The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience returns May 15-18 and promises a robust lineup of culinary star power.
And the big-ticket event already generating buzz is the Saturday night Big Bottle Party at The Matheson, where hometown hero Dustin Valette will be joined by Top Chef favorite Lee Anne Wong, Iron Chef America victor Viet Pham and none other than mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. Yes, that Guy.
Yes, there will be magnums. Yes, the Wonder Bread 5 will play until late. And yes—one may want to grab a ticket now.
Now in its fourth year, the festival showcases Sonoma County’s best alongside a who’s who of international winemakers and chefs. The aim? To celebrate the region’s farmers, growers, vintners and chefs while highlighting sustainable farming and Sonoma’s agricultural connection to the world.
“The rising tide raises all boats,” says Valette. “It’s 100% true with all of us here in the ’Burg.” And if one thinks it’s all competition in the kitchen, they may want to think again. Just last month, Valette found himself borrowing a live lobster from fellow chef Mark Stark at Willi’s Seafood. “Now walking down Healdsburg Ave. with a live lobster must have been a sight to see,” he adds.
Valette’s schedule for the weekend could make a sous-chef break into a cold sweat. At 11am, Saturday, May 17, the Reserve Lounge at The Matheson Rooftop opens, offering exclusive wines, spirits and chef-created bites in a luxe, above-it-all setting (sponsored by First Citizens Wealth and Silicon Valley Bank). The lounge will stay open until 5pm, giving guests plenty of time to unwind—or gear up—for the evening’s festivities.
At 7pm, The Matheson hosts an Exclusive Pre-Party, where Valette joins Wong and Pham for an extravagant spread paired with rare reserve large format wines. But the real headliner kicks off at 9pm, when Fieri rolls in for the Magnum Party, known formally as the Big Bottle Party. One can expect large-format wines from iconic Sonoma County winemakers and global producers, late-night bites from the all-star chef team and music that will keep the crowd going until the wee hours.
“A chef’s secret is espresso,” Valette jokes when asked how he stays vertical during the marathon weekend. “That and copious amounts of Santo Tequila.”
Valette is used to sharing the stage with big names. But when asked what bit of kitchen smack-talk he might offer his high-profile colleagues, he confesses: “Don’t screw up; just don’t screw up … that seems to get in everyone’s head. And maybe the occasional adding sugar to someone’s salt.”
Despite the long hours and high profile, Valette insists Healdsburg’s culinary scene remains rooted in camaraderie. “The best part of Sonoma County is that we are all here showcasing our craft and supporting each other,” he says.
That collaborative spirit, however, doesn’t mean the job is easy. When pressed, Valette admits it’s a toss-up whether keeping his kitchen staff happy or coaxing cooperative grapes from the vineyard is more challenging. “Wow, knock on wood, though; we are lucky. We have an amazing culinary staff, and our winery partners are beyond exceptional,” he says.
And what does he wish more visitors understood about Sonoma County dining? Says Valette: “We have a nationally recognized, world-class culinary scene. We have a three-star Michelin, multiple one-stars and I think eight Michelin-recognized restaurants in a town of 10,000.”
The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience runs Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, May 18, with seminars, tastings and events at various locations throughout town. While Valette’s events are among the most anticipated, the full schedule offers everything from sustainability panels to farm tours to grand tastings. For the curious and the culinary-obsessed, there’s truly something for everyone. And for a full schedule and tickets, visit healdsburgwineandfood.com.
