Healdsburg, Calif. (PRWEB) – Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley will follow up their 28th annual Passport event with the launch of a new event series called “Winemakers in Conversation.” The series is comprised of three different immersive experiences, “Zealous about Zinfandel,” “Cult Cabernets” and “Zintopia.” Each experience, which is designed for just 50 attendees, will feature four Dry Creek Valley winemakers, one winegrower, and will be moderated by a wine industry icon. All tickets are $125.

The Winemakers in Conversation events begin with a seated, classroom-style tasting in which the four winemakers will each share and discuss a cellar selection wine, contextualizing it within the characteristic qualities unique to Dry Creek Valley. After the panel, the event breaks into a social, open tasting format with eight food pairings and passed hors d’oeuvres.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 15, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zealous About Zinfandel at Quivira Vineyards and Winery

The first tasting in the series is moderated by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor Esther Mobley. Guests will take a deep dive into the world of Dry Creek Valley’s most historic grape, with Ridge Vineyards Winemaker John Olney, Pedroncelli Winemaker Montse Reese, Seghesio Vineyards Winemaker Ted Seghesio and Quivira Vineyards’ Hugh Chappelle.

Saturday, July 22, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cult Cabernets at Passalacqua Winery

The second tasting in the series is moderated by Virginie Boone of Wine Enthusiast. Guests will explore Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with winemakers Jennifer Higgins of Lambert Bridge Winery, Tim Bell of Dry Creek Vineyard, Ed Sbragia of Sbragia Vineyards and Jessica Boone of Passalacqua. Also joining the discussion is grower Ryan Petersen from Petersen Management.

Sunday, July 30, 2017 – 10:00a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zintopia at Preston Vineyards

The final tasting in the series is moderated by the Chef and Author John Ash, the father of wine country cuisine. Guests will savor fine examples of Dry Creek Valley zinfandel from winemakers/owners Erik Miller of Kokomo Winery, Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines, Joe Healy of Bella Vineyards and Wine Cave and Lou Preston of Preston Farm and Winery. Chef Ash will be crafting pairings for this event, utilizing ingredients from Preston Farm.

Getting here:
Dry Creek Valley is located in the heart of Sonoma County, just 15 minutes from Sonoma County Airport (STS) and 70 miles north of San Francisco and Bay Area international airports SFO and OAK. Direct flights into STS are available on Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Portland; visitors on these flights can check a case of wine for free on their flight home. American Airlines flies from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to STS. A complete list of lodging options can be found at http://www.drycreekvalley.org.

Tickets can be found at: drycreekvalley.org/events/winemakers-in-conversation

About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley:

Dry Creek Valley is a premium winegrowing region in northern Sonoma County, California, anchored by the charming town of Healdsburg. Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley® (WDCV) is a 501c6 non-profit trade association of over 60 wineries and 150 winegrape growers. Formed in 1989, the association represents a multi-generational family community of vintners and growers committed to growing high-quality fruit, producing world-class wines, and welcoming visitors to experience Wine Paired with Life®. Being good stewards of the land means that we are preserving the quality of our wines and the unparalleled beauty of Dry Creek Valley for future generations to discover. For more information, visit http://www.drycreekvalley.org.