16th Annual Winter White Wine Celebration in Anderson Valley

Boonville, CA – Tickets are now on sale via Cellarpass for Anderson Valley’s 16th Annual Winter White Wine Festival taking place February 17th-19th. First planted in the 1960s to Alsatian grapes like Gewürztraminer by Husch & Edmeades, Anderson Valley has since welcomed other notable whites like  Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, and Chardonnay. These diverse whites share the spotlight in this festival highlighting the unique viticulture provided by Anderson Valley’s cool temperatures and terroir.

Weekend guests will have the opportunity to select up to 4 VIP winery experiences each day with over 27 participating wineries. Among the event options, guests can take a tractor ride with Fathers + Daughters Cellars to the top of an eastern ridge, overlooking the Ferrington Vineyard and this picturesque wine region (weather permitting). They will also offer a flight of Sarah’s Rustic Bubbles (pet nat), Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir, all complimented by tasty bites. 

In the Deep End, Lula Cellars will offer tasting flights of 6 wines, featuring their sought-after Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay with their signature paella at their estate vineyard. Weatherborne Wine will offer a winemaker flight of their organically-farmed, small vineyard Chenin Blanc and Roussanne, paired with Alsatian delicacy Flammkuchen (classic bacon & onion flatbread tart), while also sampling Anderson Valley Pinot and Mendocino Grenache. 

Historic Handley Cellars will offer small bites with a flight of white wines, including a library vintage from one of Anderson Valley’s earliest producers. For a full Winter White Wine experience, Handley is hosting a special Saturday evening Winemaker Dinner where they will be pairing their most exclusive white wines with a locally prepared Alsatian-inspired dinner. 

Hosted by the Anderson Valley Winegrower’s Association, the Winter White Wine celebration is a complement to the Harvest Tidrick in the fall and the Pinot Noir Festival in the Spring. AVWA executive director Courtney DeGraff says, “White wine grapes are an important part of our region’s history, and this event weekend is designed to pay respect to both our Alsatian grape heritage, and the other unique plantings thriving in Anderson Valley. It is a great weekend to allow our guests to taste and appreciate the superb white wine and sparkling being produced in Anderson Valley.”

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About the Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association

The Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association (AVWA) was founded in 1983, the same year as the appellation. Made up of 24 vineyard, 54 winery and 63 associate members, the nonprofit organization operates with the goal of supporting the region’s premier grape growers and wineries, as well as promoting the region’s distinguished wines. In addition to acting as a resource for its members, the association aims to better its community by donating funds every year to local nonprofit organizations.