Santa Cruz Wine Country is holding their annual Pinot Paradise event March 28 -29, 2009.  It’s boasted to be a a must attend event for a true Pinot Noir Lover featuring over 30 local wineries pouring some of their best from vintages 2004 to 2007.  If you’re on this site, I’m assuming you’re in that category, so here are the details on the event:

March 28, 2009

Pinot Pathways
Take a self-guided tour of wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains and taste wine directly from the barrel.  You might even get the opportunity to taste some older vintages for a true vertical tasting experience. Tickets are only $25 and lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tip: Bring your own personal toothbrush if you don’t want to flash people a dark purple, near black smile after you’ve had several barrel samples!)

March 29, 2009

Grand Cruz Tasting
Featuring local wineries pouring Pinot exclusively grown and produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains along with food from a dozen local gourmet restaurants. There will also be a silent auction and raffle with local wines, artisan foods, arts & crafts, winery tours and exotic getaways. Tickets for this popular event are $55 in advance or $65 at the door. Or  be a VIP for the day and take a preliminary sub regional tour with the winemakers prior to the Grand Cruz tasting for an additional $20.  In addition, there is also what is called “Technical Sessions” that are also offered on the same day before the Grand Cruz tasting that offer in-depth seminars by experts who will discuss the sub-regions of the Santa Cruz Mountains and their distinct flavor profiles.

All tickets can be purchased online here.