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May 18, 2007
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2007-05-18
Passport Party
Wine enthusiasts will be flocking to Sonoma Valley on Saturday, May 19th, to participate in a first-of-its-kind event. “Passport to Sonoma Valley” is the genesis of a valley-wide gathering providing guests rare access to the many “hidden gems” and seasonal activities of California’s oldest wine region. Tour one day or the entire weekend as more than 40 Sonoma Valley wineries present more than 200 exceptional wines, delicious food pairings, live music, tours, wine education and other activities. Passport holders will receive a commemorative wine glass which gives you unlimited wine tasting, preferred access to pre-releases, library and winery-only wines, special pricing on select wines and discounts and/or waived corkage on Sonoma Valley wines at participating restaurants. Check-in is required at one of three designated locations: Viansa Winery at
the southern entrance to Sonoma Valley,
St. Francis to the north, or Sebastiani Vineyards in the town of Sonoma. Cost is $45 for a single day; $50 for both. For more information, visit http://www.sonomavalleywine.com or call (707) 935-0803.
Hot Tickets
Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 20th, and discover the wineries of the Central Coast during the 9th annual “Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Auction.” For adventurous wine lovers, this is a great opportunity to sample delicious wines from virtually all of the award-winning wineries of this picturesque grape-growing area. More than 70 wineries will be pairing their wines with gourmet delicacies from some of the area’s best restaurants. Wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres will accompany a silent and live auction. Auction items include rare wines, getaways to world class resorts, overseas trips and winemaker dinners. As an extra special treat, Nestldown, one of California’s most fabled private estates, will be hosting the exclusive “Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Tasting.” This estate is not open to the public at any other time. Space is limited and the event always sells out, so purchase your tickets now. Costs is $35 in advanced, $45 at the door. To participate, contact the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association at (831) 479-9463 or visit www.scmwa.com.
Epicurean Extravaganza
Quite possible the “Super Bowl” of food and wine tastings, the “Star Chefs and Vintners Gala” brings the best of Wine Country to San Francisco. A true epicurean extravaganza, the Gala evening features the talents of the Bay Area’s most treasured chefs, including Thomas Keller, of The French Laundry. Celebrity vintners include Rombauer and Grgich Hills Cellars. Festivities take place on Sunday, May 20th, with a grand reception featuring a selection of sparkling and still wines from more than 22 wineries and hors d’oeuvres from 25 restaurants. Guests are then seated for a three-course meal, each prepared by 24 different chefs, and each course is paired with a specially selected California wine. Desserts, cordials and dancing to live music follow dinner. Cost is $350 ($250 is tax-deductible; proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels); visit http://www.mowsf.org or call (415) 920-1111.
Gold Tasting
Awashed in rustic charm and rural solitude, there’s a gold mine of luxurious wines in the historic, grape-growing region of Lodi. With several hot producers, such as Oak Ridge Vineyards, Lucas, Weibel Vineyards and Jessie’s Grove, Lodi is rapidly becoming the up-and-coming locale for adventurous wine lovers seeking fun wines and great value. On Saturday, May 19th, discover this exciting new wine destination during the 3rd Annual “ZinFest Wine Festival.” More than 40 wineries will be pouring award-winning wines, several regional restaurants will sample their delicious recipes and live music from rock veterans, the Smithereens, will provide plenty of atmosphere. Cooking demonstrations from notable wine specialists and chefs will educate and entertain guest alongside the beautiful Lodi Lake backdrop. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. To purchase, call (209) 365-0621 or visit www.zinfest.com.
Enchanted Evening
On Saturday, May 19th, journey to California’s oldest grape-growing region and discover one of the best-kept secrets on the wine auction circuit – the 10th Annual “Livermore Valley Wine Auction.” At the exclusive wine estate of Wente Vineyards, auctioneers will tempt bidders with a slate of interesting lots that will appeal not only to wine collectors but also those who simply enjoy wine. Festivities begin with a wine tasting reception, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, with more than 30 Livermore Valley wineries pouring their finest wines and new releases in 3-liter, hand-decorated bottles. The gala dinner and live auction begin at
6:30 p.m. with fine wines, dinner, and a live auction bidding on more than 50 lots including rare wine selections, epicurean delicacies, a progressive dinner for 20 with the Wente family, a Los Lonely Boys concert and first-class accommodations at the St. Regis in Beijing and Le Meridien in London and Paris. Afterward, enjoy dancing and live music. Cost is $250 per person. For details, visit http://www.livermorewines.com or call (925) 447-9463.
On The Radar
Wineries across the Alexander Valley will be taking part in “Taste of the Valley,” on Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd and 3rd, with dramatic themes from around the world. Guests of this popular fête will enjoy delicious foods, prepared by winery chefs; live music, wagon and gondola rides through the vineyards, cave and vineyard tours, barrel-making demonstrations, discounts on purchases, gracious hospitality, and more. Here’s your chance to see the world in a weekend. Included in the $55 fee, tasters will receive a wristband, souvenir glass, map, and a full description of what each winery will be offering their guests. Advance sales are available now at http://www.alexandervalley.org or call (707) 431-2894.
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