Pinot Paradise in the Santa Cruz Mountains of CA
Annual Event Showcases Award Winning Locally Grown Pinot Noirs
Mar 25, 2009
Holding numerous medals and awards to prove it, the wineries gather together each year to present their prize wines to the public at the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association event aptly named Pinot Paradise. Pinot Noir lovers in Northern California may taste vintages from the year 2004 – 07 at this weekend’s fifth annual two-day event on Sat. Mar 28 and Sun. Mar 29, 2009.
Saturday Program – Pathway to Pinot Paradise
Participating wineries will present barrel samples from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at their own locations. Some will feature library samples. Cost $25
Sunday Schedule– Technical Sessions and Grand Cruz Tasting
Technical Session 9 a. m. – noon – Villa Ragusa, Downtown Campbell, CA
Seminars on the six sub-regions of the appellation, presented by expert speakers and winemakers. The wines of each sub-region have unique qualities which are distinguished by climate, geography and soil, or “terroir.” Cost $55
Technical Session Agenda – Reservations Required
Opening Speaker - Joe Miller, UCSC professor, winemaker and teacher of courses on enology, wine appreciation and wines of the world.
Sub-Region Keynote Speaker – Clark Smith, Enologist, Winemaker and director of Best of Appellation America judges wines at numerous competitions, teaches winemaking and has lectured for five universities.
Sub-Regional winemaker panel and tasting – moderated by winegrower and winemaker Jim Schultze of Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard and Winery, along with:
- Sal Godinez, Raffaeli Vineyard - Santa Cruz Coastal Foothills
- Steve Storrs, Christie Vineyards, Lester Family Vineyards - Corralitos
- Jeffrey Patterson, Mt. Eden Vineyards Saratoga/Los Gatos:
- Ed Muns, Muns Vineyard - Summit
- Michael Martella, Fogarty Estate Vineyards – Skyline
Sunday Tasting and Auction
2 – 5 p.m. Grand Cruz Tasting – Villa Ragusa, Downtown Campbell
Over 30 participating wineries and12 restaurants
Cost $55 in advance, $65 at the door.
VIP tour and pre-tasting at 1 p.m. - $75
A silent auction and raffle featuring local wines, artisan food, winery tours and exotic trips will be offered. To quote from the SCMWA website, “The live auction at the conclusion features heated bidding over double magnums from each winery, plus a sensational one-of-kind Paradise Cuveé, a 5-liter blend of all the best Pinots being poured at the event. Now this is a party in a bottle”! Attendees must be over the age of 21.
For participating wineries or to order tickets, call 831/685-8463
To buy tickets online via the site with VISA.
A designated driver is recommended so that one can safely enjoy samplings of the wine. Various tours companies are available. Call Santa Cruz Experience - 831/421-9883 or South Bay Wine Tours - 408/867-9661
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