A la carte: Fun food and wine events in Sonoma County

HEALDSBURG: Take a break with some holiday tea

The holidays are looming, and it's time to start planning a few fun escapes from all of the stressful shopping, wrapping and baking chores.

The Hotel Healdsburg will once again offer weekend Holiday Afternoon Tea service, starting today and continuing through Dec. 28, with two special services on Dec. 22 and 23.

The traditional tea offers an array of savory sandwiches such as Fall Spiced Salmon with olive oil cream cheese prepared by Executive Chef Scott Romano, plus housemade baked goods like cream scones and sweets. Beverages include custom blend teas and wine.

Tea will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. Cost is $34 for tea service and food; $43 adds holiday wine; $14 for children, including food, tea, cider or hot chocolate. To reserve: 707-431-2800.

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HEALDSBURG: Simi Winery releases new cookbook

Commemorating its 140th anniversary, Simi Winery has released a wine-pairing cookbook, “Savoring Simi: Since 1876,” just in time for the giving season.

The cookbook features a collection of classic recipes from winery chefs that include Chef Kolin Vazzoler, as well as palate-pleasing wine and food pairings for every occasion.

The cookbook is $39 when packaged with a bottle of Simi's 2013 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, simiwinery.com. It also is available on its own for $20 at amazon.com.

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HEALDSBURG: Day-after celebration

Once again, DaVero Sonoma will host its annual “Day After Thanksgiving” party at the winery, with John and Gessine Franchetti selling wood-fired pizzas, glasses of wine for purchase and tastes of the new crop of olio nuovo.

No reservations are required. Just bring family, friends and your appetite to enjoy the farm and the gardens. Suggestion donation of $10 per family will go to the Healdsburg Food Pantry. 766 Westside Road. 707-433-2345.

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FORESTVILLE: Holiday dinners at Farmhouse Inn

The Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn will launch an Old World/New World holiday dining series, with Chef Steve Litke pairing Old World specialties with Old World wines and New World plates paired with New World wines.

The dinners will be held Fridays Dec. 2, 9 and 16, while the New World dinners will be held Saturdays Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Each meal features at least four courses and a special wine pairing with each course. Cost is $200.

7871 River Road, 707-887-3300.

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HEALDSBURG: Dickens Dinners at the Madrona Manor

The Madrona Manor in Healdsburg will bring back its annual Dickens Dinners on 13 nights between Dec. 8 and 25, featuring a five-course menu from Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren interspersed by live caroling.

The Victorian-style feast includes dishes such as a Dungeness Crab Salad and Beef Wellington. Cost is $110. On Dec. 17 and 25, the menu also includes a White Truffle Risotto ($170). On Dec. 24, the menu includes White Truffle Risotto and Caviar ($170.)

To reserve: 707-433-4231. 1001 Westside Road. madronamanor.com.

Staff writer Diane Peterson can be reached at 707-521-5287 or diane.peterson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @dianepete56.