Winemaker Series
March 12, April 23, May 21, June 18, Bodega Bay
The Bay View Restaurant at The Inn at the Tides is hosting its 24th-annual “Dinner with the Winemaker” series. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner served with a different varietal wine to compliment each course. Winemakers from each winery will be on hand to present their wines and answer questions. Participating wineries include Murphy-Goode, Grgich Hills, D’Argenzio & Hartford Family. For info on dates, menus, and wineries, visit www.innatthetides.com or call 800/541-7788.

32nd Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting
March 13-14, Sonoma County
More than 100 Sonoma County wineries and hundreds of wine lovers will participate in an exciting weekend of barrel tasting along the Wine Road at the 32nd Annual Wine Road Barrel Tasting. This is the largest wine tasting event in Sonoma County and your chance to sample wines straight from the barrel, chat with local winemakers, purchase wine futures, and explore the beautiful Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. 800/723-6336; www.wineroad.com/annualevents/3

Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals
March 20-21, Mendocino & Fort Bragg
Join the locals and visitors alike in Mendocino and Fort Bragg for the annual Whale Festivals. The charming towns host the cetacean celebrations over the course of 2 weekends, and offer a variety of exhibits to indulge with. Featuring local wine and microbrews, gourmet chowder tastings, lighthouse tours, and whale-watching cruises and walks can be enjoyed by the whole family! 707/961-6300; www.MendoWhale.com

Historic Longboard Revival Races
March 21, Johnsville
Ever imagine how they used to ski in the olden days? Now you can see it in person! Join the spectators and the Eureka Ski Bowl participants as they don 12-foot long skis while wearing period costumes and race down the hill. Reviving the speed skiing competitions of days past, this event is not to be missed! 530/836-6811; www.easternplumaschamber.com

4th Annual California's Artisan Cheese Festival
March 26-29, Petaluma
California's 4th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival is a weekend-long celebration of handcrafted cheeses, food, wines, and beers from California and beyond. Educational seminars, an eight-course Artisan Tasting Dinner Event, and a festive Sunday Marketplace offer consumers the opportunity to learn about and enjoy fine artisan cheeses from award-winning cheese makers and experts. The festival is hosted by the Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma. 800/763-0344; www.artisancheesefestival.com

Whiskies of the World
March 27, San Francisco
The 11th annual Whiskies of the World Expo and Artisanal Spirits Festival is sure to bring some color to your cheeks or put hair on your chest. Come taste the huge variety from the US, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Japan. Sip and swirl the night away while experts share their knowledge. A full dinner buffet and chocolate and fudge pairings will be offered to complete the indulgence. 408/225-0446; www.whiskiesoftheworld.com

Winery Passport Day
April 17 & July 17; Santa Cruz
Embark on a winery journey at more than 50 wineries in the Santa Cruz area that often are hard to visit and gain access to. Focusing on the boutique wineries that are somewhat elusive, you will now have a chance to explore their properties and enjoy demonstrations while they pour. The passport ticket will be honored for your entire lifetime, so gaining access will never be difficult again! 831/685-8463; www.scmwa.com

April in Carneros
April 17-18, Carneros, Sonoma
April in Carneros 2010 is an exciting winery open house event featuring more than 20 wineries in the Carneros region. Each winery will open its doors and invite visitors to join in on a variety of activities ranging from food and wine pairings to live music, art or craft shows, special tastings (barrel, reserve, library, new release), discounts, special pricing, and much more. 800/909-4352; www.carneroswineries.org/events

Passport to Dry Creek Valley
April 24-25, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
Enjoying its 20th anniversary, the Passport to Dry Creek Valley event showcases the wineries, vineyards and exceptional beauty of Dry Creek Valley. There are more than 60 wineries and 150 growers in Dry Creek Valley, all family-owned and many multi-generational. Forty six wineries up and down the valley will celebrate with amazing wine, incredible food, live entertainment, vineyard tours, and their famous Dry Creek Valley hospitality. Passport tickets are limited to ensure an intimate experience for all. 707/433-3031; www.wdcv.com