Russian River Passport is an annual event showcasing the wineries, vineyards and exceptional beauty of Russian River Valley . There are over 150 wineries and 300 growers in the Russian River Valley , producing a variety of world class wines to please any wine lover. HotCosts attended to search for new, small-lot artesian wineries and to catch-up with some of the better known brands to see what’s been cookin at their estates.
Wineries up and down Russian River Valley, many of whom are not open to the public showcase their wine at this event. Each winery offers special foods they select to complement their wines. Some locations had live entertainment as well.
Arista Winery - paired Pinot Noir and grilled local lamb skewers with summer vegetables.
De La Montanya Winery & Vineyard - BBQ with live music with 2007 Pinot Noir right from the barrel. Also, a Reserve Pinot Noir Bar with 6, 2006 single vineyard Pinot Noirs.
De Loach Vineyards – the entire line of fine Russian River Wines, along with Laura Chenel’s Chevre, Fresh Goats Milk Log, a lovely cheese with both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Bellwhether Farms Carmody, a great match with Pinot Noir, and Joe Matos Cheese Factory “St. George” Portuguese style white Cheddar Cheese, delicious with both Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, Vella Pepper Jack, and an Oregon Cabot, and artisan breads from Cousteaux bakery.
C. Donatiello Winery - Pinot Noir and Acoustic Blues. Wines were paired with food samples from Duskie Estes and John Stewart of Zazu restaurant. Barrel tastings of the 2007 vintage of Russian River Pinot Noir as well as 2007 Christie Vineyard Chardonnay.
Harvest Moon Estate & Winery - stuffed mushrooms, mango prawns, BBQ grilled tri-tip, and live music along with barrel tastings of 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir & 2007 Pitts Home Ranch Estate Zinfandel.
Matrix Winery - local breads and products of Sonoma County along with vintage Bordeaux Blends, Pinot and Chardonnay.
Moshin Vineyard - grilled to order Pinot pairings with the Bar-Bie.
Pellegrini/Olivet Lane Vineyard – gourmet food and wine pairings featuring local artisan cheeses, charcuterie and special pasta.
Russian Hill Estate Winery - Spanish paella cooked in the open air with fresh ingredients foraged from the sea. Paired with Pinot Noir and Patio Pink, our Rose of Pinot noir.
Russian River Vineyards — many wineries set-up camp at Russian River Vineyards in forestville for a Santa Maria style BBQ. Additional wineries included: Aubin Cellars, Dovetail Winery, David Noyes Winery, Kasuari, T.R. Elliott, Macrae Family Winery, Martin Ray Winery, Mietz Cellars and Olson Ogden.
Suncé Winery & Vineyard - Pulled Pork over homemade rolls and/or Beef Brisket and other fixin’s. Served with all their wines.
Windsor Oaks Vineyards & Winery - 10 of their winery partners poured their Windsor Oaks Bottlings at their promontory point overlooking their 720 acre ranch. Truffled mushroom soup and fire-roasted pork, and artisan chocolate tibits. Additional wineries included: Amphora Winery, Anthill Farms Winery, Dovetail Winery, Deerfield Ranch Winery, Eric/Kent Wine Cellars, jcole Wines, Kokomo Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery and Terremoto Cellars.
