Growing Trend in Wine Tasting a Barrel of Fun
First Annual Barrel Tasting Month Opens Doors to Sonoma Country Wineries

(Sonoma County, CA: February 14, 2007) Barrel tasting in Sonoma Country has become so popular, it now will have its own month. The first annual Barrel Tasting Month will be March 2007, with scores of Sonoma Country wineries offering a variety of unique opportunities for visitors.

Barrel tasting is a growing trend that gives visitors a rare chance to experience young, unfinished wines before they're released to the general public. Those willing to gamble on the outcome can buy bottles that may become nearly impossible to find. People who enjoy wine can collect vintages from small family wineries and large, well-known producers.

For the entire month, wineries will be celebrating the year's harvest by offering samples of future releases. Wineries throughout the county also will be hosting special events such as winemaker dinners, exclusive tours and live music. The natural pairing of wine and cheese also will be celebrated in 2007. The First Annual Artisan Cheese Festival will take place March 9-11 at the Sonoma County Sheraton in Petaluma. It's the first festival in California to focus on the artisan cheese industry, and will feature approximately 20 of Sonoma Country's world-class cheese makers.

"Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Month will be a terrific winery experience for visitors,? says Honore Comfort, executive director of Sonoma County Vintners." It's a unique opportunity to discover the art of winemaking, talk with the winemakers, and taste wine straight from the barrel. This month is a celebration of Sonoma County and an open invitation to visitors to come into our cellars and wineries and meet the people who make our wines.

Sonoma County is a premier wine-growing region with a diversity of soil and weather conditions (micro-climates) perfectly suited for specific varietals. The county boasts 13 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), more than 250 wineries and grows dozens of different grape varieties. The annual grape harvest represents 61 percent of the county's total agriculture, which is no surprise considering the area's history. Grape growing has been an integral part of Sonoma County since the early 1800s when Russian colonists and Spanish Franciscan Fathers planted the first vineyards.

Barrel Tasting Tips
Visitors will get in-depth information on the winemaking process and in many cases will meet the winemaker or owner. They can sample wine directly from the barrel before it has matured. For many, tasting the raw, unfinished wine compared to the final product offers an education in distinguishing different characteristics of wine.

For the winemaker, it's an occasion to provide a sneak preview and interest wine lovers in what's to come. "Barrel tasting is the only time you get to taste wine while it is still in the process between the grape and the bottle," says Lindley Bynum, retail sales manager at Davis Bynum Winery, a Sonoma County pioneer of Russian River Pinot Noir. Bynum also suggests a tip to those who visit: "Go to the Web site to check out wineries and plan your route. Many will be offering special tours, winemaker dinners, music and other fun things along with the barrel tasting."

During Barrel Tasting Month, some facilities will offer wines that will stay in the barrel for an additional year or more, while others will have wines that are just a few weeks from bottling. Rod Berglund, Joseph Swan Vineyards' owner and winemaker suggest that participants approach barrel tasting as an educational experience and with an open mind. "The only time most people see wine is after the cork is pulled from a bottle. To actually follow it over time from the barrel, to the bottle, then to the table is an amazing learning experience. Wine is a living thing, and barrel tasting lets you follow the natural evolution."

Beginning December 8, 2006, Visitors can get information from the Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Web site, www.scbarreltasting.com, which will include a comprehensive calendar and links to wineries and events. Also, the Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Guide is distributed to wine lovers nationwide and to local hotels and wineries. It has valuable information on the Sonoma County wine regions and American Viticultural Areas. It includes a comprehensive AVA map, information on barrel tasting, seasons in the vineyard, winery listings, accommodations and a calendar of major events.

Sonoma County Barrel Tasting Month is presented in cooperation with the Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma County Wine grape Commission, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Russian River Wine Road, Russian River Valley Winegrowers, Alexander Valley Winegrowers, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, Heart of Sonoma Valley, and the Artisan Cheese Festival.

The mission of the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau is to promote Sonoma County's identity as a premier overnight destination with unique and diverse experiences. The Sonoma County Tourism Bureau is the Destination Marketing Organization for Sonoma Country. Air service to Sonoma County's Charles M. Schulz Airport via Horizon Airlines begins March 2007. For details on a Sonoma Country vacation, the public may contact the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau at 1-800-576-6662 or visit www.SonomaCounty.com.