Arts and Entertainment
April 12, 2025
From: Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir FestivalJoin us for our largest annual fundraiser, benefitting our member-supported 501c(6). Nobody does Pinot Noir like Anderson Valley, one of the most beautiful places in California. More than 50 wineries pour, including two dozen prestige labels from Napa and Sonoma that covet our fabulous fruit. Sample delicious food pairings, acquire library wines, exclusive experiences, and other treasures during our silent auction.
Learn alongside winemakers at Friday’s educational seminars … enjoy wine and music at the Friday sunset BBQ… immerse yourself in amazing Pinot, rosé and sparkling wines at the Grand Tasting on Saturday … elevate your Saturday experience in the VIP Bubble Lounge… then explore the valley during Sunday’s winery open houses.
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 16, 2025
8:30 am – 11:30 am
2025 Morning Vineyard Seminar
Mendocino Fairgrounds
Join us for an engaging Vineyard Seminar, where experts will delve into the current state of Pinot Noir and the future of this iconic varietal. Topics to include innovative farming practices that are increasingly relevant in light of shifting climate conditions. Industry specialists and farmers will share insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of growing Pinot Noir in California’s cool coastal regions and the techniques shaping the future of Pinot Noir.
Moderated by Christopher Chen, UCCE Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for the North Coast region of California.
8:30am – Breakfast
9:00am – Introduction
9:05am – Regenerative Agriculture
9:35am – Grower Panel (Climate Shifts in Anderson Valley)
9:50am – Vineyard Economics and State of Pinot
10:15am – Assessing Vineyard Technology and AI Advancements
10:55am – Outdoor Demo and Break period
11:15am – Vineyard Turbidity Mandate (Farm Bureau)
11:30am – Scholarship Awards
11:35am – Closing Comments and Sponsor Acknowledgements
2:00 – 4:00 pm
2025 Immersive Technical Conference- in the Vineyard
Husch Vineyards
Experience the Eco-Tour at Husch Vineyards, an exciting journey through Anderson Valley’s most innovative sustainable vineyards. Led by Zac Robinson, alongside Sarah Cahn Bennet, Douglas Stewart, Nicole Dooling, and Linda MacElwee, this tour highlights 50 years of no-till and regenerative farming, focusing on under-vine management, row spacing, and creating habitats for beneficial insects to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Explore native grass vineyard blocks, rainwater catchment systems, and learn how these practices help protect the Navarro River’s Coho salmon. Taste and share discussion, and discover how regenerative farming is shaping the future of viticulture!
5:00 – 8:00 pm
2025 Casual Sunset BBQ in the Vineyard – Lula’s final one!
Lula Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues with one of the most favorite events of the festival is the casual BBQ! Mingle with locals and winemakers, while soaking up the vibe of our amazing community. This year’s BBQ will be held in the Deep End of the Valley, with live music and plenty of great wine! KIN Smoke Healdsburg returns with delicious BBQ and sides!
Relax amidst the beautiful views at Lula Cellar for live music and Lula Cellars renowned Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and wines along with special bottles shared by the valley’s winemakers. Optional – bring a bottle to share!
Tickets sell out so reserve early. Don’t miss the last Pinot Fest BBQ at Lula Cellars!
Saturday, May 17, 2025
10:00am – 1:00 pm
2025 VIP Bubble Lounge
Scharffenberger Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues Saturday morning. Only 100 tickets are available to gain VIP access to this exclusive room on the beautiful grounds of Scharffenberger Cellars in Philo. Sample some of the best sparkling wines from the family owned Estates from the Anderson Valley and the Champagne region of France. You can taste wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer.
Snack on sushi, hors d’oeuvres, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, and talk to winemakers and like-minded bubble aficionados while gazing out over the beautiful Scharffenberger Cellars vineyards, just steps from the grand tasting event.
11:00am – 3:00 pm
2025 Grand Tasting
Scharffenberger Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues with the Grand Tasting. Sip, sample and savor Pinot Noirs and artisan small bites from more than 50 wineries and the area’s best restaurants and chefs! Taste wines from more than 50 producers in the beautiful vineyards of Scharffenberger Cellars, set against the golden hillsides of Anderson Valley.
Live music by Joel Bennett and the Batacha quartet, alongside world-class chefs, will serve up perfectly paired goodness from all corners of the venue. Look for the sparkling wine signals to discover the many producers who are crafting artisan bubbles from Pinot Noir!
5:00 pm
2025 Winemaker Dinner Fundraiser
Stoney Bottom in Boonville
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Stoney Bottom for the Maggy Hawk Winemaker Dinner, a special fundraising event! Chef Rachel will prepare a relaxed, spring-inspired four-course dinner served in the garden, featuring roasted leg lamb and local Fort Bragg seafood. The menu highlights crisp seasonal vegetables, fresh greens and herbs, with bold, simple flavors. A variety of Maggy Hawk wines will be paired perfectly with each course and winemaker Sarah will take you through each one and the vineyards they came from.
The evening will begin with a 5 pm reception & garden stroll, followed by a 6 PM dinner set on the lawn and garden of the stunning Stoney Bottom property in Boonville.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
2025 Winery Open Houses
Various Wineries
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events concludes on Sunday – Stock up on your favorites at participating wineries!
Meander along Highway 128 and stop at participating wineries for a little extra wine tasting, music, bites, vineyard tours, and special winery promotions. Advance reservations are required. Some wineries will remain complimentary and others will charge. Learn more from each winery.
Date: May 16-18, 2025
Location:
Mendocino Fairgrounds - 14400 Hwy 128 Boonville, CA 95415
Husch Vineyards & Winery - 4400 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466
Lula Cellars - 2800 Guntly Rd, Philo, CA 95466
Scharffenberger Cellars - 8501 Highway 128 Philo, CA 95466
Stoney Bottom - 13400 Anderson Valley Way Boonville, CA 95415