Saturday, March 27, 2010 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM. Seminar #2 : Grenache, Red, White and Pink! 
Grenache, the worlds most widely planted grape for red wines, is most often used as the backbone of red blends.  Now Rhone Ranger winemakers are beginning to produce Grenache as a single variety red wine (and sometimes as a rosé), and having dramatic results.  As a red wine, Grenache can produce flavors of ripe bing cherries, gingerbread, coffee and roasted nuts.  Grenache made into cool, dry rosés, makes a lovely summer wine.  Grenache Blanc produces a wine with lower acid and notes of citrus and herbs.  Participating wineries include: Curtis, David Girard, Edward Sellers, Katin, Quivera, Sol Rouge, Stage Left, Tercero and Unti.  Come join us as we explore Grenache, from white to red.  This event takes place at the cozy and charming Fire House at Fort Mason on the San Francisco Waterfront. Live simultaneous video broadcast for a unique taste-at-home experience will be produced by BrixR.  Moderated by Jon Bonné, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor.

Saturday, March 27, 2010. 6:00 - 9:30 PM. Reception & Formal Dinner with the Winemakers.
Join 15 of the Rhone Rangers’ best winemakers for a stunning evening at the Log Cabin in the San Francisco Presidio. The dinner begins with a walk-around tasting of select wines complemented by passed hors d’oeuvres. At 7 PM we will be seated for a three course meal, catered by the Girl & the Fig (that famous Sonoma restaurant known for their their “Rhone alone” wine list) and plenty of great American Rhones. Guests can choose from two menus:  smokey pork shank, braised until it melts in your mouth and then finished with a touch of apple brandy and crispy lardons, or a layered mushroom pasta for vegetarians. Participating wineries include: Arroyo Robles, Bonny Doon, Carina Cellars, Caliza, Folin, Justin, Michaud, Quady North, Qupe, Sawtooth, Sol Rouge, Tablas Creek and Terry Hoage, with more to be announced shortly.  A brief live auction with wine and wine-country travel lots wll top off the evening, with auction proceeds benefitting the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund. Attendance is limited to 130 guests.  This event takes place at the rustic yet elegant Log Cabin in the San Francisco Presidio.  Seating with any particular winemaker is not guaranteed; winemakers will offer their wines to each table, giving everyone a chance to taste any wine offered that evening. Advance tickets only; no tickets available at the door.

Sunday, March 28, 2010, 11 AM - 12:30 PM. Seminar #3 : The Ageability of American Rhone Wines. 
We kick off our Sunday Grand Tasting day with a 90-minute seminar on the age-ability of American Rhones, featuring library wines from several Rhone Rangers winery members.  Wine Educator Karen MacNeil will lead this panel of esteemed winemakers, discussing what they’ve learned over the years, and how their early wines are faring. Participating wineries include: Bonny Doon, Lagier Meredith, Morgan, Qupe, Sierr Vista, Terre Rouge, Tablas Creek and Zaca Mesa.  Attendees of this seminar also gain admission to the Grand Tasting during the media- and trade-only hours, for a unique VIP opportunity to rub elbows with your favorite winemaker, wine writer or sommelier. This event takes place at the Golden Gate Room at Fort Mason, a short stroll along the waterfront from the Festival Pavilion, where the Grand Tasting takes place. Tickets: $100/each, and include early admission (immediately following the conclusion of the seminar) to the Grand Tasting. Moderated by Karen MacNeil, Culinary Institute of America. 

Sunday, March 28, 2010 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Thirteenth Annual Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting.
The weekend culminates with the Grand Tasting, where over 2,000 people are expected to come taste over 500 wines from more than 100 Rhone Rangers wineries. Sample gourmet foods from 25 or more specialty food purveyors, including cheese, bread, olive oil, charcuterie, fruits and other sweets and chocolates. For a list of participating wineries, click here. A silent auction will feature Rhone Rangers wines and wine-related items; proceeds from the auction will benefit our partners, Meals on Wheels of San Francisco. This event takes place at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.  Come out for a great afternoon of wine, food and fun. 

Sunday, March 28, 2010. 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Thirteenth Annual Rhone Rangers Trade Tasting. 
This event is complimentary to qualified members of the trade and press*.  You must register in advance and you must bring a pre-printed business card and photo ID to gain admittance. If you are not a member of the wine trade (retailer, wholesaler, restaurant owner, sommelier) or a published, bona fide wine writer, please do not request an invitation, as we will be unable to grant your request. 

* Winery tasting room personnel do not qualify for complimentary tickets to the Trade or Grand Tasting.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES ON TICKETS
2. NO ONE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE WILL BE ADMITTED TO ANY RHONE RANGERS EVENTS. IF YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BABY, CHILD OR MINOR, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO CARE FOR THEM, AS YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO OUR EVENTS IF A MINOR IS ACCOMPANYING YOU.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
3. NO PETS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SERVICE ANIMALS.
4. ONLINE TICKET SALES WILL END WHEN WE ARE SOLD OUT FOR ANY EVENT, OR ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE START OF THAT EVENT, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.