Local wineries are readying their welcome mats for this
weekend’s Fourth Annual San Benito County Winegrower’s Association
Passport Weekend, a yearly event designed to tickle the palate of
local and visiting grape nuts while promoting the community’s own
unique wine culture.
Local wineries are readying their welcome mats for this weekend’s Fourth Annual San Benito County Winegrower’s Association Passport Weekend, a yearly event designed to tickle the palate of local and visiting grape nuts while promoting the community’s own unique wine culture.
“It’s all about good wine and good food,” said Al DeRose of DeRose Winery. “That’s basically all you need, really.”
This year marks the first that all of the county’s 10 wineries are participating in the event, even those who do not have tasting rooms available to the public during the rest of the year. Many are also partnering with local restaurants to offer food and wine pairings with live entertainment.
“This will probably be one of the best events we’ve had, just because of how many wineries are participating,” said Theresa Martin, a volunteer organizer. “It’s a great opportunity to taste wines that you might not be able to any other time of the year.”
The Winegrower’s Association is anticipating over 700 participants this weekend, and while many native residents are fiercely loyal to their local wineries, organizers believe nearly half will come from San Jose and the Monterey Bay areas.
“Everybody knows about the wine in Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles,” said Dan Payne, spokesman for Leal Winery. “But there are a lot of people who come here because it’s not so well-known, and they like being ahead of the curve… our culture out here is different, too. We’re not as snobby as some of the bigger places.”
Another aspect of the event that draws in visitors from out of the county is the price. For $25, participants get access to all 10 wineries and a commemorative glass, and if they’re looking to take a bottle or two home, local vintners boast that their wines are some of the most reasonably priced in the state.
“It’s a great opportunity to see all of the county’s wineries in one fell swoop,” said DeRose. “And for the quality you get out here, you won’t find a better price.”
The Passport weekend begins with check-in at 10:30am – participants will begin their self-guided tour wherever they bought their tickets from. Pouring begins at 11am and continues all day until 5pm.
Martin suggests that the best way to experience Passport Weekend is to stop at Running Rooster in the morning to grab a picnic lunch, head out to the wine trail and after the event is finished, go to the Inn at Tres Pinos for dinner, conveniently located at the tail end of the trail.
“This is something that’s really good for the entire county,” she said. “Look at Ridgemark, they’ve been completely booked for a while.”
Other local businesses are getting into the act, as well – local restaurants are helping cater for many wineries, Night Out Limousine is providing tours for those who are feeling particularly celebratory and don’t want to drive, and local artist Shannon Grissom will have her wine art available, including several limited edition, autographed posters, the proceeds from which will go to local charities.
“This is really a special event,” said Martin. “In fact, it’s probably the best out secret in San Benito County. But we all decided it’s time to let the cat out of the bag and we hope everyone will come and enjoy it.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com
