Here’s the skinny. Those on the waiting list who are hoping to snag a Passport to Dry Creek Valley April 24 and 25, are scoring some tickets. If you hope to be among them, put yourself on the waiting list by visiting www.wdcv.com or calling 707-433-3031. Then keep your cell close at hand for some news.
The event, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is one of the most highbrow events in Wine Country and yes, one of the most exclusive. Passport only offers 6,000 tickets priced at $120 a pop ($70 for Sunday only). By way of comparison, the Wine Road Barrel Tasting, which spanned two weekends in March, had 25,000 people breeze through with a $20 ticket.
Expect plenty limousines to be traveling the back roads of Dry Creek Valley during Passport weekend and for party themes to be particularly lively. The festival, sponsored by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, plays up themes that range from Mardi Gras to Disco to Hollywood, with live music and savory food pairings from local chefs.
The event, designed to showcase new releases and other wines, is from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25th.
With 46 wineries participating, it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary well in advance. You can peruse www.wdcv.com to see what participating wineries have in store. Here’s a glimpse:
David Coffaro will be doling out spicy Cajun food with his winery’s Mardi Gras theme. (7495 Dry Creek Road, Geyserville, 707-433-9715.) Meanwhile Alderbrook Winery will be having a Pig Roast and live music, the Gator Beast Band. (2306 Magnolia Drive, Healdsburg 800-405-5987.) Fritz Winery will also be courting guests with food, in this case the food pairing of pinot and pate. (24691 Dutcher Creek Road., Cloverdale, 707-894-3389.) And Mounts Family Winery will couple belly dancers with Mediterranean food. (3901 Wine Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-292-8148.)
