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There is just so much going on this weekend for the wine lover. In my last article I covered the events of San Benito Passport Weekend, Lodi ZinFest, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival and Paso Robles Wine Festival. Two others that need to be mentioned are the Highlands Fling in Santa Lucia Highlands to the South of San Jose and the Sonoma Valley Passport Weekend to the North.
The Wine Artisans of Santa Lucia Highlands are holding their 3rd annual “Highlands’ Fling” from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Hahn Estates. This celebration will feature a strolling wine tasting featuring the most prized vintages and special reserves of the Santa Lucia Highlands’s artisan winemakers. And local chefs will be providing their delicacies to pair with these fine wines.
Santa Lucia Highlands in the Salinas Valley of Monterey County has been growing wine grapes since the Spanish missionaries and conquistadors. In the modern era famous vineyards at Paraiso, Sleepy Hollow, La Estancia and Smith & Hook were planted in the 1970’s. The vineyards on the SLH terraces overlooking the Salinas Valley are planted on glacial alluvial soils. These soils, combined with the ocean fog and afternoon breezes create an excellent climate for fine wines, particularly Burgundian styles using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The elevated location takes full advantage of the morning sunshine before the maritime breezes begin to cool the vineyards like clockwork in the early afternoon. Currently there are 6,100 acres planted on 45 vineyard properties. Santa Lucia Highlands has been going green with organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming long before other areas.
Highlands’ Fling will be held at Hahn Estates this year. Admission is $85. Scheduled to pour their SLH releases are Belle Glos, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Cru, Foghorn, Hahn, La Rochelle, Lucienne, Manzoni, Mer Soleil, McIntyre, Miura, Morgan, Novy, Paraiso, Pelerin, Pessagno, Pisoni, Puma Road, Roar, Talbott, Testarossa, Siduri, Six Strings, Tantara, Tondre, Tudor, and Wrath
On May 16 and 17 the Sonoma Valley Vintners will host their passport weekend. Sonoma Valley is the home of California Wine Industry. Over 50 Sonoma Valley wineries will be pouring 300 exceptional wines. You will get to experience these wines with delicious food pairings. Many of these wineries are not normally open to the public so it is your opportunity to experience special tastings and talk to the winemakers.
Weekend passports are $55 in advance online or $65 at the door. Single day passports are available for $50 online in advance or $60 at the door. Check their website for more information.
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