Dry Creek Passport Weekend Ever wonder what really happens at a Passport Weekend in wine country and why you would spend that much money when you could just go wine tasting any regular weekend? We took a trip to two of these festivals in 2006 offered by the El Dorado County Winery Association and the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County. As can be expected these were two very different affairs and spoke to the cultures of these very different wine regions. Join us here as we explore the larger of the two regions, Dry Creek Valley.

The event took place over the last weekend in April at a cost of $110 per person which covered a commemorative wine glass, all wine tastings and all food.  There were thirty-eight wineries included, making it very difficult to figure out a schedule that would give us more than a passing glimpse into this vibrant wine region.  Much like El Dorado County each attendee is given a winery to register at prior to the start of your weekend travels. 

We started at Quivira Vineyards towards the center of the region.  The line for check-in was pretty long, but it only took about 10 to 15 minutes and we were in tasting.  The theme of the weekend was movie making and Quivira was seriously decorated to celebrate many of the stars of the 50s.  The food was very good and even though we were the first people there the music was already beginning.  Although the initial crowds were pretty hefty, once inside there didn’t seem to be any issues.  Continued