Our first big wine event of 2011 is Passport to Dry Creek Valley (“Passport”) the forthcoming weekend – April 30th, and May 1st.  This is our first Passport. According to the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley (“WDCV”) the association putting on the event…

Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ is an annual event showcasing the wineries, vineyards and exceptional beauty of Dry Creek Valley. There are 60+ wineries and 150 growers in the Dry Creek Valley, producing a variety of wines to please any palate. Wineries up and down Dry Creek Valley celebrate the magic of their valley with wine, food, entertainment and the hospitality for which Dry Creek Valley is famous. Many wineries offer either live music or entertainment…

I think what makes this event special is the combination of wine, food, and entertainment.  This year there are 46 participating wineries, each with various activities.  The event is from 11 am to 4:30 pm daily, so it would be virtually impossible to go to all 46 wineries over a two day period (unless you decided to sprint from winery to winery and stayed at each winery for less than 15 minutes) Besides, with an event like this with wine, food pairing, and entertainment, I think it’s best to take one’s time, and enjoy it, and running from place to place  wouldn’t be that enjoyable for us.  We’re talking quality here, not quantity!

The initial plan is to hit 5 wineries a day, and I was looking for diversity in varietals being poured, favorite foods, entertainment, and also mostly wanted to visit wineries we haven’t been too before (with a few favorites we’ve enjoyed before)  Of course, no plan survives battle. I expect as the day unfolds, we’ll roll with the punches and see what happens! So which wineries did I pick? Without further ado, here’s the hit list:

Amista – All American Diner theme; Chef John Franchetti of Rosso serving up Truffled Sausage Sliders and Mac & Cheese with arugula and prosciutto.

Mauritson – Acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer is enough for me, but on top of that barrel tasting and single-vineyard Rockpile wines!

Mazzocco – Our starting point; Cuban theme with big band salsa beat of Orquesta Borinquen, and Cuban foods paired with their wines.

Michel-Schlumberger – Great property with “Take Me Out To the Benchlands” theme.  Live music with Carlos Herrera Band.

Ridge – World-class Zins, and single vineyard Rhone blends paired with Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs Sliders!

Alderbrook – Caribbean theme; Pigs and Pinot, and Zins in the Tiki Lounge. And how can you go wrong with a tropical music and a Conga line?!

Frick – Pouring unique Rhone varietals such as Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Counoise, along with Grenache.

Mounts – Middle Easter theme; Persian food paired with Petite Sirah, Zin, and Malbec. Oh and belly dancing!

Seghesio – Cajun theme, including Zydeco music; Cajun BBQ Ribs, Seafood Gumbo, Tasso Shrimp Fettuccini paired with great Zins and Italian varietals.

Unti – Live music with a Saskatoon guitarist; wines include highly regarded Rosé, Rhone, and Italian varietals.

In addition to these wineries, I’ve also got my eye on Quivira, Talty (may have to swing by here just for the Zinfandel Cherry Chipotle Lamb tacos!). I’ll let you know how it goes!

In Vino Veritas!