21st Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival!

Posted on the 11 April 2018 by Jamie Gall @50states50wines

Disclosure: I will be attending this year’s festival and can’t wait to keep you posted on all the fun.

One of my favorite California Wine Regions is hosting their annual Pinot Noir Festival in a little over a month.  This year, bringing a little more magic of the Anderson Valley to the festival with their new location at Camp Navarro! As guests learn about the Anderson Valley, and the magic of Pinot Noir throughout the weekend, they’ll be surrounded by nature at Camp Navarro.  Guests are even invited to stay the night in Cabins or Tents throughout the weekend.

The festival kicks off Friday, May 18, 2018 at Camp Navarro with their Techincal Conference  which will dig into all that wine geek stuff such as red blotch in vineyards to DNA testing in Vineyards to vineyard specific tastings.  The festival will end on Sunday, May 20, 2018 as Anderson Valley’s wineries opens their doors to festival goers with their annual open houses.

The full itinery of the festival is below:

Friday, May 18:

  1. Technical Conference ($100 dollars): 10am to 4:3pm:  check in at 9:30am (Bosch Lodge)
  2.  Casual BBQ at Husch Vineyards, 5:30pm $75 – EARLY BIRD TICKET $60
Begin the weekend festivities at the casual BBQ at Husch Vineyards in Anderson Valley  and enjoy an evening filled with great food and wine.  Mingle with the winemakers, Pinot fans, and guests. Taste Pinot Noirs from both near and far – plus sample a few surprises. Guests are encouraged to bring a bottle to share. Farmer John of Mendocino Heritage Pork Company will be serving up an amazing BBQ meal. Of course we’ll have a terrific band that will have folks up dancing to driving blues and rock-n-roll live music. Bottle of wine to share is considered a donation to a 501 (c) 6, not for profit, keeping it legal and fun! Saturday, May 19, 2018: 1. Grand Tasting, 12-4pm (Under tent cover in Bosch Lodge Meadow)
$150 – EARLY BIRD TICKET $125 Taste the world-class Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs of more than 50 producers and savor perfectly paired foods designed to complement these exceptional Anderson Valley Pinot Noir wines. Silent & Live Auction – Bid to win wine and experiences like private tasting with the winemakers; weekend stays; vineyard tours, magnums, and more.  The top 5 silent auction lots will be a part of a LIVE AUCTION (new in 2018!) emceed by Tom Allman. All auction proceeds benefit the Anderson Valley Health Center. 2. Winemaker Dinner, 6pm (Bosch Lodge)
$150

6pm Sparkling & Check-in on the deck of the lodge, dinner at 6:30.

Menu (subject to change):

Course 1: Escargot Vol-au-vent  w/ Maitake Mushrooms & Confit Garlic Herbed Cream Course 2: Ravioli stuffed with House-Made Ricotta, Farm Fresh Egg-Yolk, Chives, Brown Butter & Crisp Sage Course 3: Seared  Scallops, English Pea, Smokey Jus, Peas Tendrils & Spec Course 4: Roasted Tenderloin w/ Jus of Pinot Noir & Dried Cherry, Spinach, Roasted Asparagus & Farro Verde Dessert: Sourdough Chocolate (Cherry) Bread Pudding w/ Anglaise & Port Poached Cherries

Participating winemakers include Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars, Handley Cellars, Domaine Anderson, Black Kite Cellars, Cakebread Cellars, Harmonique, and Balo Vineyards.

Sunday, May 20, 2018: Greenwood Ridge WINERY OPEN HOUSES, 11am-4pm Meander and visit winery tasting rooms along Highway 128 from Boonville to Philo, listen to live music, and enjoy a wide array of food offerings with wines from local Anderson Valley producers. Lodging: On Site at Camp Navarro.  Camp underneath the stars and the Redwoods.  Breakfast will be served to on site guests on Saturday and Sunday morning.  Accommodations are for 2 night stays only.  Cabins, Tents, and RV options available.

COMBO TICKETS AVAILABLE

1. Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
ALL-EVENT PASS
$425 —– WHAT’S  INCLUDED IN THE ALL-EVENT PASS  —–

Friday Technical Conference,
Friday Casual BBQ at Husch Vineyards,
Saturday Grand Tasting,
Saturday Winemaker Dinner,
Sunday Winery Open Houses

2. Special Two Day Friday Technical Conference and Saturday Grand Tasting Combo Ticket

$220

This combo ticket is offered as a convenience and, as an added bonus for you, you’ll save $10 off Early Bird tickets or $35 off regular tickets, purchased separately. All Tickets Available Now at Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival