Sonoma Country Wine Barrel TastingBarrel tasting in Sonoma Country has become so popular; it now will have its own month. The first annual Barrel Tasting Month will be March 2007, with Sonoma Country wineries offering a variety of opportunities for visitors.
For the entire month, wineries will be celebrating the year's harvest by offering samples of future releases. Wineries throughout the county also will be hosting special events such as winemaker dinners, exclusive tours and live music. The natural pairing of wine and cheese also will be celebrated. The First Annual Artisan Cheese Festival will take place at the Sonoma County Sheraton in Petaluma from March 9-11, 2007. It's the first festival in California to focus on the artisan cheese industry, and will feature approximately 20 of Sonoma Country's cheesemakers. "Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Month will be a terrific winery experience for visitors," says Honore Comfort, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners. "It's a unique opportunity to discover the art of winemaking, talk with the winemakers, and taste wine straight from the barrel. This month is a celebration of Sonoma County and an open invitation to visitors to come into our cellars and wineries and meet the people who make our wines." Barrel Tasting Tips
For the winemaker, it's an occasion to provide a sneak preview and interest wine lovers in what's to come. "Barrel tasting is the only time you get to taste wine while it is still in the process between the grape and the bottle," says Lindley Bynum, retail sales manager at Davis Bynum Winery, a Sonoma County pioneer of Russian River Pinot Noir. Bynum also suggests a tip to those who visit: "Go to the Web site to check out wineries and plan your route. Many will be offering special tours, winemaker dinners, music and other fun things along with the barrel tasting."
Visitors can get information from the Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Web site, www.scbarreltasting.com, which includes a comprehensive calendar and links to wineries and events. Edited by Wendy J Betts |
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Barrel
tasting is a growing trend that gives visitors a chance to experience young,
unfinished wines before they're released to the general public. Those willing to
gamble on the outcome can buy bottles that may become nearly impossible to find.
People who enjoy wine can collect vintages from small family wineries and large,
well-known producers.
Visitors
will get in-depth information on the winemaking process and in many cases will
meet the winemaker or owner. They can sample wine directly from the barrel
before it has matured. For many, tasting the raw, unfinished wine compared to
the final product offers an education in distinguishing different
characteristics of wine.
During
Barrel Tasting Month, some facilities will offer wines that will stay in the
barrel for an additional year or more, while others will have wines that are
just a few weeks from bottling. Rod Berglund, Joseph Swan Vineyards' owner and
winemaker suggests that participants approach barrel tasting as an educational
experience and with an open mind. "The only time most people see wine is after
the cork is pulled from a bottle. To actually follow it over time from the
barrel, to the bottle, then to the table is an amazing learning experience. Wine
is a living thing, and barrel tasting lets you follow the natural evolution."