P.O. Box 46, Healdsburg, CA, United States of America, 95448

http://www.wineroad.com

(707) 433-4335

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Tasting the Past, Present and Future: Barrel Weekend 2025

The 2025 Barrel Weekend is all about tasting wines from the past, present and future. This annual weekend event has been reimagined for its 47th anniversary, letting the wineries along the Wine Road focus on more than just tasting wines from the barrel. And, giving tasters new opportunities for exploring and learning about wine.

More Tasting Options

With wineries pouring wines from past (library wines), present (current release wines) and future (barrel samples), attendees have more choices and can choose what they most enjoy or what they seeking to restock their wine cellars.

As you look through the online Barrel Weekend program, you’ll discover wineries pouring wines from one, two or all three of the category options. This information lets you, the ticket holder, design the tasting path that suits your palate preferences. If you love tasting only barrel samples and possibly buying wine futures, you can still do that. But, if you prefer to taste wines that are currently available to buy, or wines that have been in the bottle several years, you’ll find these options available to you as well.

Winemaker and owner Craig Colagrossi pours his wine for a guest.

Tasting the Past

Older vintage wines, often referred to as library wines, are not often poured in tasting rooms or during events. However, during Barrel Weekend, several wineries will be pouring library wines. Look for the word PAST on the program to see who is pouring older vintages.

  • At Longboard Vineyards, the PAST wine is a mystery that they’ll ask you to guess the varietal they’re pouring. Sounds intriguing.
  • You can try an Optima Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. An excellent vintage, and it’s rare to find a 2017 Cab that is still available.
  • TADDEI Wines is also pouring a rare find — a 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley.

These above wineries will also be pouring additional wines from the other categories, so be sure to check out the program for the full list of wines being poured.

  •  F. Teldeschi Winery will have five library wines available for tasting, including Terranova (a blend of Carignane, Valdiguie, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah) and a Zinfandel Port. 

Tasting the Present

If your focus is on PRESENT (current release) wines, most participating wineries will be pouring at least one of their current release wines.

  • Capo Creek Winery & Wine Cave is the perfect stop for Rhône varietal wine lovers. They’ll be pouring five current release wines, with four of the five being Rhône varietals or blends.
  • Leo Steen Wines @ The Drink, located in Healdsburg, will pour their newly released Sparkling Chenin Blanc and their Jurassic Chenin Blanc, plus a Pinot Noir. If you haven’t tried the Leo Steen Chenin Blancs, it’s while worth seeking them out.
  • Stephen & Walker, another Healdsburg winery, will be pouring five current release wines, including their port-like dessert wine, Portentous.
  • due Ruscelli and Raymond Burr Vineyards will both be pouring three PRESENT wines. due Ruscelli, who specializes in Primitivo and other Italian varietals, will also have a library Primitivo and their FUTURE Barbera. Along with their current release wines, Raymond Burr Vineyards will be tasting barrel samples of Chardonnay and a port-like dessert wine.

Capo Creek Winery co-owner Bob Covert pouring wine for visiting guests.
Tasting the Future

Have no fear, there will be plenty of wineries pouring wine FUTURES. There are too many to list, but here are a few wineries (according to the program) that will only be pouring barrel samples for guests during the Barrel Weekend.

  • Carol Shelton Wines – Barbera, old vine Carignane, two Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite from the Rockpile AVA
  • De La Montanya Winery – Tempranillo, Primitivo and Zinfandel
  • Orsi Family Vineyards – Barbera, Montepulciano and Sagratino
  • Overshine Wine Co. – Maple Vineyard Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and a Bordeaux blend
  • Porter Creek Vineyards – a very popular spot to try three Pinot Noir barrel samples, plus a Chardonnay and old vine Carignane
  • Rockpile Vineyards – two Zinfandels (Jack’s Block and Petroglyph Reserve) and their renowned Buffalo Hallow Petite Sirah
  • Soda Rock Winery – these guys have a charming rustic setting and their wines are always worth checking out. This year’s barrel samples include Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Sunce Winery & Vineyard – their FUTURES offerings include Viognier, Dobricic (yes, they make a Dobricic), and several more.
  • VML – three Pinot Noirs (Earth, Moon, Stars). Just the names make me want to go try them.

If you just want to focus on tasting wine futures, the above list gives you interesting and delicious options, but there are so many more wineries to choose from as well. Be sure to review the Barrel Weekend program for details on what each winery is pouring.

Fun and Educational, Too

One of the benefits of tasting wine during Barrel Weekend is learning how wines evolve over time, from how they taste in the barrel to mellowing with age once they’re bottled. Now let’s explore your options to experience a wine’s evolution and where you might learn more about your own palate preferences.

Comparing Present and Future

Several wineries are pouring barrel samples and then offering the same bottled wine from a previous vintage. This gives you the opportunity to discover how wine evolves after it’s bottled. The qualities of a wine change from vintage to vintage, but the same variety, grown in the same vineyard, will most likely taste similar from year to year once it’s in the bottle.

There are many wineries who will share this tasting opportunity during Barrel Weekend. Here are just a few examples:

  • David Coffaro Winery – Dave has barrel tasting down to an art form. Coffaro will be offering five side-by-side comparisons, allowing tasters to sip 2024 barrel samples and then 2022 bottled wine of the same varietal or blend.
  • DeLoach Vineyards – Enjoy three barrel samples you can compare with three bottled wines—same varietal and same vineyard.
  • Moshin Vineyards – Compare their 2021 Chardonnay with a barrel sample of their 2024 Chardonnay, still in the barrel. There are very few white barrel samples being offered, so this will be a treat. You’ll also be able to compare their 2020 Pinot Noir, Calliope Vineyard with the 2024 barrel sample of the same wine.
  • Mounts Family Winery – Savor the Mounts estate-grown Grenache and old vine Zinfandel as you taste the 2023 barrel samples and compare them to the 2022 bottled wines.

Tasting the Past, Present and Future

Time to explore the ultimate tasting experience — tasting the PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE of the same wine. This isn’t always possible unless a winery holds back a few cases when a wine is about to sell out. Lucky for Barrel Tasting ticketholders that several wineries had done just that.

  • Foppiano Wine Co., known for their Petite Sirah, offer a 2014 Petite Sirah (library wine), 2021 Petite Sirah (current release) and 2023 Petite Sirah barrel sample.
  • At Spicy Vines, they will focus on their Block 7 – Old World Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Mountain, Cloverdale Peak by pouring a 2016 (library wine), a 2021 (current release) and a barrel sample from 2023.
  • Starlite Vineyards is all about Viognier during Barrel Weekend, with three library wines (2019, 2021 and 2022), the 2023 current release and the 2024 barrel sample wine.
  • Viszlay Vineyards has Pinot Noir for their PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE offering. They’ll be pouring a 2019 (library wine), 2021 (current release) and 2024 (barrel sample).

Three Days of Tasting

Only a portion of the wineries and their offerings are listed above, and yet, I already wonder how I’ll be able to visit all the wineries on my “must visit” list? Luckily, several of the participating Barrel Weekend wineries are offering ticket holders complimentary tasting on Friday, February 28th.

Here is a list of some of the wineries open to ticket holders on Friday. Be sure to plan a three-day weekend to get the most out of Barrel Weekend.

Alexander Valley Vineyards
Amphora Winery
Carol Shelton Wines
CAST Wines
Char Vale Vineyards and Winery
David Coffaro Winery
De La Montanya Winery
Longboard Vineyards
Moshin Vineyards
Mounts Family Winery
Orsi Family Vineyards
Raymond Burr Vineyards
Soda Rock
Stressed Vines Cellars
Sunce Winery & Vineyard
Viszlay Vineyards
West Wines
Wilson Winery

Visit the Barrel Tasting info page to get a full listing of the wineries open to ticket holders.

Do You Have Your Tickets?

If you’re planning to attend Barrel Weekend (and I hope you are), be sure you get your ticket in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Here are the online links to help you on your way:

Information link

Ticket link – Prices: Weekend $80, Sunday Only $60, Designated Driver $10

Participating Wineries List

Barrel Weekend Program

Event Map


Wine Road Sonoma County Barrel Weekend

Book Your Tickets for Winter WINEland

Curious about what makes Sonoma County special? Winter WINEland offers you the perfect experience! Discover our beautiful winter landscapes, stunning vineyards, and acclaimed wineries.

There's only one week left to secure your advanced tickets for Winter WINEland. 

BOOK TICKETS

Winter Wineland Sonoma County Sonoma Wines Wineroad

Holiday Wine Trail & Market

Event Type: Consumer

Event Date: 12/07/2024

Location: Sonoma County, CA

Get Your TICKETS HERE Starting November 20th

Make this a day to stock up on the wines you will need for those holiday dinners and gifts.

At the same time, check some goodies off your shopping list, by shopping with the local producers/vendors featured at each winery.

Feel good knowing that $10 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.

If you are looking for an affordable way to get out and taste some wine, this is THE ticket!

No tasting fees and no prior reservation required.

30 Wineries / 3 Valleys / 1 Day / $40

Holiday Wine Trail & Market Consumer Event

Tickets Are Running Low for the Wine & Food Affair !

ATTENTION!
There are ONLY 40, Saturday ONLY tickets left for Wine & Food Affair!

If you find Saturday ONLY is already sold out, don't worry, we've got options for you: 
🍷  You can still attend on Saturday if you buy a weekend ticket, and bonus, you can attend on Sunday as well. Why not make a weekend of it?


🍷  You can buy a Sunday ONLY ticket for the same price as the Saturday ticket and enjoy a leisurely day, and likely less crowds. 


Get your tickets Here

Wine Road Sonoma County Wine & Food Affair

What’s Come Over October All About?

This past summer, three wine industry colleagues came up with the idea of Come Over October to encourage people to get together once again to celebrate life’s special moments and friendships over a glass of wine.

Why Now?

Although we were all excited to be able to gather again after the pandemic shutdown, life demands derailed many of us from continuing to reach out to those we enjoy and carving out time to spend with them.

Come Over October’s mission is straightforward and simple:
“… to encourage people to invite family and friends, new and old, to come together during the month of October to share some wine and friendship. We believe that through the simple act of sharing wine, we share other things that matter — generosity, caring, and a belief that being together is an essential part of human happiness.”

Getting together with friends for a glass of wine after work, on a Saturday afternoon with appetizers, or over a meal has been the social fabric of our lives. And, if you’ve got too much wine in your cellar, closet, or wine rack, this is the perfect time to share it. It feels great to turn friends or family members on to a new wine or introduce them to a new winery. Make October your month to share a special wine with someone you know will appreciate it, too.

Come Over October encourages us to put down our devices, hang out together and have real conversations. Sipping on a beverage is a natural part of gathering, so it makes sense to include wine in the mix. Even if your friends or family aren’t wine drinkers, the Come Over October movement is the perfect reminder to make spending time together a priority.Gather with friends at Merry Edwards WineryNo Excuses

Before you start thinking of all the reasons you can’t have anyone over, like your home is too small or you don’t have time to clean before asking someone over, let’s explore other options. Here’s a quote from the Come Over October website, “…invite friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family to “come over” to share some wine — at home, in a restaurant, or wherever get-togethers happen. Friendship is best when it is celebrated together.”

What about gathering friends for a picnic in a local park or other outdoor area? October is a beautiful time of year no matter where you live. Make it a potluck with everyone bringing a favorite appetizer and bottle of wine.

Gathering at a restaurant or bar works, too. Or, go wine tasting and take along a picnic lunch. There are a lot of wineries that have a picnic area and a bocce court, too. Sipping wine with friends as you look out over a vineyard will get your shoulders to relax and laughter to flow.

Bring friends along wine tasting and enjoy a picnic. Thank you Alexander Valley Vineyards for sharing your deck with us.
More Options

Having a wine tasting at your home or office is also a fun way to gather folks together. If some of your friends aren’t wine drinkers, have an additional tasting of non-flavored sparkling water. We recently went to a wine tasting in someone’s home, and there was also a sparkling water tasting for the people who don’t drink wine. It was surprising and fun to taste the vast differences in sparkling waters, plus in between tastes we were talking and laughing, too.

If your bestie lives too far away to see them in person, schedule a call or Facetime, and enjoy each other’s company while each of you sip your favorite wine. My friends and family are scattered far and wide, so wine and phone calls happen often during my weekends.

What Can You Plan for Come Over October?

Streaming a movie, playing a video game or reading a book are relaxing and enjoyable, but these activities don’t fulfill our need for social interaction and stimulating conversation. If you miss being with your friends and family, plan something for Come Over October. If you really get into it, maybe plan more than one gathering, and who says we need to stop when October is over?Toast to an al fresco lunch with some DaVero wines.

I’ve given you a few ideas, but there are many more, just be creative. Don’t let a dusty or small home keep you from being with the people you enjoy most. Find ways to spend time together. Life goes by way too fast and it’s never predictable. Grab quality time together now.

You might discover that Come Over October helps you find what’s missing in your life — making time for those you love and enjoy the most!

Happy Sipping!

Come Over October DaVero Winery Alexander Valley Vineyards Merry Edwards Winery Wine Road Wine Road Sonoma County

The Final Summer Wine Pairing: Bordeaux Blend!

The Final Summer Wine Pairing: Bordeaux Blend!


Acta Winery & Vineyards 2021 DEEDS Bordeaux varietal blend is a must-try. With only six barrels produced, this blend of 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot is perfect for pairing with a succulent grilled ribeye. 



Discover more about this delightful combination and other delectable wine pairings on the blog! https://www.wineroad.com/.../best-summer-wine-pairings/

Wine Road Sonoma County Acta Winery & Vineyards 2021 Deeds Bordeaux

What is the WineStopper Program?

With so many wineries, lodgings, and wines along the Wine Road, the WineStopper Program highlights a different winery, lodging, and wine every week. It’s a great way to learn a little bit more about what’s happening along the Wine Road. 

Recently, Spicy Vines in Healdsburg was the featured winery:


Click Here to Learn More About the WineStopper Program...

WineStopper Program WineRoad Sonoma County

2024 Harvest Wine Trail

Event Type: Consumer, Tasting

Event Date: 09/14/2024

Location: Sonoma County, CA

Harvest Wine Trail

BY WINE ROAD NORTHERN SONOMA COUNTY

Sonoma County, CA

Get out and explore along the Wine Road, check out some new wineries, visit your long-time favorites and stock up on some of your favorite wines for the fall. Each winery will pour two or three wines for each ticket holder.


Click Here to Learn More

Harvest Wine Trail WineRoad Sonoma County Consumer Event Wine Tasting

Spring Wine Trail ~ Sonoma County Wine Road

Event Type: Consumer, Tasting

Event Date: 05/11/2024

Get out and explore along the Wine Road, check out some new wineries, visit your long-time favorites and stock up on some of your favorite wines for Spring.

Each winery will pour two or three wines for each ticket holder.

Order your ticket online, then show it on your phone at each winery you visit for the day.

This is a casual walk-in tasting, not a food-pairing.  Plan to visit 3-4 wineries for the day.

https://www.wineroad.com/events/springwinetrail/

Wine Road Sonoma County Wine Tasting

Spring Wine Trail ~ Sonoma County Wine Road

Event Type: Consumer, Tasting

Event Date: 05/11/2024

Get out and explore along the Wine Road, check out some new wineries, visit your long-time favorites and stock up on some of your favorite wines for Spring.

Each winery will pour two or three wines for each ticket holder.

Order your ticket online, then show it on your phone at each winery you visit for the day.

This is a casual walk-in tasting, not a food-pairing.  Plan to visit 3-4 wineries for the day.

https://www.wineroad.com/events/springwinetrail/

Wine Tasting Wine Road Sonoma County

About

 

AVAs

The mission of the Wine Road is to increase awareness of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys through education and marketing while promoting Sonoma County as the year-round wine country destination.

Download our Press Kit

Wine Road is a member driven, winery association.

Founded in 1976 with 9 wineries along the Russian River in Sonoma County.

As of 2017 the Wine Road now consists of 197 wineries members and 54 associate lodging members.

The Wine Road is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 10 winery and 3 lodging representatives. An Executive Director manages the day-to-day operations.

Our goal is simple – Bring people to northern Sonoma County to embrace the beauty, sample the wines and meet the cast of characters that work the farms, prepare the meals, make the wines and share their warm hospitality.

Once you visit…we know you’ll be back!

Wine Road
Heaven Condensed

Contact

Contact List

Title Name Email Phone Extension
Executive Director Beth Costa beth@wineroad.com 433-4335
Events Manager Debbie Osborn debbie@wineroad.com 433-4335
Office Manager Laura Stafford laura@wineroad.com 433-4335

Location List

Locations Address State Country Zip Code
Wine Road P.O. Box 46, Healdsburg CA United States of America 95448

List of Locations