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Spring is here and the wine regions of California are opening their doors to wine enthusiasts once again. The list of events they offer to showcase their new release of wines is long. We all have limited time and money to spend on these exciting events, making it hard to select just a few. We have compiled a small sampling of what is happening this season in California Wine Country, highlighting a those that have a long annual history and cover multiple wineries. The events are grouped into three broad categories that can help you decide which style of event piques your interest. Although they all have at their center tasting great wines, the experiences can be totally different in style and flavor.
If you don’t see what you are looking for, go to the website of your favorite winery or winery association and see what they have to offer. Also, you can try the Sierra Wines Event Page which includes a fairly inclusive list of the events coming up soon in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. Check out the California Wine Magazine Articles and Travel sections for our earlier articles detailing previous occurrences of these events in much greater depth.
 Passport & Winery Tour Weekends
A passport or winery tour weekend is usually sponsored by a regional winery association and offers the opportunity to visit their member wineries. They come in a wide range of styles, but generally the wineries involved offer food, music and special wines or pricing to those who purchase tickets. Many times the wineries include barrel tastings and futures sales for their upcoming releases. These events offer a way to explore a new wine region and get reacquainted with old ones. Start planning now as most of these events sell out well in advance. The more popular versions, like the El Dorado County and Dry Creek Passport weekends, sell out very quickly and Dry Creek even uses a lottery to decide who will get to purchase their tickets . However, there are a number of alternatives that still have tickets available closer to the event date that offer a wonderful tasting and touring experience. If the price was available it is included below as well as the phone number and/or website for you to get better information.
*April 19 – 20, 2008, 10:00 to 4:00 $40 for both days. Napa & Sonoma Counties, Los Carneros AVA, Hospitality de Los Carneros, 800-909-4352.
Open houses are offered at up to 20 wineries, many offer food and music, craft shows and special tastings and wine sales. This is a great chance to visit wineries either only open by appointment or generally not open to the public. Continued ...
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