Savor Summer's Start at ‘Experience Alexander Valley'

Make ravioli, play bocce ball, and take wine-cool tours at this weekend-fun gathering.

SAYING HELLO TO SUMMERTIME? As in, really doing something that says the brightest and warmest season has officially arrived, according to the calendar? There are several grand ways to make the solstice, and the weekend that follows it, especially sparkly. But one of the most tempting for oenophiles, and those interested in knowing more about the whys of wine, is flowering around Alexander Valley on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. That's when Experience Alexander Valley invites light-of-heart, wine-loving, vineyard-vivacious explorers to stop by for a host of get-to-know-us events. One of the major parts of this two-day to-do is, indeed, the...

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ELEMENT, which means you'll go beyond holding a chilled stem in your hand and talking about nose (and nice as that so often is). You'll be able to jump into the action and participate in a blending seminar, which has to be one of the most fascinating routes to finding out how different flavors dance together. Other seminars will include pairing filet mignon with wine, watching a barrel-making demonstration, and a Cabernet and Chocolate Pairing. All of this gourmet-tastic goodness will take place at a number of regional wineries, near Healdsburg and further afield, giving you the opportunity to spend some time at one or two of the area's great grape-growing houses. Participating places? Rodney Strong Vineyards, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and several other acclaimed spots are on the list.

A ONE-DAY TICKET... is $125 and includes two experiences (one morning and one in the afternoon), and the $200 weekend ticket boasts a quartet of must-dos (you'll choose a morning and an afternoon seminar on Saturday and a morning and afternoon pursuit on Sunday).

HELLOOOO SUMMER: Haven't yet found a fantastic, fanciful, and flavorful way to welcome the warmest season, just a day or two after it arrives? Start here, adventuresome wine-wanderers, and commune with one of California's great neck o' the wine woods, the Alexander Valley. 

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