Bouillabaise Festival at The Brander Vineyard, photograph by Bob DickeyWinery Events

While our membership thrives on growing great grapes and making superb wines, we are happiest when we are sharing our wines and stories with friends new and old. There is always something going on here in Wine Country – a festival, vineyard tour, winemaker dinner, special tasting, barn dance, grape stomping contest, live theatre…you name it. The following is a calendar of events held by member wineries. But check back often, as this calendar is constantly being updated!

 

March 17 Riverbench Green Wine & Pizza?
St. Patrick’s Day is normally associated with beer, but we’ve got a great alternative for a wine lover’s St. Paddy’s celebration: green wine with corned beef and cabbage pizza – the ultimate Irish indulgence!
March 19 - 21 Melville Small Lot Collection Pinot Noir Release
The debut of the 2008 estate small lot collection pinot noirs: Indigène, Terraces and Carrie's. All three wines will be featured in the tasting room while Brent Melville barbecues complimentary tri-tip sandwiches for all in attendance on Saturday and Sunday.
March 20 D'Alfonso - Curran Vineyard Tour
Come join us for a day of education, great wine, and spectacular views! The bus will leave around 8am, bound for the Sta. Rita Hills, and a few of Kris and Bruno's favorite vineyards. We'll meet at the Tasting Room and finish at the winery with lunch, catered by New West, and barrel-tastings.
March 20 Rideau Mardi Gras Festival
 Come celebrate with us – Rideau style! Festivities include great food (BBQ Ribs, Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Red Beans & Rice, Jalapeno Cornbread and triple Chocolate Brownies), live Zydeco Music by T-Lou and His Rockin’ Band, Wine Glass engraving and more! From 11 – 4:30
March 27 - 28 several member wineries Rhône Rangers Tasting, San Francisco
The thirteenth annual event includes seminars on Saturday & Sunday, a winemaker dinner on Saturday evening, and the grand tasting on Sunday afternoon. For more details, visit their website.
April 3 Riverbench Easter Egg Hunt
 Hippity, hoppity, our Easter Egg Hunt is on its way! We are hosting a family friendly Easter Egg Hunt with prizes for everyone. Kids who find eggs hidden outside on our grounds will be awarded candies, including chocolate bunnies. Wine-related prizes ranging form wine discounts to small gift packs and more will be awarded to entrants 1 years and older. We guarantee you’ll have something fun to take home!
April 14 Riverbench National Lawyer’s Appreciation Day
Since our tag line “Approach the Bench” seems to be a big hit with all you lawyers, we decided to dedicate an entire day to you. Present your business card and receive special treatment!
April 16 several member wineries The first day of Vintners' Festival Weekend - click here for all the details.
April 17 all member wineries

The second day of Vintners' Festival Weekend - click here for all the details.

Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival
A long weekend of celebration around the festival at River Park, Lompoc.
Visit the Vintners' Festival page for more information and to purchase tickets.
April 18 several member wineries The third day of Vintners' Festival Weekend - click here for all the details.
April 19 several member wineries The fourth day of Vintners' Festival Weekend - click here for all the details.
April 29 - May 1 several member wineries Hospice du Rhône, Paso Robles
An exceptional 3-day event globally regarded as the single most essential and enjoyable gathering of international Rhône wine producers and enthusiasts. For more information and tickets, please visit the Hospice du Rhône website.
May 15 Buttonwood Farm Crawfish Boil
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! It's 2010 and that means the Crawfish Boil is back. Treat yourself to a unique wine country event in our vineyard by the pond. Don't miss this true Louisiana-style crawfish boil complete with all the trimmings, live Zydeco music, and our award winning estate grown wines.
June 19 Fiddlehead Cellars FiddleFest!
 FiddleFest returns this year! And as our “main event”, it’s not to be missed! It’s an exploration and celebration of our Fiddlestix Vineyard – the place, the people, the wines and the feeling. All of our colleagues who craft a Fiddlestix designated Pinot Noir will pour their wines at the famous Fiddlestix Barn located at mile marker 7.28 on Santa Rosa Rd, smack dab in the middle of the phenomenal Santa Rita Hills. There is fantastic food a-plenty and, of course, a fiddlin’ good time! Contact us to get on the list.
June 19 Lucas & Lewellen Summer BBQ at Valley View Vineyard
Our annual Summer Barbecue is an event as unforgettable as our host, the Dirtman himself! Visit with Louis Lucas, Royce Lewellen, Megan McGrath Gates, and your Lucas & Lewellen friends while savoring new Lucas & Lewellen and Mandolina wine releases, a wine country barbecue, live music by Mike Shelton, and the gorgeous view of the Valley View Vineyard. Please reserve early as seating is limited.
December 4 & 5 Buttonwood Farm Pomegranate Festival and Holiday Open House
Who doesn't need some holiday cheer? Come on out and sample fabulous pomegranate recipes, taste award winning wines and take care of your holiday shopping in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.