The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is introducing a new way for attendees to sample the fair’s gold-medal winning wines and food. Called the “Grand Tasting,” the new event will take place on the first day of the fair, Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (The three-day fair runs Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.)
During the Grand Tasting, all of the wineries and food purveyors whose entries earned Best of Class or Gold medals in the Harvest Fair professional wine and food competitions will on be hand to serve unlimited samples.
The Grand Tasting replaces both the public awards night and Friday varietal tasting events that were part of the Harvest Fair in previous years. The new event promises an intimate, informative look at the special qualities of each wine and food item, because the pouring and serving will be done by professionals who can provide recommendations on preparation, pairing and presentation of their offerings. People will get to mingle with key winery and restaurant representatives (owners, winemakers, chefs and other top positions) and hear insiders’ stories about ingredients, philosophies and inspiration.
Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $60 in advance, $70 at the door (or $50 each when purchased in blocks of 10 or more) and include unlimited tastings of the award-winning wines (one-ounce pours) and cuisine, as well as entrance to the Harvest Fair that day. Those interested in attending the Grand Tasting are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance because the event is expected to sell out prior to the event date.
Throughout the Harvest Fair, there will also be opportunities to taste award-winning varietals. And attendees can always enjoy the popular World Championship Grape Stomp, try other beverages at Saturday’s microbrew tasting, and take part in family-friendly “Ag-tivities” for children and adults. For more information, please visit www.harvestfair.org.
