4th Annual Pinot Days2008 Grand Festival Returns to San Francisco



The Bay Area Wine Project is proud to announce the 4th annual Pinot Days San Francisco. Pinot Days brings together more than 190 of the world's best pinot producers, and over 400 of the best pinots on the market today. A series of educational seminars and special tastings are topped off by The Grand Festival wine tasting Sunday, June 29th, 2008, in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco. In addition, the Grand Festival also includes a silent auction offering a number of pinots and pinot-related experiences with proceeds benefiting the Tanzanian Women's Sewing Project, a trade school for destitute African women, the work of which enables these women to sustain themselves and their families, empowering them for economic independence within a system of poverty and disease. Pinot Days Grand Festival is open to the trade only from 11am - 1pm and to the public from 1pm -5pm. Tickets are $65 and are available at www.pinotdays.com or call 415-408-3360 for more information.

Pinot Days is designed to allow wine lovers and members of the wine trade to taste a variety of pinots representing every major growing area, including California, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia and Burgundy. From hard-to-find and the most critically acclaimed pinots, patrons explore new producers, find wines they love and can afford, learn more about terroir, clones, and up-and-coming vineyards, all while broadening their experience with this food-friendly varietal. "If you love pinot noir, and I do, Pinot Days is the place to be," says Gary Pisoni of Pisoni Vineyards. This is a serious wine event that has no pretense; the environment is casual, showcasing the finest of wines without the attitude.

Can't get enough Pinot in one day Pinot Days San Francisco also offers several other intimate wine events to taste and learn more about this noble grape. Events include:

Producer Spotlight Tasting June 25, 2008; 6:30pm-9:30pm Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason. Cost $150. This years Producer of the Year Tasting features a night with Kosta Browne. A rare opportunity to join Michael Browne for an evening to hear how Kosta Browne came to be and taste for yourselves what gives it its rock star status. Space is limited.

Winemakers "Table Hop" Dinners June 26, 2008; 6pm - 10pm Isa Restaurant & Jack Fallstaff Restaurant. Cost $150. Meet the Winemakers as they move tables with each dinner course, and enjoy over 14 highly acclaimed pinots, perfectly paired with a four course, pinot-focused dinner. A unique experience to "go deep" with a few winemakers whose wines and personalities are paired with each dinner course.

Seated Focus Tastings June 28, 2008; Golden Gate Room, Fort Mason. Cost $80 per seating.

Three regional focus blind tastings--each features 16 of the best producers' efforts within the theme. Winemakers field questions, discuss their own wines and the uniqueness of the regions.

Best of Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Rita Hills and Central Coast, 1pm - 3pm

Best of Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley and Santa Cruz, 4pm - 6pm

Best of Russian River Valley and Santa Maria Valley, 7pm - 9pm

Sunday Seminar Series June 29, 2008; 12 noon - 2pm Landmark Building C, Room 235. Cost $90

Each Sunday Seminar Series has three parts (appellation, vineyard and misto), and each is moderated by professionals well-versed in the topic. Tastings begin with the pouring of 4 wines within the theme while attendees listen to a 10-15 minute lecture, followed by a 10-15 minute question and answer session. Space is limited to 40 per tasting. For complete information and tickets for all events visit http://www.pinotdays.com.

Pinot Days, the first Bay Area wine festival dedicated to Pinot Noir, is produced by the Bay Area Wine Project, a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of pinot noir. Founders Steve & Lisa Rigisich formed the non-profit out of their love for wine, especially Pinot Noir. Joined by friends Eric and Teri White, who help produce Pinot Days, their goal is to create unique and rich experiences for patrons by, featuring Pinot Noir exclusively and involving winemakers and winery owners to do the actual pouring. The Bay Area Wine Project hosts annual wine tasting events in San Francisco, Chicago, & New York. Beyond tasting and events, the organization's website provides information about and access to wine-related events in the greater Bay Area, wine education opportunities and wine trivia-- including articles about outstanding wine personalities, winery profiles, reviews of wine events, restaurant wine lists, formal tastings and more. For more information visit http://www.pinotdays.com.





4th Annual Pinot Days2008 Grand Festival Returns to San Francisco