Italian roots run deep in Healdsburg, which makes it the ideal place to celebrate the inaugural Festa Italia di Healdsburg (CA) from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at Orsi Family Vineyards. More than two dozen wineries will have their top Italian varietals available for tasting, from the little known Aglianico to Sangiovese, one of the most popular.

The day will acquaint guests with grapes that hail from the top of Italy’s boot down to its tippy toe — all of them grown and produced in California. VIP ticket holders will be part of a tasting panel of California's top Italian wine experts, before gaining early entry to the grand tasting, which, in addition to wine, will include food from San Francisco’s esteemed A16 Italian restaurant, plus Italian craft vendors.