Alsace Varietal Festival @ Anderson Valley, CA
Anderson Valley, because of its cool climate, provides ideal growing conditions for Alsace varietals. Some 24 wineries from around the world will participate in this annual festival celebrating Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc prepared in the classic style of these noble Alsace varietals.
The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) is proud to announce its second International Alsace Varietals Festival, which will take place on February 3 & 4, 2007.
Twenty-four wineries from around the world will participate in this second annual festival celebrating Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc crafted in the classic style of these noble Alsace varietals.
Anderson Valley, because of its cool climate, provides ideal growing conditions for Alsace varietals. Navarro Vineyards and Husch Vineyards, two of the earliest producers, began by planting Alsace varietals in the 1970’s. Today there are more producers of Alsace Varietal wines in Anderson Valley, including Breggo Cellars, Claudia Springs Winery, Esterlina Vineyards, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Handley Cellars, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Londer Vineyards and Raye’s Hill Vineyards & Winery.
Participating wineries from outside the area include: Alexander Valley Vineyards (CA), Amity (OR), Banyan (CA), Chateau Ste Michelle (WA), Chehalem (OR), Clairborne & Churchill (CA), Domaine Charles Bauer (FR), Domaines Schlumberger (FR), Foris (OR), Joseph Fritsch (FR), McFadden Farms (CA), Thomas Fogarty (CA) and V. Sattui (CA).
On Saturday, February 3, the main event of the festival will be a grand tasting and lunch from 12:00PM to 3:00PM at Scharffenberger Cellars in Philo. This will be preceded in the morning by a technical conference, hosted by Sarah Bennett of Navarro Vineyards.
On Saturday evening a Winemakers Dinner will be held at Handley Cellars featuring Alsatian varietal wines from local and not-so-local producers. The dinner will feature foods from around the world that compliment Alsatian varietal wines.
The weekend will conclude on Sunday, February 4, with a series of open houses at Anderson Valley wineries – featuring special tastings, educational talks, vineyard tours, music, food and Alsace-style wines available for purchase.