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Grape to Glass Event Details
Created, organized, and hosted by the Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Grape to Glass encourages you to “Live Like a Local” and get fully immersed in one of California’s most unforgettable wine regions.
Join our family of winegrape growers, winemakers, chefs and innkeepers August 14 –16, 2009 for this fantastic weekend! Tour de Vine Bike Ride (Helmets are mandatory. Bike and helmet rentals are available at an additional cost of $40 per person. Special thanks to Getaway Adventures.)
Winery Poker Run (click here for a list of participating Wineries)
Friday, August 14 • 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Russian River Valley
Taste your way to a winning hand! Visit participating Russian River Valley wineries (check website www.rrvw.org for the most up to date list of participants), and select a lucky card at each stop. 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! Discover all corners of the Valley and enjoy a winning variety of wines including special wines just for the occasion. You’ll be dealt our exceptional brand of hospitality as we show off our finest and offer special discounts and tastings for the day. Winning hands will be the best five cards.
Sip ‘N’ Cinema
Hollywood Meets Wine Country – A Sensory Experience
Friday, August 14 • 5:30 PM
MacMurray Ranch
On Friday evening we’ll take you on an excursion that explores how the world of movie legend Fred MacMurray and the production of fine wines intersect for sensory enjoyment. MacMurray Ranch will be abuzz with activity that will sharpen your senses.
Experience the majestic grounds of the beautiful MacMurray Ranch in an unforgettable evening dedicated to the producer and growers of the Russian River Valley. You will discover the world of movie legend Fred MacMurray and the history of his Hollywood getaway in the heart of Russian River Valley. Take a stroll in the vineyard with viticulture specialists and learn the transition from country get-away to vineyards of excellence. Taste the hand crafted wines from some of the most talented vintners and growers in wine country. Enjoy a fresh aroma experience where you will learn how to identify the many aromas in wine. Savor the amazing bounty of Sonoma County and enjoy a tasty dinner encompassing all the sensory pleasures of living in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, prepared by Executive Chef Bruce Riezenman of Park Avenue Catering.
Ballooning over the Valley
Saturday, August 15 • 6:00 AM
Kal’s Kaffe Mocha and Benovia Winery
Join Captain Chuck and his team from A Balloon Over Sonoma County as they expertly pilot your early morning hot air balloon ride over the Russian River Valley. If you thought the Russian River Valley was beautiful from the ground - imagine a peaceful flight in a colorful hot air balloon high above the picturesque landscape watching wine country awaken. Depending upon the basket you climb aboard, Bob Mosby or Mike Sullivan, both of Benovia Winery, 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 at the Benovia Winery. You’ll have plenty of time to catch a 1 pm panel discussion, tour or tasting. (Space is limited.)
Kayak the Russian River
Saturday, August 15 • 9:00 AM
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. A gentle kayak ride down this famous river is embellished with expert discussion on how the River and the fog that clutches to its banks influence and affect grape growing and the diverse agriculture of the region.
The river excursion starts with a hearty Bovolo breakfast sandwich along with a glass of Davis Family Wines Rose of Pinot Noir at the Davis Family’s Healdsburg tasting room. With a classic view of the river below, winemaker Guy Davis will share his thoughts on 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 shove off!
Once you’ve paddled your way to the beach at Silverado Sonoma Vineyards, you’ll be refreshed with a glass of Picket Fence Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir and greeted by grower Randy Luginbill and winery owner Katy Leese for an inside look at creating wines in the RRV. (Space is limited. Event completes in time for a 1 pm. tour)
Hog in the Fog Winegrower BBQ, Tasting Fest & Auction (click here for a list of participating Wineries)
Saturday, August 15 • 4:00 PM Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard
The Russian River Valley Winegrowers annual Hog in the Fog Winegrower BBQ, Tasting Fest & Auction is an event that should not be missed. This very popular annual event is a friendly get together where you’ll meet and pass the time with growers, winemakers, food producers, inn keepers and a host of colorful characters. Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard is a splendid park like setting surrounded by their legendary vineyards and grand oak trees. A Tasting Fest of over 50 Russian River Valley wineries starts your evening out right. Get one-on-one time with winemakers and growers who will pour their wines and visit with you about everything from tannins to terrior. Enjoy appetizers made from the area’s local array of fabulous food products.
Our Winegrower BBQ is just that…prepared by our grape growers who’ll serve up some hearty food and good cheer. Dinner will include succulent pulled pork, scrumptious tri tip, seasonal produce, tasty side dishes and be topped off with warm locally grown and baked Gravenstein apple pie ala mode. And of course your meal will be accompanied by the perfect wine pairing…Russian River Valley wines served by the evening’s sommeliers - winegrowers and vintners who will roll up their sleeves and make the rounds with bottles and great conversation!
Our Auction is one of the most popular events of the Grape to Glass Weekend. The tables are overflowing with choice silent auction items like hard-to-find bottles of wine, baskets of local goodies, private tours and unique local offerings. Want to take some of the Russian River Valley home with you or come back for your own private RRV experience? Raise your paddle during the live auction and bid on rare library wines and Russian River Valley lifestyle packages.
Wings, Wine and Wind-down
Sunday, August 16 • 11:00 AM
Sky Lounge Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Yes Salt! Salt is the single most effective way to enhance the flavor of virtually everything you eat, and the latest craze in the world of food.Salt is also the only universal food, used in every culinary tradition of every culture of the world. Sprinkle an artisan-made salt on a favorite dish and it will yield undiscovered realms of new flavor, texture, and beauty. 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 on the outdoor patio at Sonoma County's own airport restaurant, you'll catch vintage and modern aircraft putting on a spectacular show high above the vineyards. Could it be the essence of salt in the air from the Pacific Ocean just miles to the west that you smell? Or, is it the Wings, Wine and Wind down - Salt Symposium - tasting and lunch? Take your taste buds on a trek across the vast and unexplored wilds of artisan-made finishing salts with Dean & DeLuca's salt expert Kristopher Schalwitz. Explore the spectrum of salts as Kris walks you through a very unique tasting of distinct flavors and textures of gourmet salts. Notice the subtle or perhaps not so subtle differences and how they work with the wines and different food products. It's a front row seat for the festivities and you'll be treated to a fabulous lunch and more special Russian River wines. Put up your feet, look towards the puffy clouds to see an amazing show 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. WINE COUNTRY BOX LUNCHES 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 pm to 6:30 pm; at Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard on Saturday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm during the Hog in the Fog BBQ (facilitating the shipment of any auction items); and back at Richard’s Grove & Saralee’s Vineyard again on Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
VISIT THE WINDSOR FARMER'S MARKET
Coming to town early for Grape to Glass Weekend? Make plans to visit the Windsor Farmer’s Market on the Green in Downtown Windsor. All downtown businesses stay open late on Thursdays during the summer in support of this old-fashioned community night out. Purchase fresh produce, dine al fresco and enjoy great local food with local flare. FLY HORIZON AIR Applewood Inn You must be 21 years of age to attend Grape to Glass. |
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