The Harvest Festival is will be held on September 27-28, 2019. The festivities will include parade, entertainment, performances, music, diaper derby, scarecrow decorating contest, homegrown growing contest, pie and bread contest, arts and crafts, food and more. Visit the agricultural pavilion and browse various displays, farm animals, a grape stomp and more. Free admission. Hours: Fri 4pm-9pm; Sat 10am-5pm
Author: Jenni
Chicken Chilaquiles
Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival
Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Please join us as we celebrate our 23rd anniversary of the Julian Grape Stomp Festa! We are excited to be continuing the old-world tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting tons of blessed grapes squish beneath your feet! A new exciting addition this year; the proceeds go to The Inner North Star PTSD Retreat Center, here in Julian.
South Coast Winery Grape Stomp
It’s that time of the year again! Time to get your stompin’ on! Grab your friends and join us on Sunday, September 15th from 5pm-9pm for South Coast Winery’s annual Grape Stomp. Your ticket includes: A Glass of Red or White Wine; A Sparkling Wine Toast for our Harvest Blessing; Dinner Buffet; Live Music by Endeavor; and of course, Grape Stomping!
Ponte Winery Grape Stomp
Join us this year at our Annual Grape Stomp as we ring in autumn with the ultimate harvest season festival! Everything is included for event guests; Ponte wine, a spectacular catered dinner, live music, dancing and the Grape Stomp competition (with prizes, to boot)! Yes, this means stomping grapes from our vineyard in a barrel with bare feet while your partner fills up a wine bottle with the resulting juice.
Harvest Celebration STOMP
Let’s celebrate Harvest Season at the Castello! Come and ‘sink your toes in some grapes’ on the Crush Pad and sip some vino under the Harvest sky. Join in on the Grape Stomp Competition or cheer for your team as they compete to produce the most juice! See the harvest and winemaking demonstrations provided by our Winemaking Team. Enjoy a rustic Wine Country dinner buffet paired with the Castello wines. Dance the night away to the rockin’ sounds of a live band
Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival
Join us for the 122nd annual Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival – a weekend of food, wine, art and a celebration of harvest. Includes both adult and youth grape stomps! The number of teams will be limited.
Ficklin Vineyards Harvest Stomp
Celebrate Ficklin Vineyards 70th harvest with a hearty great stomp and meal. Savor Tri-tip BBQ al fresco, Stomp grapes, Taste Ports, Sip on Port punch and Sangrias, Indulge in desserts, play corn hole, sample fermentations in process on their way to becoming award-winning Ports!
Old Fashioned Harvest Grape Stomp
Start on the terrace with coffee and pastries, where you’ll meet founder Fred Schweiger and his winemaker son Andy. Guests pick and stomp grapes while tasting Schweiger wine during Harvest, the most exciting time of the year! Dress in clothes that are comfortable for spending time in the sun, where you’ll learn what makes this terroir unique, how to measure brix (sugar) levels in the fruit, farming techniques, and then you’ll have a chance to pick Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After your samples are harvested, head back to the crush pad where the stomping of grapes begins (along with tasting Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.) A sit down to lunch on the terrace features red wines, including Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blend, Dedication. The afternoon concludes with Port XIII and chocolate.
Down to Earth Newsletter Archive
Newsletter Archive
2 for 1 Tastings for Cyclists Visiting V. Sattui Winery
Eco-friendly, Napa Green, Certified Organic V. Sattui Winery rewards cyclists with 2-for-1 Marketplace Tastings March 1st – September 30th. Help keep Napa “green” and cycle in for a tasting of award-winning wines sold only at the winery.
2 for 1 Tastings for Cyclists Visiting V. Sattui Winery
Eco-friendly, Napa Green, Certified Organic V. Sattui Winery rewards cyclists with 2-for-1 Marketplace Tastings March 1st – September 30th. Help keep Napa “green” and cycle in for a tasting of award-winning wines sold only at the winery.
2 for 1 Tastings for Cyclists Visiting V. Sattui Winery
Eco-friendly, Napa Green, Certified Organic V. Sattui Winery rewards cyclists with 2-for-1 Marketplace Tastings March 1st – September 30th. Help keep Napa “green” and cycle in for a tasting of award-winning wines sold only at the winery.
2 for 1 Tastings for Cyclists Visiting V. Sattui Winery
Eco-friendly, Napa Green, Certified Organic V. Sattui Winery rewards cyclists with 2-for-1 Marketplace Tastings March 1st – September 30th. Help keep Napa “green” and cycle in for a tasting of award-winning wines sold only at the winery.
2 for 1 Tastings for Cyclists Visiting V. Sattui Winery
Eco-friendly, Napa Green, Certified Organic V. Sattui Winery rewards cyclists with 2-for-1 Marketplace Tastings March 1st – September 30th. Help keep Napa “green” and cycle in for a tasting of award-winning wines sold only at the winery.
Spring into Zin
Amador County is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the country, many of us here on Steiner Road use old vines to produce the most decadent wines. We invite you to explore the wineries of Steiner Road and discover the finesse, elegance and diversity of this unique terroir. Join us for this true celebration of Zin! Most wineries will feature a minimum of two different Zinfandel selections ranging from old vines to blends to library releases that will be exquisitely paired with unique small bites. Tickets are $20, which includes an exclusive Start on Steiner logo glass, pairings at most of the eight wineries, and exclusive ticket holder wine specials. Designated Driver ticket is available at each starting winery for $5.
El Dorado Passport Wine Adventure
In El Dorado County, you’re free to blaze your own trail and explore the region that is home to more than 2,000 acres of vines, 70-plus grape varieties and hundreds of microclimates With your Passport, enjoy perfectly paired bites, music and a bounty of other experiences at more than 20 participating wineries throughout the picturesque foothills of El Dorado County.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Enjoy a guided tour through our lush vineyards and production facility. Experience our award winning wines paired with an assortment of specially prepared lite-bites, designed to enhance your wine knowledge.
Pinzgauer Vineyard Tours
Explore the ranch in our all-terrain Pinzgauer! Learn about the soils and climates that make Six Sigma Ranch unique. The tour includes a visit to our high-elevation vineyard site, the Diamond Mine Vineyard. The Pinzgauer can hold up to 10 people, so bring along a group of friends! Regular tours are on Saturdays, at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. 6 guest minimum. Please call 707.994.4068 to book a reservation at least 24 hours ahead.
Stags Leap District Wineries: Vineyard to Vintner
Celebrating 30 years as an American Viticultural Area, the Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner anniversary celebration includes dinners, in-depth seminars on terroir and winegrowing, and tastings that include coveted library wines and new releases. A portion of the proceeds benefits the University of California at Davis Nathan Fay Graduate Fellowship Fund, an endowment established by the Stags Leap District Winegrowers as a tribute to pioneer Nathan Fay, who planted the first Cabernet vines in the region in 1961.
The Science of Wine & Food Pairing
Expect the unexpected in these interactive, engaging and educational wine classes with Concannon Vineyard Estate Sommelier, LeeAnn Kaufman. What makes a great wine and food pairing? Balance between the taste of the wine and the ingredients in the dish. Learn the complex science and fundamentals behind pairing wine with food while having fun and breaking rules!
Yoga in the Vines
Beautiful views, golden hillsides and lush vineyards await you at Clos LaChance, a certified, sustainable wine grower. Add to this outdoor yoga that will help you breath and open, gently stretching and unwinding, moving through flow and twists, then grounding you in balance and rest. After yoga head to the tasting room for the opportunity to try reserve wines. Yoga 9:30 am-10:45 am followed by wine tasting. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Dress for outdoors; we will be indoors in the winter.
Wine Excursion at a Moraga Vineyard
At Captain Vineyards, we have vineyard classes running throughout the year. Second Sunday of each month, 1:00-3:00 p.m., register online through the Orinda, Moraga, or Lafayette park and recreation. Join us to learn about vineyard management, wine chemistry, and our sustainable practices.
11th Annual Wine 4 Paws Weekend
Want to make a difference for homeless pets? Take part in a weekend of wine tasting and stock up on some of the area’s fine wines. Almost 100 participating wineries, an olive oil company, a brewery, and TWO restaurants will be sharing their weekend’s proceeds with the dogs and cats of Woods. What better way to help Woods continue to care for homeless animals in our community who deserve loving homes? Get out and enjoy the weekend while supporting a great cause! Do your part “Helping homeless pets, one glass at a time.”
Tour and Tastings
Embark on our 10-passenger electric bus and tour our 310 acre ranch. Learn about our grape growing philosophy as you taste signature Ponte wines among the vineyards from which they are grown. After returning, you will visit our winemaking facilities and learn about the art and science of winemaking. Taste young wine straight from a tank or cask!
Pinzgauer Vineyard Tours
Explore the ranch in our all-terrain Pinzgauer! Learn about the soils and climates that make Six Sigma Ranch unique. The tour includes a visit to our high-elevation vineyard site, the Diamond Mine Vineyard. The Pinzgauer can hold up to 10 people, so bring along a group of friends! Regular tours are on Saturdays, at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. 6 guest minimum. Please call 707.994.4068 to book a reservation at least 24 hours ahead.
Pinzgauer Vineyard Tours
Explore the ranch in our all-terrain Pinzgauer! Learn about the soils and climates that make Six Sigma Ranch unique. The tour includes a visit to our high-elevation vineyard site, the Diamond Mine Vineyard. The Pinzgauer can hold up to 10 people, so bring along a group of friends! Regular tours are on Saturdays, at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. 6 guest minimum. Please call 707.994.4068 to book a reservation at least 24 hours ahead.
Pinzgauer Vineyard Tours
Explore the ranch in our all-terrain Pinzgauer! Learn about the soils and climates that make Six Sigma Ranch unique. The tour includes a visit to our high-elevation vineyard site, the Diamond Mine Vineyard. The Pinzgauer can hold up to 10 people, so bring along a group of friends! Regular tours are on Saturdays, at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. Private tours and tastings are available by appointment. 6 guest minimum. Please call 707.994.4068 to book a reservation at least 24 hours ahead.
Wine Country Table ToolKit
Wine Institute’s new book, Wine Country Table: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest (published by Rizzoli New York), will be officially released on March 26. If you ordered books, you should have received them by now. If you are interested in ordering a quantity at our partner price of $20 plus shipping, please contact us. You can find the book listing on Amazon: bit.ly/winecountrytable
We hope that you are as pleased as we are with how this beautifully photographed book presents California’s wine and food bounty with profiles of 23 wineries and farms throughout the state, 50 fabulous recipes and engaging examples of the broad commitment to sustainable farming practices.
This toolkit was developed for your use in helping us get the word out about the book and your participation. Below are details of our plans and some resources for you to use after the launch event on March 27.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Nancy Light
VP, Communications, Wine Institute
Allison Jordan
VP, Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute
Media
To ensure the success of our launch publicity and events, please do not share the book with any media prior to the launch event on March 27.
Wine Institute will be widely distributing the book to media across the country and in key export markets as well as to policy leaders in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Please contact us with suggestions on media who should receive a book or to check if we have sent to someone you are planning to contact.
Coverage
Chef Laura Lee on KTXL Fox 40 →
Forbes →
Nick Palumbo on NBC →
“8 easy, fuss free ways to cook fish” →
The Press Democrat →
Edible Communities, including Edible East Bay →
Atlantic Journal Constitution →
Bay Area News Group, including The East Bay Times and Mercury News →
California Grown Blog →
Janet Fletcher on Heritage Radio and Small Bites Radio →
Events
Nearly a dozen book events are planned to date (see calendar link below) and we encourage you to host your own event featuring the book and let us know so we can help promote the event.
We encourage all profiled wineries to host consumer events during Down to Earth (D2E) month this April so we can promote these events as part of our overall D2E month/book campaign. Post your event to be included in our D2E publicity and landing page. Our D2E tool kit includes ideas and tools for planning events.
Launch Celebration
Photos from the March 27 launch event at Mulvaney’s B&L, Sacramento →
Book Content
All recipes and photos are copyright material and should not be reproduced without permission. If you have any questions about this, please get in touch.
Book and all original recipes written by Janet Fletcher; Photographs by Robert Holmes (wineries & vineyards) & Sara Remington (farmers & recipes); Conceived and edited by Nancy Light and Allison Jordan, Wine Institute.
Credit for the book to read: © Wine Country Table: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest by Wine Institute, Rizzoli, 2019
View a detailed table of contents →
View a list of profiled vintners & growers →
View the back cover quotes →
View the book brochure from Rizzoli →
Photos
Wine Institute’s agreement with the photographers was that they make outtakes from the book photoshoots available to profiled wineries, farms and associations for a nominal fee of $300 per image (hi-resolution).
If you are interested in obtaining photos, please contact:
- For wineries and vineyards, Robert Holmes at robertholmesphotography@nullgmail.com
- For farmers and recipes, Sara Remington at sara@nullsararemington.net
All images must be credited: © Wine Institute by Robert Holmes and/or © Sara Remington
Social Media
Promote the launch of Wine Country Table and your participation by following us, reposting and sharing on your social networks. Follow us on Facebook @CaliforniaWines Twitter @CalifWines_US Instagram @California.Wines Pinterest @CaliforniaWines and tag #californiawines.
If you are interested in offering a book giveaway to your followers, would like to do a social media takeover or would like to discuss any other thoughts on how you could promote the book via social media, feel free to reach out to Poppy Social Media.
There is a dedicated book page at www.discovercaliforniawine.com/wine-country-table, which can be used instead of the amazon link below to promote the book.
NEED SOME INSPIRATION? USE THESE TEMPLATES:
Pre Launch (before 3/27)
Facebook:
WINE COUNTRY TABLE: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest takes readers on a journey through the state of California, introducing home cooks to some of the vintners, winemakers, and farmers whose harvest is showcased in the 50 recipes featured in the book. Written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, this sustainable food and wine tome offers recipes that pair with @CaliforniaWines from all over the golden state.
If you love food and wine and have a curiosity about how those products got to your dinner table, this book is for you!
Learn more and reserve your copy here: bit.ly/winecountrytable
Instagram:
WINE COUNTRY TABLE: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest takes readers on a journey through the state of California, introducing home cooks to some of the vintners, winemakers, and farmers whose harvest is showcased in the 50 recipes featured in the book. Written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, this sustainable food and wine tome offers recipes that pair with #californiawines from all over the golden state.
If you love food and wine and have a curiosity about how those products got to your dinner table, this book is for you!
To learn more about the book, take a look at the link in bio for @california.wines
Twitter:
WINE COUNTRY TABLE: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest takes readers on a journey through the state of California, introducing home cooks to some of the vintners, winemakers, and farmers whose harvest is showcased in the 50 recipes! Learn more: bit.ly/winecountrytable
click to tweet →
Post Launch (after 3/27)
Facebook:
From California’s coast to the mountains and everywhere in between, a new book features the wine, food, and people behind some of the state’s sustainable bounty. Combined with 50 inviting recipes and stunning photography, this elegant tome tells the story of California agriculture, history and culinary diversity, and the state’s visionary leadership in sustainability.
WINE COUNTRY TABLE: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest, written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, this book is available through @CaliforniaWines. Learn more here: www.discovercaliforniawine.com/wine-country-table
Instagram:
From California’s coast to the mountains and everywhere in between, a new book features the wine, food, and people behind some of the state’s sustainable bounty. Combined with 50 inviting recipes and stunning photography, this elegant tome tells the story of California agriculture, history and culinary diversity, and the state’s visionary leadership in sustainability.
WINE COUNTRY TABLE: With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest, written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, this book is available from @california.wines click the link in their bio to order or for more information.
Twitter:
From California’s coast to the mountains and everywhere in between, a new book features the wine, food, and people behind some of the state’s sustainable bounty. Combined with the 50 inviting recipes, this elegant tome tells the story of California agriculture. Learn more: www.discovercaliforniawine.com/wine-country-table
click to tweet →
Blog Launch (date TBC)
We are working on a new blog and newsletter, which will feature some of the recipes from the book. Stay tuned for more details!
Down to Earth Month ToolKit
Be a part of Down to Earth Month 2019
Wineries are invited to create green-themed tours, activities or offers this April to celebrate the 8th annual Down to Earth (D2E) month campaign.
Wine Institute members’, California winery and grower associations’ and DMOs’* events will be featured on the Discover California Wines D2E landing page and as part of Wine Institute’s publicity, social media and trade outreach campaign highlighting California wine’s sustainable leadership.
Examples of past year’s events include vineyard eco-tours, cork and capsule drives, complimentary tastings for winery visitors arriving by bike or other green means, and winemaker dinners featuring sustainably produced wines and foods.
Submit your events and activities →
* Events must include Wine Institute members. Wine retailer and restaurant events cannot be accepted due to California ABC restrictions.
Social Media
Promote your participation by using the hashtag #D2EMonth on your social posts. Follow us, share and retweet D2E photos on your social networks.
Need some inspiration? Use these templates:
We’re celebrating Down To Earth Month in California, highlighting the Golden State’s commitment to sustainable winegrowing! Special tours, tastings and events are taking place at wineries and vineyards throughout the state. We hope you’ll join us!
Happy Earth Day! California’s wine industry is celebrating our commitment to sustainability: protecting our soil, air and water develops flavor in our grapes and wines while ensuring the health of our land and our industry for generations to come. Cheers to Down To Earth Month!
Images
Sustainable Winegrowing In The News
For the eighth year running, April was declared Down to Earth Month by California legislators, highlighting the Golden State’s leadership in sustainable winegrowing. Throughout the month, wineries are invited to host events to showcase their commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices that contribute to high quality grapes and wine, protect the environment, and enhance the communities in which they live and work. This commitment is made clear to trade, consumers, legislators and regulators alike through broad, year-round participation in educational and certification programs, public reporting and initiatives such as those below.
Down to Earth Campaign
Media Coverage: Over 539 Million
Down to Earth (D2E) activity, including the Wine Institute’s press release featuring over 40 winery and regional eco-friendly events and the launch of the new Wine Country Table book, generated coverage in media outlets with viewership of over 539 million, including 19 TV and radio segments.
Chef Laura Lee shared her advice on pairing sustainable wines with recipes from Wine Country Table on Fox 40 Morning News, Studio 40 and Mornings on KTVU.
Slow Living Radio hosted a D2E special featuring interviews with Nancy Light, Wine Institute, Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and Christian Ahlmann, Six Sigma Winery.
Visit California shared an e-newsletter with their readership of 6.65 million with suggestions on how to eat, drink and play sustainably while traveling the Golden State.
The Creators Syndicate shared in celebrating sustainable California wine country with their readership of 3 million.
ABC 10 interviewed Mike Heringer, Heringer Estates, sharing his eco-friendly wines to their 1 million viewers.
D2E was featured in local publications across the country, including this article in Arizona Republic Online, which has a readership of over 10 million.
5th Annual Green Medal Awards
California Green Medal Award Recipients Honored in Sacramento
The California Green Medal recognizes the leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability and is presented by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers and the Vineyard Team. Four Green Medals are presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business. The recipients of the 2019 Green Medal Awards were honored at a ceremony at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in Sacramento on May 1, 2019.
Watch this video to learn more about the 2019 Green Medal Award Recipients →
Green Medal Award Recipients, from left to right: Nate Weis, Director of Winemaking, Silver Oak Cellars (Leader Award); Allison Jordan, Executive Director, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and VP of Environmental Affairs, Wine Institute; Kurt Gollnick, Chief Operating Officer, Scheid Family Wines (Environment Award); Karen Ross, Secretary of the CDFA; Jason Smith, President/CEO, Smith Family Wines (Community Award); Kellie Hoppe, Lab Technician, Domaine Carneros (Business Award).
Following the award ceremony, a Legislative Reception was held to celebrate the conclusion of a successful Down to Earth Month. From left to right: Tim Schmelzer, VP of California State Relations, Wine Institute; co-author of the legislative resolution, Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters); Kellie Hoppe, Lab Technician, Domaine Carneros (Green Medal Business Award Recipient); Tyler Blackney, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, Wine Institute.
Wine Country Table Book Release
Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest
Coinciding with this year’s D2E Month was the release of “Wine Country Table, With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest.” Written by award-winning author Janet Fletcher, Wine Institute’s new book offers a visual tour of 23 stunning farms and wineries whose sustainable practices highlight the future of responsible farming and winegrowing embraced throughout California, along with 50 recipes and tips on food and wine.
Nearly a dozen events were organized to celebrate the book’s release, including a launch event at Mulvaney’s B&L in Sacramento with the profiled vintners and growers.
Over 40% of the media generated on D2E Month also featured the book. Some of the highlights included syndicated book reviews and blog features.
Nick Palumbo, Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, was interviewed on California Live, syndicated on NBC LA, NBC San Diego and NBC Bay Area.
One of the recipes from Wine Country Table was featured in NBC Better‘s “8 easy, fuss free ways to cook fish at home.”
Janet Fletcher was interviewed on Amy’s Table – WKRQ/I Heart Radio, Heritage Radio and Small Bites Radio. Photo by Francisco Chavira.
California Grown tried their hand at this delicious chicken recipe and shared the results on their blog.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reviewed the book for home cooks that want some California Dreamin’.
The Summer Issue of Edible East Bay will feature a book review and interview with Concannon Vineyard, in print and online.
Your seat at the table
Learn more about what being a sustainable winegrower means and mark your calendar for April 2020.