Prepare for the release party of the season: Winter Wineland. Mashed into just two short days (January 16 and 17 this year), it’s a coming out for many winemakers’ new releases, as well as the post-harvest/pre-bud break hootenanny for wineries.
And though it looks like the weather may be glum that just means more wine for us.
Put on by the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valley Wine Road crew, the weekend includes dozens of wineries, some of whom aren’t often open to the public. You’ll likely want to plan your stops carefully before setting out — the popular event can get crowded and some wineries are, let’s say, more welcoming of spirited revelry than others. Take note that a number of wineries are requesting no groups over 12 or limos.
GET THE GOOGLE MAP OF THE EVENT
WANT SUPER- INSIDER TIPS? Check out the #winterwineland Tweets below. Several spots are offering Tweet-only deals. (ie: At Michel-Schlumberger say Jah Mon to the Jamaican bobsledders or give a $5 donation to Haiti at Ridge for an extra pour).
The event is 21-and over only, as you might expect and for goodness sakes, drink like a local (meaning you know how spit once in a while) and behave yourself. Tickets available at the door only (at this late date), $50 Weekend, $40 Sunday Only, $10 for Designated Drivers. Get all the details at WineRoad.com.
Heading out? Here are some highlights, mostly featuring the food because (duh) you need good food to pair with the wine :
- Acorn Winery/Alegria Vineyards: Jeff Mall (Zin) makes pozole and cornbread.
- Armida Winery: Tailgate party. Watch the playoffs, eat fried turkey and hang with friends
- Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves: Chef Gerard does his annual paella feast
- Copain WInes: Santi restaurant pairs with award-winning syrah
- Foppiano: Sunday afternoon, authors Vivienne Sosnowski and Louis J Foppiano sign their book, “When the Rivers Ran Red” celebrating the 90th anniversary of Prohibition
- Frick Winery: Unusual wines like cinsaut, carignane and a campfire for s’mores and hot dogs
- Hanna Winery: Elvis chanelling and 50′s fun
- Michel-Schlumberger: 2010 Winter Wineland Olympics featuring “stars” of the past pouring for you
- Moshin Vineyards: PB &J wine experience (peanut butter fudge with their jammy new zin)
- Pedroncelli: Bistro 29′s Brian Anderson makes beef-lentil soup
- Ridge Vineyards: Salumi from the Fatted Calf (yum!)
- Stephen & Walker Winery: Chef Tim Vallery makes cassoulet
- Thumbprint Cellars: 1st Annual Mac-N-Cheese Off. Vote for your fave.
- Trione Vineyards: Hog Island Oysters
“Can’t we all just get along?”
Rodney King
Oh goody, the angry mob are back with their pitchforks. Insightful as usual.
Careful Missy. She’s lible to shut the comment section down like the Roshambo blog if you say anything that upsets her. Fine journalism. Stick to talking about fine cuisine like fair food, something you understand.
Oh there you go again Heather. You can’t help yourself. You HATE the people of Sonoma County. You want it to be this LIBERAL enclave and the TRUTH is that it’s turning more and more to the Right. Tough luck.
You’re also terrible at grammar and sentence structure. That Anthony Bourdain piece you wrote was a JUMBLED MESS.
Um, agreed.
PD Forums=Winter Whineland
Word on the street: at Michel-Schlumberger, tell the Jamaican bobsledders “Jah mon” for a bonus treat.