Boonville, CA, Jan. 9, 2023: Tickets are now on sale via Cellarpass for Anderson Valley’s 16th Annual Winter White Wine Festival taking place February 18th-19th. Celebrating the rich history of Alsatian wines in Anderson Valley, the White Wine Festival honors that history and highlights the many varieties still grown in the valley. Learn more at AVWINES.com.
The industry will kick off the weekend on Friday February 17th, with an industry pruning contest at Roederer Estate, where local vineyard workers will showcase their prowess while competing for cash and non-cash prizes. Pruning requires knowledge, artistry and dexterity and this event is aimed to admire and appreciate the crews who make world class wines possible. Entrance to the event is invitation only, with a few spots reserved for members of the press and trade.
Beginning Saturday, ticketed guests will have the opportunity to select up to 4 VIP winery experiences each day with dozens of participating wineries. In one of the most unique events, Fathers + Daughters Cellars offers guests a tractor ride to their tasting at the top of an eastern ridge overlooking the Ferrington Vineyard (weather permitting). The tasting includes a flight of Sarah’s Rustic Bubbles (pet nat), Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir, all paired with gourmet bites.
Well-regarded Phillips Hill Winery will be offering traditional, authentic French bites to pair with tastes of their handcrafted white wines including Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir as well as library whites.
One of Anderson Valley’s earliest producers, Handley Cellars will be hosting a special Saturday evening Winemaker Dinner where they will be pairing their most exclusive white wines with an Alsatian-inspired dinner. Also in the Deep End, Lula Cellars will offer tasting flights at their estate vineyard of 6 wines, featuring their highly sought-after Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay paired with Lula signature paella.
Hosted by the Anderson Valley Winegrower’s Association, the Winter White Wine celebration is a complement to the Harvest Tidrick in the fall and the Pinot Noir Festival in the Spring. AVWA executive director Courtney DeGraff says, “White wine grapes are an important part of our region’s history, and this event weekend is designed to pay respect to both our Alsatian grape heritage, and the other unique plantings thriving in Anderson Valley. By including the pruning contest to kick-off the festivities we recognize those who are critical to the superb white wine and sparkling being produced in Anderson Valley.”
About the 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 nonprofit 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.
