There is no better combination than great local wine and the silver screen to celebrate life in California, after all, those are two pretty darn popular exports from this state. At the Wine Country Film Festival, the 23rd running, choose from over one hundred international, award-winning films, most from independent producers. Watch under the stars with the films al fresco screenings, featuring tastes and sips from area wineries and catering. If you catch the filmmaking bug while you’re watching, you can take a master class with one of the knowledgeable talents, many who hail from Sonoma County.
This year, the films are organized into some pretty tempting and intriguing categories: Latin Cinema, Eco Cinema, Cinema of Conscience, Arts in Film, World Cinema and more. Hotel deals at Hilton Sonoma Wine Country are available when you tell the reservationist the magic words: Napa/Sonoma Wine Country Film Festival.
I recommend the Paseo de Espana, hosted by the Tourist Office of Spain, with food, cinema and wine with a Spanish flair. It looks to be an especially wonderful showing of world culture, in a local context. Many of the Eco Cinema films, in fact, are coming from Spain, and the more I look around Sonoma County, the more Spanish influence I see, especially when it comes to food. And its easy to be a locavore with a Spanish swing there are an abundance of ingredients available here that mimic the classic recipes. Dining under the stars, enjoying the authentic cuisine and cinema will prove fantastic, especially while learning about a new perspective and new eco-philosophies from near and far.
Get your tickets for special events and featured screenings early this fest is popular with locals and travelers alike!
Info:
Festival Dates: September 17-27, 2009
707-935-3456, www.wcff.us
Sonoma locations: Deerfield Ranch Winery and Sonoma County Cinemas
Hilton Sonoma Wine Country, 800.445.8667
