Time to Taste the Valley - Alexander Valley, That Is

Seems like only yesterday the weekend filled our tasting rooms with zinfandel fanatics, our restaurants with foodies, and our hotels with epicurean travelers. (It was actually three weeks ago, April 28-29.)

This time the appellation of interest (aka AVA) shifts east, with . It's another two-day wine and food event along our rural roads and into our downtown, kicked off on Friday night with an opening celebration at . Guest chefs included Jeff Mall of, as well Josh Silvers of Petite Syrah Bistro and Carlo Cavallo of Meritage Sonoma.

Now in its 15th year, encompasses more than 30 wineries along Hwy 128 in Healdsburg, on Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20. More so than zinfandel, cabernet is a wine known to pair with food, and the major grape in Alexander Valley is known for its cab. They say zinfandel is good for puns, but cabernet is good for points, so wine-lovers are sure to have lots to love.

If you're buying your ticket tomorrow for the two-day Weekend Pass it'll be $75 at the door of the participating wineries, $20 for a designated driver; Sunday only is $55 at the door, $15 for your DD.

A full list of participating wineries can be found on this webpage, or better yet download to view or print the PDF with this article, which includes food pairings and more information about each of the 31 locations.

Weekend Pass (designated driver) – $20 per person in advance, $30 at the door; Sunday only $45 per person in advance, $55 at the door. For complete information, visit Taste Alexander Valley online.