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Barrel tasting in the Sonoma, California Wine 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. A Growing Trend to Sample Young Wines 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 and also hosting special events, including winemaker dinners, exclusive tours and live music. The natural pairing of wine and cheese also will be celebrated in 2007.
(Sonoma County is also a prime location for bike riding) 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 cheesemakers. 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. A Premier Wine Growing Region 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. 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, suggests that participants approach barrel tasting as an educational experience and with an open mind.
(Barrel tasting lets you follow the natural evolution of wine) "The only time most people see wine is after the cork is pulled from a bottle," he says. "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 about barrel tasting events at www.scbarreltasting.com, which will include a comprehensive calendar and links to wineries and events. Air service to Sonoma County's Charles M. Schulz Airport via Horizon Airlines begins March 2007. For details on a Sonoma Country vacation, contact the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau at (800) 576-6662 or visit www.SonomaCounty.com. (Click
below for more travel).
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