Vintage VIP

Backstage passes. VIP entrances. Behind-the-scenes access. So what's wine country's version of special treatment? The 37th Annual Barrel Tasting along Sonoma County's beautiful Wine Road (March 6 – 15)! This isn't your standard passport-tasting event—this is a ticket to go into the cellars at 100+ wineries and sample limited-production wines straight from the barrels in Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. Passionate small-production winemakers open their cellars and invite you to stay awhile. Pack a picnic, bring a bike to cycle between stops, and sip award-winning favorites like pinot noir, zinfandel, cabernet, and sauvignon blanc—along with dozens of international varietals including barbera, carignane, grenache, and dolcetto. You'll also get an exclusive chance to purchase “futures” (aka the bottled finished product) on barrel samples—often at a discount! Many wines are so limited that buying futures is your only chance to purchase them. This March, may all your roads lead to the one that takes you behind the cellar doors for a barrel of fun.

TIP: Get your tickets to the Wine Road's 37th Annual Barrel Tasting March 6 – 15 and be among the first to try and buy limited-production wines sampled behind the cellar doors and straight from the barrel.