July 25, 2024, Healdsburg, CA – Orsi Family Vineyards in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley is proud to host the inaugural Festa Italia di Healdsburg on Sunday, August 18, 2024. This one-day event celebrates Italian grape varieties grown in California, bringing together artisan producers and wine enthusiasts to explore and enjoy exceptional Italian varietal wines often undiscovered beyond wine country.
Event Highlights
- VIP Tasting Panel: Engage with Italian wine experts at an exclusive tasting panel starting at 11:00 AM.
- Grand Tasting: Experience the flavors of over 25 California wine producers beginning at 12:00 PM for VIP pass holders and 12:30 PM for general admission.
- Culinary Delights: The event is catered by the renowned San Francisco Italian restaurant A16, offering a delectable selection inspired by Southern Italy.
- Italian Vendors: Explore a variety of vendors showcasing the rich diversity of California’s Italian heritage.
Panelists and Moderators
Taking place in the rustic outdoor winemaking space at Orsi Family Vineyards, Festa Italia kicks off with an exclusive VIP tasting panel. Hear from California’s top Italian wine experts, including sommeliers, wine judges, journalists, winemakers, and vintners, as they share their insights on growing, making, and selling Italian varietals in California. This unique, educational experience offers a rare opportunity to learn from experts in the industry. Access is limited and included with VIP Pass purchase.
Moderators:
Christopher Sawyer: Certified Sommelier
Christopher Sawyer is an internationally-renowned sommelier, wine educator, journalist, consultant, and critic. Recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of wine and his engaging storytelling, Christopher will guide our VIP tasting panel with expertise and flair.
Ryan Knowles: Owner, Maison Healdsburg
As the owner of Maison Healdsburg, a premier wine destination in Sonoma County, Ryan Knowles brings his deep understanding of the wine industry and hospitality to the panel. His experience and passion for wine make him a perfect co-moderator for this event.
Panelists:
Stacy Briscoe: Managing Editor, Wine Enthusiast
With her extensive background in wine journalism, Stacy Briscoe provides a keen editorial perspective that will enrich the panel’s discussions.
Shelley Lindgren: Owner & Wine Director, A16
Shelley Lindgren is a celebrated sommelier and restaurateur known for her expertise in Southern Italian wines and cuisine. Her contributions will offer deep insights into the culinary and viticultural aspects of Italian varietals.
Bernie Orsi: Vintner, Orsi Family Vineyards
As the host and a distinguished vintner, Bernie Orsi brings a wealth of experience and personal connection to the Italian varietal wines grown at Orsi Family Vineyards.
Dan Petroski: Founder & Winemaker, Massican
Dan Petroski is the innovative founder and winemaker of Massican, celebrated for his work with Italian grape varieties in California. His pioneering approach and success will provide valuable perspectives on winemaking.
Participating Wineries
The event features a stellar lineup of participating wineries, including:
– Benessere Vineyards
– COLAGROSSI WINES
– DaVero Farms & Winery
– Comunità Wines
– Emmitt-Scorsone Wines
– Graziano Family of Wines
– Idlewild Wines
– Imagery Estate Winery
– Jupiter Wine Company
– Marine Layer Wines
– Massican
– Mora Estate
– Muscardini Cellars
– Orsi Family Vineyards
– Pedroncelli Winery
– Portalupi Wine
– Preston Farm & Winery
– Reeve Wines
– Robert Biale Vineyards
– Ruth Lewandowski Wines
– Saini Vineyards
– Seghesio Family Vineyards
– Tansy
– Trentadue Winery
– UNTI Vineyards
Ticket Information
Two ticket types are available:
VIP Pass ($125): Grants access to the VIP tasting panel at 11:00 AM and early entry to the grand tasting at 12:00 PM.
General Admission ($95): Allows entry to the grand tasting starting at 12:30 PM.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Festa Italia di Healdsburg website.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following the Festa Italia di Healdsburg on Instagram and signing up to receive emails at festaitaliahbg.com.
About Orsi Family Vineyards
Located in Healdsburg, California, Orsi Family Vineyards honors their Italian roots by cultivating eleven distinct Italian grape varieties on their estate in Dry Creek Valley. With over 30 years of legacy as growers across five ranches in the Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys, they also offer a selection of Sonoma County classics. Their family-owned and operated winery creates a warm, approachable wine-tasting experience that celebrates tradition and togetherness.
Culinary Partner: A16
The event’s culinary experience is provided by A16, a San Francisco Bay Area cult favorite with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and the Ferry Building. Founded in 2004, A16 is an award-winning restaurant named after the autostrada which runs from Puglia to Naples. Renowned for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine, A16 brings the techniques of pizza napoletana and other Italian classics to California. Owned and operated by award-winning wine director Shelley Lindgren and led by Corporate Chef Yosuke Machida, A16 offers a taste of Italy with locally sourced ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship.
Benefiting Risorgimento
Festa Italia di Healdsburg benefits Risorgimento, the official wine trade association serving over 960 wineries producing 72 distinct Italian varieties in California and the West Coast. As a 501(c)(3) consortium, Risorgimento is dedicated to promoting Italian varietal wines and fostering cooperation among members. Since 2019, it has championed the knowledge and appreciation of these wines, recognizing their integral role in the California Wine Industry.
