Anderson Valley in Mendocino Wine Country is known for producing great tasting Pinot Noirs!  Thus, it only makes sense that they have a festival dedicated to this varietal every year.  Mark your calendars for May 15 -17, 2009. 

Whether you make a day trip or spend the entire weekend, you’re sure to have some fun tasting wine from scores of Pinot Noir producers and enjoying local cuisine. 

FRIDAY:
Pinot Festival Technical Conference (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Learn from the experts on how to grow Pinot Noir, make it, taste it and sell it. Mendocino Country Fairgrounds in Boonville – $100/person

Pinot Festival Social BBQ (5 p.m.)
Join local winemakers for a BBQ, music and of course Pinot Noir to taste. You can even bring your own bottle of wine to add to the fun. Also includes an option vineyard tour at 4 p.m.
Husch Vineyards – $50/person

SATURDAY
Pinot Festival Grand Tasting
This is the big tasting event – make this if you make nothing else! Sample nearly 100 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Wines. Also includes gourmet lunch, music and silent auction of wine and art to raise money for local charities.
Goldeneye Winery – $90/person or $50/person for desginated drivers!

Winemaker Dinners on Mendocino Coast
(1) Ledford House Restaurant – Four course dinner featuring wines from Claudia Springs Winery, Goldeneye Winery, and Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery. ($100/person)

(2) Historic Mendocino Hotel – Wine and Appetizers followed by four course dinner prepared by Chef Joe Brown featuring International award-winning wines from Harmonique. ($95/person – lodging specials also available)

(3) Little River Inn – Four course dinner prepared by Chef Marc Dym featuring wines of Esterlina. Meet the winemaker Eric Sterling at the dinner. ($85/person)

Winemaker Dinners in Anderson Valley
(1) A Pinot-centric feast awaits for you at Roederer Estate which also includes wines from Handley Cellars and Greenwood Ridge Vineyards. ($125/person)

(2) Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn of Navarro Winery are hosting their winemaker dinner at Philo Apple Farm. The chef will serve a regional seasonal menu paired with Navarro’s gold medal winning Pinot Noirs and some winemaker favorites. ($95/person)

(3) Standish Winery will have a sparkling wine reception followed by a 4-5 course dinner prepared by private chefs Rocco & Aimee of OuiCook.

SUNDAY
One final winemaker dinner on Sunday! Renowned Executive Chef Patrick Meany of Stevenswood Restaurant will tempt your palate with mouth-watering courses that Steve Ledson has paired up with his best wines, including his delicious Pinot Noir. It’s an eight course meal at Stevenswood Restaurant featuring succulent Maine Lobster, crab and heirloom beet tartare, and 48-hour lamb shoulder. ($125/person)

More information and tickets, CLICK HERE.

For lodging, wine tasting itineraries and restaurants info, go to www.mendocino.winecountry.com.