PINOT NOIR FESTIVAL
Anderson Valley, CA | MAY 16-18, 2025
Join the Wine Family of Anderson Valley – JUNE 12-14, 2026
Step into Anderson Valley’s Pinot Noir Festival and you’re not just attending an event – you’re joining our wine family. Here, conversations flow as easily as the wine, whether you’re talking with the winemaker, their spouse, or the neighbor who helped plant the vines. This is a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the people who live and work in our valley, crafting wines that reflect both place and passion.
Set against one of California’s most breathtaking backdrops, our Pinot Noirs stand apart – coastal in character, with brighter fruit, lifted aromatics, and a naturally structured tannin profile. It’s a style so distinctive that winemakers from across the state seek out Anderson Valley fruit, year after year. By joining us, you’re not only experiencing a weekend of exceptional wine and connection, you’re helping to preserve a community and a landscape unlike any other.
Festival Highlights
Vineyard Seminars
Grand Tasting
VIP Bubble Lounge
Winery Open Houses
One Varietal. One Appellation.
27th Annual Pinot Noir Festival
JUNE 12-14, 2026
Join us for our largest annual fundraiser, benefitting our member-supported 501c(6). Nobody does Pinot Noir like Anderson Valley, one of the most beautiful places in California. More than 50 wineries pour, including two dozen prestige labels from Napa and Sonoma that covet our fabulous fruit. Sample delicious food pairings, acquire library wines, exclusive experiences, and other treasures during our silent auction.
Learn alongside winemakers at Friday’s educational seminars … enjoy wine and music at the Friday sunset BBQ… immerse yourself in amazing Pinot, rosé and sparkling wines at the Grand Tasting on Saturday … elevate your Saturday experience in the VIP Bubble Lounge… then explore the valley during Sunday’s winery open houses.
The safety of you and our community is important.
Be sure to book your lodging and secure your designated driver for the event.
Why Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is one of the most challenging wines to get right, so why do winemakers love to work with it? First and foremost, Pinot requires cool-climate growing conditions and is not easy to work with in the vineyard. During the spring delicate buds are susceptible to frost, which is common in Pinot’s preferred cool and coastal growing areas. During the summer months thin skins can easily be sunburned and, when harvest arrives, Pinot prefers the precision and care by the human hand to avoid bruising. The producers of Anderson Valley enjoy the challenge and take great care and pride to ensure that our Pinot Noir is taken care of and loved by the most sophisticated of palates.
Pinot Fest FAQs
Is the event family or pet-friendly?
Unfortunately, no. Even though this seems like a family/pet-friendly location, this is an adult wine event. No pets, no minors. Pinot Fest is a community-based event that occasionally includes the presence of children from those wineries or partners we know, which reflects the spirit of Anderson Valley.If you see a kid present, they are local and you might enjoy striking up a conversation with them! If you see a pet, it is because they are a licensed service dog.
What’s your return policy?
Refunds can be requested up to 30 days before the event start date with a 10% handling fee.
What is the dress code?
Dress for the weather. Evenings are chilly in Anderson Valley, so be sure to bring layers, especially for the BBQ. The Grand Tasting takes place on an outdoor lawn next to vineyards. Therefore, we recommend comfortable footwear and layers in case of a chill.
Is this event outdoors or indoors?
The Grand Tasting and BBQ events are planned to take place outdoors. In case of rain for the Grand Tasting, we will provide tent coverage. For the BBQ, we will move to the Fairgrounds in Boonville.
Is there seating?
Seating is available throughout the event, although it is based upon availability. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair to set out on the lawn area if they want to secure a permanent seating option.
Is there public transportation or rideshare options?
Unfortunately, because of the area’s remoteness, there are no rideshare options like Uber, Lyft, or taxi services. Tour Mendocino offers small group tours if you can reserve with them in advance. We recommend that groups have a designated driver or consume responsibly by spitting, drinking plenty of water, and sampling food at the event.
Is this event handicap accessible?
Should you require accessibility assistance at this event, please let us know your needs as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours before the event. Note the Grand Tasting is on a large lawn and items like knee scooters and wheelchairs will be difficult to operate safely and are not recommended.
Additional Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at info@avwines.com
See All Anderson Valley Events
PINOT FEST Partners
A Special Thank You to Our Partners!
To-date, Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association has helped contribute over $520,000 to worthwhile local services, improving the lives of our community members.