WINTER IS REASON TO VISIT CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

Beauty, Quiet Pace and Dozens of Events Draw Travelers in the Know

SAN FRANCISCO – From cooking classes and blending seminars to art and wine festivals and meet-the-winemaker dinners, there are plenty of things to do in California wine country this winter. For those looking for something off the beaten path, there are appellation passport and cellar door weekends, opportunities to learn about pruning and winemaking and even an event designed around sampling wines while whale watching. For wine lovers looking for something special to do with their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day, dozens of events all over the state — many involving chocolate! — will be held the weekend of February 14-15, 2009. And to make it easier than ever to learn about all these happenings — many of them free — consumers can log onto Wine Institute’s www.discovercaliforniawine.com <http://www.discovercaliforniawine.com/>  or the web sites of regional winery and grower associations throughout California. (These web sites, as well as a sample of some of the major events happening in February/March 2009, are listed below.)

“It’s an insider’s secret that one of the best times to visit California wine country is in the winter months,” said Nancy Light, Wine Institute Director of Communications. “The scenery, with its tranquil winter beauty, is both breathtaking and soothing, the roads and tasting rooms are quiet and the pace is very relaxed,” added Karen Ross, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers.

Indeed, many inns, spas and lodges offer reduced rates in the winter, and visiting California wine country this time of year can be a great way to snag that hard-to-get restaurant reservation. “The world-renowned restaurants of our valley are less crowded and reservations are easier to secure,” says Linda Reiff, Executive Director, Napa Valley Vintners. “Plus, most places will have a warm and inviting fire burning in the hearth, so meals are cozy and relaxed.”
For consumers looking for excursions close to home, touring California wine country in winter can be a great way to take a mini-vacation. Many appellations are within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas, but the laid-back atmosphere of wine country is a world away. “People come to our tasting rooms for a genuine experience,” notes Mark Chandler, Executive Director, Lodi Winegrape Commission, who notes that Lodi is within ninety minutes of the Bay Area. “Particularly in winter, it’s often the winemaker or owner who’s serving you behind the bar.”

The opportunity to meet growers, winemakers and winery owners is what draws many people to California wine country this time of year. And many of the events — both those held at individual vineyards and those that involve multiple wineries — are designed to give consumers a more personal and engaging wine experience. “The quiet of the vineyards and the wineries before spring allows visitors to really connect with local winemakers, chefs, and tasting room personnel,” says Honore Comfort, Executive Director, Sonoma County Vintners. “But for those seeking a little more activity, we have some wonderful winter and spring tasting events, as well.”

About Wine Institute
Established in 1934, the Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,100 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiate and advocate state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine.  The Wine Institute membership represents 85 percent of U.S. production and 95 percent of U.S. wine exports. For more information about Wine Institute, go to www.wineinstitute.org <http://www.wineinstitute.org/> .

About The California Association of Winegrape Growers
Established in 1974, the California Association of Winegrape Growers represents the growers of more than 50 percent of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California. The statewide association is an advocate for farmers, providing leadership on public policies, research and education programs, sustainable farming practices and trade policy to enhance the California winegrape growing business and our communities. For more information about CAWG, visit www.cawg.org <http://www.cawg.org/> .

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(Editors: photos of California wine country are available by contacting communications@wineinstitute.org.)

 
Winter Wine Country Events
February-March 2009
(More than 80 wine events are listed at discovercaliforniawine.com)

Amador           http://www.amadorwine.com <http://www.amadorwine.com/>  
2/14-15             Amador Vintners’ Behind the Cellar Door
 
Calaveras        http://www.calaveraswines.org <http://www.calaveraswines.org/>  
2/14-15             President’s Wine Weekend
 
El Dorado        http://www.eldoradowines.com <http://www.eldoradowines.com/>  
3/28 & 29         Passport Weekend
 
Fresno             http://www.fresnowines.com
2/14-15             Wine and Chocolate Lovers Weekend
 
Lodi                 http://www.lodiwine.com <http://www.lodiwine.com/>  
2/14-15             Lodi Wine and Chocolate Weekend
3/27-28             29th Annual Spring Wine Show
                        
Madera           http://www.maderavintners.com <http://www.maderavintners.com/>  
2/14-15             Wine and Chocolate Weekend
 
Mendocino      http://www.mendowine.com <http://www.mendowine.com/> ; http://www.mendocino.com <http://www.mendocino.com/>  
2/21-22             International Alsace Varietals Festival
3/7                    Mendocino Whale and Wine Festival
 
Monterey        http://www.montereywines.org <http://www.montereywines.org/>  
2/21                  Monterey Wine Auction and Gala
 
Napa Valley     http://www.napavintners.com <http://www.napavintners.com/> ; http://www.mustardfestival.org <http://www.mustardfestival.org/>  
2/1-3/31            Napa Valley Mustard Festival
1/31                  Mustard Festival Grand Opening
3/7-8                 Calistoga Mustard, Mud and Music Jazz Festival
3/21                  A Taste of Yountville
 
Paso Robles    http://www.pasowine.com <http://www.pasowine.com/>  
2/13-16             Far Out Wineries Passport Weekend
2/15                  Paso Robles Rhone Ranger Experience
3/21-22             Zinfandel Festivals at local wineries
 
Santa Barbara http://www.sbcountywines.com <http://www.sbcountywines.com/>  
2/7          
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