Wine and the holidays go together like and kissing and mistletoe and California wineries have several interesting and unique to experience this winter. Here is a rundown that includes Christmas markets which are highly popular events in European cities, horse-drawn carries rides and even an end-of-Prohibition celebration.
Holiday Wine Villages and Markets
- Tin City “Light Up the Night” — Paso Robles (Dec 13, 2025) For one night, Tin City turns into a full-on holiday hang: lights up, doors open, special pours everywhere/
- Korbel Holiday Market — Guerneville (Dec 6, 2025) Korbel leans into the season with a Champagne-meets-makers market set under the redwoods.
- Holidays in the Vineyards — Livermore Valley (Dec 6–7, 2025) A whole region opens its doors — decorated tasting rooms, seasonal pours, local vendors, and a choose-your-own-holiday-afternoon vibe.
End Of Prohibition Speakeasy Party
Bogle Family Vineyards Repeal Party — Clarksburg (Dec 5) A speakeasy-style throwback night celebrating the end of Prohibition. It has Roarin’ 20 outfits and classic Bogle wines. (Related post: How The End Of Prohibition Helped Rehape Nightlife In The U.S.)
Wine Blending & Cooking Classes
- Cakebread Cellars “Cooking with Cakebread” — Napa Valley (Dec 12 & 13) A hands-on holiday cooking class built around seasonal dishes and Cabernet pairings/
- Arroyo Cellars Wine Blending Class — Livermore (Dec 13) Blend your own bottle, design your label, and walk out with a creation you’ll actually want to gift — or keep for a night that needs a story.
- Bottaia Winery Wine Blending Lab — Temecula (Mutiple December dates) Play winemaker for a day in a blending lab where you experiment with varietals and build your perfect wine.
Winter Workshops At California Wineries
- Boeger Winery Holiday Wreath Workshop — Sierra Foothills (Dec 7) Fresh greens, a glass of wine, and a workshop that feels festive without being precious. It’s relaxed, creative, and the end result actually looks good on your door.
- Rutherford Hill Bottle Etching — Rutherford (Dec 5–6) Etch your own wine bottle for gifting or your own consumption and to impress people at a holiday party.
- Summerwood Winery Wreath Workshop — Paso Robles (Dec 6) A cozy, design-flavored workshop at a boutique inn with treats and wine.
California Wine Country Holiday Adventures
- Margarita Adventures — Santa Margarita Ranch / Ancient Peaks Winery Paso (All December) Zip over vineyards, skim past oaks, and end the adventure with a wine tasting next door at Ancient Peaks.
- Six Sigma Ranch “Christmas at the Ranch” — Lake County (Dec 20) Seasonal bites, new-release wines, and a ranch-style gathering.
- Temecula Carriage Company — Temecula Valley (All December) A horse-drawn carriage rolling past decorated tasting rooms and vineyards. It’s cozy, a little nostalgic, and the perfect “let’s do something different tonight” plan.
Wine And Cookie Pairings
- Alexander Valley Vineyards Cookie Pairings — Healdsburg (All December) Five wines, five holiday cookies, and the kind of “wait… this works?” moments that make December tastings genuinely fun.
- Three Wine Company Caramel Apple Pairing — Clarksburg (Dec 6) Caramel apples sliced into tasting bites and paired with wine flights — nostalgic, playful, and surprisingly perfect.
- Hope Family Wines Cookie Happy Hour — Paso Robles (Dec 15) A once-a-year cookie-and-Cabernet moment that doesn’t take itself too seriously and somehow ends up the highlight of the day.
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