With spring here and summer right around the corner, wine season is in full swing and winegrowers are getting ready to showcase their variety of wines. In May, three big wine events are happening here in the Bay Area in the Russian River Valley (Passport to Pinot), San Francisco (UnCorked Wine Festival at Ghirardelli Square) and in Lodi (10th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival). Here is a little breakdown of the events. Be sure to get your tickets soon if you want to attend any of these wine festivals.
UnCorked Wine Festival at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco:
On May 17 from 1-6 p.m. the historic Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco is playing host to over 50 wineries throughout California at the UnCorked Wine Festival. There will be live music, cooking demonstrations from top San Francisco chefs as well as wine education seminars. UnCorked will donate a portion of proceeds from ticket sales to Save The Bay to support the organization’s efforts to protect, restore and celebrate the San Francisco Bay.
For VIP ticketholders, the event opens at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for general admission ticketholders. Identification will be checked upon arrival.
VIP Tickets: $85. General Admission Tickets: $55. You can purchase tickets online.
10th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival in Lodi:
The Annual ZinFest will run from May 16-18, with the main festival on May 17 at Lodi Lake Park from 12-5 p.m. 200 handcrafted wines from over 40 wineries will be featured at the event, as well as gourmet food, merchandise from artisan suppliers and live entertainment. Those who attend the ZinFest are able to attend any of the scheduled sessions at the ZinFest Wine or Cooking schools in order to expand their knowledge of Lodi wines and food.
Tickets for the 10th Annual ZinFest Wine Festival in Lodi can be purchased online or by calling 209.365.0621. Advance tickets are $55 and day-of tickets are $65.
Pinot Classic 2014:
The Pinot Classic is going on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26, in the Russian River Valley. There are a few events for different types of ticket holders, including the VIP Event, Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley Seminar, Passport to Pinot and the Paulée dinner.
The Pinot Classic VIP Event is from May 23-24 and includes entrance to an exclusive reception at Kosta Browne (5/23), access to the Russian River Valley seminar (5/24), a ticket to Passport to Pinot (5/24) and a ticket to the Paulée dinner. Only 36 tickets available, so act fast. Tickets: $350.
Attend the Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley seminar on May 24 at 10 a.m. at the Fountaingrove Inn to learn about the complexity of the Russian River Valley. Tickets: $20.
Passport to Pinot is May 24-25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers barrel tastings from more than 30 Russian River wineries. You’ll enjoy preferred access to pre-release wines, barrel, library and limited edition winery-only wines. Tickets: $65, Sunday only: $40.
In French, the word “paulée” means the celebration of the end of harvest. The Russian River Valley vintners will be bringing out their finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs for attendees of the Paulée dinner to enjoy. Will you bring wine for all to enjoy? Tickets: $250.
You can purchase tickets for any of these Pinot Classic 2014 events online.
