It’s time for another excellent Pinot Noir Festival! From May 18-20, 2012, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association presents the 2012 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, now in its 15th year. As part of the Festival, the Grand Tasting on May 19 will feature 40 different Pinot Noir producers from around California, promoting and celebrating Anderson Valley Pinot Noir wines. Other key events during the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival are a Technical Conference, a casual BBQ, four Winemaker Dinners, and over 20 Winery Open Houses throughout the Valley.
Keep reading to get more information about the event. Once you’re ready to buy your tickets for the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, or if you need even more details, then go here.
Friday May 18 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival presents a Technical Conference at the County Fairground’s Apple Hall (14400 Highway 128, Boonville) for $95, and lunch is included. The Technical Conference will include opening comments on “The State of the Pinot Noir Union,” panel discussions on the contrast in viticultural styles in Anderson Valley and the site specificity of Cerise Vineyards, and speakers talking about “New Wine Cave Technology” and “The Evolution of Viticulture in Oregon.”
Friday evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you can participate in a casual BBQ at Husch Vineyards (4400 Highway 128, Philo) and enjoy an evening filled with great food and wine. Pinot Noirs from near and far will be available, and guests are also encouraged to bring a bottle to share. Tickets are $50 per person.
Saturday May 19 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Goldeneye Winery, site of the Grand Tasting
Starting at 11:00 a.m. and going until 3:00 p.m., don’t miss the Grand Tasting at the 15th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, held at Goldeneye Winery (9200 Highway 128, Philo). Come and taste world-class Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs from over 40 different producers throughout California and savor foods designed to complement the wines. Talk with the winemakers, sample the wines, and listen to live music from Pura Vida while you enjoy a delicious array of empanadas, salads, tortillas, salsas, and other small bites. During the Grand Tasting you will also have an opportunity to participate in a Silent Auction benefiting the Anderson Valley Health Center.
Some of our favorite Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs come from the following wineries that are participating this year: Baxter Winery, Breggo Cellars, Copain Wines, Drew Family Cellars, Esterlina Vineyards, Goldeneye Winery, Littorai Wines, Londer Vineyards, Lula Cellars, Phillips Hill Estates, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Roederer Estate (their sparkling wines), Roessler Cellars, Twomey, and Williams Selyem. To see a complete list of the participating wineries and to order tickets, go here. Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $105 per person, although Designated Driver tickets are also available for $50.
On Saturday night, there are four Winemaker Dinners to choose from, although three of these (at Roederer Estate, The Apple Farm, and Scharffenberger Cellars in Anderson Valley) are already sold out. A fourth dinner, at the MacCallum House Inn and Restaurant in the town of Mendocino, still has seats available. For $125 per person you can dine with the winemakers from Esterlina Vineyards, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, and Champ de Rêves in the inviting dining room at the acclaimed MacCallum House where Chef Alan Kantor will impress you with his menu expressing the rich palette of the North Coast. Dinner begins with a reception in the adjacent Grey Whale Bar at 6:00 p.m. (no host cocktail bar also available).
Sunday May 20 at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
The View from Esterlina Vineyards
On Sunday, delight in the beauty of Anderson Valley as you travel Highway 128 and visit the many Winery Open Houses along the way. Over 20 of the wineries from Saturday’s Grand Tasting will offer the opportunity to try barrel samples, taste select older vintages, and enjoy many creative food and wine pairings. The sounds of live music will be heard throughout the Valley at these fun celebrations.
It is important to realize that each winery has its own operating hours on Sunday. Some may open at 10:00 a.m. and some will be open until 6:00 p.m. but each winery determines their own hours and activities. Also, please note that while the Winery Open Houses have free admission, both Baxter Winery and Black Kite Cellars require a reservation in advance so please plan accordingly. For the complete list of Winery Open Houses (and their hours) please go here.
The 2012 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival should be a ton of fun. While you are there, if you want to see what our favorite wineries and food stops are in Anderson Valley then go here. Or, to see our favorite wineries in the nearby Yorkville Highlands please go here.