Tasty Screenings
Named one of America’s “Top Ten Best Vacation Film Festivals,” Wine Country is getting ready to celebrate the 10th Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival. During the week of April 11-15, join more than 200 filmmakers and celebrity guests for five indulgent days and nights steeped in the paired pleasure of fine regional cuisine, award-winning local wines, and inspiring new films from around the world. Many special events, including a tribute to Academy-Award winning director, John Lasseter, of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios; exclusive screenings, and VIP parties are very popular, so order tickets for these programs now. The best way to experience the festival is using one of the PASS options which are reasonably priced. Group packages are also available. For more information, including accommodations, visit www.sonomafilmfest.org, or call (707) 933-2600. FYI: Did you know that California’s wine industry began in Sonoma? The first grapes were planted in 1824 by the Franciscan fathers at St. Francis Solono Mission. Some of the oldest wineries still in business include Buena Vista, Gundlach Bundschu, Sebastiani and Kunde.
Big Deal
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. On April 21 and 22, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this essential destination, which is the only wine appellation that straddles both Napa and Sonoma Wine Country, during the 20th Annual April in Carneros. Arguably one of Sonoma and Napa Valley’s most impressive and memorable wine tasting events, more than 25 wineries participating, many of which are never open to the public. Enjoy each winery’s special events and activities including food and wine pairings, live entertainment, barrel, reserve, vertical, and library wine tastings. No tickets are required! To participate, simply purchase a tasting glass for $25 at the first winery you visit. For additional details, visit www.carneroswineries.org or call 1-800- 909-4352. FYI: Be certain to stop by my favorite Carneros appellation winery, Mahoney Vineyards. Their award-winning 2003 Pinot Noir, Carneros, is valued for exhibiting lots of elegant, cool-climate character with silky textures, crisp acids and exceptionally ripe cherry, raspberry, and Asian spice flavors. The perfect example of Carneros Pinot Noir.
Hot Tickets
Pick of the Vine is a popular wine tasting soiree featuring limited-production Russian River wines paired with savory Sonoma County cuisine. The showcase event will be the Gala Wine Tasting and Auction where more than 50 premier Sonoma County wineries will be under one roof pouring their finest, award-winning wines, and many local restaurants will serve their best hors d’oeuvres and gourmet delicacies. Along with the fine food and wine, guests will enjoy jazz music, live and silent auctions of collectible wines, dinners, lodging, art and more. This gathering has a history of selling out so get your tickets now. The $40 price covers everything except auction items. Pick of the Vine will be held Saturday, April 21st, in Garrett Hall at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. To participate, call (707) 526-4108 or visit www.wineroad.com.
Top Tastes
Winemaker Dinners have become a very popular engagement in the Sonoma Valley food and wine scene. The experience, in case you haven’t had the opportunity to participate, is similar to a special occasion, situating food and wine lovers in a critically acclaimed restaurant that specially prepares mouthwatering delicacies paired with the winemaker’s own wine recommendations. The meal and wine accentuate each other beyond belief, creating a food and wine tasting experience like no other. The next in the series of Winemaker Dinners will be held on Saturday, April 21st, pairing one of Sonoma Valley’s most charming boutique wineries, VJB Vineyard & Cellars, with the award-winning restaurant, Deuce. Cost is $90 per person, $80 for Club Members, which includes wine with each course, including dessert. Popular and praised, these dinners always sell out, so reserve your table today. For additional details, call (707) 833-2300 or visit www.vjbcellars.com.
FYI: VJB specializes in Old World Italian-style varietals. Annual case production is just 4,000 cases which are sold exclusively at the tasting room, including the Gold Medal Sonoma Valley Primitivo and their outstanding signature wine, Dante. If you can’t attend the dinner, be certain to experience this sensational boutique winery at 9077 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood.
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Château Julien Wine Estate, with its lush gardens and cobblestone courtyard, is a special place that evokes a romantic French countryside. Nestled on 16 acres at the foot of the majestic Carmel Valley mountains, the winery boasts breathtaking vistas of fertile green valleys, where the sunsets are almost as unforgettable as the wines. A great time to discover this spectacular winery is on Saturday, April 22, when Château Julien hosts their 25-year celebration of vintage wines. For one day only, the winery will be opening the Barrel Room door to the public showcasing Estate library wines, vertical tastings, Estate Vineyard vintage displays, barrel samplings, 3-liter bottles, and a few unexpected surprises. Select vintages and limited editions will be available for tasting and purchase during this one day event. Cost is $15 per person, $10 for club members. In addition to enjoying one of the region’s finest wine estates, this is also a fun way to learn how the annual growing season affects production of wine. (831) 624-2600; www.chateaujulien.com.
On The Radar
On April 28th and 29th, the wineries of Dry Creek Valley will celebrate the magic of their region with wine, food, entertainment, and world-class hospitality during Passport to Dry Creek Valley. The wineries showcase the very best of their current releases, library wines and special bottlings which are only available during Passport weekend. To limit congestion, only a certain number of Passports are made available. If you’d like to participate, call (707) 433-3031, or visit www.wdcv.com.
