Heritage of Sparkling Wine Celebrated at 23rd Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

Now in its 23rd year, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival will celebrate the region’s signature grape on May 20-22, 2022. The festival takes place throughout Anderson Valley, but the largest event, the grand tasting, will move to a new location at Scharffenberger Cellars.

By hosting the event at a sparkling wine house, the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association hopes to highlight Pinot Noir’s sparkling history in the Valley, alongside its exceptional still wines. In addition to the new location, the festival will also feature a VIP Bubble Lounge sponsored by the Roederer Estate Family of Wines (with wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars, and Champagne Louis Roederer), and an in-depth look at the versatility of Pinot Noir from still to sparkling during Friday’s educational seminars, a panel moderated by wine writer Virgine Boone.

“We have a long tradition of high-end sparkling wines here in Anderson

Valley, so we are excited to explore the impact those wines have had and show how they may have changed over the past few decades,” says Courtney DeGraff, executive director of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association.

In conjunction with the V.I.P Bubble Lounge, the grand tasting will feature approximately 50 producers pouring Pinot Noir, ranging in style from sparkling to still to rosé. Wineries pouring include Anderson Valley producers, as well as more than a dozen Napa and Sonoma producers that source fruit from the region.

Other events during the festival include a technical conference with three distinct educational seminars led by industry experts, a gourmet sunset BBQ at Goldeneye Winery, and winery open houses throughout the Anderson Valley.

Tickets are now available on the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association Web site at www. avwines.com/pinot-noir-festival. More information can be found online, or by contacting the Association via email at info@avwines.com.