Looking to “wow” your friends with your access to world-class Pinot Noirs, elegant cool-climate Syrahs and magnificent Chardonnays made by boutique producers working with premium fruit grown in the West Sonoma Coast? Then head to The Barlow in Sebastopol this weekend for the annual West of West Wine Festival, August 1-3.

The Festival begins with welcome dinners hosted by member wineries on Friday night. These dinners offer a rare opportunity to dine with winemakers in their home or winery.

Saturday offers morning seminars, vintner interviews, vineyard tours and flight tastings, following by the first of two Grand Tastings on Saturday afternoon.

Continue the fun Saturday night with an oyster and white wine reception followed by the Grand Dinner with James Beard finalist chef Steven Satterfield from Miller Union.

Finally we will return to the Grand Tasting tent on Sunday afternoon for a second opportunity to taste through the wines.

Having attended this festival in the years past, I’ll say that it’s one of the best tastings of the summer. For a pre-festival briefing on the festivities and styles of the wines being made in the mountains near the ocean, read the article I wrote for The Tasting Panel Magazine a few years ago. http://digital.copcomm.com/i/41419/104.

For a complete list of producers pouring at the event and ticket information, visit the West of West Wines page.

Hope to see you there! Cheers, Christopher