Monthly Archives: April 2026

Appellation, Event, Food, Sommelier, Sonoma County Vintners, Tasting, Travels, Varietal, Vineyards, Wine, Winery

Pour+Explore Four Valleys on May 21st!

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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

  • Paradise Ridge Winery
  • Russian River Valley
  • Knights Valley
  • Alexander Valley
  • Sonoma County AVA Map
Event, Sommelier, Sonoma County Vintners, Tasting, Varietal, Video, Virtual, Vlog, Wine, Winery

A Taste Of Merry Edwards On THE VARIETAL SHOW!

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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.

Event, Food, People, Sommelier, Sonoma County Vintners, Tasting, Varietal, Video, Wine, Winery

Talking to Wine Icon Michael Browne on TVS

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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!
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To taste Pinot gems from these brands, join us at the Pour+Explore Pinot Noir Tasting happening at Bricoleur Winery in Windsor ,and featuring high-end selections crafted by 30+ other amazing Sonoma County Vintners on Thursday, April 23.

Visit SCV for more details and TICKETS!!

Awards, Charity, Competition, Event, Food, Judging, Sommelier, Tasting, Travels

Fifty Shades of Pink! A Fundraiser with Rosé, Sunday, May 17th

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Every year, AFWC presents Fifty Shades of Pink, as a follow-up fundraising event to THE Rosé Competition. It is a fantastic opportunity to sip incredible wine, taste fabulous food, listen to cool sounds, and help raise funds for important causes.

The 2026 Fifty Shades of Pink is open to the public and will take place on Sunday, May 17th, at the Fort Lauderdale Women’s Club: A late-afternoon-into-the-evening fun. Pouring more than 150 beautiful rosé wines and dozens of award-winning wines from The Invitational – amazing reds & whites – plus wineries will be there pouring other wines. Local restaurants are also invited to showcase their creations. Get your TICKETS!

When your winery registers for THE Rosé Competition, your wines will also be shared at this benefit event, which attracts hundreds of business professionals: An opportunity to showcase wines and meet these enthusiastic attendees. Wineries register HERE!

Awards, Competition, Event, Judging, Sommelier, Travels, Varietal, Wine

Time to Enter! THE Rosé Competition From AFWC

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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