Pigs & Pinot | Events

Start the weekend with exclusive early access to the culinary stars of Pigs & Pinot. This one-hour VIP reception, held just before Taste of Pigs & Pinot, offers an intimate setting to mingle with gala chefs and winemakers over passed canapés, Charlie’s Palmer & Co. Champagne, and select Pinot Noirs.

Taste of Pigs & Pinot | General Admission

Friday evening’s festival kickoff is the lively Taste of Pigs & Pinot where guests sample 60 highly-acclaimed Pinot Noir wines competing in the Pinot Cup competition, both from Sonoma County and around the world. Tastings are served alongside perfect pork pairings from Chef Palmer, Folia Bar + Kitchen, Dry Creek Kitchen, visiting celebrity chefs, and local Healdsburg restaurants.

Pinot After Dark

Step into the chefs’ after-party—an intimate, late-night gathering where culinary talent and VIP guests mix, mingle, and unwind after an unforgettable evening. Sip cocktails, sample curated wines, and enjoy craveable bites like sliders, pork belly skewers, fried chicken bao, and truffle fries, all in a lively lounge setting with music and a warm nightcap vibe.

Table Talk Seminar

An intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the minds behind the menus. Guests will join our celebrated Gala chefs for a candid Q&A led by host Mario Cantone, while enjoying a curated tasting of small bites prepared by each chef.

Ultimate Pinot Smackdown Seminar

Four Master Sommeliers enter. Only one wins the audience crown. In this fast-paced, March Madness–style Pinot Noir showdown, each sommelier goes head-to-head, pouring four of their favorite Pinots from around the world—pitch, pour, and win your vote!

The Gala Dinner

Saturday evening’s Pigs & Pinot Gala features a sumptuous five-course dinner at Appellation Healdsburg. As a collaborative offering, each course features a signature creation from Chefs Charlie and Reed Palmer and their guest chefs. Every course will be paired with two limited-production Pinot Noirs from highly acclaimed wineries.

The Final Flight

A lively after-hours celebration to cap off the weekend in style. Join chefs, winemakers, and guests enjoying signature cocktails, carefully curated bites, and exclusive pours from the Pinot Cup and Ultimate Pinot Smackdown winners and runners-up.

Meet the Winemakers

Go Beyond the Label — Meet the Mind Behind the Wine. Step into the world behind the bottle with intimate gatherings designed exclusively for package guests. From Fireside Chats to private Winery Experiences, connect one-on-one with acclaimed winemakers, savor rare tastings, and hear the stories that bring each Pinot to life. These moments offer a rare glimpse into the craft, conversation, and character that make every sip unforgettable.

Fireside Chats

New this year, Fireside Chats give guests a rare opportunity to sit down with renowned winemakers in an intimate, conversational setting. Hosted at Appellation, these small-group gatherings (max 10 guests) invite open dialogue, storytelling, and tastings of up to two wines directly with the winemaker.

Winery Experiences

For guests looking to explore beyond the main event, Winery Experiences offer insider access to some of our most iconic vintners. Limited to just 10 guests each, these special off-site visits combine rare tastings, behind-the-scenes stories, and the chance to purchase exclusive wines. Each experience benefits a local charity chosen by the host winery.

Appellation Healdsburg Pigs & Pinot Weekend Packages | Seminar Choice Guests who purchased an Ultimate, Luxe, or Weekend Select Package will receive an email from the Pigs & Pinot Team by Wednesday, January 14, with an Eventbrite link and promotional code. The code will be active starting Thursday, January 15, at 11:00 AM PT and will allow you to select your seminar. Please note: seminars are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests who purchase a package after January 14 will receive an email from the Pigs & Pinot Team with a link to choose their seminar. If only one seminar remains available, you will automatically be placed in that seminar. Seminar and Gala tickets are exclusive to Appellation Healdsburg Lodging Packages and selections are subject to availability. Pinot After Dark is exclusive to Donor Packages. Full package pricing is charged at the time of booking. There is an eight-week cancellation policy for full refund. Packages cancelled after Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3pm PST are non-refundable. The room portion of the package may be applied to a future stay, ticket fees will not be credited.
Please contact info@pigsandpinot.com for cancellations.

Events

Fireside Chat | James MacPhail

Fireside Chat | Ashley Holland

Fireside Chat | Dan Kosta

Fireside Chat | Cleo Pahlmeyer

Fireside Chat | Ryan Prichard

Fireside Chat | Greg Stach

Winery Experience | Bricoleur Vineyards

Winery Experience | Bob Cabral Wines

Fireside Chat | John Truchard

Welcome Meet & Greet Dinner with Charlie

Private Winery Tour & Tasting

Pigs & Pinot Gala Check-In & Bubbles

Taste of Pigs & Pinot | VIP Admission