Celebrate California Wine Month in Dry Creek Valley

This September in Dry Creek Valley

Celebrate California Wine Month in Dry Creek Valley

In Dry Creek Valley, we like to think every month is California Wine Month, but in September, it’s official. This year marks the tenth year California’s Governor has legally-proclaimed the occasion; Governor Jerry Brown issued an official statement earlier this month to commemorate California’s bounty and its incredible history of winemaking.

The first grapes were planted in California by Spanish missionaries for making sacramental wine. By the late 1770s, California’s viniculture was flourishing. In the mid-19th century, a Hungarian Count named Agoston Haraszthy brought a huge range of grape varietals to California and was likely responsible for introducing zinfandel to the state, which is now recognized as one of California’s most iconic wine grapes. Today, our state produces approximately 90% of the United States’ wine.

Dry Creek Valley is the proud home of one of the densest concentrations of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world, with vines over 140 years old. For generations, our winegrowers have put tremendous labor and love into our zinfandel and played an integral part in establishing this beloved grape as a California icon. Today, Dry Creek Valley sets the bar for producing world-class, age-worthy zinfandels.

Whether you’re a fellow Californian or visiting us from afar, we invite you to raise a glass this month in honor of the early pioneers who first grew wine on our soil and the innovators who keep the industry thriving today. We’ve been celebrating California Wine Month with events all September long, and there are still opportunities to close out the month with a toast. If you’re headed out our way, make sure you take advantage of some of the unique offerings at our member wineries.

Padre Kino, who planted the first wine grapes in California

Amista – Complimentary vineyard tours with a sparkling Blanc de Blanc toast and a vertical estate Syrah tasting Tue-Sat by appointment at 11am.

David Coffaro Vineyard and Winery – To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Coffaro allows you to ship a case of wine from the winery to most US cities for just $20.

Dry Creek Vineyard – Complimentary 30 minute tours of their vineyard every Monday and Thursday in September at 10:30am

Fritz Underground Winery – Two-for-one Reserve tastings every day in September

Kokomo Winery – To celebrate their 10th vintage, Kokomo Winery is offering a complimentary tasting for up to four people daily before 2pm. They are also pairing their 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon with exquisite dark chocolate all month.

Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery – Monday through Friday in September, pairings conclude with a Port and brownie pairing.

Passalacqua Winery – The winery offers a seated Block-Select Cabernet Sauvignon tasting multiple vintages for $30/person.

Pedroncelli – Each weekend in September, the tasting room will open a library Cabernet Sauvignon or a library Zinfandel and pairs it with a California artisan cheese in addition to their regular tasting room offerings. Free from 11am-3pm with mention of California Wine Month.

Peterson Winery – Complimentary tastings for up to 6 people before 1pm in September.

Rued Winery – Saturdays, guests can play “Name That Varietal” for a chance at a 20% discount.  To play, give the code word “Rusty.”

Seghesio Family Vineyards – Cafe La Brezza features a Prix Fix menu Friday-Sunday for $75/couple.

Selby Winery – Taste International wines alongside California wines here during September.

West Wines – Library Cabernet Sauvignon vertical tasting 2004-2007 with cheese pairings Sept. 27th-28th $15 or free with wine club membership.

Wilson Winery – Two-for-one tastings at the winery every Saturday in September.

Wine Road and Alaska Airlines partnered to offer complimentary tastings to visitors who show a current Alaska Airlines boarding pass at select wineries throughout Sonoma County. Our participating members are Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, David Coffaro Vineyard and Winery, Mazzocco Winery, Peterson Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards, West Wines, and Wilson Winery.

There are also these upcoming events remaining in September if you are looking to infuse the end of the month with more celebration:

Harvest Lunch at Michel-Schlumberger

Thursday, September 25th

11am-1pm

Friday, September 26th

11am-1pm

Also October 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th

$35.00 Wine Club, $45 Guests

Michel-Schlumberger invites guests to share the spirit of harvest with friends and family at their harvest lunches. The afternoon will begin with a wine reception followed by a lovely walking tour, and finally a beautiful al fresco lunch, prepared by Executive Chef Michael Pryor. There is no experience quite like a winery and vineyard tour in Dry Creek Valley during Fall.  Space is limited so it is recommended that guests RSVP as soon as possible.

Figs And Pigs Festival at Quivira Vineyards and Winery

Saturday, September 27th

12pm – 4pm

$50, $25 for members

Zinfandel vines aren’t the only centenarian crops in Dry Creek Valley–Quivira Vineyards and Winery has a fig tree that’s 135 years old on their property and still producing delicious fruit. This event celebrates not just wine, but also figs and bacon! This is a unique vineyard and tasting tour in which guests will see wine being made, relax in the winery’s organic and Biodynamic garden, listen to live music, and drink Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc.

Amista Dog Day at Amista Vineyards

Saturday, September 27th

12pm-4pm

$25, $20 for Amista club members

For those who love dogs and wine, Amista combines your favorite interests at this special California Wine Month event: Sip fabulous Amista wines, watch dog demonstrations by Canine Campanions, enter your dog in the Amista Dog Show, give to Canine Companions by entering the raffle to win great prizes, savor wood fired pizza by Cathy Dooyes of Creative Cuisine and more

Sunset Supper at DaVero Farms and Winery

Saturday, September 27th

6:30pm

$100/person for dinner and wine pairings*

Colleen and Ridgely, owners and founders of DaVero, host this harvest supper using the freshest ingredients from their own farm. The delicious Autumn menu can be seen on their website. *Sunset Suppers benefit the STAR Scholarship program for children of farm-workers at Healdsburg High.

Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting at West Wines

Sunday, September 28th

10:30am

$15/person

Experience favorite current releases from West Wines while exploring the vineyards from which they were grown! Email info@westwines.com or call (707)433-2066 to make a reservation.