Stags Leap is, as we have discussed in a number of posts, one of our favorite cab appellations.

We are, therefore, anxiously awaiting our first chance to participate in their annual blow-out Vineyard to Vintner weekend, where dozens of the district’s wineries pull out all stops to present their newly released wines.

This year’s event, scheduled for the April 26-28 weekend, consists of:

• Friday evening’s vintner dinners, where premier wineries partner with local restaurants and caterers to showcase their offerings;
• Saturday filled with 19 open houses in which vintners open their wine-making facilities and their caves for tours, meet-the-winemaker events, music and merriment. And then of course, there are tastings: new release tastings, barrel tastings, cheese pairings, olive oil and vinegar tastings and pairings with everything from steak, barbeque and pizza to in-season berries, chocolate and cupcakes. And don’t forget to begin the day right with the 8:30 AM “Breakfast of Champions”;
• Sunday Sangria brunch wrap-up, with Stags Leap-based sangria, Latin music (Samba) and food (from the Michelin 3-star Meadowood Resort)—followed by a tastings of the winemakers’ favorite cabs from district’s standout 2008 vintage.

Quite a way to spend a weekend. Don’t you agree?

We look forward to seeing you there.