Wine Barrels at David Girard Vineyards. Photo (c)David Locicero 2012

The El Dorado Winery Association’s biggest event of the year, the Passport 2012, has been scheduled for the weekends of April 14-15 and April 21-22.  The Passport is two days of wine tasting and food pairings, this year with 32 participating wineries.  For a ticket price of only $65 per person, attendees can visit as many wineries over two days as they can, sampling wines and food pairings.  There are several wineries this year who are participating for the first time.

It is physically impossible to taste at all 32 wineries over two days.  Even if you only taste at 4 wineries each day, you will not be disappointed attending.  With careful planning, you can easily taste at 6 to 8 wineries…but if you do: HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER.  Designated drivers are only charged $25 and get complementary non-alcoholic beverages at each winery and can sample any of the foods offered.

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It was the Passport event back in 2006 that introduced me and my partner to Gold Country wines.  We have had so much fun at this annual event that it is a Cannot Miss event on our calendar and we plan our Spring around attending Passport.  Tickets are limited in number and the event usually sells out.  If you want to attend, contact the El Dorado Winery Association.

Accommodations book fast as well.  As soon as you’ve got your tickets, waste no time in booking a hotel, motel or B&B.  I have a list of recommended accommodations in my book, Pour Me Another.  We’ll be there!