While even the snobbiest wine connoisseur won't turn down a good blend, single-origin wines, grown in just one vineyard and bottled without blending, are typically among a winery's most desirable (and most expensive) offerings.
This Thursday, the Uncorked Events team is offering a unique opportunity to taste only single-vineyard wines, all of which will be sourced from the Russian River Valley.
The Russian River Valley Single Vineyard Night, held at the General's Residence at Fort Mason, will feature wines from 25 of the region's top producers, including Baletto Vineyards & Winery, Dutton Estate, Gary Farrell Winery, Hartford Family Winery, La Crema, Lauterbach Cellars, Sandole Wines, and Thomas George Estates. Pinot noir, zinfandel, syrah, and chardonnay are the specialties of the region, and these four varietals will comprise the majority of the wines on offer.
In addition to unlimited tastings, admission includes music from DJ Sol and bites from Russian River Valley food suppliers like John Ash restaurant and Redwood Hill Creamery. To help you learn more about what's in your glass, the organizers are offering another unique bonus: only winemakers and growers will be on hand, instead of the sales or customer-service folks who often attend tasting events. The party will also feature a silent auction, with rare bottles and other unique wine ephemera on the block to benefit the Russian River Valley Winegrowers' Association.
General-admission tickets are $50 ($40 each when purchased in blocks of four or more), while VIP tickets are $65 ($55 each for four or more). VIP guests get to start the party an hour early, as well as access to tastings of a special reserve or library wine that each winery will only offer during the VIP hour. Considering that most of the bottles available for tasting go for $50 or more at retail, it's a great opportunity to try some vintages you might not otherwise get to sample.
