June 20-22:  For the 26th consecutive year, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will visit the Sonoma Valley for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The exciting 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course will provide plenty of paint-swapping action.  Here’s a sneak peak at Sunday’s Schedule:

Ride of a Lifetime NASCAR Charity Auction – 9 a.m., Wine Country Winner’s Circle. Bid on the opportunity to take a parade lap around the world-famous road course during pre-race ceremonies with your favorite NASCAR driver including Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards. Signed NASCAR memorabilia as well as items from local Bay Area sports teams will be up for auction in the Wine Country Winner’s Circle.  All proceeds benefit Speedway Children’s Charities.

NEW!! NASCAR Drivers Meeting inside Turn 11. For the first time ever in Sonoma, select fans will be granted access to the NASCAR drivers’ meeting shortly before the green flag for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The offer is only available to fans who purchased their Sunday race tickets prior to May 31.

Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest – Pre-Race Ceremonies. For the first time, Sonoma Raceway will host a qualifying round of the Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest. How many hot dogs can one person eat in 10 minutes? Find out on the main stage in front of the Main Grandstand.

Patriot Jet Team Air Show – 10:50 a.m. (25 minutes)

Toyota/Save Mart 350 Driver Introductions – 11:30 a.m.

GoPro Bomb Squad. Catch the GoPro Bomb Squad in action when they jump from a helicopter to deliver the green flag.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race (110 laps) – noon

Post-Race Track Walk. Don’t miss your chance to walk around the road course minutes after the checkered flag falls on Sunday.  The walk will feature specially-painted lug nuts dropped around the road course, each of which is redeemable for a valuable prize at the Ticket Pit Stop located behind the Main Grandstand.

More info: http://www.racesonoma.com/tickets/toyota_save_mart_350/

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The celebration of fine cars and fine wine at the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival continues into the evening on Saturday, May 17, at the Sonoma Plaza and the 22nd annual Historic Race Car Festival.

Locals and race fans alike will enjoy tastings from several local restaurants and wineries. In addition to the fine wine and food, attendees can enjoy a stroll through the Sonoma Plaza and get an up-close look at more than 30 historic race cars, which compete throughout the weekend at the Sonoma Historic Motorsports Festival at Sonoma Raceway, May 17-18.

All proceeds from the charity event will benefit the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Speedway Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of Sonoma Raceway.

The Historic Race Car Festival runs from 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the event.

http://www.racesonoma.com/tickets/sonoma_historic_motorsports_festival/

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A fundraiser for local schools, the Sonoma Red and White Ball is a hugely popular, and colorful, dinner and dance party held on the Plaza.  The theme is fun, not necessarily formal. Don your favorite Red and White attire and dance the night away. More info.
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Enterprise Rentals Sonoma Web Site: Web Site Read More

You can rent a conventional car in Sonoma, although it may be more expensive than renting at the airport. Or you can splurge on something exotic. Rental Cars Centers in Sonoma.

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Sonoma Valley is an excellent place to cycle. Beginner cyclists will appreciate the flat terrain around town that includes a bike path and easy route to multiple wineries. Experienced cyclists will appreciate moderate rides through mountain roads and parks. Bike Rental Shops.
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If you will be wine tasting at multiple wineries, a designated driver is essential. There are lots of options including exclusive tours for high rollers; private limo tours to wineries of your choice; small group tours in vans; trolley car tours; and independent wine guides who can drive your personal car or rental car.  Tour Companies and Drivers. Read More

03/06/2014

04/02/2014

04/02/2014

French importers from around the Bay Area set-up this weekend flea market featuring vintage collectibles and antiques. It is a small and charming event, hosted by the Chateau Sonoma Sonoma home and garden store.  More Info. Read More