Pinot Noir Festival Schedule of Events
2025
2025
Friday, May 16th 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Mendocino Fairgrounds
Join us for an engaging Vineyard Seminar, where experts will delve into the current state of Pinot Noir and the future of this iconic varietal. Topics to include innovative farming practices that are increasingly relevant in light of shifting climate conditions. Industry specialists and farmers will share insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of growing Pinot Noir in California’s cool coastal regions and the techniques shaping the future of Pinot Noir.
Moderated by Christopher Chen, UCCE Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for the North Coast region of California.
8:30am – Breakfast
9:00am – Introduction
9:05am – Regenerative Agriculture
9:35am – Grower Panel (Climate Shifts in Anderson Valley)
9:50am – Vineyard Economics and State of Pinot
10:15am – Assessing Vineyard Technology and AI Advancements
10:55am – Outdoor Demo and Break period
11:15am – Vineyard Turbidity Mandate (Farm Bureau)
11:30am – Scholarship Awards
11:35am – Closing Comments and Sponsor Acknowledgements
Friday, May 16th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Husch Vineyards
Experience the Eco-Tour at Husch Vineyards, an exciting journey through Anderson Valley’s most innovative sustainable vineyards. Led by Zac Robinson, alongside Sarah Cahn Bennet, Douglas Stewart, Nicole Dooling, and Linda MacElwee, this tour highlights 50 years of no-till and regenerative farming, focusing on under-vine management, row spacing, and creating habitats for beneficial insects to enhance soil health and biodiversity. Explore native grass vineyard blocks, rainwater catchment systems, and learn how these practices help protect the Navarro River’s Coho salmon. Taste and share discussion, and discover how regenerative farming is shaping the future of viticulture!
Tickets are very limited- so reserve early. BUY TICKETS NOW!
Friday, May 16th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Lula Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues with one of the most favorite events of the festival is the casual BBQ! Mingle with locals and winemakers, while soaking up the vibe of our amazing community. This year’s BBQ will be held in the Deep End of the Valley, with live music by Gabriel Yañez Quartet and plenty of great wine! KIN Smoke Healdsburg returns with delicious BBQ and sides!
Relax amidst the beautiful views at Lula Cellar for live music and Lula Cellars renowned Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and wines along with special bottles shared by the valley’s winemakers. Optional – bring a bottle to share!
Tickets sell out so reserve early. Don’t miss the last Pinot Fest BBQ at Lula Cellars!
BUY TICKETS NOW!
Saturday, May 17th 10:00am – 1:00 pm
Scharffenberger Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues Saturday morning. Only 100 tickets are available to gain VIP access to this exclusive room on the beautiful grounds of Scharffenberger Cellars in Philo. Sample some of the best sparkling wines from the family owned Estates from the Anderson Valley and the Champagne region of France. You can taste wines from Roederer Estate, Scharffenberger Cellars and Champagne Louis Roederer.
Snack on sushi, hors d’oeuvres, Tsar Nicolai Caviar, and talk to winemakers and like-minded bubble aficionados while gazing out over the beautiful Scharffenberger Cellars vineyards, just steps from the grand tasting event.
Saturday, May 17th 11:00am – 3:00 pm
Scharffenberger Cellars
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events continues with the Grand Tasting. Sip, sample and savor Pinot Noirs and artisan small bites from more than 50 wineries and the area’s best restaurants and chefs! Taste wines from more than 50 producers in the beautiful vineyards of Scharffenberger Cellars, set against the golden hillsides of Anderson Valley.
Live music by Joel Bennett and the Batacha quartet, alongside world-class chefs, will serve up perfectly paired goodness from all corners of the venue. Look for the sparkling wine signals to discover the many producers who are crafting artisan bubbles from Pinot Noir!
Saturday, May 17th 5:00 pm
Stoney Bottom in Boonville
**ONLY 25 TICKETS AVAILABLE** Join us for an unforgettable evening at Stoney Bottom for the Maggy Hawk Winemaker Dinner, a special fundraising event! Chef Rachel will prepare a relaxed, spring-inspired four-course dinner served in the garden, featuring roasted leg lamb and local Fort Bragg seafood. The menu highlights crisp seasonal vegetables, fresh greens and herbs, with bold, simple flavors. A variety of Maggy Hawk wines will be paired perfectly with each course and winemaker Sarah will take you through each one and the vineyards they came from.
The evening will begin with a 5 pm reception & garden stroll, followed by a 6 PM dinner set on the lawn and garden of the stunning Stoney Bottom property in Boonville.
Sunday, May 18TH 11:00am – 5:00 pm
Various Wineries – Click below to view participating wineries
The Pinot Noir Festival schedule of events concludes on Sunday – Stock up on your favorites at participating wineries!
Meander along Highway 128 and stop at participating wineries for a little extra wine tasting, music, bites, vineyard tours, and special winery promotions. Advance reservations are required. Some wineries will remain complimentary and others will charge. Learn more from each winery.
(Mostly) Tickets Required – winery specific