California residents know that the best way to
get to know about wines and wineries is to travel
to the wine regions and visit the winery tasting
rooms. You can sample unique wines of the region, meet
friendly winery staff and often talk to the
winemaker.
Another way to enjoy the wine is to attend
regional wine events or come to a winery's special
days where wine mixes with other activity including
food and music
Amador Events:
Behind the Cellar Door
March 6 & 7, 2010 -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is the Amador Vintners spring fling, filled with visits to wineries, and a weekend of wine tasting and food. 32 Amador wineries will be offering their wares, and an event wine glass is included in the cost. Resale of registrations is over but you can register and pick up your wineglass at the participating wineries. For a list of wineries and the program, go here.
The Amador Vintner's Big Crush
Early October -- Location: member wineries
in Amador County
The Amador Vintners present two fun-filled days
of wine tasting, at 30 wineries,
with delicious food, live music, and harvest themed
activities. It takes place on the first
weekend of October. For additional
information, call 888-655-8614 or e-mail jamie@amadorwine.com.
<TOP>
El Dorado Events:
El Dorado 2010 Passport Weekends
April 10 & 11 -- April 17 & 18, 2010
The 2009 Passport event was (as usual)
a great success, with plenty of luscious wine and
food pairings, barrel tastings, enjoyable art and
music, costumes, limos and fun-loving crowds.
Information on the 2010 Passport weekends are
available here and at wineries in El Dorado County. This event
sells out each year.
Fair Play Festival
Eldorado County - Fair Play wineries -- Early June
This popular annual event draws hundreds of Sierra
foothills wine fans for two days of wine, food,
music, and more. The all inclusive cost is $35 per
person and tickets are available here.
Tour de Vine
Eldorado County wineries -- September & October
The El Dorado Winery Association is giving away tickets to their two major events of the year: Bring out the Barrel Weekend (Jan 30-31) and Passport Weekends (April 10-11 and 17-18)! Through Oct. 31, 2009, visit 3 regions within El Dorado. Then enter to win a pair of tickets to each event (one drawing per month), as well as El Dorado Wine Country t-shirts! For more information, go here.
Calaveras Events
Presidents Day Weekend
mid February each year
The Calaveras wineries celebrate with barrel
tastings, new wine releases, recipes for food and
wine pairing, and live music. Meet "Abraham
Lincoln" and "George Washington" at the wineries.
Admission is free and the event runs rain or
shine. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00.p.m. both days. Designated
drivers are encouraged and will receive a
complimentary button and non-alcoholic
beverages.
Passport "Wine" Weekend
Late June each year
at 18 Calaveras County Wineries
Visit the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance member
wineries and tasting rooms located throughout the
county for a special weekend of gourmet hors
d'oeurves, music, special discounts, and of course
wine and lots of fun! Participants are issued a "passport" which is
validated at each tasting room. Call for advance
tickets 1-866-806-WINE
Calaveras Grape Stomp
Early October
The annual Grape Stomp and Street Faire offers a chance to see picturesque Murphys in full
throttle. In the city park, teams compete to crush
grapes to make the most grape juice. Awards are
presented to the Best Stompers and the Best
Costume. Also at the park: a silent auction and
live entertainment. Information: 209-728-9467
or 866-806-WINE.
The Street Faire is on the main drag, with more
than 100 booths of arts and crafts, antiques,
handcrafted goods, jewelry, clothing, collectibles,
plus food booths. Like the famous St. Patrick's
Weekend event in Murphys, the Stomp and Street Fair
offer a great opportunity to enjoy some down-home
Foothills fun.
