Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Celebrates Its 10th Annual Pinot Paradise April 11, 12 & 13, 2014

Enjoy three days of festivities with the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association’s “Pinot Paradise 2014”, an event devoted exclusively to pinot noir grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Discover why this appellation is becoming recognized as one of the world’s leading pinot noir producers. Events include: local restaurant winemaker dinners; a Tastemakers Gathering of industry wine leaders; the technical session A Return to Paradise: Wine Making in a Mountain Terroir, followed by a Meet the Winemaker VIP reception; the Pathway to Pinot Paradise self-guided winery tour; and the very popular Grand Cruz Wine and Food tasting.

On Friday, April 11, 1pm to 6 pm
Technical Wine and Grapegrowing Session: A Return to Paradise: Wine Making in a Mountain Terroir from 1pm to 4pm at the Mountain Winery, Saratoga, CA. This session will focus on the influence of the unique climate, soils, and terroir from the region.A technical tasting to illustrate the topic will be a featured part of the event. The event is open to all who are interested in learning more about the unique terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticulture Appellation (AVA).

Following the technical session, guests may participate in “Meet the Winemaker” VIP wine and hors d’oeuvre reception from 4pm to 6pm.

On Saturday, April 12, 12pm to 5 pm
Pinot noir lovers can enjoy visiting over 30 wineries along the Pathway to Pinot Paradise wine trail. Sip, sample and enjoy a self-guided tour by visiting the many pinot noir producers of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Taste barrel samples, enjoy the experience of meeting local winemakers and participate in personal tours of the vineyards. Please check the website for those wineries that will be offering special experiences.

On Sunday April 13 – This event sells out!
Pinot Paradise presents the Grand Cruz Food and Pinot Noir Tasting at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. CA. Doors open from 12pm to 2pm for VIP, Trade and Media and 2pm to 5pm for the general public. Trade and Media are more than welcome to stay after 2pm. Taste pinot noirs from over 40 winemakers of the Santa Cruz Mountains paired with delectable food from local gourmet restaurants.

Participating Restaurants:

Participating Wineries:

About Santa Cruz Winegrowers Association
The Santa Cruz Mountains has played a pivotal role in the history of winemaking in California, with roots going back over 100 years, and including legendary winemakers such as Paul Masson, Martin Ray, David Bennion (Ridge), and David Bruce. The precedence set by these legendary figures (along with best and sustainable practices in the vineyards and wineries) can be tasted today in our world-class wines.

The region’s vineyards actively support sustainable winegrape growing. Our winegrowers have used best vineyard and sustainable practices, including cover crops, erosion control, canopy management, for decades. Since the first sustainable workshops in 2004 the region has seen an increase in the adoption of sustainable vineyard practices. Some have adopted alternative energy such as solar and biodiesel. Several vineyards grow organically, and one is certified organic by the CCOF.

Santa Cruz Mountains wines reflect our special mountain terroir and, notwithstanding the different varietals and winemakers, typically are known for their minerality and balanced acidity, their complex flavors and long finish, and their ability to age. The result is wine that pairs particularly well with complementary foods, and age worthy wine that matures and improves in the bottle. For more information please visit www.scmwa.com and find them on Facebook and Twitter.