We have found that visitors appreciate the opportunity to attend smaller, more intimate tasting experiences, featuring two to four different wineries.
In these smaller setting, guests get to know the people behind the wines. They learn a little winery history and have the opportunity to sample wines from different wineries, side-by-side. When planning, we also leave plenty of time for "audience participation" with Q & A.
These seminars are open to the general public, but are offered at a 50% discount to our Wine Road Insider members.
Details on Insider Membership HERE
To keep that small, personalized vibe, each seminar/tasting is limited to 20-30 people, depending on the location.
We have scheduled them early in the day, so you can start with the seminar, then head out for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Our 2023 Seminar Series Schedule
Pinot and Beyond ~ July 29, 2023 9:30am-11:00am
Location: Russian River Vineyards, 5700 Hwy. 116 N, Forestville
Cost is $70 per person ($35 for Insiders) and space is limited to 20 guests. Tickets SOLD OUT
To share their wines today we are featuring the winemakers from: Russian River Vineyard, Joseph Swan Vineyards, Benovia Winery and Viszlay Vineyards.
Don’t miss this fun and informative session that will both expand your knowledge and deepen your enjoyment of Pinot Noir. Join these winemakers for a deep dive into the many aspects of Pinot Noir grown in the Russian River Valley. Taste examples of Pinot Noir from each winery along with the winemakers as they walk you through the particular nuance and characteristics that make Russian River Pinot Noir so special. You’ll learn about specific flavor profiles, aromas and textures, as they relate to the unique climate and soils found within the AVA’s six distinct neighborhoods from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa and Forestville to Healdsburg.
Comparative Cabernet Tasting ~ August 5, 2023 10am-11:30
Location: Robert Young Estate Winery, 5102 Red Winery Rd, Geyserville Canceled
Cost is $80 per person ($40 for Insiders) and space is limited to 20 guests.
Imagine starting your weekend here: Perched on a hillside overlooking Alexander Valley, Robert Young Estate Winery will host this comparative Cabernet tasting experience. You will immediately see what sets this valley apart. Join wine educators from Robert Young Estate Winery, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Alexander Valley Vineyards as they share their wines with you, discuss vineyard practices and the unique growing conditions that produce superb cabernets in the Alexander Valley. Enjoy this intimate tasting (limited to 30 people) with world-class wines, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experts, fine-tuning your tasting skills. All of this, while getting to know the people behind these outstanding wines, the history of the valley and the wineries. Of course amazing cheese and charcuterie will also be shared along with the wines to enhance the tasting. This will be an incredible opportunity to taste world-class cabernets side by side, in a relaxed setting, where guests will be free to ask questions. We're sure everyone will walk away feeling like they have a better understanding and appreciation for the Alexander Valley appellation.
Past Events:
Winemaking 101, From the Vineyard to the Bottle ~ April 22, 2023 9:30-11:00am - SOLD OUT
Location: Carol Shelton Winery, 3354-B, Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa
Cost is $50 per person ($25 for Insiders) and space is limited to 20 guests
Sit down with esteemed winemaker Carol Shelton as she walks you through managing a vineyard, picking the perfect time to harvest and getting that fruit into the winery. From there, what happens to red wines vs. white wines. This will be an overview...from the vineyard to the bottle. We'll start you off with a couple of different wines to sip on while Carol shares her vision of wine-making. Then sample a few more of Carol's current vintages as the morning wraps up. This will be a casual presentation, with a highly awarded winemaker, right in the cellar (her element).
Sparkling Discoveries ~ May 13, 2023 9:30-11:00am - SOLD OUT
Location: Amista Vineyards, 3320 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
Cost is $70 per person ($35 for Insiders) and space is limited to 30 guests
Learn what makes those bubbles in your glass. Sample wines from our host, Amista Vineyards, Iron Horse Vineyards and Harvest Moon Winery. A perfect way to start your weekend. Enjoy local cheeses, hear how the winemakers like to pair their Sparkling. You'll learn how wineries are using a variety of varietals to make sparkling wine and how sparkling can make every day a celebration.
Esprit du Rhone ~ June 17, 2023 9:30-11:00am - SOLD OUT
Location: Trattore Farms, 7878 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville
Cost is $70 per person ($35 for Insiders) and space is limited to 20 guests
We are thrilled to be able to showcase Trattore Farms, Amphora Winery, FRICK and Mounts Family Vineyards.
What makes the Dry Creek Valley such a perfect spot to grow Rhone varietals? Our winemakers will address that, while tasting through a couple of wines from each of their wineries. This is a unique opportunity to sample these lesser known varietals side-by-side and hear from the winemakers themselves. We'll of course have a little charcuterie to accompany the tasting. Bring your questions and curiosity about these wines - we all want to learn about Rhones.