Food, wine, film. What could be more enticing than bringing all three together?

Owners and guests of The Orchard at the Carneros Inn get to find out, this April. In its 15th year, in the heart of the California wine country, the 2012 Sonoma Film Festival features international premieres, live performances, and of course the always present sumptuousness of fine cuisine and remarkable libation.

As it turns out, The Orchard’s California wine country vacation cottages are perfectly positioned for the fest. Just a short trip into the heart of Sonoma allows our Timbers Resorts guests to enjoy everything the event has to offer. So, here’s a “closeup” on some highlights, coming this April 11–15.

The Festival

Ninety new independent films. The inimitable John Waters on stage. The unveiling of a new animated feature starring Sean Connery. The extensive Film List for 2012 covers the gamut of genres to see.

If there’s a shortlist to be made of what to see and do at the Sonoma Film Festival, it’s a tough call. In making ours, the criteria for inclusion came down to variety and vivacity, and the following items fit that bill . . .

• World Premiere: Sir Bill! (April 13): Sean Connery retired from onscreen acting circa 2003, but his voice is still active and very much the star of this new animated feature from Scotland. It’s a family-friendly adventure story, perfect for lovers of DreamWorks- and Pixar-style fare. You can join the event at 5 p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre. Buy a festival pass now, or get individuals tickets starting April 2.

• John Waters Live (April 14): At one point the world knew director John Waters mainly for films like Hairspray, Cry Baby, and his very, very edgy earlier work. Now, he’s taking audiences inside his head with “The Filthy World” — a one-man vaudeville-style performance that explores his obsessions, his influences, and his perspective on the world of contemporary art. See him at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall. Ticket information can be found at the Festival’s website.

• Food, Food, Food . . . and Wine! (April 11–15): Wherever your tastes lead you during the festival, from special events to the more than 89 films already booked to show — see the Festival site for a preview of its developing schedule — you’ll want to take advantage of The Backlot Tent. There, you’ll not only get fine-dining samples from area eateries and delectable sips of Sonoma vintages, but you can while away a whole afternoon spotting celebrities who come to the tent for its epicurean delights.

Basic festival passes are $175, or $320 for a pair. From there, they range to $1,000 — coming with all the meet-and-greets and VIP treatment you’d expect. Visit the 2012 Sonoman Film Festival pages for information and links to the box office.