It’s official.
San Benito County wineries will open their doors for the second
annual Passport Weekend on June 19 and 20, and tickets go on sale
today.
It’s official.
San Benito County wineries will open their doors for the second annual Passport Weekend on June 19 and 20, and tickets go on sale today.
More than 1,000 people are expected to pick up passports and travel to the eight participating wineries for award-winning wine, paired appetizers and live music.
“We’re all working together to show people what San Benito County has to offer,” Deanna Gimelli, of Pietra Santa Winery, said. “I think the excellence of the grape growing process and the quality of the product shows in the bottle.”
One of the successful attributes of Passport Weekend is the personalized wine tasting experience, according to Gimelli.
“We take the opportunity and the time to share the product with the visitors, and that’s what it’s all about,” she said.
After receiving permits to allow 350 people on their property at one time, Pietra Santa is looking forward to the growing number of visitors for this event.
“Along with music and food, we’ll be offering self-guided tours of the land,” Gimelli said.
Joining the six wineries from last year are the new kids on the block – Summerayne Vineyards and Enz Winery.
Gillian Enz-Bowlus, owner of Summerayne, is excited about being part of the event and the exposure it will give her up-and-coming vineyards.
“I can’t think of a better way to make things more personal,” she said. “This gives visitors the opportunity to see all the wineries, and it gives everyone justice by making it a weekend affair.”
Along with getting involved in Passport Weekend, Enz Winery will begin staying open during the weekends with the other wineries in Cienega Valley. Operator Russell Enz said the winery is starting to get back into the retail side of wine making, and this event is a great way to get the word out.
“We’re very much looking forward to it,” he said.
This year, the location where visitors buy passports will be their starting point for the weekend. There will also be a raffle. Each location will have a raffle item, and visitors can chose which item they want to try and win.
The wineries will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $25. Passports can be purchased at Pietra Santa Winery, Leal Vineyards, DeRose Vineyards, Calera Wine Company and Dorothy McNett’s Place.
Upcoming wine events in San Benito County: Great Grape Stomp Aug. 28 at Pietra Santa. For more information, call 636-1991.
