At The Wine Daily, we’re all about turning every occasion into a reason to drink more wine. Lucky for us, the San Francisco Bay Area now offers wine-filled Halloween events for everyone from dog lovers to Champagne aficionados. This year in particular, Halloween is also a great time to support Napa and Sonoma wineries, many of which are beginning to reopen after the wildfires. Here are our top picks for the year.
For the Wine Geek: Golden Gate Wine Cellars
Golden Gate Wine Cellars specializes in boutique, small-lot wines that are difficult to find anywhere else. On Saturday, October 28th, they’ll be pouring up a selection of these wines free for anyone who shows up in costume. Its a steal — the cost of a tasting is normally $10 per person. Click here for more details.
For Dog Lovers: The Winemaker Studios with The Winery SF
If you think dogs in costumes are more adorable than kids in costumes, this is your event. Local wineries The Winery SF and Winemaker Studios members VIE Winery, Sol Rouge Winery, and Sottomarino Winery are joining forces for an Insta-worthy Halloween. The best news for your DD: tickets are free, and grant $5 off a tasting and $17 in “bottle bucks” off to-go bottle purchases at any of the participating wineries. Purchase tickets here.
For the sparkling wine lover: Veuve Clicquot Yelloween at the Clift Hotel SF
If you can’t give up your Champagne on Halloween, Veuve Clicquot’s annual Yelloween is for you. Expect to find the more sophisticated side of Halloween at the posh Clift Hotel, with drink specials from Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere. The party also boasts “sexy black widow Gogo dancers”, an all-access step and repeat, and a costume contest. Early access tickets start at $30, rising to $50 on October 21st. Purchase tickets here.
For the Winery Lover
Costume/Masquerade Ball at Buena Vista Winery
Show your support for Sonoma, whose wine tourism industry has been hard hit by the fire. Buena Vista Winery was one of the properties fortunate enough to be saved by local firefighters. Now, they are celebrating their 160th anniversary with a Golden Glamour Halloween party – hosted by owner Jean-Charles Boisset. For $100, guests will enjoy a costume ball, masquerade, and plenty of wine. Purchase tickets here.
Halloween on the Hill costume party at Rutherford Hill Winery
In a victory for Napa, Rutherford Hill Winery is now open and accepting tourists. Help support the recovery while enjoying their critically acclaimed Rutherford Hill Merlot during their Halloween on the Hill party. Tickets are $85 and include a party in the Rutherford Hill wine caves, which will be transformed into the “Devil’s Den”, and wine and food. Purchase tickets here.
Trefethen Costume Party
Celebrate another Napa Valley icon’s survival of the wildfires with a wine-filled Halloween party. Trefethen is known for its wide range of 90+ rated wines, from Merlot, to Chardonnay, to Riesling. The $50 admission will include plenty of wine, food, and a winery tour. Purchase tickets here.
Halloween Fright Night at Mountain Winery
For $25 (or just $15 on Goldstar!), enjoy a fright night at Mountain Winery replete with games and entertainment. For $130, a VIP all-access ticket grants access to a private lounge with unlimited wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres. Purchase tickets here.
Know of an awesome wine-filled Halloween party you think should be on this list? Simply comment below or shoot us a note!