Enthusiasts of the French game petanque will descend upon the wine country town of Sonoma this weekend for one of the country’s largest petanque tournaments, according to the Valley of the Moon Petanque Club.
The Wine Country Open will host players from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and France at the courts at Depot Park, just steps off the historic Sonoma Plaza.
Petanque is similar to the more commonly played Italian game of bocce. Petanque players toss balls (called “boules” in French) on a court trying to get the balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball (a “cochonnet”).
Unlike bocce, the balls are made of metal, as opposed to wood. Petanque courts are square, rather than long, and players stand in a circle during competition, according to the club.
Two French world champions will also be in attendance: Damien Hureau and nine-time world champion Dylan Rocher. The two will host a clinic for players and also compete.
“Their participation is sure to elevate the competition to new heights,” the club said. “Players and spectators alike will have the opportunity to witness some of the world’s best petanque talent in action.
An anticipated 64 teams will compete for cash prizes and trophies, the club said.
In addition to fierce competition, the tournament weekend will also include casual play, a master class with Hureau and Rocher, lunches catered by award-winning local chefs, and plenty of wine and pastis, a French anise-flavored spirit.
The Wine Country Open Petanque Tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday at Depot Park in Sonoma.
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