Line up includes culinary stars and wine experts from across the country

On Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 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.

Held at the award-winning 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 more than 60 wineries and 10 chefs who showcase their talents each year.

This year’s participating pork authorities include:

• Guy Fieri, Restaurateur, Television Personality: NBC and Food Network, Best-selling Author
• Michael Mina, Owner/Chef, MICHAEL MINA San Francisco and Las Vegas
• Casey Thompson, Top Chef Season 3 Finalist
• Michael White, Owner/Chef, Marea, Osteria Morini and Ai Fiori in New York City

And, to guide us on an illuminating red wine experience, the featured Pinot pros include:

• Bob Cabral, Williams Selyem
• Janie Brooks Heuck, Brooks
• Steve Kanzler, Kanzler Vineyards
• Aurélien Verdet, Domaine Aurélien Verdet

The 2012 Pigs & Pinot event presents a stimulating line-up of food and wine seminars, tastings and cook-offs, all of which will benefit Share Our Strength® and Here for Them’s “Russ’s Kitchen” project.

“Each year, we continue to be amazed with the overwhelming support of both our professionals and guests who eagerly travel from near and far to be a part of this event,” shares Chef Charlie Palmer. “The fact that we are able to carry on this fun tradition while raising significant resources for deserving charities is a true accomplishment.”

Due to the wonderful attention and support from fellow pork and Pinot lovers, tickets to this event quickly sell-out. Those interested in attending the event should frequently visit www.PigsandPinot.com for ticket sales dates, updates and new offerings.

Hotel Healdsburg is offering two special guest packages. Both packages include tickets to all events for two, VIP check-in to all events and exclusive access to the Pigs & Pinot Gala. Due to the high demand and limited amount of hotel packages, these will be available via a lottery system this year. To sign up on the mailing list to alert you of the submission dates, visit www.hotelhealdsburg.com/pigsandpinot.

Tickets to the individual events will be available Friday, January 20, 2012 and can be purchased online at www.pigsandpinot.com.