One of California’s longest-running wine events continues to break barriers after 25 years
HEALDSBURG, Calif. (May 1, 2014)— The 25th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley, which took place April 26-27, was a sellout success that drew 6,000 wine lovers at 50 wineries, many of which saw record numbers of wine sales and wine club sign-ups. The beloved two-day event’s signature combination of gourmet food, world-class wine (including barrel samples and new vintages) and live entertainment enticed thousands of visitors looking for an upscale wine weekend experience in an idyllic setting.
Mazzocco Winery’s “Louisiana Rhythm and Blues” theme attracted 2,000 guests over the weekend; a large percentage of visitors purchased wine driving sales up 20% from last year’s event. Eric Hall, owner of Roadhouse Winery, said wine sales were double what they were during last year’s Passport with a 50% increase in visitors over the two days. “Our case sales and wine club sign-ups increased by over 20% from last year — this was our best Passport to date,” said Debra Mathy, Proprietor of Dutcher Crossing Winery, “People enjoyed and appreciated the effort spent on creating excellent wine and food pairings.” Ferrari-Carano welcomed over 2,800 guests over the weekend while Gopfrich Winery quadrupled the number of visitors from the previous year.
Explaining the reason behind the success of Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley Executive Director Ann Petersen says, “One of the most celebrated aspects of our valley is the multiple generations who have carried on the traditions that make Dry Creek Valley one of the premier winegrowing regions in the world. Now, our Passport attendees are doing the same. During ticket sales, we regularly receive calls to our office from Passport attendees who return year after year, and are now bringing the next generation with them. We are so proud to host an event that has become part of the fabric of families and to see our event parallel one of the most important values of our valley.”
The 26th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley will take place April 25-26, 2015; tickets go on sale Sunday, February 1st at 10:00AM PST on www.wdcv.com.
About Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley
The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley® (WDCV) is an association of more than 60 wineries and 150 winegrape growers located in the Dry Creek Valley, a premium winegrowing region in Sonoma County, California. Dry Creek Valley is known for its signature varietal, Zinfandel, family-owned and multi-generational wineries and vineyards, and the pristine and unspoiled beauty of the valley. WDCV is dedicated to advancing the recognition, enhancement and preservation of Dry Creek Valley as a premium winegrowing region. For more information, visit www.wdcv.com.
