Family Winemakers Event - Five Days Left to Register!

If you live in San Diego and have been wanting to visit wineries in Napa or Paso Robles or some other exotic California wine locale but haven't had the time or money to do it, have no fear - you have an opportunity to have THEM come to YOU.

Family Winemakers of California will host Tasting 2010 at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Sunday, March 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event as billed as "a showcase for the state's small, family-owned wineries," and the list of participating wineries does not disappoint. Register before March 5 for discounted tickets.

Among the wineries that caught my attention:



Ceja Vineyards - the proprietor Amelia Ceja was just featured in the February 2010 issue of More Magazine, in an article titled "Five Women Who Landed Killer Jobs."

Demetria Estate - This vineyard is 100% biodynamic. My first foray into biodynamic wines was with a different winery that shall not be named, because the wine was so painfully awful. However, my dad introduced me to Demetria, and I learned that biodynamic wine can be both responsible and delicious.

Eberle Winery - One of my absolute favorite wines is the 2006 Eberle Zinfandel, and their Cab and Barbera are not too shabby either. They produce affordable, full-bodied wines that you don't mind popping open for no good reason on a Tuesday or bringing as a hostess gift to even your most wine-savvy friends.

Fiddlehead Cellars - a family favorite, and not just because my dad works here and has been part of the production line :) Their Lollapalooza Pinot is rich and smooth, and although I don't like many white wines, I really enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc.

Hendry - Among my group of Napa-loving friends, this winery ranks in the Top 5 of all time. The vineyard itself is run by engineers who have a scientific approach to their winemaking, yet their appreciation for wine and the tasting experience is far from technical. They have one of the friendliest staffs in Napa, many of whom bear the Hendry surname, and their Zinfandel is incredible.

Nickel and Nickel - Another Napa favorite, these wines are a splurge at $90 to $115 a bottle, but they have 13 different Cabernets, so there is something for everyone. Not sure how many of those will be at this event, but it is worth checking out.

Orin Swift - The makers of Papillon and the Prisoner - what more can I say? They will be tasting a Cab and a Zinfandel, so they probably aren't tapping into their more famous selections, but those two varietals should give you a sense of how winemaker Dave Phinney operates.

I could go on and on and on, but I will spare you; there are more than 200 wineries pouring at this event. Advanced tickets are a steal at $45; they can be purchased here before March 5. Otherwise, try your luck at the door, where tickets will be $55.