Santa Maria Valley Wine Country hosts FREE Vineyard & Winery Walks
May – October 2010

The Santa Maria Valley Wine Country will be hosting a series of free vineyard and winery walks throughout the Santa Maria Valley. In 2009, the vintners' assocation hosted a series of free vineyard walks that were so well received that they are now including winery walks for their 2010 series.   On the second Saturday of each month from May to October, a different Santa Maria vineyard manager, or winemaker, will lead a tour of their winery or vineyard starting at noon.  The tours will provide a firsthand look at different winemaking techniques that take place throughout the year.  All vineyard and winery walks are free to the public; a great reason to get out to the wine country and learn something new.  With the money saved, why not treat yourself to a wine tasting or bottle of wine for a picnic in the country?  Take a break from the city and savor authentic wine country.  For a list of participating wineries and more information, please see below. For questions, please email info@smvwines.com or call 1.866.480.5194.

LOCATIONS AND DATES

2010 WALKS:

May 8th: Riverbench (directions: click here), host Jim Stollberg *begins at 1pm*
June 12th: Tres Hermanas, host Luke Lindquist
July 10th: Cottonwood Canyon (directions: click here)
August 14th: Costa de Oro, host Gary Burk at Central Coast Wine Services
September 11th: tbd
October 9th: Cambria Winery, host Denise Shurtleff (directions: click here)

Please note: Reservations are now required. Please visit www.shop.smvwines.com to reserve your free ticket or email info@smvwines.com to RSVP.

2009 WALKS:

April 11th: Bien Nacido Vineyards (directions: click here), host James Ontiveros
May 9th: Cottonwood Canyon (directions: click here)
June 13th: Kenneth Volk Vineyards (directions: click here)
includes a special Chardonnay tasting for those 21 years of age and older
July 11th: Riverbench (directions: click here), host Jim Stollberg
August 8th: Costa de Oro (directions: click here) host Gary Burk
September 12th: Rancho Ontiveros (Click here for map), host James Ontiveros
Directions: From Highway 101, exit Clark Ave. Head east on Clark. Drive until it ends and take a right onto Dominion. In approximately 2 miles (rough estimate) take a left at 6525 Dominion Drive. There are two giant rocks outside of the driveway.
October 10th (HARVEST!): Bien Nacido Vineyards (directions: click here), host Chris Hammell

To join our mailing list please email: info@smvwines.com

FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VINEYARD WALKS PLEASE VISIT:
Flickr
You Tube

ARTICLES:
Noozhawk
Santa Maria Sun