Last year, on a beautiful sunny day in Sonoma County, I attended Pinot on the River Grand Tasting at Rodney Strong Vineyards. Excitedly I walked to the main entrance where I was met with smiles and a lovely wine glass that would soon be filled with one generous pour after another. I had mapped out my plan of attack beforehand. With so many wineries to choose from it was important to make a list of the ones I didn’t want to miss. I knew it would also be a good idea to pace myself with the help of the delicious cheeses provided by talented artisan cheesemakers and the tasty plates sold for a more substantial lunch.

Wine Glasses Ready for Pinot

By the end of the afternoon I flashed my purple teeth with pride – a testament to the discovery of incredible Pinot by small, family-owned wineries and an affirmation of the high quality of Pinot created by some of my favorite wineries. This year, Pinot on the River 2010 Grand Tasting takes place Sunday, October 24 at Rodney Strong Vineyards. Over 100 Pinot producing wineries will be pouring their artisanal wines. The list includes Arista Winery, Benziger Family Winery,Buena Vista Carneros, Etude Wines, and Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Click here to view the full list of wineries. There will also be eight artisan cheese vendors including Marin French Cheese Co., Redwood Hill Farm, and Valley Ford Cheese Co. Along with memorable wines and amazing cheeses, there will be chocolate from Belgique Truffle Gateau. Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar will be selling pizza made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. BBQ Smokehouse Catering will be selling their slow-smoked barbeque.

Redwood Hill Farm returns to Pinot on the River 2010 Grand Tasting

Pinot on the River’s Grand Tasting is part of a three day celebration of Pinot that benefits Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County. The celebration begins Friday, October 22 with a winemaker dinner at RoadHouse Winery. Saturday continues with seminars throughout the day and for the first time, a Taste of Pinot dinner at Hotel Healdsburg featuring 13 wineries and the cuisine of Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen.

Swirl, Sniff, and Sip at Pinot on the River Grand Tasting 2009

Rain or shine, this year’s Pinot on the River is an event not to be missed. Enjoy the activities all weekend or choose just one day. Contact Pure Luxury for your safe and professional private chauffeur to make sure you can relax and enjoy your time to the fullest!