Bottled Poetry
One of Napa Valley’s most beautiful boutique wineries, Cliff Lede Vineyards, is releasing their inaugural vintage from the Rock Block vineyard. The family-owned winery boasts two hand crafted Stags Leap District wine brands, a museum-level art gallery and an exclusive inn, making it the ideal Wine Country destination for those who appreciate life’s finer things. Guests can spend the day relaxing on the winery’s sun-drenched porch area, strolling through the landscaped grounds to admire contemporary sculptures or check out the rotating exhibits from established artists at The Gallery. While there, be certain to sample a rather limited production 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, called Cinnamon Stardust, which comes from the well known Poetry vineyard and is only available directly through the winery. Tasting for the Saturday, May 3rd release is $20 per person; complimentary to wine club members. Cliff Lede Vineyards is located at 1473 Yountville Cross Road, Yountville; (707) 944-8642; www.cliffledevineyards.com. 
Viva Merlot!
The month of May is synonymous with Merlot and if you’re in the Livermore Valley, Cedar Mountain Winery has a fun way to celebrate the Mexican victory over Spain. On May 3rd, celebrate Cinco de Merlot with a variety of freshly prepared Mexican cuisine paired with delicious Cedar Mountain wines including, of course, Merlot. Cinco de Merlot is complimentary. Cedar Mountain Winery is at 7000 Telsa Road, Livermore; (925) 373-6636; www.cedarmountainwinery.com.
Hot Date
The beauty of spring provides a picturesque backdrop for visiting the pinnacle of Napa Valley. Every year, on the first weekend of May, several boutique wineries open their doors to celebrate Calistoga Wine Event. Hang out with fun crowds and get to know some of the area’s best small-lot producers who will be pouring their current releases and offering special extras including barrel sampling, food, music and exclusive deals. Participating wineries include Bennett Lane Winery, Calistoga Cellars, Casa Nuestra Winery, Envy Wines, Graeser Winery, Summers Winery and Zahtila Vineyards. Cost is $30 per adult. To participate in the May 3rd event, call (866) 844-9463 or go to www.calistogawineevent.com or simply go to one of the participating wineries.
Cool Kitchens
Every April, five hosts in the heart of Wine Country graciously open the doors of their stunning estate homes for “Kitchens in the Vineyards,” a home tour benefiting Music in the Vineyards. The one-of-a-kind tour features kitchens, dining rooms, entertainment areas and gardens, all enhanced by professional, springtime floral designs and table settings. Voted “Best Kitchen Tour” in 2006 by Solano Magazine, visitors enjoy scrumptious tastings offered by well-known Napa Valley chefs and meet cookbook authors available to autograph their books. Cost for the April 26th tour is $65 per person. A preview tour is offered on April 25th including chauffeured service to each stop aboard a luxury minibus. Tickets are $165 per person. Due to its growing popularity, tour tickets are limited. For more information call (707) 258-5559, visit www.musicinthevineyards.org or go to www.ticketweb.com. 
Big Deal
Great tastes and smaller crowds makes Mendocino’s Hopland Passport worth scheduling a trip. On May 3rd and 4th, ten boutique producers will “roll out the barrel,” showcasing their finest in Rhône, Italian, Burgundian and Bordeaux varietals ranging from Arneis to Zinfandel. This year, each winery will provide their own unique entertainment including live music, bocce ball, barrel tasting, barbecues, organic garden tours, book signings and reserve and future tastings. Participants receive a Passport logo glass, entry to all wine tastings, food pairings and entertainment at the ten wineries. Enter to win the Passport Prize Giveaway where over thirty cool prizes to be given away. Attend the Silent Auction on Saturday to bid on a great selection of winery items. Tickets are $30 all-inclusive. For more information call 1-800-5646-2582 or visit the website at www.hoplandpassport.com.
On The Radar
• 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 begin with a reception featuring a selection of sparkling and still wines from more than 22 wineries and delicious 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. The grand finale is a decadent reception featuring dessert, cordials and dancing. This event will sell out, so make plans to attend the Sunday, May 18th now. Cost is $350 ($250 is tax-deductible; proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels). For more information, go to www.mowsf.org or call (415) 920-1111.
• Explore the unique charm of California’s original Wine Country during “Passport to Sonoma Valley.” Stay one day or the entire weekend of May 17th and 18th as more than 40 Sonoma Valley wineries present over 200 exceptional wines, delicious food pairings and delightful amusement. Your passport and commemorative wine glass give you unlimited tastings, discounts on wine purchases and entry to Sonoma Valley’s acclaimed wineries and hidden gems not normally open to the public. Cost is $45 for one day; $50 for the weekend. For details, call (707) 935-0803 or visit www.sonomavalleywine.com.