Passport to Dry Creek Valley: 10 Stops You Won’t Want to Miss This Weekend

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Friday, April 26, 11 am, Prelude to Passport Lunch, Wilson Winery: There’s space for 40 guests at Wilson Winery’s Prelude to Passport lunch, catered by Chef Lisa Boisset of The Cook and The Drummer. The three-course meal will feature Tahitian-inspired seafood and pork dishes, paired with Wilson wines. After the meal, owner Diane Wilson will lead a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery. If you love these wines, but like a mellow environment, this will be a great chance to chill out at a winery that tends to be one of the liveliest during the main event. (Photo by Charlie Gesell)

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Friday, April 26, 5:00 pm, The Vintage Soiree at the Ranch at Lake Sonoma: A 30th birthday celebration for Passport, the Vintage Soiree begins with hors d’oeuvres from local chefs followed by a sit-down dinner. The gorgeous ranch barn sets the mood for a night of relaxed wine country elegance, where cocktail dresses and cowboy boots are both appropriate. Dry Creek vintners will share their stories, and then join guests to enjoy dancing, live music and outdoor fire pits. (Photo by Charlie Gesell)

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Saturday, April 28, 9:30 am, Saini Vineyards hosted by George Christie and Mike Saini: Make sure you’re in comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and take advantage of the mild morning weather on a vineyard tour. Mike Saini and George Christie will take you through three choice blocks of old vine zinfandel--the grapes for which Dry Creek Valley is most famous. After the outdoor tour concludes, you’ll be able to check out Dry Creek’s newest tasting room. (Photo Credit: Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley)

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Saturday, April 28, Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves: Get a taste of The Great Outdoors at Bella, whose return to Passport is cause alone for celebration! Sing campfire favorites, enjoy an underground forest, and savor barbecue -- an excellent pairing with their phenomenal wines. (Photo by Kent Porter)

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Saturday, April 28, Geyser Peak Winery: Since moving to Dry Creek Valley a few years ago, Geyser Peak has embraced the local community and become a favorite Passport stop. This under-the-radar gem will impress with their Celebrate the Sea theme, featuring cioppino by Chef Ken Rochioli, music from Sonoma County band Junk in the Trunk, a dance floor, and places to lay out a beach blanket and soak up the sun. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

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Saturday, April 28, Mill Creek Vineyards: Another winery that defines Passport, the Kreck family provide seated dining with tableside service of small bites from the excellent Peloton Catering. Past themes have been flashy and fun, from a Prohibition-era speakeasy to a 1940s Vegas vacation. This year, the family-owned winery is sharing more of their personal stories, focusing on family, with decades of photos from the owners and the staff. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

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Saturday, April 28, Sbragia Family Vineyards: To celebrate 30 years of Passport, Sbragia is partying like it’s 1989. The winery promises 80s hits performed by live local musicians and culinary favorites from the era. As an Gen X-er, I was eating Kid’s Cuisine in 1989, but I’m certain Sbragia’s estate chef will cook up some tubular treats. This party promises to be bad-as-in-good. (Photo courtesy of Sbragia Family Vineyards)

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Saturday, April 28, Preston Farm & Winery: With its roaming farm cats, farm store, and biodynamic wines, visiting Preston Farm and Winery any day of the week is a delight. I’m thrilled they’re participating in Passport this year, and can’t wait to sample Chef Gia Passalaqua’s porchetta and pizza made from Preston’s pigs and produce. If you dare get bored of wine, they’ll also be pouring estate hard cider. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)

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Saturday, April 28, Gustafson Family Vineyards: The highest elevation winery in Dry Creek Valley (and the the only one that makes a Dry Creek Valley Riesling), Gustafson is also the most remote winery in the valley, a 20-minute drive into the hills. You can enjoy their wines at their tasting room in downtown Healdsburg, but nothing beats the views from their mountain estate. Hire a driver or consider starting your day at Gustafson, which opens a little earlier than the rest. (Photo courtesy of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley)

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Sunday, April 28, 9:30 am, Amista Vineyards Tour: It’s hardly a party without bubbles! Start your Sunday at Amista Vineyards, where Winemaker Ashley Herzberg will take just 16 guests on a tour of Amista’s estate vineyards. You’ll taste single-vineyard sparkling and still wines, and learn about the Habitat Enhancement Project. Wineries whose property includes portions of Dry Creek have been working for years to restore the habitat for native plant and animal populations after the creation of Lake Sonoma caused unforeseen impact. (Photo by Chelsea Kurnick)