Sparkling Wines and Hopland Passport Events: More Reasons to Visit Mendocino County

Champagne Being PouredIt’s almost time for Sparkling Wine Season, so we thought you should know about A Celebration of Mendocino Sparkling Wines coming to Terra Sávia Winery (14160 Mountain House Road, Hopland) on April 11. A few weeks later, the Destination Hopland organization presents Hopland Passport when over a dozen local wineries invite guests for two days of wine tasting, food pairings and/or live entertainment the first weekend of May. Keep reading and we’ll tell you more about these two excellent reasons to visit the Hopland region this Spring and personally experience this “Gateway to Beautiful Mendocino County.”

Strawberry with ChocolateTen of Mendocino County’s premier sparkling wine producers will join together for a stellar wine and food event at A Celebration of Mendocino Sparkling Wines between noon and 4 pm on April 11. The wines will be accompanied by artisan Cheeses, fresh Tomales Bay Oysters, Paella Valenciana and Strawberries with Dark Chocolate at Terra Sávia Winery.

Let’s face it: Mother’s Day, Graduations, and June weddings are coming up.  And, it’s no fun standing in the middle of Safeway on your way to a celebration trying to remember which sparkling wine Ashley and Christopher served at their wedding last summer that you sorta liked.  With A Celebration of Mendocino Sparkling Wines, you can sample a variety of sparkling wines and then you will know for sure which ones you want on hand for upcoming scheduled (and spontaneous) special occasions.

Here are just some of the accolades participating wineries have received recently for their sparkling wines:

Roederer Estate Sparkling Wines, some Mendocino Sparkling WInes

Roederer Estate Sparkling Wines

Nelson Family Vineyards

Redwood Grove at Nelson Family Vineyards

At the Celebration of Mendocino Sparkling Wines, those four will be joined by other premium wineries Elke Vineyards, Parducci Winery, Nelson Family Vineyards, Scharffenberger Cellars, Signal Ridge Vineyard and (of course) Terra Sávia with the added benefit of live musical entertainment.  The Celebration will be set against the picturesque vineyards and hills of northern Russian River’s Sanel Valley and tickets are just $55 per person in advance (or $65 at the door).  However, you should just go here quickly because tickets are limited and they may sell out before the day of the event.

Hopland Wineries

Hopland Wineries Signpost

On the other hand, to learn more about all of the excellent wines (sparkling or not) from inland Mendocino County you may want to consider attending Hopland Passport, a semi-annual opportunity to explore most of the area’s premium wineries during a weekend of fun and entertainment.  The 2015 Spring Hopland Passport takes place from 11 am to 5 pm on both Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd.

You can buy tickets in person at any participating winery that weekend for $55, but you also have the chance to purchase discounted tickets in advance here for just $45 (until March 31st) or for $50 (during April). Then, you can pick up your Passport, Glass and Wristband at any participating winery (with proof of identity and your online receipt).

Here are just some of the festivities planned for the Spring Hopland Passport (in addition to wine tasting):

Campovida will offer Passport attendees opportunities for olive oil tastings, garden tours, food pairings from their restaurant the Piazza de Campovida and live entertainment.

McFadden Farm and Winery

McFadden Farm and Winery Products

McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room will serve up their own Grass Fed Beef grilled to perfection, garnished with a red wine and mushroom demi-glace, and seasoned with herbs that were organically grown at McFadden Farms (and McFadden’s herbs and herb blends will be available for purchase).

Milano Family Winery is hosting musical performers Linda Ferro Trio playing jazzy rock and dance music on Saturday and the 12-string guitarist Michael Hantman on Sunday as they serve up red-wine-infused oak smoked Tri-Tip.

Mendough's Wood Oven Fire Pizza

Mendough’s Wood Oven Fire Pizza

Nelson Family Vineyards’ property includes a serene Redwood Grove with gorgeous views of their terraced vineyards where you can enjoy Mendough’s Wood-Fired Pizza made with organic, local ingredients.

RIVINO Winery is sponsoring a “Grease”-themed event with 50’s era music, classic cars, and fun 50’s-style food from Pagan Fire Pizza.

In addition to those listed above, participating wineries for Hopland Passport include Brutocao Cellars, Cesar Toxqui Cellars, Frey Vineyards, Graziano Family of Wines, Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery, Jeriko Estate, McNab Ridge Winery and Terra Sávia Winery.  For complete details on the weekend and the planned festivities at all of the wineries, please go here.

To keep your group safe, you can also take advantage of the Hopland Passport Designated Driver Program. Your Driver is free to enjoy all winery events and food tastings and their registration is complimentary (obviously, this means zero alcohol consumption for this person).  Or, you can go here to learn more about the Hopland Passport’s Private Shuttle options for the event.

Mendocino County

Upper Russian River Valley in Mendocino County

Mendocino County contains majestic redwoods, rugged seaside, picturesque villages, premium wineries and plentiful outdoor activities. For our personal recommendations for wineries and restaurants in the area, please use the drop-down menus on the navigation bar above under “Favorites By Wine Region.”

 

 

 


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