Last weekend was a stellar one in Sonoma Valley. Not only did it feel more like summer than the last day of winter, but it was also the Sonoma wine country spring tradition of the Wine Road Barrel Tasting, which meant that thousands of wine aficionados, as well as novice imbibers, came with their glasses in hand (it’s a bring your own glass event) and had a fabulous weekend. The barrel tasting event allows visitors the opportunity to not only extensively sample vintners’ offerings a year or two before bottling, but also provides an opportunity to buy futures on the products with the incentive of a discount. The theory is that if it’s a good wine now, straight from the barrel, then it will likely be a great wine with further aging.
This year’s event was indicative of the success that the event has seen building over its thirty-three year history. Despite the state of the economy there was good value to be had for the thirty dollar ticket price according to the turnout of thousands. One hundred and twenty wineries throughout Sonoma Valley participated, including many which are usually restricted or closed to the public such as the fourth generation A. Rafanelli winery. The event is a favorite with those in the know for this very reason and so they focus exclusively on those wineries which they wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience in their wine country tours. A. Rafanelli is one of those; the Wine Road Barrel Tasting is only one of two weekends that it opens its doors to the public.
