Hot Tickets
Indulge on delicious wines and enjoy special festivities at several Silverado Trail wineries during the semiannual Silver Pass Weekend. On March 29th and 30th, drive “the road less traveled” and discover fourteen of Napa Valley’s best boutique wineries. Visitors have the opportunity to sample current offerings along with barrel tastings, food pairings, library releases and special discounts. The crowds are still manageable, but the event is gaining momentum with over 3,000 people participating last year. Admission is $30 per person all weekend or $20 for Sunday only. To participate, simply head to any Silver Pass winery on the Trail. For a complete list of participating wineries, visit http://www.silveradotrail.com
Big Deal
View the season’s beauty captured by photographers from far and wide at Mumm Napa Photo Finish. The wildly exuberant Napa Valley Mustard Festival grand finale will be held at Mumm Cuvée Napa in Rutherford on Saturday, March 29th, at
7 p.m. Sample delectable offerings of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine; enjoy jazz and classical music throughout the winery and gather in the gallery to thoroughly delight in the multitude of entries of the ever-popular photography contest. Tickets are $90 in advance and $125 at the door. To attend, call (707) 944-1133 or visit www.mustardfestival.com.
Moonlight Magic
Here’s your chance to see the winery the Godfather built without having to spend an arm and a leg. On Saturday, April 5th, Upstage Productions presents the 16th annual Moonlight Magic Auction and Wine Tasting, at Rubicon Estate (1991 Saint Helena Highway, Rutherford). Enjoy an elegant meal while bidding on cult wines, travel packages, spa treatments, golf, A’s box seats and custom wine making lots. Silent and live auctions, raffles, gourmet treats and fine wine, too! Purchase tickets online for $70 at www.nvns.org or at the door for $75. For more information, call (707) 738-6671 or visit www.nvns.com.
Cool School
Lambert Bridge Winery is renowned for producing elegant Bordeaux-style blends. But instead of just tasting these great wines, on Saturday, March 29th, become your very own “winemaker for a day.” Learn how to blend, bottle, cork and custom label wine, but the pièce de résistance is when you create your own award-winning Cuvée using Bordeaux wine barrel samples. Imagine a 750ml bottle of your very own custom-labeled Bordeaux-style Cellar Cuvée. Cost is $120 per person to participate and seating is limited; 1-800- 975-0555, www.lambertbridge.com.
Pinot Paradise
Your chance to taste barrel samples and participate in the ultimate Pinot-lovers experience takes place in the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation on March 29th and 30th. “Pathway to Pinot Paradise” is a wicked good food and wine gathering complete with requisite gourmet foods, award-winning Pinots and live entertainment. More than 30 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries will be pouring their finest Pinots, accompanied by gourmet edibles from over a dozen fine, regional restaurants. Pathway tickets for the Saturday Preview Event are only $25 per person. Combination tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $125 per person and includes technical sessions, tastings and a Pinot Pathway Passport. Sunday features the Grand Cruz Tasting at Villa Ragusa for $65 per person. Pathway to Pinot Paradise will sell out, so purchase your tickets soon. For additional details, call (831) 685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com.
On the Radar
• Tickets are on sale for the fourth annual Sonoma Jazz + Festival. The May 22nd through 25th headliners include Kool and the Gang, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt and Keb’ Mo. This event will sell out. To purchase tickets, call 1-866-468-8355 or visit www.sonomajazz.org.
• Pick of the Vine has exploded into n megapopular wine tasting event featuring limited-production Russian River wines paired with sumptuous Sonoma County cuisine. More than 35 Sonoma County wineries will be pouring and several of the area’s best restaurants will be sampling hors d’oeuvres and gourmet nibbles. Live and silent auctions of collectible wines, dinners, lodging, art and music are part of the festivities. Pick of the Vine has a history of selling out so, if exciting food and wine events are your thing, purchase your tickets soon. Cost is $50 for the Saturday, April 12th event, which covers everything except auction items. To participate, call (707) 526-4108 or visit www.wineroad.com.
• World-renowned for producing fine wines including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines, the Carneros appellation is home to a collection of the most exceptional wineries and vineyards. April 19th and 20th is a great time to learn more about this under-the-radar grape-growing region (which is the only wine appellation that straddles both Napa and Sonoma Wine Country) during the 21st annual April in Carneros. Basically, it’s a winery open house featuring more than 20 wineries – many of which are not usually open to the public. Each winery has unique special activities including: food and wine pairings, live entertainment, barrel, reserve, vertical and library wine tastings. Admission is only $40 per person and is good for both days. To attend, simply pay “admission” at any participating winery on either day of the event. You’ll receive an April in Carneros 2008 logo glass and access to all the wineries. For additional details, call 1-800-909-4352 or visit www.carneroswineries.org.