Interested in getting to know your local grape growers and Petaluma Gap winemakers? Here's a great opportunity to take an inside look at the vineyards and wineries in and around the cool-climate, micro-region of the Petaluma Gap. Vineyard Tours resume this weekend, with the first of the 2009 series of Meet the Growers, See the Vineyards and Wineries taking place on Sunday, April 19.

"This will be our first vineyard tour day of the year!" says 2009 Petaluma Gap President Teela Ridgeway. "We hope to continue these wonderful tours on a bi-weekly basis throughout the Spring and early Summer months. For those of you that have not attended in the past, these are very informal gatherings of Petaluma Gap enthusiasts hosted by some of our local vineyards/wineries. We learn a bit about our local wine industry as well as have a good time getting to know one another."

Tour vineyards, find out what varieties of grapes are being grown and learn about local vineyard management practices. These tours are free to Petaluma Gap members as a member benefit but this year the tours are being opened to the general public. The cost to non-members is $10/person (fee is eligible for deduction from the dues upon joining the Petaluma Gap). Call Teela Ridgeway, 778-0447, for more info.

Notes for the tours:

You will be walking in the vineyard, so dress appropriately including comfortable outdoor shoes.

This is NOT necessarily a wine tasting event, it is an opportunity to meet growers, see the vineyards and learn about our local wineries.

Some producers may have their wines available for sale.

Since it is possible that some samples of wine may be served, we ask that only persons 21 years or older attend.

Non-members, please bring cash or check only for the $10.00 participation fee.

Please arrive at the first location promptly at 9:00 a.m., tours move swiftly to accommodate each vineyard schedule.

RSVP to Info@petalumagap.com so that the group can estimate the number of visitors & prepare for parking.

Again, this is a very informal event, plan on having fun!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

9:00 a.m.
Ridgeway Vineyards
Mike and Teela Ridgeway
2847 D Street Extension
Petaluma 778-0447

10:00 a.m.
Clary Ranch Vineyards
Paul Clary
3641 Middle Two Rock Road
Petaluma 773-3884 or 478-8237

11 a.m.
Azari Winery
Kamal and Pari Azari
1501 Spring Hill Road
Petaluma 338-4455