Eve's Wine 101

Explore the Stags Leap District and its World-Class Wines at Vineyard to Vintner Weekend, April 22-24, 2022

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NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The premier event for the Stags Leap District Winegrowers, Vineyard to Vintner, returns in 2022, bringing enthusiasts together with vintners, winemakers and principals for a memorable weekend of esteemed wines, enchanting dining and in-depth education. A celebration of the people and wines of the venerated AVA (American Viticultural Area), Vineyard to Vintner weekend will be held Friday through Sunday, April 22 to 24, 2022, offering an immersive Cabernet Sauvignon experience.

“This is the ultimate way to fully experience the Stags Leap District. Our guests will enjoy world-class dining and tastings, and there’s so much more – Vineyard to Vintner is the chance to meet one-on-one with all the personalities behind the wines, get into the vineyards, explore behind the scenes, and engage and learn directly from winemakers and proprietors,” said Nancy Bialek, Executive Director of Stags Leap District Winegrowers. “We are so excited to welcome cabernet lovers for an unforgettable weekend of extraordinary wines and curated experiences.”

Renowned for producing critically acclaimed wines with power and grace, lush fruit and complex layers of flavor, the Stags Leap District is the Napa Valley’s smallest sub-appellation by planted acreage, a sliver of land bounded by the Stags Leap Palisades to the east and the Napa River to the west. A valley within a valley at just a mile wide and three miles long, the region is defined by the distinctiveness of its soils.

The climate, too, is unique. Warmed by the afternoon sun reflecting from the west facing towering rock facades, the vineyards are cooled in the evenings by breezes and marine air from the San Pablo Bay. This diurnal shift results in a long growing season – ideal for late-maturing varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon to develop phenolic complexity and deep intensity.

Guests at Vineyard to Vintner weekend will have the chance to fully explore the region while tasting wines and meeting with vintners from 16 famed properties, including Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards.

Vineyard to Vintner Weekend Activities:
Library Wine Dinners: Friday, April 22 // 6:30PM – 10:00PM
Featuring rare library wines and exquisite menus crafted by some of the Bay Area’s most accomplished chefs, each exquisite vintner-hosted dinner offers guests the opportunity to experience Stags Leap District hospitality at its best, all while dining with the winemakers and principals from each winery. Hosts for the intimate dinners include Chimney Rock Winery (with cohosts Shafer Vineyards and Quixote Winery); Regusci Winery (with cohosts Lindstrom Wines and Stags’ Leap Winery); Silverado Vineyards (with cohosts Cliff Lede Vineyards and Ilsley Vineyards); Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (with cohosts Pine Ridge Vineyards, Malk Family Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards); and Taylor Family Vineyards (with cohosts Clos Du Val and Steltzner Vineyards). Each dinner is limited to only 40 guests.

Digging Deeper: Vineyard Walks, Talks and Tastings: Saturday, April 23 // 10: 30AM – 12:15PM
Master classes in Stags Leap District viticulture and history, each of the four Digging Deeper seminars provide an engaging mix of hospitality and thorough education. A unique perspective will be offered at four venues along with a selection of storied wines. Each class is limited to only 50 guests. Programs include, Digging WAY Deeper at Baldacci Family Vineyards; Stags Leap District Then and Now: A Look Back at how Viticulture Practices have Developed in the Last 50 years at Clos du Val; The Clones that Shaped the Stags Leap District at Ilsley Vineyards; and Digging Deeper in the Vineyards at Pine Ridge Vineyards.

Vintner-Hosted Gala Luncheon and Appellation Collection Preview: Saturday, April 23 // 12:30PM – 3:00PM
Rarely in one place, winemakers, owners and principals of 16 District wineries will gather for a tempting luncheon and walk-around tasting. It’s also the first chance to sample the 2019 Appellation Collection, to be released in October 2022. Hosted at the historic Stags’ Leap Winery with more than 100 acres of breathtaking gardens and views of the towering Palisades for guests to enjoy.

Savor SLD: Winery Experiences: Sunday, April 24 // 10:30AM – 4:15PM
On Sunday, guests can create their own personal itinerary, selecting from among 13 wineries offering curated private experiences, including options to visit several properties not open to the public. Participating wineries include Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Steltzner Vineyards.

Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets are now available at http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V. The Friday through Saturday experience (April 22-24, 2022) is $1,200 per person, which includes the entire weekend’s offerings. Visit http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V for complete details.

About Stags Leap District Winegrowers
The Stags Leap District Winegrowers is a non-profit association of vintners and growers united by the mission of enhancing the reputation of the appellation and its wines and sharing its quality with the wine-loving world. The SLDWA is comprised of 16 wineries and 9 grower members. Wineries include: Baldacci Family Vineyards, Chimney Rock Winery, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Ilsley Vineyards, Lindstrom Wines, Malk Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Quixote Winery, Regusci Winery, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Stags’ Leap Winery, Steltzner Vineyards, and Taylor Family Vineyards. To learn more about the Stags Leap District, please visit stagsleapdistrict.com or find the Association on Facebook.com/StagsLeapDistrict, Instagram.com/StagsLeapAVA and Twitter @StagsLeapAVA.

Laurel Glen Vineyard to Host Signature Sonoma Valley 2019 Retrospective

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Glen Ellen, CA  – Laurel Glen Vineyard, is pleased to announce it will host a very special tasting during the third annual Signature Sonoma Valley vintage retrospective, during the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance’s flagship weekend event series. The iconic Sonoma winery will host the tasting at its eponymous Sonoma Mountain estate vineyard on Saturday, May 18, 2019 (from 2-4:30pm).

The tasting will bring together wine aficionados and collectors for an extremely rare showcase of Laurel Glen vintages across four decades. Current winemaker Randall Watkins will be joined by the estate’s founding winemaker, Patrick Campbell, as well as Proprietor and Managing Partner Bettina Sichel and winegrower Phil Coturri to provide ‘behind the vine’ perspectives. This special event will be moderated by Esther Mobley, wine critic and journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle, who will provide insight and perspective on the nuances of each vintage.

“We could not be more thrilled to host this year’s retrospective tasting,” says Sichel. “We are especially honored that Esther Mobley has accepted our invitation to moderate, and look forward to an illuminating discussion. We recently tasted through the 15 vintages we’ve selected to pour and were impressed with how well they showed. I cannot wait to share these rare wines with a new audience at Signature Sonoma on May 18th!”

The retrospective will commence with Laurel Glen’s debut 1981 vintage, and include a curated selection of 15 vintages spanning four decades that demonstrate the winery’s consistent depth, elegance and focus. The winery’s signature sophisticated style has never wavered since it joined the ranks of first generation “cult” Cabernets from California in the 1980s, and – thanks to the ongoing policy of holding back a portion of cases upon release – Laurel Glen has become known for its deep library of wines from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; many of which are featured on some of America’s most prestigious restaurant wine lists, including French Laundry in the Napa Valley, Mastro’s Steakhouse in Houston and Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City.

Though tickets for the Signature Sonoma Valley retrospective are nearly sold out, Laurel Glen will also offer a special library flight the weekend of May 17-19 in the estate’s Glen Ellen tasting room. The Cabernet Sauvignon vintages offered in the flight will evoke the spirit of the retrospective and include the 1986, 1999 Reserve, 2006, 2009, 2012 Lot 44. Cost will be $75 per person and guests should plan to reserve at least 48 hours in advance.

Laurel Glen wines will also be featured in the Legends: Collector’s Dinner at 6:30pm on May 18th, the capstone event of Signature Sonoma Valley, which celebrates the heritage vineyards of the region. Tickets can be purchased here.

Signature Sonoma Valley is an exclusive, four-day immersion into the acclaimed wines, historic vineyards and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley. Tickets for all events are now on sale and available at SonomaValleyWine.com/Signature-Sonoma-Valley. Seating is limited and all events will sell out, so early purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, please call 707.935.0803 or visit SonomaValleyWine.com.

“Signature Sonoma Valley shapes how wine collectors view Sonoma Valley as a wine region, and we could not be more thrilled to showcase over three decades of Laurel Glen vintages in the capstone retrospective tasting,” said Maureen Cottingham, Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance. “Our greatest hope is that guests will leave Signature Sonoma Valley with a deeper connection to our vineyards and an appreciation for the caliber of wines coming out of Sonoma Valley, and Laurel Glen’s impressive track record more than supports that message.”

About Laurel Glen Vineyard
Laurel Glen Vineyard wines have a proven track record for longevity and grace. They are among the most sought-after examples of classic California Cabernet Sauvignon, and can thus offer a true study in how the variety can perform from a great vineyard site.

Originally planted to mixed red varietals by German immigrants at the end of the 19th century, Laurel Glen vineyard was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 on the eve of a modern proliferation of vineyards in California. Today, the 14-acre estate is farmed organically and planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, and in particular the Laurel Glen clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, certified as a unique clone by the University of California at Davis.

In 2011, Bettina Sichel, a veteran of the California wine industry, became the steward of Laurel Glen Vineyard. Among other quality oriented improvements, she has overseen the vineyard’s transition to CCOF organic certification in 2014.

About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving more than 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry.  Sonoma Valley comprises six of the 17 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley.  The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $25,000,000 through Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and supports youth and children for future success, preserving our environment, and improving health and welfare of our local communities.  For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Perlis Picks: Sonoma In The City

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Sonoma County Winegrowers, Sonoma County Vintners, and Full Circle Wine Solutions periodically band together to showcase Sonoma County’s sixteen AVAs. Their Sonoma in The City event was held recently at The Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. And lest you think this was purely about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay [make no mistake, there were excellent examples of both varietals represented], the event was designed to really showcase the county’s diversity of terroir and wine varieties.

Michael Perlis cropped profile picParticipating wineries included:

Alexander Valley Vineyards Francis Ford Coppola Winery Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery
Anakota & Cenyth Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery Pali Wine Co.
Balletto Vineyards Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Papapietro Perry Winery
Benovia Winery Gundlach Bundschu Winery Patz & Hall
Blue Rock Vineyard Hartford Family Winery Paul Hobbs Winery
Bruliam Wines Inman Family Wines Pedroncelli Winery
Buena Vista & DeLoach Vineyards Iron Horse Vineyards Peter Michael Winery
Cattleya Wines & Shared Notes Joseph Jewell Ramey Wine Cellars
Chateau St. Jean & Souverain Joseph Swan Vineyards Red Car
Davis Family Vineyards Keller Estate Rodney Strong Vineyards
Dry Creek Vineyard Kosta Browne Winery Rued Winery
Dutton-Goldfield Winery La Follette Wines Seghesio Family Vineyards
Emeritus Vineyards Laurel Glen Vineyard Siduri Wines
Evening Land Vineyards Limerick Lane Cellars Sojourn Cellars
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery MacMurray Ranch The Donum Estate
Flowers Vineyard & Winery MacPhail Family Wines Thomas George Estates
Folie à Deux MacRostie Winery & Vineyards Three Sticks
Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery Martinelli Winery Williams Selyem

In addition, there were tables devoted to the various AVAs with additional wines poured not represented at the winery pouring stations listed above:

Alexander Valley Winegrowers

Fort Ross-Seaview Winegrowers Association

Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance

Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak Winegrowers

Russian River Valley Winegrowers

 

Some of the real standouts for me at this event were:

 

Dry Creek Vineyard (www.drycreekvineyard.com)

2010 Mariner, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

 

Joseph Jewell (www.josephjewell.com)

2011 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

 

Martinelli Winery (www.martinelliwinery.com)

2011 Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

 

Pali Wine Company (www.paliwineco.com)

2011 Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County

 

Seghesio Family Vineyards (www.seghesio.com)

2011 Home Ranch Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

 

Poured at the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Winegrowers (www.pinemountainava.org):

2011 Imagery Estate Upper Ridge Malbec, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Sonoma County

2011 Imagery Estate Upper Ridge Tempranillo, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Sonoma County

 

My two big finds of the day were:

Comstock Wines (www.comstockwines.com)

The 2012 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel being poured by Kelly Comstock Ferris, partner and general manager of this very new winery, was simply outstanding.

Limerick Lane Cellars (www.limericklanewines.com)

I realize this is not a new winery, but they do have a fairly new owner – Jake Bilbro who with his brother Scot is making outstanding wines. Loved the 2011 Russian River Zinfandel and the 2011 Syrah Grenache blend, also from the Russian River Valley.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. (2013 Update: Eve and Michael announced Eve Wine 101 Consulting. Info is here: http://evewine101.com/press-releases/) Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

Perlis Picks: 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend

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2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com

While I am not typically a holiday-weekend traveler, I jumped at the opportunity to attend Sonoma Wine County Weekend, an annual event held over Labor Day Weekend.  Produced by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Vintners, the events of the most recent festival raised more than $1.6 million for Sonoma County non-profit organizations.

Festivities started on Friday, with various winemaker lunches at wineries all around Sonoma County, and continued into that evening with winemaker dinners at several other wineries. The main event that night was the “Sonoma Starlight Supper Club” extravaganza held at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, but you couldn’t go wrong with any of the other venues. I already wrote about our memorable evening at Idell Family Vineyards.

Saturday was devoted to the 33rd annual Taste Of Sonoma. Held at the beautiful MacMurray Ranch, the festival showcased more than 170 wineries and over 60 local chefs.  Conveniently divided into four tasting areas for the major growing areas of the Sonoma County, the set-up of the venue and the layout of the facilities contributed to one of the best run events I have attended.  And while the organizers can’t claim credit for the great weather, that couldn’t have been more perfect as well. The festival also includes food and wine demonstrations and seminars, all contributing to an amazing day.

There was so much great wine and food to taste, it was difficult to keep track. And impossible to make much of a dent into the bounty being offered.  Below are some of the wines and food samples we found to be most memorable:

Alexander Valley Tent:
Stryker Sonoma – 2010 Estate Zinfandel, Patty’s Patch Vineyard.
Trentadue Winery – 2010 La Storia Reserve Zinfandel Alexander Valley.
John Ash & Co. – Housemade Lamb Pastrami on Rye Rolls with Housemade Sauerkraut and Dijon.

Dry Creek Tent:
Del Carlo Winery – 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel, Teldeschi Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley.
Sizzling Tandoor – Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan.

Russian River Valley Tent:
Acorn Winery/Alegria Vineyards – 2009 Acorn Estate Syrah, Acorn Vineyards, Russian River Valley.
Limerick Lane Cellars – 2010 Trellis Block Estate Syrah, Russian River Valley.
Wind Gap – 2009 Syrah, Griffin’s Lair Vineyard, Sonoma Coast.
Trecini Winery – 2009 Rockpile Zinfandel, Rockpile.
Rendez Vous Bistro – “Vous” Chu Pork.

Sonoma Valley Tent:
Anaba Wines – 2010 Viognier, Landa Vineyards, Sonoma Valley.
Annadel Estate Winery – 2009 Estate Winery Monte Rosso Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley.
B Wise Vinyards – 2009 Estate Syrah, Sonoma Valley.
Enkidu Wine – 2008 Humbaba Rhone Blend, Sonoma County.
Hoffman Family Cellars — 2010 Headbanger Zinfandel, One Oak Vineyard, Sonoma County.
Keating Wines – 2010 Zinfandel, Montecillio Vineyard, Sonoma Valley.
Little Vineyards Family Winery – 2010 Syrah, Little Vineyards, Sonoma Valley.
Spann Vineyards – 2009 Mo Zin Red Blend, Sonoma County.
Westerhold Family Vineyards – 2009 Estate Syrah, Bennett Valley.
El Dorado Kitchen – Chilled Corn Soup with Dungeness Crab, Chili Oil and Almonds.

Some of the tents received more comments from me than others, but that was only because I did not keep as careful notes I as I should have. One could have spent the entire festival in any one of the tents and been more than satisfied.

The weekend officially ended on Sunday, with winery barbecues and the main event that day at Chateau St. Jean winery in Kenwood: the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction. Alas, we could not stay for Sunday’s festivities, but made a vow that next time we attend Sonoma Wine Country Weekend we would arrive earlier and stay later!

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

Full Flavors of Sonoma County To Shine at Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch

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Flagship Event Will Feature Hundreds of Wineries, Chefs, and Food Purveyors

The full flavors of Sonoma County will be in the spotlight at the 33rd annual Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch in Healdsburg, California on Saturday, September 1, 2012 as part of the 5th annual Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, presented by Visa Signature®. Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch is a day-long event that features more than 170 wineries and 60 of Sonoma County’s top chefs and food purveyors as well as a multitude of educational and entertaining events staged at a quintessential, “only in Sonoma” setting.

Kate MacMurray is the honorary host of Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch which takes place on the historic property and vineyard site that her father, the late actor Fred MacMurray, purchased decades ago. Guests are invited to sip and savor while soaking up the experience of the intimate site. MacMurray Ranch is rarely open to the public and tickets should be purchased early as this event has grown in popularity and is anticipated to again sell out.

“The diversity of the Sonoma County wine and culinary culture can be experienced in one place at Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch,” said Honore Comfort, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Co-Director, “We are always overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of the local wine and culinary professionals that participate in our event.”

“In addition to wine and food, guests at Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch can participate in seminars, take a personalized tour of the event with a Sommelier Star, watch the ever-popular Sonoma Steel Chef Competition, luxuriate at the Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge, learn from a pro at the live Cooking Light Grill or elevate the entire experience by going to the newly-expanded Club Reserve for exclusive wine tasting,” added Maureen Cottingham, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Co- Director.

Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch is set for Saturday, September 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MacMurray Ranch, 9015 Westside Road, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California. Tickets for this single event are on sale now at www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com for $150 per person for General Admission or $195 per person for Grand Reserve tickets which allow additional privileges throughout the event and access to exclusive venues that will feature rare wines, gracious hospitality and special behind-the-scenes benefits.

Produced in partnership by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and the Sonoma County Vintners, the 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend event features the Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch®, the Sonoma Starlight Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the 20th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak, and an assortment of additional winery-hosted events throughout Sonoma County.

The 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Honorary Co-Chairs are selected for their wine industry leadership and community service.    Honored this year are Margo and Don Van Staaveren, Chateau St. Jean as the Winery Co-Chairs and The Robert Young Family as the Grower Co-Chairs.

Proceeds from Sonoma Wine Country Weekend support Sonoma County non-profit organizations. To date, a cumulative total of more than $11 million has been donated directly to Sonoma County non-profits by the local wine community through this event.

Tickets, which range from $85 to $500 per person, are on sale now. Many events sell out, so prospective attendees are encouraged to purchase early. Presenting Sponsor Visa Signature is also offering cardholders event perks and savings. For more information visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com, like it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/winecountryweekend and follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SonomaWCW.

2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Schedule At-A-Glance Friday, August 31

12:30 p.m. – Winemaker Lunch Series, sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak 7:00 p.m. – Sonoma Starlight Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery sponsored by Kaiser Permanente 6:00 p.m. – Winemaker Dinner Parties, sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak

Saturday, September 1
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch® 6:00 p.m. – Winemaker Dinner Parties, sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak 6:00 p.m. – Chairman’s Dinner Party

Sunday, September 2
12:30 p.m. – Winery Barbecues at Wineries throughout Sonoma County 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean, sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak

Tickets* Tickets On Sale: June 1, 2012 Sonoma Starlight Supper Club at Francis Ford Coppola Winery: $95/person or $175/person Patron Winery Barbecues: $85/person Winemaker Lunch: $85/person; Winemaker Dinner Parties: $150/person Chairman’s Dinner: $175/person Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch®: $150/person (General), $195/person (Grand Reserve) Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction at Chateau St. Jean – 20th Anniversary Event: $500/person * Special Visa Signature Cardholder pricing and benefits available at www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com

About Visa Signature
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature which offers account holders a range of benefits that provide special access and can save time and money. In addition to points, miles, cash back or other premium rewards offered by Visa Signature partners, account holders enjoy perks such as 24/7 complimentary concierge services, the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection and exclusive offers for fine wine and food, travel, and sports and entertainment events. For more information on Visa Signature and issuers offering Visa Signature visit www.visa.com/signature.

About MacMurray Ranch
Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the historic MacMurray Ranch is home to award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. MacMurray Ranch Winemaker Chris Munsell crafts a collection of elegant, expressive wines from cool-climate vineyards in California and Oregon, reflecting a passion for the special places that create extraordinary grapes. Kate MacMurray, daughter of Hollywood legend Fred MacMurray, remains deeply connected to MacMurray Ranch, carrying on the legacy of this iconic Sonoma landmark. Learn more at www.macmurrayranch.com.

About Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Francis puts it best, saying the winery is, “A wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life – food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.” Francis Ford Coppola Winery is located at 300 Via Archimedes in Geyserville, California, accessed from US HWY 101 and the INDEPENDENCE LANE exit. Among the many unique attractions at the property, Francis Ford Coppola Winery features wine tasting, two restaurants, a swimming pool, a movie gallery, a performing arts Pavilion and a park area with game tables and bocce courts. Francis Ford Coppola Winery opens at 11 a.m. daily. For more information, call (707) 857-1400, toll free (877) 590-3329 or visit www.FrancisCoppolaWinery.com.

About Chateau St. Jean
Founded in 1973 in the Sonoma Valley, Chateau St. Jean is the quintessential Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean produces an extensive portfolio of Sonoma County wines as well as vineyard designated wines, limited production Reserve wines, and the flagship Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren, who was named “Winemaker of the Year” for 2008 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, has been with Chateau St. Jean for over 30 years. Chateau St. Jean is the first Sonoma winery to be awarded the prestigious “Wine of the Year” award from Wine Spectator Magazine for its 1996 Cinq Cépages, a Bordeaux style blend of “five varieties” and has long been recognized as a leader in vineyard designated wines. For more visit www.chateaustjean.com.

About 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries
A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California’s premier wine, food and social event, taking place on Labor Day weekend each year. The events comprising Sonoma Wine Country Weekend have raised over $11 million in support of local charities that benefit students, children, farm workers and people in need. The 2012 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature®. In addition to Visa Signature, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend sponsors include: TricorBraun WinePak, MacMurray Ranch®, Buick, Cooking Light, Wine Spectator, San Francisco Magazine, Chateau St. Jean, Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Kaiser Permanente. For a complete list of beneficiaries and sponsors, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving over 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501c.3 organization that has raised over $8,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) is the leading voice of Sonoma County wine, dedicated to raising awareness of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier wine regions, noted for its heritage of artisan winemaking, distinct growing regions, and extraordinary quality. Founded in 1944, SCV represents more than 175 wineries of all sizes throughout the county. Learn more about SCV at www.SonomaWine.com.

Michael Perlis: Sonoma In The City: Los Angeles

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Sonoma In The City is the touring Taste of Sonoma event presented by Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau and Full Circle Wine Solutions. I had the pleasure of attending the trade/media portion of this event held recently in Los Angeles at The London hotel in West Hollywood.

Sonoma County has several diverse microclimates, and is actually divided into 15 AVAs [American Viticultural Areas], creating a wide variety of wines and winemaking styles. The following areas were represented in this tasting:
Alexander Valley
Bennett Valley
Dry Creek Valley / Rockpile
Russian River Valley / Green Valley
Sonoma Coast / Fort Ross – Seaview
Sonoma Mountain / Sonoma Valley / Carneros

The following wineries were pouring samples:

Contributing Editor Michael Perlis

Alexander Valley Vineyards
Anaba Wines
Arrowood Vineyards & Winery
Benovia Winery
Blue Rock Vineyard
Capture Wines
Cartograph
Chateau St. Jean
DeLoach Vineyards
Donum
Dry Creek Vineyard
Dutton-Goldfield Winery
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
Flowers Vineyards & Winery
Foppiano Vineyards
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Hanzell Vineyards
Hartford Court Winery
Hidden Ridge Vineyard
Hook & Ladder Winery
Huge Bear Wines
Inman Family Wines
Iron Horse Vineyards
J Vineyards & Winery
Jemrose
Joseph Swan Vineyards
Keller Estate
Kelley & Young
Kendall-Jackson
La Crema
La Follette Wines
Landmark Vineyards
Lasseter Family Winery
Laurel Glen Vineyard
Longboard Vineyards
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards
Martinelli Winery
Matanzas Creek Winery
Mauritson Wines
Murphy-Goode
Papapietro Perry Winery
Paradise Ridge Winery
Patz & Hall
Pedroncelli Winery
Petroni Vineyards
Robert Young Estate Winery
Rodney Strong Vineyards
Schug Carneros Estate Winery
Seghesio Family Vineyards
Stone Edge Farm
Stonestreet
Taft Street Winery
Thomas George Estates
Three Sticks
Trione Vineyards and Winery

In addition, some of the growers associations were represented, pouring wines from additional wineries that did not necessarily have a pouring station of their own:
Bennett Valley Grape Growers
Rockpile Grape Growers Association
Russian River Valley Winegrowers
Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance
West Sonoma Coast Vintners
Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

Admittedly, I focused less on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and more on varietals that are of particular interest to me. That being said, my favorites of the day were:

Bruliam Rocky Ridge Zinfandel, Rockpile 2009 [poured by the Rockpile Grape Growers Association]
Foppiano Vineyards Estate Petite Sirah 2009
Fritz Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2009 [poured by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley]
Inman Family Wines OGV Estate Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley 2011
J Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2009
Jemrose Egret Pond Viognier, Bennett Valley 2010
Jemrose Cardiac Hill Syrah, Bennett Valley 2009
Jemrose Foggy Knoll Grenache, Bennett Valley 2009
Jemrose Gloria’s Gem, Bennett Valley 2009
Lasseter Family Winery Enjoue, Sonoma Valley 2010
Lasseter Family Winery Paysage, Sonoma Valley 2008
Longboard Vineyards Syrah, Russian River Valley 2008
Mauritson Wines Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2010
Mauritson Wines Rockpile Ridge Zinfandel, Rockpile 2010
Petroni Vineyards Brunello, Sonoma Valley 2005
Petroni Vineyards Rosato di Sonoma, Sonoma Valley 2010
Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2009 [poured by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley]
Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2010
Taft Street Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2009

Our one tactical error was thinking that, because the tasting started at 1:30 PM, we should have lunch first. We ate at the excellent Boxwood Café, which is the casual arm of the Gordon Ramsay restaurant also at The London. But, when we entered the tasting room, there were plenty of delicious passed appetizers, as well as a carving table that included rack of lamb and whole roast suckling pig. This food was also provided by the Gordon Ramsay restaurant and was not only amazing, but the carver of the pig also provided the laugh of the day when he moved it into position and admonished it to “stay!”

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.

Tour the Hidden Gems of Sonoma Valley at the Second Annual “Sonoma Valley Reserve” An Exclusive Wine Event set for May 2012

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(Sonoma, CALIF.) – Sonoma Valley Reserve, a wine event that offers participants the exclusive opportunity to see Sonoma Valley’s classic wineries in a completely different light, has been set for Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, 2012. This semiannual event, a series of themed daytrips around the region, will showcase rare offerings and hidden gems of Sonoma Valley wine destinations, many of which are seldom open to the public.

“Sonoma Valley, the birthplace of California wine, has so many hidden gems and world class wines to discover and taste all right here in our valley,” said Maureen Cottingham, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Executive Director, “We are very excited to once again, showcase some of the people, places and wines that otherwise would be impossible to experience.”

Produced by the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, the semiannual Sonoma Valley Reserve will feature a schedule of themed tours that take guests on a treasure hunt throughout the appellation. Each tour includes four winery visits, comfortable transportation by California Wine Tours and wine country picnic lunch.
Tickets for Sonoma Valley Reserve are extremely limited and on sale now at $95 for one day or $150 for two days. Sonoma Valley Reserve ticketholders will depart from Sonoma. For an additional nominal fee ($30 per person), round-trip motor coach transportation to Sonoma is available from San Francisco and Mill Valley. For tickets visit www.ReserveSonomaValley.com or call 707-935-0803.

About Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving over 500 members who share a mission to promote the awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501c.3 organization that has raised over $8,000,000 for local Sonoma Valley charities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.