Healdsburg is gearing up for the 2026 International White Wine Festival by hosting a series of preview tastings featuring winemakers from Anderson Valley. These events, organized by the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association in collaboration with Stay Healdsburg, will take place from mid-January until February 6, just ahead of the festival’s main weekend in Mendocino County.

Healdsburg’s location makes it an ideal launchpad for this festival, providing a space that connects visitors heading to the nearby Anderson Valley as well as a community for many winemakers. This blend of culture and hospitality sets the stage for wine enthusiasts to get an early taste of the unique offerings before the festival.

Upcoming Preview Events:

January 18:
Meet the Makers: White Wine Festival Preview & Flight
Location: Little Saint, 5–7 p.m.
This event will feature various Anderson Valley winemakers pouring a selection of wines such as Husch’s dry Gewürztraminer and Smith Story’s Chenin Blanc, including a special late-harvest Gewürztraminer.

February 1:
White Wine Festival Preview Flight & Winemaker Reception
Location: Maison Healdsburg, noon–2:30 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a refined tasting featuring wines from five Anderson Valley producers, followed by a master class on cellar-worthy wines at 3:30 p.m.

February 6:
Sparkling Wine Festival Preview
Location: Healdsburg Bubble Bar, 4–7 p.m.
This final preview focuses on sparkling wines, featuring an exclusive estate sparkling brut from Goldeneye.

Courtney DeGraff, executive director of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association, noted that these events embody the spirit of the festival—fostering connections among winemakers and wine lovers alike. The previews set the tone leading into the 16th annual International White Wine Festival Grand Tasting on February 14 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville.

These events not only celebrate the love of white and sparkling wines but also highlight the collaboration and community within the Northern California wine scene.