Garagiste Festival and Micro-Production Wineries in Sonoma, California

The Garagiste Festival: Northern Exposure is set to return to Sonoma for its eighth year on May 2, 2026.

 

This event will feature over 30 micro-production wineries from Northern California, including several making their debut appearances.

 

Held at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall, the festival is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic downtown Sonoma Plaza.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines representing over 20 grape varieties.

 

Participating wineries hail from appellations such as Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Amador County, and more.

 

According to event organizers, this year's festival will include a "Rare and Reserve Early Access" session from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., offering exclusive tastings of library, club-only, or reserve wines.

 

The "Grand Tasting" will follow from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring over 30 micro-wineries, complimentary cheese and charcuterie, and samples from local artisan vendors.

 

A Silent Wine Auction will also be held to support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which funds future California winemakers.

 

The term "garagiste" originates from France, initially used to describe renegade small-lot winemakers who often worked in non-traditional spaces.

 

Tickets are available online and are limited, often selling out in advance.

 

For more information and the full schedule, visit the festival's official website.