Wow! Sipping, savoring talking with Pam Bacigalupi about the key contribution her family’s famous Bacigalupi Vineyards made to the success of wine when fruit from their property helped the Chateau Montelena 1973 Chardonnay win, over the elite White Burgundys at the celebrated Judgement of Paris 50 years ago!
Come sip Chardonnay and other refreshing white wines for our next Pour + Explore: Chardonnay & Friends on Thursday, June 18, 5:30-7:30pm, at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, to try a selection from 25+ Sonoma County Vintners. Meet local winemakers, and enjoy a curated selection of wines, paired with complimentary light appetizers in an unforgettable wine country setting.
The evening will also featuremusic from DJ Armin, known for creating energetic, wine country-inspired atmospheres at events throughout Sonoma County.
As featured above in Dry Creek Valley, and below in Knights Valley, Russian River Valley & Alexander Valley– these four valleys are the focus of our next Pour+Explore at Paradise Ridge Vineyards on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30–7:30 PM: An unforgettable setting known for its sweeping vineyard views and refined wine country ambiance.
Get your TICKETS for this is a unique opportunity to compare styles, explore different growing regions, and discover new favorites all in one place. As you explore, enjoy light bites and engage with the vintners who bring these exceptional wines to life.
Featured Wineries include:
Dry Creek Valley A. Rafanelli, Breathless Wines, Hawley Winery, Kenneth Carl Estate, Mascarin Family Wines, Mill Creek Vineyards, Portalupi Wine, Solo Nostro, Terra Amata Vineyards, We Know Jack, West Wines
Russian River Valley Domaine Della, Emeritus Vinyeards, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, Limerick Lane Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Merriam Vineyards, Paradise Ridge Winery, Vaughn Duffy Wines, Wren Hop Vineyards
Knights Valley Anakota, Brandon Gregory Estate, Ehret Winery, En Garde Winery, Knights Bridge Winery, Peter Michael Winery, Ross Ranch & Vineyards
Alexander Valley Alexander Valley Vineyards, Bedarra Vineyards, Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Thumbprint Cellars
A special trek over to Sebastopol finds THE VARIETAL SHOW at Merry Edwards Winery & Vineyards, sitting down with Winemaker Heidi von de Mehden. At the home of the “Queen of Pinot” we have a special PINOT NOIR tasting preview of the upcoming annual Pour+Explore event on April 23, brought to you by Sonoma County Vintners.
Talking about the greatness of Russian River Pinot Noir and Chardonnays with one of the great personalities of the California wine industry and proprietor of CIRQ and CHEV and original co-founder of Kosta Browne Winery, Michael Browne! . To taste Pinot gems from these brands, join us at the Pour+Explore Pinot Noir Tasting happening at Bricoleur Wineryin Windsor ,and featuring high-end selections crafted by 30+ other amazing Sonoma County Vintners on Thursday, April 23.
The American Fine Wine Competition announces THE Rosé Competition 2026, the 13th edition, taking place at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club on May 16, 2026.
REGISTER YOUR WINES HERE!The fee is $70.00 per wine entered. Registered wines will be accepted through May 1st, 2026. Both International and domestic rosé wines are invited to participate. This includes sparkling, dry, and sweet wine categories.
We require four bottles of each wine entered, two for the competition, one to promote your wine at our annual “Fifty Shades of Pink” public fundraising event (info coming soon), and one signed bottle for our charity auction.
Why Enter THE Rosé Competition? THE Rosé Competition is International and features world-renowned judges from across the country who are professionals in the wine industry: They include chefs, sommeliers, retailers, writers, retailers & educators.
Winning medals can help boost sales and brand awareness.
Give your brand pride, prestige and bragging rights.
Gain recognition with consumers, distributors and retailers.
Wines awarded medals receive a beautiful Medal/Ribbon to display.
Digital medals are provided for promotions, online marketing, and social media.
Medals help you sell more wine!
We promote the results through our media partners and at our trade and consumer tasting events throughout the year. Complete results are listed on the AFWC website.
Thank you and we look forward to sharing your wines! Shari & Chris
Talking with Rickey Trombetta, Proprietor of Trombetta Family Wines, about the beauties of Pinot Noir and the great upcoming SCVPour+Explore Tasting event focused on this amazing red grape variety, happening Thursday, April 23rd at Bricoleur Vineyards in Russian River Valley!
Thirty amazing SoCo wineries, get your TICKETS now! Cheers, Chris
Flashback to YouTube on THE VARIETAL SHOW, featuring iconic Winemaker Tom Rinaldi! Co-owner of Patent Wines in St. Helena, with an emphasis on site specific vineyards within an AVA, he was Head Winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards for more than two decades and helped put Napa Valley and other winegrowing regions on the world map. Tom has extensive experience, paired with Bordeaux best practices honed over 50 harvests.
Don’t miss an unforgettable Pour+Exploreevening of sipping, swirling, and discovery while exploring outstanding Sonoma County Pinot Noir.
Join me and Sonoma County Vintners on Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7:30pm at the beautiful Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, for a walk-around tasting featuring wines from 30+ Sonoma County vintners, featuring a curated selection of wines from each vintner. You’ll enjoy a grazing station prepared by the Bricoleur Vineyard’s culinary team and Executive Chef Todd Knoll.
Starting December 5th, 2026, this 7-night Celebrity Apex cruise departs from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida; with stops in Puerto Plata, Saint Thomas & Basseterre.
