The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is one of my favorite wine events in the U.S. Now in its 25th year, “Pinot Fest” is a gathering of more than 50 producers from this small, cool-climate AVA, many of whose Pinot Noirs exceed their Sonoma competitors in quality at a fraction of the price. The Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, 5/18, but I recommend spending the weekend and checking out the many related wine and food events that make Pinot Fest a longstanding destination to kick off Spring.
Tasting at Pennyroyal Farms in California's Anderson Valley.
Pinot Fest is a great introduction to Anderson Valley’s signature style: balanced, transparently structured, terroir-driven wines that speak to their origins — in many cases, their precise vineyard sites — across different styles, from austere to lush, elegant to rustic, fancy to everyday.
Pinot Fest weekend is not just about the Grand Tasting. There is a tech conference — a full-day seminar on the topic of Pinot Noir farming and winemaking approaches — a barbecue, a VIP bubble lounge, and eight Mendocino County chefs who’ll be sharing perfect pairings. This festival is all the more special because it’s held in the vineyards, so you’re drinking the wine precisely at its source.
Winetasting in the vineyards at the annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival.
If you can only go for one day, Open House Sunday is the ideal target. Wineries open their doors to offer their unique and diverse styles of hospitality. A few highlights to plan for:
Foursight: French-inspired bites by Chef Kim Badenhop, paired with estate-grown Pinot Noirs, live music under the oaks, in a relaxing setting that overlooks the property’s new lavender field.
Weatherborne: New Pinot release and a preview of 2023 Filligreen Farms, paired with homemade focaccia topped with grapes, labneh, walnuts and a drizzle of hot honey.
Waits-Mast at The Disco Ranch: New and current releases at Disco Ranch on Sunday, May 19 from 11am to 1pm, along with a select library wines.
Maggy Hawk: Pinots paired with the famous hoisin, ginger, and garlic ribs from Boontberry Farm, with an Asian slaw side.
A lineup of Pinot Noirs from the Anderson Valley.
You also have a chance to support the local fire department by way of a month-long auction that starts on May 1st, whose proceeds will benefit the Anderson Valley Fire Dept and the Anderson Valley Housing Association. You can bid on a dozen curated wine experiences with winemakers, food, lodging and more, and it’s a great way to participate in and support this important community event if you can’t make it up there for Pinot Fest.
There are three special winemaker dinners:
Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Friday Night Sunset BBQ at Lula Cellars on Friday, 5/17.
Heart of the Valley Pizza and Bocce event at Maggy Hawk Winery on Saturday, 5/18, following the Grand Tasting. Featuring Long Meadow Ranch, Domaine Anderson, and Goldeneye.
Handley Cellars at Boonville Hotel on Friday, 5/17.
See the full schedule of events here.
If you love tasting world-class wine in one of California’s most beautiful natural landscapes, this is a top-tier event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival’s website. See recommended hotels here.
