A new location for the three-day festival helps showcase both still and sparkling Pinot Noir grown exclusively in Anderson Valley
Boonville, CA – Now in its 23rd year, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival will celebrate the region’s signature grape on May 15, 16 and 17, 2020. The festival takes place throughout Anderson Valley but the largest event, the grand tasting, will move to a new location at Scharffenberger Cellars.
By hosting the event at a sparkling wine house, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association hopes to highlight Pinot Noir’s sparkling history in the Valley, alongside its exceptional still wines. In addition to the new location, the festival will also feature a VIP Bubble Lounge sponsored by the Roederer Estate Family of Wines (with wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer), and an in-depth look at the evolution of sparkling Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley during Friday’s educational seminars.
“We have a long tradition of high-end sparkling wines here in Anderson Valley, so we are excited to explore the impact those wines have had and show how they may have changed over the past few decades,” says Courtney DeGraff, executive director of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association.
In conjunction with the VIP Bubble Lounge, the grand tasting will feature approximately 50 producers pouring Pinot Noir, ranging in style from sparkling to still to rosé. Wineries pouring include Anderson Valley producers, as well as more than a dozen Napa and Sonoma producers that source fruit from the region. Other events during the festival include a technical conference with three distinct educational seminars led by industry experts, a gourmet BBQ, several winemaker dinners and winery open houses.
A detailed schedule for the weekend follows. Tickets are now available on the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association website at www.avpinotfest.com. More information can be found online, or by contacting the Association via email at info@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 24 vineyard, 54 winery and 63 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.
EVENT DETAILS AND COST:
Tech Conference: Friday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $100
Location: Mendocino Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415
Join us for a day of educational seminars, vineyard-focus tastings and more, with breakfast, lunch and wine provided. Learn from winemakers, vineyard owners, wine educators and members of the wine media as they discuss grape-growing, winemaking, wine marketing, and pour their Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs! A full schedule will be announced soon.
BBQ in the Vineyards: Friday, May 15, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $75
Location: Goldeneye Winery, 9200 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
This year’s BBQ will feature live music and tons of great Anderson Valley wine! Join us amidst the beautiful vineyards at Goldeneye Winery for tasty BBQ, live music and Goldeneye’s renowned Pinot Noirs, along with special bottles shared by the valley’s winemakers. It will be a night you won’t soon forget!
VIP Bubble Lounge: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $100
Location: Scharffenberger Cellars, 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
The bubble lounge at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is sponsored by the Roederer Estate Family of Wines. Only 75 tickets are available to gain VIP access to this exclusive room on the beautiful grounds of Scharffenberger Cellars in Philo. You can taste wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer. Snack on hors d’oeuvres and talk to winemakers and like-minded bubble aficionados while gazing out over the beautiful Scharffenberger Cellars vineyards, just steps from the grand tasting event.
Grand Tasting: Saturday, May 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $130
Designated Driver Ticket: $75
Location: Scharffenberger Cellars, 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
Taste world-class Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs from more than 50 producers and savor perfectly paired foods designed to complement the exceptional Anderson Valley Pinot wines. Bid on auction lots for charity, and enjoy live music.
Winemaker Dinners: Saturday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Cost & Location: Varies
After the main event, choose to dine at one of three evening events hosted by the winemakers, within the valley or along the coast. Winemaker dinners generally start at 6 p.m. with a sparkling wine reception, then seating at 6:30 p.m. Winemaker events vary. A full schedule to come soon.
Winery Open Houses: Sunday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Complimentary
Location: Throughout Anderson Valley
Meander along Highway 128 and stop at participating winery tasting rooms with the purple flags for a little extra wine tasting, more music, delicious bites, and special wine discounts. A great way to bookend the weekend before getting back to … the real world.
