The Dry Creek Valley wineries and grape growers met on Zoom and formally decided to cancel lteh 2020 event that was originally set for April 25-26 in Sonoma County.
The announcement on the website listed the uncertainty around the COVID-19 virus, the shelter-in-place order and when people were going to be able to travel and gather in groups again as the rationale for the decision.
People who purchased tickets for 2020 automatically will be rolled over to the April 24-25, 2021 event. The original decision to postpone came just as Gov. Gavin Newsom was announcing the statewide shutdown and county health officers were announcing their own orders.
The event features wine and food pairings at more than 35 wineries in the picturesque valley that is just northwest of Healdsburg. The valley is less than two miles wide and stretches for 16 miles north to south to the base of the Lake Sonoma Dam. It’s bisected by Dry Creek, a swiftly flowing creek that carries water released from Lake Sonoma south to the Russian River. During spawning season, salmon and steelhead can be seen in the creek.
The valley has a well-deserved reputation for its old vine Zinfandels and Petite Sirah, but more than 30 different varietals are grown here. Some old vine vineyards are more than 100 years old. It has been a separate appellation since 1983. Visiting Dry Creek Wineries has been a favorite for our family for more than 35 years. It’s characterized by many small operations making award-winning wines, including some multi-generational families.
You can check out ACES’ coverage of Dry Creek wineries: Dutcher Creek, DaVero, Bella , Flanagan and Williamson.
For an overview of what Healdsburg and Sonoma County offers for wine, fine dining and golf, please see our coverage
The Passport event showcases the wines and pairs them with foods at the participating wineries. Wineries will be releasing new wines for spring and offering case specials during the weekend. Entertainment will be featured at several locations as well as vineyard tours.
ACES and the Dry Creek Winegrowers Association have partnered to offer two, two-day tickets valued at $300 for 2021. To enter to win, sign up to receive our ACES email that highlights the robust content on our website. The winner will be randomly drawn and notified by April 2.
On Friday, April 24, many wineries will offer special lunches for guests ($75), while new Uncorked sessions (30 minutes, $20) will be held both weekend days. Tickets are now on sale here.
By Tim Hunt