Created, organized and hosted by the people of the Russian River Valley, Grape to Glass encourages you to live like a local as you indulge in a weekend of Northern California wine country living. Reserve your place and join us on August 15th!
WINERY POKER RUN
Friday, August 15 • 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Russian River Valley
Tour Russian River Valley wineries at your own pace and taste your way to a full house in the first Russian River Valley Poker Run. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and majesty of this incredible region while accumulating the best poker hand. Each participating winery will allow you to select a lucky card from the deck during your visit. Plan your Friday in the the Russian River Valley to include tasting your way to the best poker hand while enjoying the finest wines, nibbles and specials at some of the Valley’s most scenic wineries. The best hand turned in at end of the day wins round trip airfare for two to Las Vegas, the poker capital of the world! Shuffle up and deal!
SIP ‘N’ CINEMA
Wine Tasting, Dinner and Movie
Friday, August 15 • 5:30 p.m.
MacMurray Ranch
An evening of Pinot Noir and Film Noir awaits you at the exclusive MacMurray Ranch, former home of the late actor Fred MacMurray. Set in a spectacular locale in a majestic Redwood Grove, that lies in the foothills of the Pacific Coastal Range, MacMurray Ranch is open only for special events.
You will begin your evening under the majestic oak trees for a spectacular tasting reception with an emphasis on Pinot Noirs from more than two dozen Russian River Valley wineries. Taste and enjoy vibrant, plentiful hors d’oeuvres, while strolling the beautifully manicured grounds and skillfully restored MacMurray Ranch homestead. Meet Fred’s daughter, Kate MacMurray and listen to stories of the past about growing up on the Ranch.
Then it’s time to savor cinematic inspired cuisine specially prepared for this unique evening by Executive Chef Bruce Riezenman of Park Avenue Catering. The Film Noir themed flavors of the meal will delight your palate while paired with delicious Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs.
Take your place atop a bale of hay outside the MacMurray Ranch horse barn, nibble on ice cream bars (Fred MacMurray’s favorite dessert) and freshly popped popcorn while you sip on Pinot Noir. Warm yourself by the firepit while enjoying the starlit sky then it is time for the film of the night “Double Indemnity” starring Fred MacMurray.
BALLOONING OVER THE VALLEY
Saturday, August 16 • 6:00 a.m.
Russian River Valley
Soar high above the picturesque landscape with your very own Russian River Valley tour guide on an early morning hot air balloon ride with Captain Chuck from A Balloon Over Sonoma County. If you thought the Russian River Valley was beautiful from the ground - imagine a wonderfully peaceful flight in a colorful hot air balloon, seeing this majestic region from the air. Depending upon the basket you climb aboard, Mike Sullivan of Benovia Winery or Hector Bedolla of La Crema will accompany you and guide you through historic landmarks, vineyards and topography. After your hour long journey you will be treated to a tasty wine country breakfast with your personal Russian River Valley tour guide. And the best part is that you will be finished in time to still enjoy a 1:00 p.m. panel discussion, tour or tasting. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the region and relish the splendor of vines from above.
(Space is limited. Event completes in time for a 1:00 p.m. tour)
TOUR DE VINE BIKE RIDE
Saturday, August 16 • 8:00 a.m.
Dutton Ranch Gail Ann’s Vineyard
Sonoma County boasts world class cycling routes and some of the most scenic are right here in the Russian River Valley. Choose the most unique and sensory filled way to see the Russian River Valley. Imagine a brisk 10 mile ride or a relaxed 20 mile cruise on the vineyard lined roads of the valley. Tour de Vine will give you the opportunity to exercise all of your senses: see the majesty of the vineyards; smell the earth, the flowers and the fruit; and hear the sounds of rushing water, grazing cows and songs of birds that call this valley home. The Tour begins and ends at the oasis of Dutton Ranch Gail Ann’s Vineyard.
Your guides on this magical journey will be some of the most enthusiastic and athletic winemakers and growers in the Russian River Valley. They will guide you through the back roads where you’ll meet local growers for a little refresher and lighthearted conversation. You’ll pedal full circle returning to Gail Ann’s Vineyard in time to make it to a 10:00 a.m. tour (provided you select the 10 mile route).
(Helmets are mandatory. Bike and helmet rentals are available at an additional cost of $35 per person. Special thanks to Getaway Adventures.)
KAYAK THE RUSSIAN RIVER
Saturday, August 16 • 9:00 a.m.
Davis Family Tasting Room
The namesake of the Russian River Valley and perhaps the most important feature and climatic influence is the Russian River itself. Not only can you enjoy a gentle kayak ride down this famous river but you can start your day by learning how the River and the fog influence and affect the climate and the growing of grapes and other crops.
Before you climb in your kayak you’ll take on nourishment with a hearty Bovolo breakfast sandwich along with a glass of Davis Family Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir at the Davis Family tasting room in Healdsburg overlooking the Russian River. Meet winemaker Guy Davis who will guide you through a discussion of how the River and famous Russian River Valley fog have a pronounced affect on the grapes and the wines of the appellation. After this brief overview it’s time to meet the River and Rodney Strong Vineyards wine educator, Stefen Soltysiak, for an informative float down the Russian River. Stefen will point out different geological impacts that influence this magical waterway and the surrounding vineyards. Hear how time has affected the landscape of Sonoma County, making it one of the best places in the world for growing grapes.
Once you’ve paddled your way to Rodney Strong Vineyards, you’ll be ready for a scrumptious wine and food tasting before heading to your next Grape to Glass adventure.
(Space is limited. Event completes in time for a 1:00 p.m. tour)
HOG IN THE FOG - ELEGANT BBQ & SILK PURSE AUCTION
Saturday, August 16
4:00 p.m. to Sundown
Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard
An afternoon like no other, the Russian River Valley Winegrowers annual Hog in the Fog Elegant BBQ & Silk Purse Auction is an event that should not be missed. This unique event has a setting like no other, nestled among the grapevines and a grove of grand oak trees at the beautiful Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard. A Grand Tasting of over 50 Russian River Valley wineries starts your evening. Winemakers and growers will be on hand to pour their world class wines and visit with you about everything from tannins to terrior. Enjoy appetizers made from the area’s local array of fabulous food.
Delight in the bounty that the Russian River Valley appellation has to offer in your elegant BBQ dinner of succulent pulled pork, scrumptious tri tip, seasonal produce, tasty side dishes and top off your meal with warm locally grown Gravenstein apple pie ala mode. Accompanying this elegant BBQ feast are stellar Russian River Valley wines served by the evening’s sommeliers - winegrowers and vintners who will roll up their sleeves and stroll around the dinner tables visiting, engaging in great conversation and serving their wines.
The Silk Purse Auction is one of the most popular events of the entire Grape to Glass Weekend. Explore the numerous tables of silent auction items filled with hard-to-find bottles of wine, tours and other unique one-of-a-kind items from the Russian River Valley. Want to enjoy the Russian River Valley even after your wonderful weekend is over? Raise your paddle during the live auction and bid on rare library wines, great overnight stays and enchanting Russian River Valley experiences.
WINGS, WINE AND WIND-DOWN
Sunday, August 17 • 11:00 a.m.
Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Raw Bar
The annual “Wings Over Wine Country” air show, held in conjunction with Grape to Glass Weekend, is the perfect way to spend your last day in the Russian River Valley. From your reserved spot at one of the best airport restaurants in the country, Sky Lounge Steakhouse, you will be able to enjoy vintage and modern aircraft as they maneuver across the valley, high above the vineyards.
Your well crafted final day will begin with a food and wine “taste off” with two of Sonoma County’s most recent TV food celebrities. Zoi Antonitsas, a contestant of BRAVO’s 4th Season Top Chef Chicago - joins her mentor and friend, Duskie Estes - of Zazu and Bovolo restaurants and recently featured on Food Network and in the California Tourism promotions - as they conduct a taste off with some of the Russian River Valley’s great wines.
Zoi will take the Italian flavor profiles, while Duskie will match Russian River Valley wines with the more adventuresome Americana flavors she has become famous for! Enjoy this wine friendly discussion with these two talented and charming chef friends.
Then it’s time to sit back and enjoy your front row seat for the festivities of the Air Show while you enjoy a fabulous lunch and more spectacular Russian River Valley wines. Relax with a silky Pinot Noir, savor a lush Zinfandel or experience the fruit and crispness of a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or beautifully balanced Chardonnay - all while you put your feet up, look toward the heavens and wind down from your wonderful Russian River Valley Grape to Glass weekend. Your event fee entitles you to tour the Air Show grounds where you can get up close and personal with featured air show pilots, see the planes on display and experience the Air Show to its fullest.
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WINE COUNTRY BOX LUNCHES
Let us deliver lunch to you! We encourage you to take advantage of our offer to deliver a box lunch to you at your 10:00 am tour on Saturday. Your lunch includes your choice of entrée, plus salad, fresh fruit and dessert. Beverages are not included. Entrée choice is two Miniature Potato Roll Sandwiches (one Tri Tip with Smoked Zinfandel BBQ Sauce and one Mojo Angrio Chicken Paillard with Jicama Slaw) or a Tex Mex Black Bean and Cheese Wrap. Lunches prepared by Park Avenue Catering.
SHIPPING YOUR WINE HOME
Back by popular demand, Wine Country Shipping will be on-hand to pack and ship your wines home for you. Wine Country Shipping will be on site at MacMurray Ranch on Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the Hog in the Fog BBQ (facilitating the shipment of any auction items) and again on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
VISIT THE WINDSOR FARMER’S MARKET
Coming to town early for Grape to Glass weekend? Make plans to visit the Windsor Farmers Market – Summer Nights on the Green, on the Green in downtown Windsor. All downtown business stay open late on Thursdays during the summer in support of this oldtime community night out. Purchase fresh produce, dine al fresco on great local food and enjoy the local flare.
LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS
Summer is a busy time in the Russian River Valley. To ensure your first choice of accommodations, we encourage you to make your room reservations now. We are happy to recommend the following places to stay while in the Russian River area:
Applewood Inn
(800) 555-8509
applewoodinn.com
Dawn Ranch Lodge
(707) 869-0656
dawnranch.com
Extended Stay America North
(707) 541-0959
extendedstayhotels.com
Farmhouse Inn
(800) 464-6642
farmhouseinn.com
Fern Grove Cottages
(707) 869-8105
ferngrove.com
FountainGrove Inn
(800) 222-6101
fountaingroveinn.com
Grape Leaf Inn
(707) 433-8140
grapeleafinn.com
Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
(707) 523-7555
winecountryhilton.com
Holiday Inn Express, Sebastopol
(707) 829-6677
winecountryhi.com
Holiday Inn Express, Windsor
(707) 837-0808
sonomahi.com
Hotel Healdsburg
(800) 889-7188
hotelhealdsburg.com
Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa
(888) 920-0008
vineyardcreek.hyatt.com
Les Mars Hotel
(877) 431-1700
lesmarshotel.com
The Village Inn
(800) 303-2303
villageinn-ca.com
Vintners Inn
(800) 421-2584
vintnersinn.com
You must be 21 years of age to attend Grape to Glass.