Above The Fog and Under The Radar: Wine Festival Showcases "Hidden Gem" Wine Region

    SANTA ROSA, CA, October 12, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The second annual Fort Ross-Seaview Wine Festival, the premier wine-and-food celebration along the Sonoma Coast, will showcase the wines and food of the one of Sonoma County's newest, and smallest American Viticultural Areas (AVA) from noon until 4 PM on October 18 at Fort Ross State Historic Park.

The Fort Ross-Seaview Wine Festival is presented by the Fort Ross-Seaview Winegrowers Association, a consortium of wineries and growers in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, dedicated to farming "coastal cool" grapes above the fog on the very edge of the continent. Participating wineries include:

- Ca'Nani -a Del Dotto Family Winery
- Flowers Vineyard & Winery
- Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery
- Kutch Wines
- Martinelli Winery
- Siduri Wines
- Tin Barn Vineyards
- Wayfarer Vineyard
- WesMar Winery
- Wild Hog Vineyard
- Williams Selyem

Although the area on the northern Sonoma Coast was among the first in California to produce high-quality wine, the Fort Ross-Seaview earned its status as a distinct appellation in 2012. The AVA derives its name from to prominent local features: Fort Ross, which recalls the 1812 Russian-built fort (and the vines established on its site in 1817), and the Seaview community, located on the steep coastal ridges traversed by Seaview Road, which runs the length of the AVA and is one of the state's most scenic routes, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Coast.

In addition to the Grand Tasting, the festival is offering the Grand Luncheon, which includes a four-course meal of seasonal fare expertly paired with local wines, prepared by renowned local chefs. The meal will be presented on a scenic marine terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The featured chefs and their culinary contributions include James Beard Award winning author and chef John Ash, Barbara Hom, executive chef at Fort Ross Vineyard, Richard Whipple, executive chef at Sea Ranch Lodge, and Marianna Gardenhire, pastry chef and proprietor of Forestville's acclaimed Backyard restaurant.

Tickets for the Grand Luncheon are priced at $125 per person and include entrance to the Grand Tasting Wine Tent, the State Parks entrance fee, and access to Harvest Festival entertainment and activities. A limited number of tickets are available online via advance purchase through October 14 only at http://fortross-seaview.org/events/. Tickets to the Grand Tasting are $35 and include State Parks entrance fee and access to Harvest Festival entertainment and activities when purchased in advance.

The festival is produced by the Fort Ross-Seaview Winegrowers in partnership with the Fort Ross Harvest Fair, presented by Fort Ross Conservancy, which offers an array of activities, including:
- Interpretive talks in the historic orchard where the first grapevines in Sonoma and Napa counties were planted in 1817
- Samples of local heirloom apples, apple cider, baked goods, Sonoma cheeses, and more
- Horse and buggy rides to the historic orchard up the hill from the fort
- Performances by Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble and Russia House Kedry
- Kashia Pomo dances
- Alaskan marine history and crafts at Fort Ross
- Russian communal dances, costumed interpretive re-enactments, working demonstration of the authentic Russian-style windmill, and traditional craft

Tickets to the Harvest Fair are $20. The Fort Ross Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) and California State Park cooperating association, connects people to the history and beauty of Fort Ross and Salt Point State Parks.

For more information about the Fort Ross-Seaview Winegrowers Association and complete event information, visit www.fortross-seaview.org.

About the FortRoss-Seaview AVA
By statute, the Fort Ross-Seaview American Viticultural Area (AVA) is limited to plantings on land 920 to 1800 feet above sea level or higher. Of the 27,500 acres available in the AVA, only 555 acres are usable, given the ruggedness of the terrain. The AVA's elevation, mountainous terrain and proximity to the Pacific Ocean combine to create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, among other varieties. The region rises above the fogline to occupy a completely unique ecosystem--one that's dryer, sunnier and warmer than most. While this elevated, "coastal cool" maritime climate is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region also has plantings of Pinotage, Roussanne and, further inland, highly acclaimed Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet.

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