The three-day wine, culinary and academic journey for the Pinot Noir lover is in its 25th year, May 17-19, 2024 and concludes with an online auction
Boonville, May 1, 2024 – To the wine aficionado, especially those with an interest in Pinot Noir, the “buzz” is all about Anderson Valley.
Not so easy to get to, but the Valley Is blessed with the cool climate, rolling fog and sunny summers the finicky Pinot Noir grapes adore. Refined and elegant, Burgundian in nature, this little bit of rural northern California, God’s country, produces “swoon-worthy” Pinots.
The weekend features a Technical Conference with experts in wine growing, winemaking, wine marketing, and culinary acumen talking about what they know best: Pinot Noir. With both wine and food tastings as well, this is a chance to learn more about the wine and rub elbows with the Pinot producers and farmers who make the magic.
And the Pinot fun doesn’t end at the three-day event, Continue to enjoy Anderson Valley Pinot experiences by bidding on exclusive and rarely available auction lots. Start bidding today and revisit often. Historically, these auction lots are extremely popular and proceeds benefit the AV Housing Association & Fire Department. Visit https://www.32auctions.com/
See the featured Sunday Open Houses below and sign up to meet the winemakers, try the foods their chefs’ make to pair with Pinot Noir and ask all the questions you may have after a weekend in Pinot country. Some of these winemakers, without a brick and mortar winery, are rarely available yet have made the beloved Disco Ranch their Sunday Open House headquarters.
Check out all of the events, including the upgraded, food-focused Grand Tasting (Saturday, May 18, 11 am – 3 pm) and the exclusive Saturday morning Bubble Lounge to experience sparkling Pinot Noir both from the Valley and the Champagne region. The Community Barbecue Friday evening, May 17, may be the highlight of the weekend if you like good ‘cue and mingling with locals who all come contributing wine from their cellars to one heck of a communal table. Aged Pinot Noir and wines from around the world are rare treats.
For information and tickets, visit avwines.com/pinot-noir-
FEATURED OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY EVENTS:
BAXTER: Barrel stave lamb sliders are back!! Winemaker Phillip Baxter and his wife Claire will host this special Sunday event. Enjoy a seated tasting of their handcrafted Pinot Noirs accompanied by lamb sliders cooked over a barrel stave live fire. All while listening to chilled, upbeat vibes from DJ Sean. SECURE YOUR SEAT HERE>>
BRASHLEY: Brashley’s very own Chef Sean McTiernan is serving up “Loaded Fries” topped with smoked pulled pork, pickled red onions, cheesy white sauce, and some fine herbs. Enjoy a game of life size chess, cornhole, and more and enjoy the fun on Sunday! SECURE YOUR SEAT HERE>>
FOURSIGHT: Don’t miss the French Food Experience, crafted by Mendocino’s Chef Kim Badenhop. Afternoon live music while you relax under the oaks and take in the eastern ridge view. Estate & library Pinot Noirs will be paired with this French menu:
- Mixed baby greens with a lavender-goat cheese dressing and Pinot Noir “raisins”
- Moiterno (cheese) tuile with onion jam
- Chicken roulade with garlic, thyme and lavender
- Cherry tart with lavender ice cream
- SECURE YOUR SEAT HERE>>
LUSSIER: Hang with Winemaker G.W. Lussier at The Disco Ranch from 12 P.M. – 3 P.M. where he’ll be sharing wines from his portfolio, including his high elevation east and western ridge Pinot Noir. It is rare to see G.W. out of the winery, so don’t miss your chance for some intimate mingling at the Disco. $10 cover to taste & mingle- no reservation required. LEARN MORE>>
MEYER FAMILY: Taste and savor three limited production Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs paired with Barrel Stave Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Loaded Potato Skins and Yokohama Slaw. Tour the cellar with the winemaker and enjoy a game of bocce, glass of Pinot in-hand. Special discounts for festival attendees and tasting fee waived with minimum purchase. *vegetarian option available upon request. SECURE YOUR SEAT HERE>>
WAITS-MAST: Take the chance to spend time with the team of Waits-Mast at the Disco Ranch in Boonville on Sunday from 11am – 1pm. They will be pouring new and current releases, as well as select Library wines for $10/person, including the 2021 Nash Mill Vineyard Pinot Noir that received 95 points from Wine & Spirits. This is a unique opportunity and appearance by the team, so make sure to schedule them in! LEARN MORE>>
You can preview other winery Open House Sunday events at the bottom of our Event Schedule page>>
SATURDAY DINNER OPTION:
Looking for dinner plans after the Grand Tasting? You may be interested in the Saturday night Pizza & Bocce Afterparty from 4:30 to 7:30 pm to benefit the AV Housing Association. Only 75 tickets for this fun event! The Housing Association is our charitable partner this year, so watch for our online auction emails and lot boards around the event.
About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) is a 501c(6) and was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 25 vineyards, 66 wineries and 63 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, and 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 yearly to local nonprofit organizations.
