Napa/Sonoma, CA Wine Tastings & Events
February 12
Head to Peju Winery on February 12, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., for a book signing and cooking demonstration. Amy Reiley, author of "Romancing the Stove," will be presenting Cooking up Sweet Passion at Peju: The Passion of Peju Wines & Amy Reiley. Tickets are $30 per person, which includes signed book, wine tasting, truffle, fun and treats. Peju Province Winery, 8466 St. Helena Hwy. P.O. Box 478, Rutherford, CA 94573. For reservations, call 800-446-7358.
March 2-4, 9-11
Wine Road presents the 34th Annual Barrel Tasting Weekends in Alexander, Dry Creek & Russian River Valleys. This is your chance to sample wines from the barrel and talk with winemakers. Many wineries offer "futures" on their barrel samples. This is an opportunity to purchase wine now, often at a discount, then come back to the winery when the wine is bottled, typically 12-16 months later, to pick up your wine. Many wines are so limited that buying futures is your only chance to purchase them. Advance ticket sales at $30 per person are available until February 27. After that purchase tickets at the wineries during the event for just $10 more at $40 per person. Admission good for one entire weekend. For more information, visit www.wineroad.com.
March 23-24
Chef Charlie Palmer will take over Sonoma Wine Country with top food and wine talent by his side for the Seventh Annual Pigs & Pinot Weekend, March 23-24. Held at the Hotel Healdsburg - located in serene Healdsburg where the celebrated appellations of Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley converge - this charitable celebration has become a coveted event amongst pork and wine enthusiasts who are eager to experience the creations of over 60 wineries and 10 chefs who showcase their talents each year. This year's participating pork authorities include: Guy Fieri, Michael Mina, Casey Thompson and Michael White. The 2012 Pigs & Pinot event presents a stimulating line-up of food & wine seminars, tastings and cook-offs, all of which will benefit Share Our Strength and Here for Them's "Russ's Kitchen" project. For event details, tickets and pricing, visit www.pigsandpinot.com. Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-431-2800, 800-889-7188.
June 3
Audubon Canyon Ranch announces the second annual Art of Eating, to take place on June 3, 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m., a food and wine benefit inspired by the writings of MFK Fisher held in the rustic chic setting of the Bouverie Preserve. Guests will enjoy an afternoon meeting the chefs and vintners that are growing and producing food and wine sustainably. In addition, this year’s event will celebrate local female chefs. Proceeds from the event will benefit the education programs of the Audubon Canyon Ranch, including the school program which annually provides over 6,000 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students the opportunity to experience nature first-hand, at no cost to the schools. Bouverie Preserve is located at 13935 Sonoma Hwy. in Glen Ellen (across from the Sonoma Valley Regional Park.) Cost is $125. Sponsorships available. For information about sponsorships and tickets, contact Laurie Vermont at 415-868-9244 or laurie.vermont@egret.org.
Ongoing
Rubicon Estate has three wine tasting options ranging from $15-50. The $25 and $50 options include a half- hour walking tour. While at the estate, guests can also view Francis Ford Coppola's extensive collection of pre-cinematic devices including Magic Lanterns and Zoetropes. The child-friendly winery provides wooden sailboats for kids to play with in the courtyard fountain. For more information, visit www.rubiconestate.com.
Ongoing
Wine country visitors can benefit from a collaboration among 152 vintners and 50 lodgings in Sonoma County, together known as the Wine Road. For $25 for a day's exploration, or $50 for three days in the area, Sonoma travelers can obtain the new Ticket to the Wine Road, allowing for discounts, complimentary tastings, private tours, and other amenities at all participating locales. Benefits vary. For a list of wineries and lodging, or to purchase tickets, visit www.wineroad.com.
Ongoing
Yet another of northern California's destination restaurants has announced a new, casual way to experience their cuisine: Napa Valley's Auberge du Soleil's "Bistro & Bar" option offers a new menu of dishes to accompany an informal evening of cocktails or wine. On offer: premium charcuterie and cheese plates, and signature plats du jour---examples include steak haché en sous vide, black truffle oil and pommes frites, and soba noodles in dashi broth with shrimp tempura and tagaroshi---at very appealing prices. The wine country view, professional service and attention to ingredients remain the same. Auberge du Soleil, Auberge du Soleil, 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford, CA 94573, 707-967-3111.
Ongoing
The Signature Bar at J Vineyards and Winery presents daily wine-only tastings, featuring wines such as Cuvée 20, Russian River Valley Chardonnay; Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and Russian River Valley Pinotage. Tastings run all day, and cost $20 for five pours of wine. For more information, call 707-431-3646 or visit www.jwine.com. The Signature Bar, J Vineyards and Winery, 11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-431-3646.
Thursdays
J Vineyards & Winery offers “Essence Tasting,” an experience that blends together a seven-course wine and food pairing, vineyard tour, and wine education. Guests begin the day at the J Vineyards & Winery visitor center with a tour of Nicole’s Vineyard—one of J’s eight estate vineyards. While sipping on a glass of J’s Nicole’s Vineyard Pinot Noir in the vineyard, a wine specialist will discuss the qualities of the Russian River Valley and the reasons J focuses on this region for the production of Vintage Brut, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. Upon returning to the winery, guests are led into the Bubble Room, where J executive chef Mark E. Caldwell presents a seven-course tasting menu paired with J’s wines. Some of the courses featured might include Kumamoto oyster and Osetra caviar paired with J Vintage Brut; artichoke bisque paired with J Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley; caramelized day boat scallop, frisée, micro greens and orange saffron reduction paired with J Chardonnay, Russian River Valley; and porcini mushroom crusted noisette of lamb, baby leek-Yukon Gold potato purée, haricot vert and Pinot Noir reduction paired with J Pinot Noir. The menu will change seasonally. The Essence Tasting is offered each Thursday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with a maximum number of eights guests per week. The cost is $200 per person, including transportation to one of their estate vineyards and a private hosting in the Bubble Room. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling 707-431-5430. J Vineyards & Winery, 11447 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-431-5430.
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RECOMMENDED
WINE SHOP
For additional information
on wine events, please contact:
Dean
& DeLuca
607 South St. Helena Highway
St. Helena, CA 94574
707-967-9980 |
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