Go Green
Breathtaking views, wine tasting and sizzling jazz! Rodney Strong Vineyards presents its 18th annual “Jazz in the Vineyard” summer concert series with an impressive array of musicians over six separate weekend dates. Surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests at Rodney Strong Vineyards are treated to some of the top acts in contemporary jazz, as well as the occasional crossover artist. Concerts are performed on the lush Green providing an intimate venue experience along with picnicking and wine tasting. This year’s schedule, which begins Saturday, June 21st, is highlighted by appearances from Bay Area favorite Boz Scaggs, five-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald, chart-topping trumpeter Chris Botti, contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay and many others. Tickets begin at $45 per person. For more details, visit www.rodneystrong.com or call (949) 360-7800. FYI: For an additional $25, upgrade to a VIP ticket which includes a reserved seat in front of the stage and a glass of Rodney Strong Vineyards’ wine.
Pinot Party
San Francisco’s premier wine festival is back for its 4th year! Experience the hottest grape on the planet and dive into Pinot Noir as over 170 producers from around the world will be pouring their finest at the Pinot Days Grand Tasting. If you have a passion for Pinot, this is a can’t miss event as it allows consumers and members of the trade an opportunity to taste a wide variety of Pinots from every California appellation, as well as those from other Pinot-producing states and countries. Winemakers and owners do the actual pouring allowing attendees to interact with the producers in a relaxed, casual setting. Participation in Friday’s Winemakers Gala Dinner is $150 per person. Tickets for the June 26th through 29th tastings are $80
per person, per day. To participate, go to www.pinotdays.com  or call (415) 354-3437.    
Gold Tasting
Awashed in rustic charm and rural solitude, there’s a gold mine of luxurious wines in Calaveras Wine Country. With several hot producers including Twisted Oak, Black Sheep and Ironstone Vineyards, the Calaveras appellation is a unique locale for wine lovers seeking cool wines and great value. The perfect time to visit to this up-and-coming wine destination is June 20th through 22nd during the Calaveras 12th Annual Passport Weekend. Throughout the weekend, 20 acclaimed wineries from this famous region will come together to showcase their different personalities, award-winning wines and the exceptional beauty of Calaveras Wine Country. Participants will have the chance to taste fine wines from several diverse wineries and learn about the art and practice of wine making and grape growing, including why the area produces such delicious Zins. Tickets for all three days are only $60 per person. Included in the cost, guests will be treated to regionally prepared gourmet foods paired with mouthwatering local wines, barrel samples, live music and vineyard tours. Tickets are available by calling 1-866-806-9463 or at www.calaveraswines.org.FYI: The Friday night wine reception in Murphys Community Park is included in the price of your Passport. Also, June is a busy month in Calaveras County with many different events taking place at the same time. Be certain to visit the Passport website to contact one of the winery association’s lodging partners and book your room right away.
Cheers!
Pahlmeyer Winery presents the 6th annual Napa Valley Comedy Night. This year’s theme is “Moroccan Madness!” On Saturday, June 28th, the Food & Wine Marketplace Reception will be showcasing eight premier Napa Valley restaurants and wineries, alongside an elite silent auction, belly dancers, a live jazz band and many elements of surprise. The following stand-up comedy show will feature some of the Bay Area's brightest comics and an exclusive live auction will finish the evening. Cost is $75
per person inclusive. For tickets, go to www.napavalleyoperahouse.org or call (707) 258-5522.
Fab Fifteen
Celebrate the springtime renewal of the grapevine at the 6th Annual “Grape Affair.” On June 21st, fifteen award-winning wineries of Northern Sierra Wine Country come together for an afternoon of wine tasting, barrel sampling, food, art and music. This is a great opportunity to taste exciting new wines from a unique grape-growing destination. Meet the winemakers, listen to live music and increase your sensory evaluation of wines by participating in an interactive sensory display of common wine aromas. Grape Affair is hosted at the beautiful Loma Rica Ranch in Grass Valley. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information call 1-866- 355-9463 or go to www.nswinecountry.com. FYI: Bring lounge chairs or blanket and be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Upcoming
“Grape To Glass” is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sonoma County - the Russian River Valley. Take this opportunity to experience an amazing list of unique and educational wine tours and panel discussions, go behind-the-scenes through beautiful vineyards and wineries and meet some of the Russian River Valley’s most respected growers and winemakers. Commencing August 15th through the 17th, Grape To Glass includes cinema screenings, balloon rides, spa treatments, kayaking on the river, barbecue and a whole lot more. Complete weekend packages begin at $450 per person, individual events start at $35. Tickets just went on sale and will sell out. To purchase, go to www.rrvw.org or call (707) 521-2535.
Two of Sonoma Wine Country’s premier wine and food festivals partner to debut “Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.” This inaugural fête features more than 200 wineries and chefs over three days of fabulous winemaker lunches and dinners, a grand tasting and the most fun you’ll ever have at a wine auction. Tickets for the August 29th through 31st gathering will sell out. If interested, visit www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com or call 1-800-939-7666 to receive an invitation.