The first year Passport to Dry Creek Valley was launched by Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley was 1990. Sadly, I was not there. I can only imagine how interesting it would be to compare that first year’s event to this year’s event on April 27th & 28, 2013 which continues to be presented by the WDCV. In the years that I have been able to attend, the spirit of the event remains the same – a celebration of the Dry Creek Valley and of the dedicated, skilled, passionate people who work to make it a success including grape growers, winemakers, proprietors, and in most cases the generations of families who take on multiple roles.
Dry Creek Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County, northwest of the town of Healdsburg, measuring 16 miles long & 2 miles wide. Heading north into Dry Creek Valley after passing through Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Healdsburg, the buildings start to disappear. Valleys, mountain views, and vineyards decorate the land instead of concrete. This is how you know you have crossed the threshold into Dry Creek Valley. The city is gone, you have entered the countryside.
Dry Creek Valley invites visitors to embrace the beauty of the land. Passport to Dry Creek Valley coaxes visitors into relaxing while enjoying Dry Creek Valley wines paired with gourmet food, and live entertainment. Each participating winery, over 50 this year, selects a theme and your passport is stamped as you visit the wineries of your choice.
Some of the Fun Themes this Year:
- Viva Las Vegas at Alderbrook Winery
- Caribbean, Jamaica at Amista Vineyards where they have partnered with Chef John Franchetti of Rosso to present Jamaican Jerk Chicken paired with Amista Sparkling Syrah, and Beef Pasteles paired with Amista Estate Syrah
- The Wild West at Everett Ridge
- The Spirit of the Andes at Mazzocco Winery where their Zinfandels will be paired with flank steak with chimichurri, and prawn and potato ceviche
- New Orleans jazz Fest at Papapietro Perry Winery
- 1920’s Speakeasy at Sbragia Family Vineyards where a swing band will play while guests taste award-winning Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Merlot
- France, Provence at Quivira Vineyards and Winery where the ambiance will take guests to a Provencal Market with organic produce, plus estate fruit preserves and olive oil. Tastings include estate Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and the limited production red Rhone Blend appropriately named “Elusive.”
A Collection of Photos from WDCV from Passport 2012
It would be easy to spend an afternoon tasting wine, nibbling on delicious food, and listening to live music at just one of the 50+ wineries! Plan ahead, so that you avoid rushing. We recommend no more than a few wineries each day to avoid exhausting your palate and instead, being able to truly appreciate Dry Creek Valley wines. We also recommend contacting Pure Luxury to reserve your private chauffeured car for this special event.
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