Even If You Live Here ... Go 'Hands On' In Healdsburg

Locals and visitors alike looking to experience something unique this winter will have the opportunity to partake in cheese making, pork butchering workshops and more in Healdsburg.

Hands on Healdsburg is 50 days of exceptional offerings and a myriad of activities that each illustrate Healdsburg’s blend of sophistication with its farm-town friendliness and rustic appeal, and runs through Feb. 28.

Throughout the days, guests can experience activities including wreath making, wine blending seminars, winter citrus preserving, bread making, bare root tree planting and much more.

“Our hope is that guests get to experience what it’s like to be a farmer, vintner, artist or forager for a day, making the most of our local purveyors, outstanding vineyards and farms, showcasing the true talent of those who work and live in our special town,” said Carla Howell, executive director of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. “Whether it’s learning how to make bread with master bakers at Relish Culinary, a bare root tree planting class at SHED, or a Greek cooking class which will teach attendees how to make Moussaka or Dolma at Taverna Sofia, Hands on Healdsburg will offer something for everyone.”

Hands on Healdsburg experiences will be offered at: Relish Culinary, Thumbprint Cellars,

Dry Creek Peach, h2hotel, Hotel Healdsburg, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, SHED and more.

An example of specific offerings are below:

Spoonbar

• In the spirit of Healdsburg’s “Hands on” theme in January and February, Spoonbar is featuring two “how to” classes.

o How to infuse syrups with homegrown botanicals for incredible cocktails with Sonoma Brothers Vodka – January 25: 3 p.m. - $20 per person and includes a Spoonbar signature cocktail

o How to make popular vinegar-based shrubs from scratch featuring Old World Spirits gin – February 22: 3 p.m. - $20 per person and includes a Spoonbar signature cocktail

Dragonfly Floral

• Designing in the Still of Winter – Meditation & Design class – January 21: 5:30 – 8 p.m.$95 – This class will start with a quiet, sitting meditation to bring the stillness of nature into our hearts and minds. Then, we’ll replicate the pure lines and simple color of nature, and learn how to bring this contemplative and regenerative time into our very own lives. Think woodsy, pure, and simple beauty!

Ferrari-Carano Seasons of the Vineyard Wine Shop

• Wine & Chocolate Pairing – How to do it properly - February 7: 2 p.m.- $25 per person

Camelia Inn

• Robert Burns Weekend - February 6, 7, 8 - Celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s most famous bard with a Celtic weekend at the Camellia Inn. On Friday afternoon, begin with a creative writing workshop. Create your own memoir with notable writer Shonnie Brown. Saturday night is the Burns Supper, with song, poetry and a traditional Scottish dinner, including a “Haggis Ceremony” featuring the highland bagpipes. Speaking of haggis -- there will be a “make-your-own vegetarian haggis” workshopon Sunday, after you’ve relaxed and enjoyed your full breakfast. The weekend for two includes two nights lodging, a full breakfast each morning, the writing workshop, dinner celebration and cooking class. Rates are $595 for a Queen room; $750 for a Queen Deluxe; $850 for a King Deluxe.

Dolinsek Ranch

• Pruning Seminar & Italian Family Style Crab Feed – February 21: 1 – 5 p.m. – $55 per person. Enjoy an afternoon at the 104 Year Old Zinfandel vineyard. Owner Jim Dolinsek will educate attendees on winter farming and pruning, and guests will have the opportunity to experience hands on pruning. Following the vineyard seminar, attendees will enjoy a crab feed featuring appetizers and a four course Italian Family Style Crab Feed accompanied with Portalupi wine. Menu will include Crab, Pesto Pasta, Salad, Garlic Bread, & Dessert.

How does it work?

To participate in Hands on Healdsburg, guests can refer to http://www.healdsburg.com/handsonhealdsburg for a list of class descriptions, dates and pricing. Guests also have the opportunity to book an overnight reservation with a participating lodging option in town. When booking with one of these lodging options, guests will receive a $50 credit toward any of the Hands on Healdsburg experiences. A list of participating hotels can be found athttp://www.healdsburg.com/lodging.

For more information, please contact the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at (707) 433-6935, info@healdsburg.com or visit www.healdsburg.com.