Big Deal
Savvy wine enthusiasts will be flooding the Sonoma Valley on the weekend of May 17th and 18th to participate in the latest wine event. After the surprising success of last year’s inaugural launch, “Passport to Sonoma Valley” has expanded so wine aficionados can gain rare access to the many hidden gems of this historical wine region (wineries not normally open to the public). Tour one day or the entire weekend as over 40 Sonoma Valley wineries pour more than 200 exceptional wines paired with delicious foods. Throughout the weekend, guests can listen to live music, take tours, participate in wine education and enjoy other fun activities. Passport holders will receive a commemorative wine glass which gives you unlimited wine tasting, preferred access to pre-releases, library and winery-only wines, special pricing on select wines and discounts and/or waived corkage on Sonoma Valley wines at participating restaurants. Check-in is required at one of four designated locations: Viansa Winery at the southern entrance to Sonoma Valley, St. Francis to the north as well as Valley of the Moon Winery or The Lodge at Sonoma. Cost is $45 for a single day; $50 for both. For more information, visit www.sonomavalleywine.com or call (707) 935-0803.
Hot Lots
Part of the fun of wine tasting is the opportunity to visit new locales and discover their unique wine brands. Sitting in the shadow of the Napa Valley is the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation which boasts more than 70 stellar wineries. Virtually all of them are award-winners. In fact, during the Judgment of Paris 30th Anniversary wine tasting rematch, Ridge Vineyards took first prize for their 1971 Ridge Monte Bello Cabernet (they placed fifth in 1976). Suffice it to say – there is a mountains-worth of exciting wines in the Santa Cruz Appellation just waiting to be mined. An excellent time to visit this picturesque grape-growing region is May 18th during the 10th annual “Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Auction.” More than 70 wineries will be pouring (making it easy for you to taste without all the driving) and pairing their varietals with foods from some of the Monterey Peninsula’s top restaurants. Wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres will also accompany both the silent and live auctions. Items included in the auctions are rare wines, getaways to world-class resorts, overseas trips and private winemaker dinners. As an extra special treat, guests will have the opportunity to ride the first Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Railway! Cost is $55 in advanced, $65 at the door. To participate, contact the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association at (831) 685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com.
Super Stars
Quite possibly the Super Bowl of food and wine tastings, “Star Chefs & Vintners Gala” brings the best of Wine Country to San Francisco at the Fort Mason Festival Pavillion. A true epicurean extravaganza, the evening features the talents of the Bay Area’s most treasured chefs, including Gala Chef Nancy Oakes of Boulevard. Celebrity vintners include Rombauer, Landmark Vineyards and Grgich Hills Cellars. A grand reception for the May 18th affairs features a selection of sparkling and still wines from more than 30 wineries and hors d’oeuvres from 25 restaurants. Guests are then seated for a three-course meal, each prepared by 24 different chefs, and each course is paired with a specially selected California wine. Desserts, cordials and dancing to live music follow dinner. Cost is $400 ($250 is tax-deductible). Attire is black tie. For details, contact www.mowsf.org or (415) 920-1111.
Gold Digging
Awashed in rustic charm and rural solitude, there’s a gold mine of luxurious wines in the historic grape-growing region of Lodi (yes, Lodi)! With several hot producers, such as Oak Ridge Vineyards, Lucas, Weibel Vineyards and Jessie’s Grove, Lodi has rapidly gained the respect of many wine consumers because of their exciting brands, interesting people and great values. On the weekend of May 16th through the 18th, take a trip and discover this up-and-coming wine venue during “ZinFest.” More than 50 area wineries will be pouring award-winning heritage wines, local restaurants are sampling their unique regional cuisine and live music from local and regional bands will perform throughout the day. Cooking demonstrations from notable wine specialists and chefs will educate and entertain guest alongside the beautiful Lodi Lake backdrop. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the gate. To purchase, call (209) 367-4727 or visit www.zinfest.com.  
Bidding Boom
Journey to California’s oldest grape-growing region and discover one of the best-kept secrets on the wine auction circuit. On Saturday, May 17th, rare wines, travel and other exceptional Wine Country experiences will be on the auction block at the 11th Annual “Livermore Valley Wine Auction.” At the exclusive wine estate of Concannon Vineyards, auctioneers will tempt bidders with a slate of interesting lots that will appeal not only to wine collectors but also those who simply enjoy wine. Festivities begins with a wine tasting reception, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction with more than 30 Livermore Valley wineries pouring both in-stock wines and new releases in three-liter, hand-decorated bottles. The gala dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a live auction on more than 50 exciting lots including rare wines, romantic dinners, shopping sprees and a few surprising one-of-a-kind gift packages. Afterward there will be live music, dancing and drinks. Cost is $250 per person. For details: www.livermorewine.com or (925) 447-9463.
Case Closed
Savvy buyers strategize their wine auction decisions before the first gavel. Since I’ve reported a couple wine auctions in this column, here are a few insider tips that will help you game plan. First, be on the lookout for partial cases. Serious collectors prefer full, 12-bottle cases, so partial cases often represent a bargain. Then there are mixed lots, which are a great way to get some depth to a cellar and they also allow you to compare different wines. Mixed lots represent a good, low-risk way to explore a new region, get a broad sampling and expand your cellar.