A la carte: Early spring wine and food fun in Sonoma County

SONOMA VALLEY

Signature tastings

The second annual Signature Sonoma Valley, a three-day wine celebration providing access to rare wine experiences, will be held April 6 to 8 at various wineries in the Sonoma Valley.

The event hosted by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance includes Icon, a walk-around tasting at Ram’s Gate Winery on April 6; Retrospective, a tasting of legendary vintages from Hanzell Vineyards on April 7; Legends, an elite dinner with Don and Nancy Sebastiani featuring wines from their private collections on April 7; Immersion, a tasting of wines from iconic vineyards, followed by a lunch, on April 6 and 7; Wine + Design, a series of lunches hosted by vintners at private homes on April 6 and 7; and Bubbles + Brunch, a farewell event on Sunday.

This year, the event will also introduce The Hub, a pop-up lounge on Sonoma’s square open each day to guests. Tickets are $65 to $500 for individual events, $1,750 for package that includes VIP reception. To reserve: sonomavalleywine.com. For information: 707-935-0803.

SANTA ROSA

Sweet benefit: ?Art of the Dessert

Indulge in a few sweet treats created by North Bay pastry Artists at 5:30 p.m. April 7 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.

Now in its 15th year, the evening kicks off with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception, followed by a dinner provided by John Ash & Co. and one-of-a-kind cakes for each table.

New this year, guests will be able sit with celebrity hosts, including Food Network star Duskie Estes of Zazu in Sebastopol, “Top Chef Master” Douglas Keane of Two Birds One Stone in St. Helena, chef and hospitality entrepreneur Charlie Palmer of the Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, “Chez Panisse Desserts” author Lindsey Shere, James Beard Award finalist Mark Stark of Stark Reality Restaurants and well-known travel and food writer Matt Villano.

Tickets are $250, to benefit the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation, which helps support the center and bring arts programs to thousands of children. To reserve: 707-527-7006 or dev@lutherburbankcenter.org.

SONOMA

The brunch bunch

Ramekins will host an Easter brunch for the whole family at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Sonoma cooking school.

The annual brunch includes stations for omelets, waffles and carved meats; spring salads; lox and bagels; artisan pastries and desserts; seasonal fruit, wine and cocktails.

Cost is $65 adults, $25 kids 6-17, free for kids 5 and under. To reserve for one of the two seatings: ramekins.com. 450 West Spain St.

SANTA ROSA

Beer for fire relief

The Active 20-30 Club of Santa Rosa #50 will present the Sonoma County Fire Relief Beer Event - formerly known as the Battle of the Brews - from noon to 7 p.m. April 7 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

The VIP Craft Cup Tickets, which includes beer tastings, food and live music, cost $100 and include early entry at noon. Tickets to the main event from 3 to 7 p.m. cost $50.

To reserve: Go to firereliefbeerevent.com. The event is at 1350 Bennett Valley Road.

ROHNERT PARK

Wine and dine

Pick of the Vine, a venerable wine, beer and food tasting, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 7 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Rohnert Park.

The 31st annual event includes tastings from more than 30 wineries and craft breweries paired with bites from 15 local chefs.

Tickets are $65, to benefit Senior Advocacy Services. To reserve: pickofthevine.org.

PETALUMA

Fire benefit

Azari Vineyards will hold a benefit for victims of the October fires at 1 p.m. April 7 at the Petaluma winery, 1399 Spring Hill Road.

The afternoon includes a feast from local food purveyors such as Della Fattoria, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Spring Hill Creamery, plus wood-fired pizzas and live music.

“The trauma of losing everything at once hit everyone … but the ongoing struggle of trying to reassemble a post-fire life is affecting the most vulnerable among us the worst,” said Kaveh Azari, co-owner of Azari Vineyards. “We’ll share wine and stories and help each other rebuild our homes and hearts.”

Carpooling is recommended and advance tickets are required. To reserve: Go to azarivineyards.com.

SANTA ROSA

Salmon dinner

The Golden Gate Salmon Association will be serving up ribs and chicken at 5:30 p.m. April 6 at the 8th annual Sonoma County Dinner and Fundraiser at the Friedman Event Center.

The evening includes hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, auctions and a chance to swap fish stories.

Tickets are $85 and must be reserved in advance at 855-251-4472 or goldengatesalmonassociation.com. 4676 Mayette Ave.

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