Taste rare Marin County Pinots June 9-10

Marin County, California - The county just north of the Golden Gate bridge may be best known for its liberal politics and aging rockers, but a group of Marin County vineyards and wineries would like to change that perception. They want people to be aware of the region's diverse agricultural viability, including a little-known winegrowing heritage. Wine lovers can see for themselves on Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, when Marin County Pinot Noir winegrowers launch their newest vintages in a fundraising effort to preserve the resource they depend upon – agricultural land in Marin County.

Called “A Celebration of Marin County Pinot Noir,” the second annual event will benefit the non-profit Marin Agricultural Land Trust. The event will showcase Marin’s newest breed of boutique Pinot Noirs and will be held at the oldest winery in Marin County, Escalle Winery, which while no longer in production and rarely open to the public, was established in 1881 at 771 Magnolia Avenue near downtown Larkspur, only minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On June 9 and 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. a complimentary private tasting for credentialed media and wine trade  members will precede the fundraising celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Complimentary valet parking will be offered in the evening.

The limited production Marin County Pinot Noirs, crafted in the chilly, remote coastal vineyards of western Marin County include marquee names and some promising new faces: Corda Winery, Dutton-Goldfield, Pey-Marin Vineyards, Pt. Reyes Vineyard, Stubbs Vineyard, Sean Thackrey and Vision Cellars.

The tasting will also feature a variety of artisan cheeses and other foods – all grown on the family farms of Marin County. Tickets for the fundraiser must be purchased in advance from MALT at www.malt.org or 415.663.1158 ($40 per person, $30 for MALT members) and may be tax deductible. Trade and credentialed media should RSVP to Jonathan Pey at 415.455.9463 or info@marinwines.com.


April 28, 2006