The newly expanded festival will still pay tribute to Alsace varietal heritage
November 20, 2019, Boonville, CA – After a brief hiatus last year, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association is excited to continue the tradition of hosting a festival to showcase the region’s best white wines. Now in its fourteenth year, the event has expanded from the previously named International Alsace Varietals Festival to the Winter White Wine Festival.
The 2020 festival, to be held on February 22-23, will better reflect the growth of the region while still paying homage to its historical white wine roots. Producers will pour all white wine varietals that grow in the Valley. Keeping Alsace in mind, the festival will also highlight a specific Alsatian varietal, changing from year to year. This year’s focus varietal is Riesling, with special guest producers pouring wines from all over the world.
The festival will kick off on Saturday with an educational seminar on “Why Riesling?” Panelists ranging from sommeliers to vintners will discuss why they remain so passionate about Riesling and what keeps them coming back to the varietal in a continually evolving landscape of wine. Panelists include Anderson Valley pioneer Deborah Cahn of Navarro Vineyards, Janie Brooks Heuck of Brooks Wine in Oregon, “Riesling Rediscovered” author John Winthrop Haegar, Culinary Institute of America professor Christie Dufault and Angel Davis, founder of the West Coast Riesling Society. Chef Lars Kronmark of the Culinary Institute of America will also lead a food and wine pairing.
Drawing inspiration from European winter markets, the Grand Tasting will feature handcrafted goods from local artisans as well as gourmet bites from area restaurants to pair with the selected white wines.
On Sunday, local wineries will host open houses that include live music, vineyard tours, food and wine pairings and more. All are welcome, and most open houses are complimentary.
Participating wineries at the festival will include: Bee Hunter Wine, Copain Wines, Domaine Anderson, Father & Daughters Cellars, Foursight Wines, Goldeneye, Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders, Greenwood Ridge, Handley Cellars, Husch Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines, La Crema, Lichen, Long Meadow Ranch, Lula Cellars, Maggy Hawk, Meyer Family Cellars, Minus Tide, Navarro Vineyards, Pennyroyal Farm, Phillips Hill Winery, Philo Ridge, Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars, Smith Story, Toulouse Vineyards, Twomey, Brooks Wine from Oregon, Domaines Schlumberger from Alsace, Skurnik Wines and more to come.
A detailed schedule for the weekend follows. Tickets are now available on the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Web site at www.avwines.com. More information can be found online, or by contacting the Association via email at info@avwines.com.
Event Details and Cost:
Why Riesling? Seminar: Saturday, February 22, 9:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $50 per person
Location: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415
Before the grand tasting, participate in a dynamic panel discussing why Riesling is beloved by consumers and producers alike. A tasting of Rieslings and small bites made to pair with the wines will be provided.
Grand Tasting: Saturday, February 22, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $95 per person
Designated Driver Ticket: $50 per person
Location: Mendocino County Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415
The Grand Tasting features more than 30 wineries pouring Rieslings, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, sparkling wine and more. Browse hand-crafted goods offered for sale by a select group of local artisans and craftsmen. Local chefs offer seasonal small bites from Mendocino and beyond.
Winery Open Houses: Sunday, February 23, All Day
Cost: Free (no ticket required)
Location: Varies
Visit our local wineries at their open houses and participate in wine tastings, seminars, and other special events. A list of participating wineries and event details will be posted online, closer to the festival, at www.avwines.com.
About Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 22 vineyard, 62 winery and 38 associate members, the non-profit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as promoting the region’s distinguished wines. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds every year to local nonprofit organizations. For more information about the association, or for a list of association members, please visit www.avwines.com.
