Why, you may ask, am I alerting readers nearly a week in advance that the general admission tickets for the 6th annual Pigs & Pinot culinary fundraiser at Hotel Healdsburg go on sale Friday?

What is this, a Beatles reunion concert?

Chefs at Pigs & Pinot 2010

For all the madness surrounding the event, it might as well be. Because last week, the Pigs & Pinot organizers held a ticket lottery for the high-end porcine-a-palooza put together by Dry Creek Kitchen chef-owner Charlie Palmer. At stake was the chance to purchase the most exclusive portion of the festival, which is a weekend package including VIP access to all the activities plus hotel accommodations.

Delicious pig dishes

Yet for those of us who live nearby and don’t need a room, or just want to attend specific portions of the party, a la carte tix can be snatched up on-line this Friday, Jan. 21, starting at 11 a.m. on the dot (PST).

All the fuss came about because it seems that Palmer’s pig-a-thon is a Golden Goose for star-struck foodies. Last year, several hundred paying guests were turned away when it was realized that tickets had been oversold. At fault was a technical glitch with the online reservations system, and an overload of interest spurred by a plug on a “Pigs & Pinot” episode of Bravo Top Chef.

This year’s celebration of all things swine and wine takes place March 18 and 19, in its over-the-top, celebrity chef-packed forum of seminars, tastings and cook-offs, capped by a gala walk-around feast plus a posh sit-down dinner.

The line-up looks as luscious as ever. The full, mouthwatering schedule is available here, but to whet your appetite, these are just a few of the big names you’ll see:

  • Bryan Voltaggio (Volt restaurant and Top Chef finalist)

  • Chef Tyler Florence at Pigs & Pinot 2010

    Michael Voltaggio (Formerly of The Dining Room at The Langham and Top Chef finalist)

  • Nancy Oakes  (Boulevard and Prospect Restaurants)
  • Philippe Rispoli (Charlie’s Palmer’s most charming and talented partner from France)

So don’t swine – er, whine – to me if you miss out. Consider this ample advance notice to get your tickets quick.

Pigs & Pinot: Mar. 18 and 19 at Hotel Healdsburg, 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg; pigsandpinot.com.

Tip: With all the out-of-towners coming in for Pigs & Pinot, limos and Town Cars will be snapped up as quickly as the event tickets. Reserve your ride now, with Pure Luxury Transportation.