Media Contact:
Tina Casey
Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
24th Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Celebrates Sparkling Heritage
Philo, Calif., December 1, 2022 – Now in its 24th year, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival will celebrate the region’s signature grape on May 19-21, 2023. The festival takes place throughout Anderson Valley, with the Grand Tasting hosted on Saturday, May 20th, at Scharffenberger Cellars.
Hosting the Grand Tasting at a sparkling wine house, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association looks to highlight Pinot Noir’s significance and history in the Valley in making both extraordinary still and sparkling wine. The Grand Tasting will feature approximately 50 producers pouring Pinot Noir, ranging in style from sparkling to still to rosé. Wineries pouring include Anderson Valley producers, as well as more than a dozen Napa and Sonoma producers that source fruit from the region.
In conjunction with the Grand Tasting, Roederer Estate Family of Wines will be hosting the VIP Bubble Lounge, pouring wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer.
Other events during the festival include the Technical Conference led by industry experts, a gourmet sunset BBQ at Lula Cellars and winery open houses throughout the Valley.
Tickets are now available on the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association web site at www.avwines.com/pinot-noir-festival. More information can be found online, or by contacting the Association via email at info@avwines.com.
EVENT DETAILS AND COST:
Tech Conference: Friday, May 19, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $110
Location: Mendocino Fairgrounds, 14400 Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415
Educational panel discussions, focused tastings, and more, with breakfast and lunch provided. Learn from winemakers, vineyard owners, wine educators and members of the wine media.
BBQ in the Vineyards: Friday, May 19, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $95
Location: Lula Cellars, 2800 Guntly Road, Philo, CA 95466
This year’s BBQ will feature live music and tons of great Anderson Valley wine! Join us in the Deep End amidst the beautiful vineyard at Lula Cellars for tasty BBQ, live music and Lula’s renowned Pinot Noirs, along with special bottles shared by the valley’s winemakers. It will be a night you won’t soon forget!
VIP Bubble Lounge: Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $125
Location: Scharffenberger Cellars, 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
The Bubble Lounge at the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is sponsored by the Roederer Estate Family of Wines. Only 75 tickets are available to gain VIP access to this exclusive room on the beautiful grounds of Scharffenberger Cellars in Philo. You can taste wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer. Snack on hors d’oeuvres and talk to winemakers and like-minded bubble aficionados while gazing out over the beautiful Scharffenberger Cellars vineyards, just steps from the Grand Tasting event.
Grand Tasting: Saturday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $175
Designated Driver Ticket: $75
Location: Scharffenberger Cellars, 8501 Highway 128, Philo, CA 95466
Taste world-class Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs approximately 50 producers and savor perfectly paired with some of Mendocino’s best culinary bites, designed to complement exceptional Anderson Valley Pinot wines. Bid on auction lots for charity and enjoy live music while you sip, nibble and taste your way through the day.
Winery Open Houses: Sunday, May 21, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies by winery
Location: Throughout Anderson Valley
Meander along Highway 128 and stop at participating winery tasting rooms with the purple flags for a little extra wine tasting, more music, delicious bites, and special wine discounts.
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About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983 – the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 54 winery and 63 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as 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 every year to local nonprofit organizations. For more information about the association, or for a list of association members, please visit www.avwines.com.