LEGACY OF THE FAMOUS BACIGALUPI VINEYARDS
Learn how the vineyards themselves have had a profound impact on the wine industry. Charles and Helen Bacigalupi have been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley for over 50 years. The history of their vineyards is significant. Your tour will be led by vineyard manager John Bacigalupi, taking you through arguably one of the most famous vineyards in the U.S., the Chardonnay Block that produced the famous Paris tasting winner, and some of the oldest Pinot Noir clones still growing in the Russian River Valley. A remodeled classic gondola will be your transportation through the history and legacy of Bacigalupi Vineyards. Have the distinct honor of being part of the inaugural vertical tasting of the newest Bacigalupi project - their own boutique wine label - John Tyler Wines. Meet fourth generation winemaker Tyler Heck who will guide you through your tasting and discuss the unique attributes that make the Russian River Valley famous and desirable. End your one of a kind experience with delectable appetizers specially prepared by Chef Jack Mitchell of Sassafras Restaurant.

LOST IN TIME TOUR
Travel back to a simpler time, a time when hot rods, roadside service stations, soda shops and mom and pop stores dotted the landscape. Nestled amongst the vineyards in the countryside of the Castelli/Knight Ranch is one of the finest collections of Nostalgic Americana Memorabilia on the West Coast. Tour through thousands of collectables of every shape, size and purpose all with a unique and interesting story, while learning the history of the vineyard that surrounds this priceless collection. Finish your tour with a wine tasting and some comfort food from Zin Restaurant as you gather around the vintage Soda Fountain for a Syrah ice cream float.

BIODYNAMIC RULES!
Meet Winegrower Eric Pooler of DeLoach Vineyards for a presentation of biodynamic farming. Learn about the oldest organized alternative agricultural system, including the lunar calendar and the infamous cow horns. Taste through distinctly different organic and biodynamic wines crafted at DeLoach, stroll through the organic garden and share in a sampling of delicious handmade local cheeses. Learn why wineries are now embracing this age-old farming practice. This is a tour not to miss.

HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD, HIGH PERSONALITY
The Hartford Family Winery is known for making delicious wines of high personality from the Russian River Valley. Owner Don Hartford will share with you his philosophy on high risk - high reward winemaking that makes his family’s Pinot Noir so expressive and reflective of the terrior of the vineyard from which it came. Don will explain how sourcing his fruit from small, low-yielding vineyards delivers meager amounts of expressive and personality rich wine. Challenge your palate to explore and taste the distinct nuances and beauty of the wines while trying to identify the terrior the wine represents. Your experience will include an exclusive private library tasting complete with a cooking demo in the Estate kitchen. Pinot lovers and those who appreciate quality wine will become Hartford Family Winery fans.

FIRST LEAF TO FINE WINE
Hop Kiln Winery is a living reminder of Sonoma County’s rich agricultural past, and an important part of the future of its sustainable farming and winemaking. Be part of the first ever public tour of vineyards at different stages of evolution. From older established vineyards to those sprouting their first ever leaves you will learn from the Hop Kiln winemaking team and vineyard management how maturity effects yield and quality. You’ll need your walking shoes to fully enjoy the splendor of this former Hop farm. Then you will be invited to gather around the beautiful rose garden to taste the Estate HK Generations Pinot Noir accompanied by tasty treats prepared by Chef Renzo of Hop Kiln’s sister property the Kenwood Inn and Spa. As Hop Kiln’s Maestro della Cucina, Chef Renzo cooks with a northern Italian accent, preparing classic dishes to pair with Hop Kiln and HK Generations wines. End your tour with a visit to the marketplace to sample a bounty of artisan foods.

INDULGENCE WITH J VINEYARDS & WINERY AND TSAR NICOULAI
J Vineyards & Winery teams up with Tsar Nicoulai, California’s most esteemed caviar producer, to offer the Indulgence Seminar. Learn about sustainably farmed caviar, then experience perfectly chosen caviar samples paired with several sparkling wines from J’s cellar. An expert from Tsar Nicoulai will be on hand to speak about caviar service and etiquette, and why champagne and caviar are such a perfect pairing. Enjoy a few hours of luxurious indulgence before the Hog in the Fog Elegant BBQ and Silk Purse Auction at the Grove. Champagne and caviar, another perfect pairing from J.

TOUR, TASTE & TAPAS
Nestled in the lush foothills in the Green Valley area of the Russian River Valley sits a Spanish inspired estate that is home to certified organic, high density, European styled vineyards and winery of Marimar Torres family. This reknown winegrowing family from Catalonia, Spain has made wine for more than four centuries. Founder and proprietor Marimar Torres will lead a tour of the vineyards and winery highlighting the historical influences that play a part in making her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines rich in taste and complexity. Enjoy traditional homemade Spanish tapas paired with these estate wines in the Catalan farmhouse style winery tasting room. A bit of the old paired with the newest wine releases is sure to provide you with a fulfilling and historically rich Russian River Valley winery experience.

CAKE AND HOMEMADE CONVERSATION
Since 1896, five generations of the Martinelli family have worked together producing apples and wine in Sonoma County, a unique combination of industries that can be found only in the Russian River Valley. Enjoy a leisurely tour of tasting for ripeness and flavor of fruit and observe various methods of farming, pruning, planting and the role of bees that affect the quality of the grapes and apples. Lively conversation that includes stories of the Martinelli family’s farming history in Sonoma County since the 1800’s will accompany the walking tour. Then more homespun conversation and enjoy a homemade appetizer picnic featuring local sausages, veggies, cheeses and of course apples and cake all expertly paired with Martinelli Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

TASTE & COMPARE – 1 FRUIT, 2 VINTAGES, 2 WINERIES
Taste and compare four wines from the same vines. Set in the center of the Vine Hill Ridge, the O’Connell Vineyard is planted exclusively to the Pommard Clone of Pinot Noir. Pommard is known for its intense fruit and luxurious mouthfeel. Dan and Jan O’Connell, proprietors of O’Connell Vineyards and Winery and Ted Elliott winemaker and owner of TR Elliott Winery, both make wine from these vineyards. Taste and compare TR Elliott’s “Burgonet” and the estate bottled Pinot Noir from O’Connell Vineyard. Follow this unique Russian River Valley experience of two vintages from two different wineries from the fruit of one vineyard with fresh delicacies from the kitchen of Chef Barbara Hom, general manager of the famed Culinary Institute of America.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK ON BARREL’S DOOR!
Join winemaker Frane Franicevic of Sunce Winery in his cellar for a private barrel tasting as he unveils some of his rarest, smallest lots of Russian River wines: 2007 Bennett Ridge Vineyard Sangiovese (only 3 barrels made), 2007 Olivet Road Baker Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (only 3 barrels made), 2007 Zora’s Estate Pinot Noir, 2006 Hedin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Trois Amis. Explore the differences between French, American, and Hungarian coopers. Cleanse your palate with delectables from the Dalmatian Coast and then try your luck at the mystery wines contest. Challenge Frane to a game of Bocce, if you win, walk away with a trio of Sunce wine.

EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Meet at the picturesque Calegari Vineyards and Winery to taste an eclectic assortment of Selby Winery varietals and limited-release wines, which are extraordinary in Russian River Valley. After a tour by vineyard manager Chris Bowland, winemaker Susie Selby will guide you through barrel samples describing the Russian River Valley influences on each of the wines from the six vineyards you will be tasting. You will start with a Dijon clone Pinot Noir and a Zinfandel from Calegari Vineyards, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Sirah grown in very limited quantities by grapegrower John Azevedo. Each vineyard will be specially matched with an original culinary creation of fresh Sonoma County products for some fun education in food and wine pairing. The grand finale will be a taste of the famous Calegari Zinfandel Port paired with a legendary Calegari Party.

YOU BE THE JUDGE
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a judge at a prestigious wine competition? Now you will have the rare and unique opportunity to test your knowledge and show off the sophistication of your palate. The Wine Emporium in Sebastopol offers you the chance to participate in a blind tasting of Pinot Noir wines from around the world. You will be challenged to select the Russian River Valley Pinot’s. These wines have unique characteristics and nuances; select them and receive a prize for your expertise. Accompanying appetizers will be provided by VIVA, the Culinary Institute of Florence and Italian Cultural Center.

SUMPTUOUS SAMPLING
Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the DuNah Vineyard & Winery with a breathtaking tour of their hilltop vineyard offering spectacular views of the Russian River Valley's southern boundary. Visit with vineyard owners Rick and Diane DuNah and join in the discussion of the vineyard design and how meticulous maintenance produces superior quality grapes for their high-end wines. Meet winemaker Greg La Follette and sample the DuNah Estate limited production Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Tre Cuvee red and white wines, along with other wines they produce. Your tour is complete with a sumptuous sampling of appetizers from K&L Bistro of Sebastopol. 

DRINK SEASONALLY, DRINK FRESH - ORGANIC COFFEE & TEA
Did you know coffee is a seasonal product? Much like the fine agricultural products grown right here in Sonoma County, each coffee has its time of the year when it is fresh and best to drink. Learn how to find seasonal coffees that pair with the finest seasonal offerings in food. Taylor Maid Farms has been roasting certified organic coffees since 1993. We have become one of the largest roasters in Northern California, not only because of our quality products, but because of our commitments to relationship buying. Taylor Maid Farms will present a tasting of the finest seasonal offerings in coffee, as well as locally grown and blended herbal teas.

SAME VINES, DIFFERENT WINES…EXPLORING PINOT CLONES
Great wines come from great vineyards…but have you tasted the remarkable results when several artisan wineries make limited production wines from the same vineyard? Explore the exclusive world of artisan grape growing and winemaking truly “from grape to glass” at Windsor Oaks Vineyards’ stunning 700 acre private Russian River Valley estate. Partners, Robert and Renee Stein, along with winegrower and winemaker, Douglas and Julie Lumgair, will guide your senses on a vineyard tour like no other with a tasting exercise originally crafted for experts training for their Masters of Wine. You will taste grapes of five different Pinot Noir clones right off the vine and single clone wine samples. Then savor the diversity and nuances in a flight of 7 vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from highly rated and awarded wineries. Gourmet food pairings complete your sensory journey. Pinot lovers, bring your palates and cameras!

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

PINOT – REMBRANDT VS. PICASSO
Today’s Pinot is picked riper than ever before, translating into Pinots that are bold, fruit-driven and intense. Critics and consumers have never been more intrigued by Pinot. Is our heightened interest due to the modern mavericks, or are we experiencing a renaissance simply because everyone is continuing to produce higher and higher quality wines, both in the vineyard and in the winery?
What are the benefits and risks of letting the grapes hang on the vines later than Joseph Swan would have ever imagined? Pinot can generate a ‘Wow’ like never before, but is it at the cost of Pinot’s traditional qualities and nuances that have earned it its title as the “Noble Grape?” We have assembled a great list of producers representing Old World and New World Pinot Noir production - to explore the qualities and characteristics of both the modern and traditional Pinot styles, and to discuss the merits of each. It’s Rembrandt vs. Picasso; come see which style suits your palate.
Choose to attend one or both of the following panel discussions set at the picturesque Moshin Vineyards, expect lively discussion at:
10:00 a.m. with Geoff Kruth, Master Sommelier and Wine Director of The Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant as the moderator and panelists include Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyards, Jeff Mangahas of Hartford Family Winery, Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan Vineyards, Melissa Stackhouse of La Crema, Dan Leese of Picket Fence Winery and Tim Meinken of Sapphire Hill Vineyards.
Or
1:00 p.m. with Steven Rigisich, Founder of Pinot Days as the moderator and panelists include Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyards, Mike Sullivan of Benovia Winery, Kathleen Inman of Inman Family Wines, Michael Browne of Kosta Browne, Hugh Chappelle of Lynmar Winery, and Adam Lee of Siduri Wines.

FROM OLD TO NEW – TRANSITIONS IN WINEMAKING
Martin Ray Winery formerly Martini & Prati, is one of California’s oldest and most historic wineries. A unique panel discussion has been created for you to learn about wine making practices from the past and about the state of the art techniques being employed by today’s winemakers. Join Bo Simons, Wine Librarian of the Sonoma County Wine Library who will lead the conversation as you meet Tom Martini, fourth generation of the Martini Family, Anthony Beckman of Balletto Vineyards & Winery and Ray D’Argenzio of D’Argenzio Winery. Tour through the Martin Ray facility where you will experience both the old and the new from 100 year old massive 11,000 gallon redwood tanks to 25,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. Hear from this panel of experts how modernization has enabled them to craft some of the Russian River Valley’s most sought after wines. Complete your tour with a tasting of wines Balletto Vineyards,
D’ Argenzio and Martin Ray and an assortment of local cheeses, breads and meats.

SIP, SAMPLE AND SPA TREATMENTS

MASSAGE YOUR BODY, MIND AND PALATE
The ultimate in pampering - a 30 minute massage at the Spa at Hotel Healdsburg perfectly partnered with Inman Family Russian River Valley wines and fresh appetizers. Located on Healdsburg’s historic Town Plaza, Hotel Healdsburg is Sonoma County’s premier luxury lodging. A resort unto itself, the Hotel offers a full service spa, pool, country gardens, and Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen. The Spa at Hotel Healdsburg offers simple, complete, and conscious care in tranquil surroundings. In conjunction with your treatment relax on the screen porch as you massage your palate sampling of Russian River Valley Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Inman Family Wines and enjoy exquisite appetizers created by Chef Michael Ellis of Dry Creek Kitchen. This is Wine Country at its best!

SIP, SPA AND RELAX
In the southern area of the Russian River Valley, nestled in a secluded garden courtyard, you’ll find the Vineyard Creek Spa at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel - the ultimate retreat for body and soul. Escape from reality with a 25 minute massage and a sensuous sampling of food paired with Russian River Valley wines from Picket Fence Winery. Meet partner Katy Leese who will calmly and soothingly discuss how the new Picket Fence Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are perfectly suited for a relaxed wine country experience as you enjoy an al fresco tasting of award winning appetizers from Executive Chef Richard Whipple of Brassiere Restaurant.