The 34th Annual Barrel Tasting Celebrates Wines from Alexander, Dry Creek, & Russian River Valleys for two Weekends in March

Guests will have the opportunity to meet winemakers and to choose from over 100 wineries to visit. Samples of these impeccable wines are served straight from the wine barrel. Some wineries will be sharing wines that have not yet been bottled. Fans of wines not yet bottled are invited to purchase the wine in advance to guarantee that all of their favorite wines will be available.

This year’s 2012 event is offered during two weekends – March 2nd to March 4th, and March 9th to March 11th. Some important things to remember; not all wineries will be participating both weekends, no one under the age of 21 is permitted, and some wineries are not able to accommodate groups of 8 or more. Purchase your tickets by February 27th and save more money for wine purchases.

Discover New Wineries & Visit Favorites

A few of the wineries only participating on the first weekend are A. Rafanelli Winery, Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Hawkes Wine, Moshin Vineyards, Paradise Ridge Winery, and Stryker Sonoma Winery. Some of the wineries participating both weekends include Alexander Valley Vineyards, Armida Winery, Everett Ridge Winery, Hop Kiln Winery, Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates, and Sbragia Family Vineyards.

Contact Pure Luxury Transportation for safe, chauffeured transportation during this incredible event. Our extensive fleet of new vehicles includes options such as Executive Sedans and Suburbans for smaller groups, and Passenger and Executive Vans for mid-sized groups under 20 people.

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Inside Trione Vineyards & Winery Tasting Room

The list of wineries includes Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Hop Kiln Winery, Kendall-Jackson, Paradise Ridge Winery, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and many more. If you haven’t had an opportunity to attend a Winter Wineland, make this the year to experience the joy of discovering new favorite wines, meeting winemakers, sampling tasty bites, viewing incredible local art, and learning more about the winemaking process.

Balletto Vineyards & Winery presents Samantha Buller, this piece is titled Self Portrait

Each winery will offer a special experience. Alexander Valley Vineyards will be sharing new wine releases paired with Beef in Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Barbeque Sauce over Thyme Roasted Potatoes and Sweet Onions. Trione Vineyards & Winery offers tastings of their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc paired with oysters from Hog Island Oyster Company. Trione will also invite guests to sample the three clones used in their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir as a fun test to the palate.

Along with a variety of fresh local cuisine, wineries will present diverse collections from local artists. Mazzocco Sonoma Winery will host the paintings of Chelsea Croy. While enjoying the wine and delicious Clam Chowder at Balletto Vineyards & Winery, visitors will be able to view works by artist Samantha Buller.

Mazzocco Sonoma Winery

Not to be forgotten will be the opportunities to learn from winemakers themselves. Amista Vineyards winemaker, Ashley Herzberg, hosts a free seminar while the rest of the Amista staff serves their award-winning wines paired with creations from Sebastopol chocolatier Peter’s Chocolates and Chef John Franchetti of Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar. Amista Vineyards also welcomes artist Carol Watanabe.

Make sure to purchase your tickets and take advantage of this amazing adventure! Contact Pure Luxury Transportation for your private chauffeured ride and enjoy this event to the fullest!

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But there is a family reunion that inspires a completely different reaction in me – a family reunion that includes the word, “Pinot.”

The 7th Annual Pinot Family Reunion at Vintner’s Inn and John Ash & Co. makes me smile with expectation. I know I’ll taste amazing Pinot Noir wines, listen to a truly talented band, enjoy delicious cuisine, bid on incredible auction items, and contribute to a great cause.

This photo of Vintners Inn is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Once again, over 40 wineries have come together for this year’s Wine & Food Tasting portion of the Pinot Family Reunion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wineries include Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, Kosta-Browne Winery, La Crema Winery, MacMurray Ranch, Paradise Ridge Winery, and more. Unforgettable Pinot Noir wines will be perfectly paired with local bites. The Pat Jordan Band will perform live adding to the joy of this special event. This year’s Silent Auction brings exciting items that can only be found at the reunion such as large format bottled of wine and much more.

The Pat Jordan Band Performs During the Wine & Food Tasting

At 5 p.m., the three-course Family Style Dinner at John Ash & Co. begins with more incredible Pinot Noirs wines paired with more than a tasty bite. Delightful appetizers are numerous and include Portobello Fries with Preserved Lemon Aioli, Salmon Cakes with Pinot Mayonnaise, and Moroccan Spiced Lamb Ribs with Tamarind Sauce. The first course features an attention and appetite-grabbing Prawns and Bay Scallops with Caper Butter over Celery Root Mash. For the second course, John Ash & Co. offers an enticing feast of Pan Roasted Breast of Sonoma County Liberty Duck, Grilled Lamb Sausages, Roasted Leg of Lamb with Lentils and Pinot Noir Reduction, and more. Guests will need to save room for the luscious third course. Dinner ends with plentiful choices including Dry Creek Peach Cobbler, and Pinot Poached Estate Figs. The thrilling Live Auction presents incredible values and items such as overnight accommodations and more.

John Ash & Co. Presents a Beautifully Set Table for a Delectable Dinner

This year’s reunion benefits Sutter North Bay Women’s Breast Cancer Care Center and the Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County.

Remember to contact Pure Luxury Transportation for safe, professional chauffeured transportation for this special reunion of Pinot and friends and create more fantastic memories.

Trentadue Winery

The first weekend, March 4 – 6, 2011 features 136 wineries including Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Kendall Jackson, Paradise Ridge Winery, Porter Creek Vineyards, Quivira Vineyards & Winery, Trentadue Winery, and many more. The second weekend, March 11 – 13, 2011 spotlights over 100 wineries such as Bella Vineyards, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Hop Kiln Winery, Korbel, Sausal Winery, and Simi Winery. Click here to view the full list of wineries for each weekend.

Korbel Champagne Cellars

The wineries in these three beautiful appellations range in size. To create a successful experience, some of the smaller wineries have requested restrictions on the group and vehicle sizes allowed. Wine Road has created a reference that makes it easy for Barrel Tasting visitors to view the requests of each participating winery. Advance tickets are being sold only online. The last day to purchase your advanced tickets is February 28, 2011.

Quivira Vineyards & Winery

This is an event you do not want to miss. It’s always educational and unforgettable to talk to the winemakers and it’s extremely satisfying to purchase (and call dibs) on limited release wines in high demand.

The View from Paradise Ridge Winery

Even the most talented at “sip and spit” can’t deny the effects of the alcohol contained in these luscious wines. Make your Barrel Tasting experience safe and stress free by contacting Pure Luxury Transportation for your private chauffeured car.

Two local resources help make it a snap. The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau has just launched a referral service that is not only free, but with its new Suite Deal promotion, can offer up to $1,500 toward your Sonoma County wedding.

Pure Luxury Transportation, meanwhile, has just been named a Bride’s Choice Award winner by WeddingWire.com. This is a significant honor: Bride’s Choice Awards are determined by surveys from more than 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds, and the 2011 award recipients represent the top five percent of wedding service purveyors throughout the U.S. and Canada.

It’s like having a personal wedding planner, to fulfill your most creative dreams. You can walk down the aisle among the vineyard rows, say your vows at a “chapel” nestled within a canopy of towering thousand-year-old redwood trees, and dance at your reception to the rhythm of the ocean waves pounding the coast. Plus, with limousines, Town Cars and even luxury shuttles for larger gatherings, you won’t have to worry about too many details. Except, of course, that dress.

Your Happily Ever After Starts Here:

Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa
The estate spans 156 acres, captivating with its European style courtyard, panoramic verandas, and a terrace with stunning vineyard views. Flexible space accommodates up to 250 guests, but is also ideal for intimate ceremonies. prwinery.com.

Viansa Winery, Sonoma
Sumptuous views, a Tuscan courtyard setting, rolling vineyards, and the candle-lit barrel cellar – it’s pure romance. Receptions can include wine and passed hors d’oeuvres on the upper terrace, or a lavish sit-down dinner in a tented pavilion. viansa.com.

Madrona Manor, Healdsburg
This is a grand, 127-year-old estate of gardens and woods tucked into a hilltop overlooking the Dry Creek Valley. The Mansion and the gardens are beautifully interwoven for a variety of indoor and outdoor arrangements, catering to intimate groups as well as elaborate weddings for up to 150 guests. madronamanor.com.

Trentadue Winery, Geyserville
A taste of Tuscany comes to Alexander Valley in this Old World Italian ambiance of lush vineyards, vine-covered arbors, splashing fountains, mature redwoods and expansive lawns. The Sala del Leone Vineyard Pavilion is particularly lovely, featuring sponged golden walls, arched French doors, and olive trees adorned with white twinkle lights. trentadue.com.

Dawn Ranch Lodge
With 53 cabins and chalets, you can accommodate your entire party, up to 500 people for wedding ceremonies and up to 119 overnight guests. Stage the ceremony in the picture book orchard or the meadow, by the pool or in the Lodge. Hold the reception in the restaurant, on the decks, or at the boathouse around the campfire. Then celebrate the honeymoon in the hideaway bridal cottage. dawnranchweddings.com.

Timber Cove Inn
A wedding by the sea, with harbor seals as bridesmaids? It could be, at this spectacular cliff top resort. Your can even plan your private ceremony at the nearby Fort Ross Chapel. Enjoy a retreat with ocean or forest view rooms, private spa tubs and fireplaces. timbercoveinn.com.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, Sonoma
There are three stunning venues to choose from. The Vineyard Vista overlooks the estate vines and features an authentic Italian marble fountain. The Grand Piazza boasts artisan stonework, Roman columns and stunning views through arched windows. The Barrel Room is designed in the style of a grand Italian cathedral, for dining and dancing amid the art and architecture of Old World Italy. jacuzziwines.com.

Hans Fahden Winery, Calistoga
Cradled between Cabernet vineyards and mountainous ridges soaring 1,000 feet above the Napa Valley, this is a dream setting. A stunning grand room and wisteria covered teahouse overlook a romantic bridge and ponds brimming with lily pads, cattails, and Koi, while paths meander through patches of roses, sunflowers, and a sprawling garden. A candlelit dinner in the volcanic ash cave is a dramatic statement. hansfahden.com.

Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa
Host all your guests at this wine country village inn, with large gathering spaces like the Pavilion, intimate gardens and terraces for more private affairs, and cozy hotel suites to extend the stay. The award-winning John Ash & Co. restaurant overlooks 100 acres of vineyards and gardens. vintnersinn.com.

Geyserville Inn, Geyserville
Weddings at this blissful property can accommodate from eight to 200 guests, staged on the lawn amid the roses and lavender, and with a backdrop of vineyards and mountains beyond. The Hoffman House Restaurant next door to Geyserville Inn, is a converted farmhouse built in 1903 and is a charming spot for a more intimate ceremony. The hotel also can provide suites for after the festivities. geyservilleinn.com.

Please Note: To be eligible for the Suite Deal, brides must contact The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau before contacting a lodging property, at 707-522-5814 or smontes@sonomacounty.com.

Tip: Reserve your Pure Luxury Transportation arrangements as early as possible. The Pure Luxury concierge can offer even more recommendations for rehearsal dinner restaurants, winery tours and more.

The saying should be changed to, “Like an adult with a good paying job and a bonus to spend in a toy store.” This better reflects the joy of encountering a place where you find plenty of something you are quite fond of without worrying about inflicting serious damage to your wallet.

I’m a big fan of any event that makes me feel like an adult with a good paying job and a bonus to spend at a toy store (okay, maybe that is a bit wordy). That is why I will be attending Sonoma Valley Crush Weekend presented by Heart of Sonoma Valley Winery Association. Your $45 Weekend Tasting Pass allows you to choose from special wine tastings and activities at 16 wineries on September 18 & 19, 2010. Visit the new Audelssa Estate Winery tasting room, stop by the Biodynamic/organic/sustainably farmed Benziger Family Winery, enjoy a tasting in Deerfield Ranch Winery‘s wine cave, meet the winemaker at Enkidu Wines, sample fruit before it becomes wine at Eric Ross Winery, take in the art and wine at Imagery Estate Winery, taste barrel samples at Kaz Vineyard & Winery, and be treated to a special private reserve tasting at Kenwood Vineyards.

Landmark Winery Entrance

You’ll also celebrate Kunde Family Estate‘s 105th harvest, listen to live music while tasting wine and snacking on Chicago Hot Dog creations at Landmark Vineyards, indulge in advance tastings of new releases from Loxton Cellars, purchase delicious wines at a great discount at Mayo Family Winery, meet the winemakers in a fun and intimate setting at Muscardini Cellars & Ty Caton Vineyards, have a bite of Pinot Pie at Paradise Ridge Winery‘s Kenwood tasting room, learn about the Old World Style of winemaking at VJB Vineyard & Cellars, and taste sold out in-high-demand library wines at Wellington Vineyards.

A Vineyard in the Beautiful Heart of Sonoma Valley

These are the choices included for just the weekend pass! There are more special events offered from September 15 to 19 that can be reserved separately at each winery. These special, harvest events include gourmet meals with winemakers, a horse-drawn wagon ride through the vineyards, hands-on tours to experience the winemaking process, and more. Click here for details.

This weekend should definitely be enjoyed in the safe and experienced hands of a Pure Luxury chauffeur. We make it easy to reserve your private transportation – you can call or email us, or chat with a Reservations Agent online. It’s time to have fun in the heart of beautiful Sonoma Valley!

The 6th Annual Pinot Family Reunion at Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co. restaurant brings together over 40 Sonoma County wineries, local Sonoma County food purveyors, and live music from a Sonoma County band to present this event that benefits the Sutter North Bay Women’s Breast Care Center.

The afternoon begins Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 1 p.m. Your $50 ticket to the tasting at the Vintners Inn Event Center allows you to enjoy Pinot from Sonoma County wineries such as; Benziger Family Winery, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Gary Farrell Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, Paradise Ridge Winery, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and many others.

Pat Jordan Band

Sip delicious Pinot wines and enjoy tasty appetizers including Portobello Fries with Lemon Aioli, Salmon Cakes with Pinot Mayonnaise, Apple Wood Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Barbecue Sauce, and more. Listen to the Pat Jordan Band, bid on items in the Silent Auction and take advantage of your chance to win a specially created piece of jewelry from E.R. Sawyer.

For an additional $70, buy a ticket for dinner starting at 5 p.m. in the John Ash & Co. restaurant. The three-course family style dinner paired with Sonoma County Pinots includes Prawns with Chili Butter over Garden Arugula, Salad Nicoise with Seared Ahi Tuna, Pan Roasted Breast of Sonoma County Liberty Duck with Cherry Compote, Grilled Sonoma Lamb Chops with Sweet Onions Braised in Pinot Noir, Ratatouille Strudel, Rigatoni Au Gratin with Porcini Mushrooms, Redwood Hill Farm Goat Cheese with Thyme and Honey, Dry Creek Peach Cobbler, Pinot Poached Estate Figs, and Lemon Pound Cake.

Entrance to Vintners Inn Event Center at Dusk

Click here to purchase tickets to the afternoon tasting portion of this event. Click here to purchase tickets for dinner only.

To completely enjoy your day at this special family reunion, contact Pure Luxury for safe and worry-free chauffeured transportation.

Would you like to be able to enjoy unlimited tastings at over 50 Sonoma Valley wineries? Sounds too good to be true, but I can assure you it is for real. Passport to Sonoma Valley on May 15 & 16, 2010 offers tasty bites and live entertainment along with unlimited tastings. Click here to purchase ticketes for one or both days then start planning your day to Sonoma Valley’s exceptional wineries.

Sonoma Valley offers a variety of grand, historic, boutique, and family-owned wineries. Your “passport” will give you access to some wineries that are not usually open to the public. Taste current releases and library wines. Take advantage of special discounts offered only during this event.

Participating wineries include Ty Caton Vineyards, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Tin Barn Vineyards, Valley of the Moon Winery, Paradise Ridge Winery (at their tasting room in Kenwood), B.R. Cohn Winery, Anaba, Kunde Family Estate, and many more!

The only thing better than spending a day in beautiful Sonoma Valley drinking wine, savoring delicious food, and enjoying the entertainment is knowing that you don’t have to risk drinking and driving. Contact Pure Luxury for your safe, professional, private transportation for this delightful day!

Bravissimo is a word used when describing something or someone splendid or excellent. It is also a great word for the annual fundraiser for The Healdsburg School. Last year the event was presented at Dutcher Crossing Winery. Guests listened to live music, enjoyed wine & food, and bid on raffles and silent & live auctions
for a chance to cook with Chef Douglas Keane of Cyrus Restaurant, a week’s stay at an Italian Villa, and more.

This year the festivities continue at Paradise Ridge Winery on Friday, April 16, 2010. Auction items include a 100 Bottle Instant Cellar, a Picnic for Eight at the Hog Island Oyster Company hosted by Chef/Restaurateur Ralph Tingle, a Blending Party for Ten at Artiste Winery and Tasting Studio, a week’s stay in Hawaii, and many more fantastic items!

Paradise Ridge Winery

The evening would not be complete without delicious food and wine. A three-course meal prepared by Bruce Riezenmen, Owner and Executive Chef of Park Avenue Catering will be paired with local wines from wineries such as Murphy Goode Winery, Chateau Souverain, Robert Mondavi, Kendall Jackson Wine Estates, and De La Montanya Winery. Click here to view the full menu, purchase your tickets, and to take advantage of a great discounted rate offered by the Hilton Sonoma Wine County for overnight guests. Complete your evening with private, chauffeured transportation by Pure Luxury and enjoy the event without worrying about appointing a designated driver. Bravissimo!

Last year I was thrilled to attend the 3rd Annual Artisan Cheese Festival! I waited patiently for the time when I could buy my tickets for the 4th Annual Artisan Cheese Festival. My stomach growls and tugs with yearning for March 26 – 29, 2010, it just can’t come fast enough! California’s Artisan Cheese Festival is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and educates others on artisan cheese. This year the festival will follow its tradition of donating 10% of ticket sales to; Sonoma Land Trust, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Petaluma Future Farmers of America, California Artisan Cheese Guild, and Redwood Empire Food Bank. This weekend long celebration invites you to learn from cheese experts, makers, and chefs from across the U.S. including local experts Mary Karlin from Ramekins Cooking School, Andy Wild from CIA Greystone in Napa, and John Ash of John Ash & Company. Some of the daily seminars are sold out as are the local creamery tours on Friday, but due to the abundance of seminars being offered there is still space available in the Saturday and Sunday seminars. Click here to view the complete schedule of seminars.

The highlight of Friday evening is the first Barn Dance and Cheesemaker Dinner at Green String Farm. Visit Green String Farm in your own car or use the complimentary shuttle service provided by Pure Luxury from the Sheraton in Petaluma. Click here for details and to purchase your tickets. Saturday evening concludes with an event featuring 8 chefs, 8 cheesemakers, and 8 vintners. Click here to make sure you reserve your spot before this evening event sells out. Sundays special Artisan Cheese Marketplace is every artisan cheese, wine, beer, and food lover’s dream come true! Sample and purchase delectable items from 60 artisan cheesemakers, vintners, brewers and artisan food suppliers including local favorites Bellwether Farms and Redwood Hill Farm, B.R. Cohn Olive Oil & Vinegar and Della Fattoria, and Lambert Bridge, Montemaggiore, and Paradise Ridge. See you there!