19th Annual Family Winemakers Tasting
Popular Tasting Showcases Small, Undiscovered Wineries at Fort Mason
Aug 19, 2009
One of the largest and most comprehensive tastings of California wine in the world, the annual Family Winemakers of California Tasting in San Francisco, has emerged as the premier opportunity for consumers to experience the world of California wine under one roof. The 19th annual Family Winemakers of California Tasting will be held Sunday, August 23, 2009, at Fort Mason in San Francisco. This popular event features 360 family-owned wineries from California’s top wine regions and showcases some of California’s finest wines, many of them from small, boutique wineries.
A Chance To Taste Unusual Varieties
Many of these wineries will be pouring alternative and unusual varieties this year. Some of the more unusual reds include Aglianico, Lagrein, Negrette, Bastardo, Counoise, Tannat and Tinta Cao, while unusual whites to be poured include Albarino, Picpoul Blanc, Torrontes and Vermentino. Of course there will be top producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir from appellations all throughout California.
A broad range of prices will be represented. The most expensive wine in the tasting will be a $200 bottle, while the least expensive wine will be $8. 30 wineries will be pouring wines that sell for $100 or more!
This comprehensive tasting gives consumers first-hand access to new wineries, wines and grape varieties they may never have heard of, and the winemakers and winery owners themselves. From undiscovered gems to old favorites and California wine classics, the Family Winemakers Tasting is a rare opportunity to try California’s newest and best wines. Most wineries in attendance are high-end, small production wineries (under 5,000 cases per year) from a variety of regions around California, including Napa, Sonoma, Sierra Foothills, Paso Robles, Monterey County, Mendocino and more.
For those desiring to track the current state of affairs in the California wine scene, the Family Winemakers Tasting affords the opportunity to discuss wine-related issues with winery representatives and owners as well as the chance to taste their products. A catalog listing all the wineries and wines to be poured is given out and is also available online at the Family Winemakers of California website.
Tasting Events in Northern and Southern California
The 19th Annual Family Winemakers of California Tasting will be held at the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 per person at the door. Tickets can be obtained online at www.familywinemakers.org or by calling 877-772-5425.
A Southern California tasting is held each year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. The date set for next year is March 14, 2010.
Public Tasting Etiquette
A note about wine tasting etiquette: Where thousands of people gather to experience hundreds if not thousands of wines, the atmosphere becomes increasingly invigorated as the event progresses. These events are not intended to devolve into massive parties and it’s important to observe the Four S rule: Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Spit. It is never insulting to use the spit cups provided or the dump buckets found on every table. And it’s a good idea to nibble on the food offerings from time to time.
Family Winemakers of California was founded in 1991 to give voice and presence to small, family wineries in California. The annual tasting started as an event for retail and restaurant wine buyers. In 1997 a consumer tasting was added to the event, and it quickly became popular with consumers looking to discover new wines or eager to experience the current state of California wine production.
