Quick Hits: 3 Wine Country Events for Your Weekend Escape

Want to get out of the city? This weekend is the perfect time to do it! Many of our favorite wineries are hosting fabulous spring tastings. Hall is throwing their 8th annual Cabernet Cookoff on Saturday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. An impressive lineup of chefs will form teams and compete to make the best bite that pairs with Hall’s Cabernet. Kathryn Hall will be joined by a panel of celebrity judges including Duff Goldman, Natalie Coughlin, Virginie Boone, and Ken Frank. Participating chefs are from the following restaurants:  The Grill at Meadowood, One Market, Harvest Table, The Patriot, Ca’Momi, Winery Chefs Napa Valley, Goose & Gander, Paula Le Duc Fine Catering, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ, Shakewell Oakland, Harris Ranch, Feast Catering, Brix, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, Kara’s Cupcakes and Sift Dessert Bar. The winner will donate the proceeds from the event to a local nonprofit. It promises to be a delicious and thrilling event!

Photo Credit: Bob Mclenahan

The Stags Leap District is having a weekend long open house. Every year, wineries in Stags Leap give visitors a back stage pass into the lives of their vintners and winemakers. There are private tours of historic properties, barrel tastings, and food pairings. Each winery is offering something unique and memorable. Participating wineries include Odette Estate, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, Clif Lede, Chimney Rock and many more. This is an excellent opportunity to explore one of the Valley’s most iconic vineyard designates.

The folks in Dry Creek are also hosting their 28th annual passport weekend with 46 wineries participating. Passport to Dry Creek Valley takes place on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wineries are inviting guests to enjoy the taste, sights, and sounds of wine country with food and wine pairings and special tastings. Some experiences you won’t want to miss are happening at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Kokomo, and Ridge Lytton Springs.