The Best Of December Wine Events

The holiday season is upon us, and even if you're still full from Thanksgiving, there's always room for wine this month! Here are some highlights of wine events around the country. If you can't make it to one of these, consider hosting your own holiday wine tasting party!

Saturday Live at Vina Robles, Paso Robles, Calif., Dec. 1
Sample excellent wines from Vina Robles while listening to live music by Cinder Jean and Robert Thomas. A perfect way to spend a late fall afternoon. More information available here.

Live Music and Santa at Miracle Valley, Deleplane, Va., Dec. 1
Enjoy fine wine from Miracle Valley Vineyard and let the kids sit on Santa's lap. Plus, Shenandoah Valley mainstay Durty Harry plays live music for the afternoon. More information available here.

Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese Festival, Ouray, Colo., Dec. 8
This Saturday night event features three of life's pleasures: wine, chocolate, and cheese, from all over Colorado. Plus, dress up in a winter wonderland costume and enter to win the costume contest! More information available here.

The Big Sip, Greensboro, N.C., Dec. 8
The Greensboro Coliseum Pavilion hosts this showcase of local, regional, and national beverages. There will be wine, beer, spirits, coffee, and more at this sipper's dream event. More information available here.

2nd Annual Holiday Show, University Heights, Ohio, Dec. 8
Come to Cedar Green to sample tons of great wines and beers. In addition to great deals on bottles, there will be holiday treats to munch. More information available here.

Say Cheese Wine Trail, Hermann, Mo., Dec. 8-9
Sample yummy cheese dishes paired with wine from seven different Hermann wineries. Tickets must be purchased in advanced, so if you love cheese and wine, do it sooner rather than later. More information available here.

Wine and Chocolate Festival, Clermont, Fla., Dec. 8-9
Enjoy wine and beer from Lakeridge Winery as well as live bands all weekend, displays from local artists, and great food. Winery tours are also offered. More information available here.

Fratty Pike in Boonville, Boonville, Calif., Dec.14-17
The Wineries of Downtown Boonville (the four tasting rooms of Foursight Wines, Londer Vineyards, Philo Ridge Vineyards, and Zina Hyde Cunningham) invite you to take a "fratty pike" the Boontling term for "wine walk" around Boonville to enjoy their open houses with appetizers and holiday specials. More information available here.

Hike the Vines, Galena, Ill., Dec. 15
Galena Cellars invites you to come for a snowshoe hike through its vineyard, then recover with wine, cheese, and crackers. Be sure to sign up in advance for this unique opportunity. More information available here.

Napa Valley Wine Trolley, Napa Valley, Calif., Dec. 22
Families and kids of all ages are invited to board the Napa Valley Holiday Wine Trolley for the Holiday Light Tour, which takes passengers through historic downtown Napa and its Victorian neighborhoods. Enjoy seasonal light displays and decorations, sing holiday carols, and although wine won't be served you can sip hot chocolate! Proceeds from these tours benefit foster children of Napa County. More information available here

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