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Making wineries from gingerbread

Using gumdrops, frosting, plenty of gingerbread and whatever other sweets they prefer, Valley wineries compete to make the best replica of their tasting room during the sixth annual Sonoma Valley Winery Gingerbread Competition, which runs through the month of December.

  Voters can visit the tasting rooms to see the creations and vote for their favorites. As an added bonus, each time voters cast a ballot either at the wineries or on the Sonoma Valley Grapes & Wine Facebook page, they’ll be entered into a raffle to win a case of wine.

  Each year, Ramona Nicholson of Nicholson Ranch challenges the Sonoma Valley wineries to pick up their spatula and join the fun. This year’s creation by tasting room manager Charles Whittaker is taking over the entire Nicholson Ranch art gallery and creating a pure gingerbread exhibit of at least six full-sized gingerbread pieces of art.

  Larson Family Winery, last year’s winner, will again have their structure created by Rose Fanucchi of Sweet Treats who plans to depict a sweet snapshot back in time.

  The ever creative Kelly Cleaver is taking on B.R. Cohn’s theme of gold records and gold ribbons featuring edible gold as well.

  Chateau St. Jean’s structure based on a classic Christmas tale which promises to be very unusual and colorful. 

  Marina Mayer of Gundlach Bundschu is designing their entry, which will depict their tasting room. 

  The ladies of Kenwood Vineyards are creating a structure with a theme of Christmas in the vineyards. 

  Lori Ferguson is creating a tropical paradise, including Santa in a swimsuit, for Paradise Ridge Winery.

  The team at Roessler Cellars are creating a winter wineland themed structure.

   Wineries will also be hosting special events such as toy drives, visits from Santa and more for the season.

For more information, visit www.sonomavalleywine.com.