Passport to Pinot 2013
Part 2 of 2 Part Series
by: L.M. Archer, FWS
binNotes joined in the Russian River Valley‘s 30th Anniversary Celebration and 2nd Annual Passport to Pinot Barrel Tasting Weekend June 8-9, 2013. Over 30 wineries rolled out the barrels on their new releases and uncorked their library pours, offering live music, Farm-to-Table food pairings, and artisan wares to participants.
Bookmark this event if you enjoy Pinot, boutique wines, artisan foods, fresh air, and friendly people. Set amidst the stunning Russian River Valley, it’s a place to reset and rewind.
binNotes Passport to Pinot Ports of Entry included:
- Barrel tastings riverside at Davis Family Winery.
Most Memorable Moment: Meeting the next generation of Davis Family Winery – Cole Davis & his mother Judy, while blinded by their Tasting Room Bling Board of Wine Awards.
- New Release Pours at Valdez Family Winery, in the heart of downtown Healdsburg.
Most Memorable Moment: Tasting ’09 Zinfandel from St. Peter’s Church Vineyard - the motherlode!
- New Release & Barrel Tastings & Balsamic Vinegar tastings at picturesque Hanna Winery.
Most Memorable Moment: ’12 Sauvignon Blanc – a little bit yuzu, a whole lotta zing! And the best Gift Shop summer hat selection in RRV!
- Barrel Tastings & Pizza at elegant DeLoach Vineyard.
Most Memorable Moment: Tie between enjoying the elegant Old World grounds and courtyard and sipping saucy ’09 RRV Lt Harvest Gewurtraminer in the well-appointed Tasting Room. Santé!
- Barrel Tastings with all-star wine team at Balletto Winery.
Most Memorable Moment: Meeting legendary wine grower John Balletto, after following his winery for years on Wine Guy Mike.
- New Releases, Barrel Samples and live music at Dutton-Goldfield.
Most Memorable Moment: ’11 Freestone Hill Vineyard RRV Pinot Noir – SE exposure meets Pentaluma Gap wind meets Bodega Bay.
- Barrel tasting at vanguard Joseph Swan Vineyards.
Most Memorable Moment: Talking tips for making gopher paté (goes great with Pinot – who knew?!) in between geek speak about RRV soils with winemaker Rod Berglund.
Any questions?!? Here’s a little video from the fine folks at Russian River Valley Winegrowers that breaks it down for you:
Video: Courtesy http://www.RRVW.org
So book your transportation for next year’s Passport to Pinot 2014 now – and don’t forget to bring your wine skins!
Cheers!
Copyrighted 2013. All photos courtesy of author; reprint permission required. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you Lauren Eastman | Issima! PR
Thank you John Balletto and Team | Balletto Vineyards
Filed under: Russian River Valley, Sonoma, Wine Tasting Tagged: balletto vineyards, Bellwether Farms, Benovia Winery, davis family winery, DeLoach Vineyards, dutton goldfield winery, farm to table, food, hanna winery, Issima! Public Relations, Joseph Swan Vineyards, lifestyle, passport to pinot, pinot noir, Russian River Valley, sonoma wine road, travel, Valdez Family Winery, wine, wine skins, Zazu Restaurant & Farm