It’s that time of year again when the folks over at the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association host a Pinot lovers dream event. The 12th Annual Pinot Paradise event series covers three days (May 20th-22nd). Attendees can expect three jam-packed days devoted to exclusively everything Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The events overall motto: discover how and why this appellation is quickly becoming recognized as one of the world’s leading Pinot Noir producers.
Available all three days is the Pathway to Pinot Paradise. Follow along a self-guided tour from 12pm-5pm around the 30+ wineries. Sip and sample a variety of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay options from the local producers of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Choose a different tasting route each day to shake things up and gain the most of this glorious wine trail. For ease of travel, Pathway to Pinot Paradise has already been mapped out into four distinct sub-regions: Coastal Santa Cruz Mountains, South Santa Cruz Mountains, The Summit, and North Santa Cruz Mountains.
Prior to the Pathway to Pinot Paradise on Saturday May 21st, Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association hosts the Pinot Noir Technical Session from 830am-1130am. Ken Burnap, the founder of Santa Cruz Montain Vineyard, and David Bennion, the late co-founder of Ridge Vineyards, are speaking to attendees of how the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA came to be and their personal accounts of making it all happen. Following the speakers, a technical tasting is open for those who want to attend. Experience how the terroir of the site and the craft of the producer influence each wine.
Package both events for $75 or choose one for $45. Whether Pinot expert or amateur, begin or continue your Pinot journey here.
