Where To Go in March

Here I sit in the beautiful Napa Valley considering where March might bring me, and I can't help but think that these winter months are often overlooked as a time to visit wine country. It's been gorgeous weather here, sunny, relatively warm days with cool, even cold, nights. The best part about it? No crowds!

I know we all can't get away this time of year, but it's worth considering since soon enough the crowds will be back. And while seeing the vineyards in all their verdant glory is a treat, wine country can be beautiful all year round. If you can't get to the West Coast in March, I've found some other wine centric visits for you to consider.

Wine And Cheese Image Via Shutterstock

Temecula, March 2 and 3

If you want really lovely weather and the opportunity to explore one of California's least known wine regions, consider the Temecula Valley's World of Wine Weekend, all happening just about an hour from from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs.

World of Wine is the region's first passport weekend of 2013, taking place on March 2nd and 3rd. This two-day event is a wonderful opportunity for Southern California wine-lovers to taste barrel and bottle samples, indulge in delicious food pairings and enjoy quality time with local winemakers within the 35 member wineries.

Visit Temecula Winegrowers Association

Amador County, March 2 and 3

If visiting wineries and getting special access to new releases and limited bottling is something you're looking for (and Northern California is more convenient for you) consider joining this year's Behind the Cellar Door in Amador County.

Thirty-six Amador County wineries will be participating this year, pouring wine and serving food to the rhythms and melodies of live music. Not only is this a great way to learn all about the wines of this often overlooked region, but if you opt for one of the winemaking dinners in addition to a day full of tastings, you get the full Amador experience.

Click here for more info

People’s Voice Awards Grand Tasting: March 23rd, 2013

Snooth is hosting its first Grand Tasting: The People's Voice Wine Awards Event. The People's Voice Wine Awards is where Snooth users--wine lovers from all over the world--nominate and vote for their favorite wines, crowing the winners across 80 different categories. The event will have great food, cooking demos, 100 winner and finalist wineries in attendance pouring 300 wines, and upwards of 500 urban, techie, wine lovers as the crowd. We're entertaining the trade and media as well. In addition to the main tasting event, we are holding a series of exclusive, seated tastings for the trade and media. We welcome you to the Grand Tasting.

For tickets click here

New York City, March and May

Since we're talking about local events in New York, it's worth mentioning the Women Winemaker series, hosted by The Ritz-Carlton New York and Central Park hotel’s recently opened Auden Bistro & Bar.

Wine Director Marika Vida and Executive Chef Mark Arnao are joining forces to create an innovative food and beverage program, highlighting accomplished female winemakers from around the world. Throughout the series, pioneering women of the wine industry will lead intimate dinners in the luxury hotel’s private dining room, featuring four-course meals prepared by Chef Arnao, each paired with the guest speaker’s exclusive wine selection. The series lineup includes:

March 4, 2013 - Tiziana Settimo, Owner and Winemaker, Aurelio Settimo (Barolo, Italy).

March 15, 2013 - Mia Klein, Owner and Winemaker, Selene Wines, Bressler Vineyards, Cimarossa Vineyards and Boyanci (Napa Valley, California).

April 17, 2013 - Athena Pappas and Stewart Boedecker, Owners and Winemakers, Boedecker Cellars (Willamette Valley, Oregon).

May 15, 2013 - Sarah Quider, Winemaker, Ferrari Carano (Sonoma, California).

A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Shelter at Crossroads Community Services. Tickets are $125 per person, with limited seating. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (212) 521-6125 or via OpenTable.

Sonoma County, March 1-3 and 8-10

I started writing this while talking about being in Napa Valley, and since this is such a great time to visit Northern California, I'll end this brief round-up with one of the best reasons to be on the West Coast in March: the 34th Annual Sonoma County Barrel Tasting.

One great event spread over two weekends, this gives you access to the wines of over 200 wineries. And unlike some events, this is really just meant to give consumers an early peek at the next crop of releases from some great vintages—and some challenging vintages as well. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about the wines of Sonoma County, the various vintages on offer, and the winemaking styles produced. A quick look at the wines on offer this year leaves me itching to join you all there!

Visit Sonoma County Wine Road for more info

Want To Learn More?

Want to learn more? GDP guides us through the lesser-known region of Santa Cruz

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Comments

Zuiko

Hand of Snooth

540750 452

Some good ideas there GDP. I have my sights set on the middle Mosel for September, as there are a few wine fests there.

Feb 18, 2013 at 6:31 PM
billyblee

163398 21

It would mean crossing the Atlantic .

I live in Belgium . Sschuckkks .

Maybe we can head for Alsace , enjoy a good gewertz with `` Tarte flambee `` . Come join me , Billy .

Feb 19, 2013 at 6:03 AM
suziqcu

505632 10

Wish we could switch w/Billyblee....used to live in Belgium. Now living in Montecello Wine region of VA.

Feb 19, 2013 at 3:28 PM
suziqcu

505632 10

Also, used to live in Temecula, great little wine region!

Feb 19, 2013 at 3:28 PM