I rarely post press releases, but I have attended these events, the big ones sell out, and I have a great fondness for the vineyards, wineries, wines, and people who make up the wine scene in Anderson Valley, so please give this one a read, make note of dates and be sure to grab your tickets early, and I’ll see you at each. Of course, I’ll post notices of each event in advance and recap each event after for my weekly wine column in the Ukiah Daily Journal newspaper.
Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Announces 2016 Alsace Varietals, Pinot Noir Festivals & More
Four festivals will showcase the best of Anderson Valley
October 26, 2015, Philo, Calif. – The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association has announced that it will hold its 11th annual International Alsace Varietals Festival on February 19-20, 2016 and the 19th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival May 20-22, 2016. Other events will include the Anderson Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend July 23-24 and the Winesong! Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Celebration September 9-10.
2015’s Alsace Fest was a highlight of the tasting events. Grab your tickets for 2016’s event before they sell out.
The International Alsace Varietals Festival will feature wineries from both near and far, pouring Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat. Delectable bites like fresh oysters, pork belly, artisan cheeses and more will be on offer throughout Saturday’s grand tasting. Wineries will attend from California, Oregon, Washington, Alsace, Germany, New Zealand, Michigan, Vermont, New York, and more.
The Alsace Festival technical session on Saturday morning will include a talk by John Winthrop Haeger (his book, “Riesling Rediscovered,” will release in March 2016); a session on grand cru grapes with Sommelier Evan Goldstein; and a food and wine pairing with Chef Francois de Melogue. Saturday evening winemaker dinners will be held at Scharffenberger Cellars and The Philo Apple Farm, and participating wineries will host open houses on Sunday.
Casual BBQ at Lula Cellars, part of 2015’s Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, was a highlight for attendees. (Photo by John Cesano)
The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival May 20-22 focuses on just one variety from one appellation: Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, in all its forms. More than 50 producers will pour Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot rosés and Blanc de Noirs at Saturday’s grand tasting. Other events include a full-day technical conference, various winemaker dinners throughout Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Coast, and open houses on Sunday.
Joe Webb pulling barrel samples at Foursight Winery during the Anderson Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend. (Photo by John Cesano)
Now in its fourth year, the Anderson Valley Barrel Tasting Weekend allows consumers to taste soon-to-be-bottled wines from approximately 20 local producers, and not just Pinot Noir! Held at the end of summer, the wines are final blends, and are drinking beautifully. Attendees can taste with the winemakers, purchase futures of select wines and enjoy food pairings and activities.
The Winesong! Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Celebration highlights Anderson Valley Pinot Noir and small bites by The Little River Inn – all with a stunning ocean view above the town of Little River, Calif. A fundraiser for the Coast Hospital Foundation, this event is a great way to kick of a weekend of charitable festivities.
Additional information about all these events can found at the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Web site at www.avwines.com, or by contacting the Association via e-mail at info@avwines.com, or by phone at (707) 895-WINE.
John on Wine - a wine blog 