Twice as Winey

There are two events I am really sorry to be missing this year. But my vacation is long overdue and so it goes. Both are wine events, benefits for really great causes and are not expensive to attend. Please go and enjoy them in my place. Both of the events also sell out annually so get your tickets soon...

The first is A Celebration Marin County Pinot Noir on June 9th and 10th from 5 - 8. I feel particularly attached to this event because I grew up in Marin County. The event takes place at Escalle Winery, tucked away on Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur, which is just walking distance from so many of my childhood haunts. I used to walk past it and feel like I was getting a glimpse into the past. It's rarely open to the public so this is a special opportunity to check it out.

It's also a benefit for the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, a member-supported, nonprofit organization created by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to permanently preserve Marin County farmland and to date has protected more than 38,000 acres on 57 family farms. You'll get a chance to try wines from Corda Winery, Dutton-Goldfield, Pey-Marin Vineyards, Pt. Reyes Vineyard, Stubbs Vineyard, Sean Thackrey and Vision Cellar and there will be a variety of artisan cheeses and other delicious foods – all grown on the family farms of Marin County. Tickets for the fundraiser must be purchased in advance from MALT or call 415.663.1158 Tickets are $40 per person and may be tax deductible.

The other event is the annual Taste of New Zealand wine tasting event on June 14th from 6:30 - 8:30. It's a fundraiser for Taproot Foundation, an organization I've been involved with since it began. Taproot provides services to non-profits on a pro-bono basis. But aside from supporting a great cause, it's the wines that make this event so terrific. Really wonderful wines are coming from New Zealand these days. Crisp, citrusy and herbal Sauvignon Blancs are a staple in my pantry, but check out the Pinot Noirs as well. Tickets are $50 and there will be hors d’oeuvres and live music to enjoy along with the wines, at the fabulous SF Museum of Modern Art. Tickets are available online.

WINE