Date: TBA Late April 2009

Time: 11am - 4:30pm

Cost: $110 for 2-day pass; $60 for Sunday only

Description: Passport to Dry Creek Valley is the single most popular annual wine event in Sonoma County, often selling out six months before the event. And with good reason: the ticket price of $110 may seem steep, but attendees are rewarded with two days of the best of Sonoma County wine and food, plus live music at many of the 60 participating wineries. Many wineries offer barrel samples, library and reserve wines, and food prepared by a who's who of Sonoma County chefs. For years the event sponsors, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, have resorted to a lottery to distribute the event's 4,000 tickets. The best way to be assured of tickets for Passport to Dry Creek Valley is to join the wine club at one of the participating wineries, each of whom get a block of tickets to sell to their club members. The event is always held the last full weekend in April.

Notables: If you're desperate for tickets, call around to the smaller wineries directly--they must pay the association for their block of tickets whether or not they have takers. Also, as the event approaches ticket holders who have a last minute change of plans often unload their tickets on Craigslist.

Address: 3495 Dry Creek Road

City: Healdsburg

State: California

Zip: 95448

Phone number: 707-433-3031

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it