Summer / Fall 2008

Season of the Olive Arrives in Sonoma County

Three-Month Sonoma Valley Olive Festival Celebrates Olives with Epicurean Treasures, Tastings and Weekend Events

The eighth annual Sonoma Valley Olive Festival, a celebration of the olive harvest and an agricultural and epicurean showcase, will take place December 2008 through February 2009 throughout the 17-mile Sonoma Valley wine country region. Comprising a cornucopia of entertaining events and culinary delights—from the Blessing of the Olives ceremony to the elegant Feast of the Olive Dinner—this year's Sonoma Valley Olive Festival promises to transform the winter months in Sonoma into a celebration of the senses.

Commencing on Saturday, December 6, the kick off of the olive season begins with the traditional Blessing of the Olives ceremony, set within the historic Mission San Francisco Solano along Sonoma's Plaza. Following the initial weekend, key events and promotions are planned Valley-wide in honor of the three-month celebration. In addition, local restaurants and lodging properties will offer Olive Festival packages and promotions, including signature olive-inspired menu items and spa treatments throughout the winter months.

Olive Festival favorites set to take place again this season include the celebrated Feast of the Olive Dinner in January, which brings together seven Sonoma Valley chefs to collaboratively prepare a sensational olive-inspired, seven-course dinner, with each course creatively paired with an olive oil and local wine. Master Martini makers will come together once again in January to compete for the best Martini at the wildly popular Martini Madness, where crowds sample each creation and place their votes. Then, in February, over President's Day Weekend, the Season of the Olive will culminate with the Olive Festival Finale Weekend, a grand celebration of special events, dinners and tastings, including VinOlivo, an epicurean showcase that includes live entertainment, a silent auction, and a Marketplace highlighting Sonoma Valley wine and olive oil.

For a comprehensive calendar of Olive Festival events, please visit the official Web site at www.olivefestival.com.