Wine Road Northern Sonoma County presents their 35th Annual Barrel Tasting for two weekends in March; March 1st through 3rd, and March 8th through 10th. There are over 100 wineries each weekend for guests to visit. But don’t take that as a challenge to rush through as many wineries as you possibly can. The best way to enjoy each weekend-long part of this event is take your time exploring the wineries in Northern Sonoma County.
Things to Know
Because this is an annual event, many visitors return each year to visit familiar wineries and discover new favorites. This is an opportunity to meet winemakers, taste their wines from the barrel, and purchase “futures.” Futures bought during this event are usually discounted, then bottled and ready for pick up in about 12 to 18 months. Not all wineries will be pouring on Friday. And some wineries; such as A. Rafanelli Winery, Alexander Valley Vineyards, and Rodney Strong Vineyards, will only be participating during the first weekend. You’ll want to do some planning to create an experience that allows you to take in the beauty of the landscape and the wines of Dry Creek, Alexander, and Russian River Valley.
Suggestions
Wine Road makes planning easy with maps and a list of wineries showing which are participating each weekend. Consider creating an itinerary that covers each valley, each day. For example, Dry Creek Valley on Friday, Alexander Valley on Saturday, and Russian River on Sunday. Make sure to bring a boxed or picnic lunch – most wineries will not have food paired with wine tastings or available for purchase. Most wineries will be participating both weekends. Suggestions include Armida Winery, Balletto Vineyards & Winery, Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves, Cellars of Sonoma, HKG Estate/Hop Kiln Winery, and Kendall-Jackson Wine Center. There are many more we can recommend depending on your wine preferences.
About Wine Road Northern Sonoma County
Wine Road was founded in 1976 with just 9 wineries. Now their membership consists of over 150 wineries and 50 lodging accommodations representing Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley. Wine Road hosts many events and activities that educate, inform, and share the treasures to be found in Northern Sonoma County.
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