The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) has unveiled plans for the second annual “Passport to Sonoma Valley” scheduled for May 17th and 18th at more than 40 participating wineries throughout Sonoma Valley. Visitors to the two-day, valley-wide open house will be issued a “passport” providing them unprecedented access to the wines and wineries of California’s oldest Wine Country including: tiny cult wineries not normally open to the public, historic estates that ushered in the California wine industry and exclusive VIP tasting bars offering special pricing and wines available only at the wineries.
A portion of “Passport to Sonoma Valley” proceeds will go to the SVVGA Scholarship Fund, which aids in college tuition for senior level high school students, who have good academic records and are related to an SVVGA member.
In issuing the announcement, SVVGA Executive Director Grant Raeside said, “We were thrilled with the turnout for last year’s inaugural Passport Weekend; the entire valley was abuzz with visitors from all over the country who traveled here to enjoy special access to the wines, food and hospitality that make Sonoma Valley one of the world’s great wine regions. This year we expect even greater turnout and participation as Passport Weekend takes its place among Sonoma County’s premier events.”
About “Passport to Sonoma Valley”
“Passport to Sonoma Valley” will take place May 17th and 18th from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. at more than 40 participating Sonoma Valley wineries. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the SVVGA website, www.sonomavallywine.com, the office, (707) 935-0803 or or at participating wineries on the day of the event. Advanced ticket prices are $50/weekend, $45/day and $10/designated driver. Tickets purchased at the event are $60/weekend and $55/day. On the day of the event, ticket holders needing to check in and receive their commemorative wine glass, as well as non ticket holders wishing to purchase tickets can do so at one of four designated locations:
Viansa Winery at the southern entrance to the valley, St. Francis Winery and Valley of the Moon to the north and The Lodge at Sonoma in the town of Sonoma.
Passport to Sonoma Valley ticket holders will receive: commemorative wine glass, unlimited wine tasting at more than 40 wineries, preferred access to pre-release, library and winery-only wines, special pricing on select wines, discounts and/or waived corkage on Sonoma Valley wines at participating restaurants, entry into grand prize drawing for Sonoma Valley Weekend Getaway Package, gourmet food pairing, live music, tours, activities and wine education.
For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, call (707) 935-0803 or visit the website at www.sonomavalleywine.com.

Related Information

• Passport to Sonoma Valley 2008