Sonoma County Shows Off Its Vineyards
May 16, 2011 The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission has added five new tours to its line-up of “Sonoma Vineyard Adventures,” self-guided vineyard tours allowing visitors to experience one of the world’s premier wine regions in an up-close and personal way. Beginning this month, visitors will have the opportunity to tour five additional vineyards throughout Sonoma County including Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Alexander Valley), Landmark Vineyards (Sonoma Valley), Michel-Schlumberger Winery (Dry Creek Valley), Schug Carneros Estate Winery (Carneros), and Stryker Sonoma Winery (Alexander Valley).
“The success of this program, which officially launched in January of 2010, has been tremendous and we’re thrilled to be extending this program, truly giving visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about Sonoma County’s world-class grape growing,” said Larry Levine, vice president of marketing and communications for the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. “We’re creating memorable wine experiences by allowing our guests exclusive access in the vineyards to actually see how great grapes are grown.”
Visitors will gain an in-depth understanding of the grape growing process by exploring the vineyards first-hand as well as learn about the diversity of Sonoma County — ranging from cooler climate vineyards in the Russian River Valley that produce world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to the warmer regions of the Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley that harvest exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Following the tours, guests can then sample the wines made from the vineyards at the tasting room on the property. “We are excited to be part of the Sonoma County Vineyard Adventure program,” says Corey Beck, general manager of Francis Ford Coppola Winery. “The vineyard is where we do some of our finest work on our estate and we see this as a great hands-on way to educate our guests about grape growing and our wines.”
The Sonoma Vineyard Adventures, now a total of nine tours that range in length from ¼ mile to 1¼ mile, are designed for all ages to enjoy. The tours are free and available to the public year-round; no reservations required. Tasting fees may apply. Guests will receive a detailed guide of each vineyard with points of interest that are clearly marked along the route. Additional Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures are available at the following wineries: Balletto Vineyards (Russian River Valley), Matanzas Creek Winery (Bennett Valley), Mauritson Family Winery (Dry Creek Valley), and Paradise Ridge Winery (Russian River Valley). For a rating of difficulty chart for tours and more program information, visit www.SonomaVineyardAdventures.com.
In related news, Sonoma County Winegrape Commission will conduct its annual seminar, tradeshow, and barbecue lunch on Friday, June 3, from 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Warren G. Dutton Pavilion at Shone Farms, 7450 Steve Olson Way, Forestville, CA. The seminar, tradeshow, and lunch are open to all wine industry and allied industry members. The tradeshow will feature 50 vendors. Cost is $25 for SCWC members and sponsors; $30.00 for related industries. Register online by May 27 at www.sonomawinegrape.org/bbq. For any questions on the tradeshow, call 707-522-5864. For any questions on registration, call 707-522-5862.
The seminar will include the following topics and speakers:
• Frost Ordinance and Grower Registration Update: Pete Opatz, Silverado Premium Properties; Doug McIlroy, Rodney Strong Winery
• Marketing Report – Sonoma County Brand Essence Project: Nick Frey, SCWC;
• Honore Comfort, Sonoma County Vintners
• European Grapevine Moth Update: Lisa Correia and Shelly Mochizuki, Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s office
• Summer Agriculture Labor Update: Mike Saqui, The Saqui Law Group
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