DATE:  Saturday, December 3, 2011

EVENTS:

• 11 a.m., Blessing of the Olives, Mission San Francisco Solano, East Spain St. and 1st St. East, Sonoma (free; 707-996-1090)

• 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Open House & Tastings at The Olive Press, 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma (free; 707-939-8900)

• 3 p.m. Tom Mueller, Italy-based journalist and author of Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil. Book Signing at The Olive Press, 24724 Arnold Dr., Sonoma (free; R.S.V.P. to 707-931 7506, specialevents@jacuzziwines.com)

Olive Oil enthusiasts, families, and food-lovers, gear up for this Saturday, December, 3, 2011, when Sonoma Valley will hold its traditional Blessing of the Olives Ceremony.  This weekend marks the beginning of the three-month Season of the Olive in Sonoma Valley.

Festivities take place at the the historic Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma.  Guests are invited to enjoy the beautiful ceremony which includes talks by olive oil luminaries, refreshments and live music from Carlos Monlino.

Following the ceremony, olive enthusiasts will have the opportunity to head over to The Olive Press for an Open House and Olive Oil Tasting and a Pre-release Book Signing with olive oil expert Tom Mueller, author of the upcoming book, Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil, a narrative on the artisan producers, olive growers and chefs behind the bursting world of olive oil.

Guests will have the opportunity to watch demonstrations of fresh olive oil production and sample olio nuovo, tapenades, cured olives and other goodies from the complimentary tasting bar.

For additional information, please contact the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at 707.996.1090 or visit www.olivefestival.com.

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