November 17 --- Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Wine lovers throughout the world celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau tradition this weekend as they raise a glass to toast the summer past and the cellaring season to come. Beaujolais Nouveau is a French red wine from the southern part of Burgundy made from grapes that were hanging on the vine just three months ago. The grapes are quickly made into wine and over 60 million bottles make their way from Paris for worldwide distribution. A French law passed in 1985 made it illegal for Beaujolais Nouveau to be released before the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday of November. As a result, making and distributing the wine has become a fun-filled race.In Santa Rosa, the celebration takes place at Paradise Ridge Winery. The French-themed festivities, organized by the Alliance Française de Santa Rosa, include food by La Gare restaurant, cheese tasting, and a French singer, not to mention the gorgeous views at the winery. Special guest is newspaper columnist and radio personality Michele Anna Jordan. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Alliance members, $30 non-members, if ordered before Nov. 13; or $35 and 40 at the door. Send checks to AFSR, 613 Fourth Street, Suite 200, Santa Rosa, CA 95404; (707) 829-7708.
November 18 and 19 --- Holiday in Carneros
The 19th Annual Holiday in Carneros Open House Join about 15 Carneros Wineries for an open house with wine and food samples, music, arts and crafts and more. This year’s focus is on food and wine pairing. Meet the winemakers and winery owners. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $25, pay at any participating winery and receive a logo glass to use for wine samples; (800) 909-4352.
November 19 --- Anne Murray at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Singer Anne Murray has been performing and delighting fans for 38 years. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa; 8 p.m.; $45, $55, $65, $85; (707) 546-3600.
November 20 --- Cyprus String Quartet at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
The members of the quartet are not only known for their virtuoso performances but also for their dedication to education and outreach. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa; 7:30 p.m.; $35, $25, $16; (707) 546-3600.
November 23 --- Thanksgiving Day
November 23 --- Thanksgiving on the Sonoma Serengeti at Safari West.
Dine amongst the giraffes and cheetahs and lemurs. You may even run into a few anxious-looking wild guinea fowl! The folks at Safari West are holding a Thanksgiving feast with a touch of Africa. 3115 Porter Creek Road Santa Rosa. First seating at noon, second at 2 p.m., reservations are essential; $35 adults, $15 children. (707) 579-2551.
November 24 and 25 --- 23nd Annual Heart of Sonoma Valley Open House
Join 17 wineries throughout Sonoma Valley and enjoy wine tastings, meet winemakers, mingle in the caves and cellars, stock up on your favorite wines for the holidays and more. Tickets available on the website or at the door of participating wineries; $20 per person for both days. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (866) 794-9463.
November 24 to 26 --- Thanksgiving Family Weekend at the Charles M. Schulz Museum
Enjoy live storytelling and make holiday cartoon cards with Joe Wos, whose quick wit and lightning-speed drawing ability combine to create a performance that audiences love. 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; adults $8, seniors and youths $5; (707) 579-4452.
November 25 --- Santa's Riverboat Arrival
(Proceeding the Antique Wagon And Horse Procession.) Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Petaluma Riverfront onboard the tug, 'Petaluma', to greet the children and distribute candy canes. Petaluma Riverfront, Western Ave; noon; free; (707) 769-0429.
November 25 --- Antique Wagon And Horse Procession
(Following Santa’s Riverboat Arrival.) See an exquisite collection of antique wagons, decorated horse teams and fairy-tale characters on horseback form a procession through Historic Downtown Petaluma. It’s also a holiday open house for local merchants. Fourth and B streets to Kentucky Street to E. Washington Street to Petaluma Blvd.; 1:30 p.m.; free; (707) 769-0429.
