Events - California Wines

Welcome. This website lists all of the tastings, seminars and other events of the California Wine Institute across Europe. We are the trade organization of California wineries. Register here for our upcoming activities or enjoy looking back at our past events over a glass of wine. Cheers.

Upcoming Events

21. - 24. Oct 2022

Bolig Mad Design – Denmark

Forum, Julius Thomsens Pl. 1, 1925 Frederiksberg

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

4. - 6. Nov 2022

Forum Vini Munich

1:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Meininger Finest 100 / Sommelier Summit

Saalbau, Bahnhofstraße 1, 67434 Neustadt an der Weinstraße

10:30 pm - 5:00 pm

13. - 15. Feb 2023

Vinexpo Paris

1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France

9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Past Events

1. - 30. Jun 2022

California Wine Weeks 2021/2022

15. - 17. May 2022

ProWein @ Hall 12, D26–F40

Stockumer Kirchstrasse 61, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

GRAND TASTING & SEMINAR – Paris

12:30 pm - 6:00 pm

THIS IS US – Tasting & Seminar – Copenhagen

Raffinaderivej 22, 2300 Copenhagen

12:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Sunshine & Smiles

About California Wines

Did you know that California is the 4th largest wine producer in the world. We have such a diversity of wine styles to offer, from crisp whites to full bodied reds and everything in between. Our natural wonder and constant sunshine makes it easy to smile and it shows in our wines. We are so excited to share our wines with you at our events across Europe. Feel free to register for any of the upcoming activities near you. See you soon!

More about California Wines

Get in touch

Questions or comments, send us an email

europe@discovercaliforniawines.com

@californiawineseurope

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There is more than one right way to chill a Califo

There is more than one right way to chill a California sparkling 🍾 @jbean522 takes chilling to a whole new level with @gloriaferrerwinery ‘Carneros Cuvée’ at the beautiful Lake McDonald in Montana’s Glacier National Park.

Carneros's first sparkling winery, Gloria Ferrer specializes in world-class traditional method California sparkling, crafted with hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

This is the "tête de cuvée”, a top-of-the-range sparkler produced only in exceptional years. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it sees over nine years of ageing, developing a rich and creamy mouthfeel and an expressive ginger and dried apricot aromas.

Gloria Ferrer ‘Carneros Cuvée’ is available in Europe 🇪🇺 from @winescout7 and @aproposwein.

Paso Robles pioneer @tablascreek knows a thing or

Paso Robles pioneer @tablascreek knows a thing or two about growing healthy, responsibly-farmed grapes, which create its famous Rhône-inspired wines. Jason Haas “chalks” it up to, among other things, the estate’s calcareous soils, found in pockets of Paso Robles.

You might recognise these chalky, limestone-rich soils from iconic regions like Champagne or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In Paso Robles, these soils retain moisture throughout the growing season, allowing for more dry farming. In addition, they help maintain firm acidity levels in the grapes, translating into fresh, lively and ageworthy wines.

📷 @tablascreek

The “crown jewel” of @daouvineyards, ‘Soul o

The “crown jewel” of @daouvineyards, ‘Soul of a Lion’ is made from one of Paso Robles’ highest vineyards, and it is the Daou brothers’ enduring tribute to their father, Joseph Daou.

“The happiness we found on DAOU Mountain came from following our father’s example. Soul of a Lion is a tribute to the man who made it all possible.” – Georges & Daniel Daou

This Cabernet-led blend is made from 14 unique clones, all from Daou’s mountainous terroir in with Bordeaux-like calcareous clay soils. DAOU Mountain – “a jewel of ecological elements” – was first planted by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou in 2007.

Find ‘Soul of a Lion’ in the EU 🇪🇺 at @californianwines.eu, @winecom.de, @best_of_wines and other select retailers.

Napa Cabernet grown in the valley's most historic

Napa Cabernet grown in the valley's most historic sites – welcome to @silverado_vineyards! 🍷 Founded by the late Diane Disney Miller, daughter of Walt Disney and her husband Ron Miller, Silverado celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

Silverado Vineyards wines are all estate grown, produced and bottled. Some of them are true bottled history, like the award-winning ‘SOLO’. In 1968, Silverado Vineyard became the fourth site planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Stags Leap District. Over the following years, meticulous field selection helped create an entirely new clone of the grape, designated the ‘Disney-Silverado Heritage Clone' by @ucdavis.

Silverado crafts a host of other award-winning wines, from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese grapes.

Silverado Vineyards is available in Europe 🇪🇺 at @californianwines.eu

📷 @silverado_vineyards

Wine from another planet 🪐 Le Cigare Volant by

Wine from another planet 🪐 Le Cigare Volant by Bonny Doon Vineyard is an out-of-this-world ode to Grenache, along with the other supporting Rhône grapes in its blend. What better bottle to celebrate #GrenacheDay?

A leading champion of Grenache in California, Winemaker Randall Grahm from @bonnydoonvineyard, first released this seminal wine in 1984, helping to drive 'American Rhône' movement forward. Its name comes from an unusual 1954 by-law prohibiting UFOs ("cigare volant", in French) from landing in the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape!

The exact blend prominently features #Grenache in most years, like this 2019 vintage, made up of over 50% Grenache, and skillfully complemented by Cinsault, Syrah and Petite Sirah. These grapes come together to deliver a bright raspberry, strawberry and dry lilac character, with earthy, savoury undertones.

Available in Europe 🇪🇺 at @californianwines.eu, @8wines and other select retailers.

📷 @specialistcellars

Feeling on top of the world here at @ridgevineyard

Feeling on top of the world here at @ridgevineyards’ Monte Bello site! Pesident of Ridge Vineyards, David Amadia talks us through the terroir of ‘America’s First Growth’ in the cool-climate Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.

Here, Ridge plants Bordeaux varietals Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, together with Chardonnay. Grapes destined for the coveted Monte Bello cuvée hail from the higher-elevation blocks with thin topsoil and high limestone content.

Happy birthday, California! 🎂 Precisely 172 yea

Happy birthday, California! 🎂 Precisely 172 years ago today, all the way back in 1850, California became the 31st state of the United States. To mark this special occasion, we are raising a glass of Sonoma Zinfandel from the 125-year-old Italian heritage wine producer, @seghesio. One of California’s leading Zinfandel producers, Seghesio boasts some of the oldest vineyards in California, producing some of the finest, most expressive examples of this variety.

Available in Europe 🇪🇺 at @californianwines.eu, @8wines and other select retailers.

📷 @seghesio

A classic French varietal 🇫🇷 Sauvignon Blanc

A classic French varietal 🇫🇷 Sauvignon Blanc has long felt at home, and thrived, in certain Californian vineyards. Today it is the second most-planted Vitis vinifera white grape after Chardonnay, and it’s a firm favourite among California wine lovers. Anne Krebiehl MW (@anneinvino) traces the story of its global success for @falstaff.magazin.

"California has written a milestone chapter in Sauvignon Blanc's history,” says Anne, who digs into the grape's long-standing presence in the state, paying homage to Robert Mondavi as a pioneer of fine Sauvignon Blanc in a dry style. Her Californian Sauvignon Blanc selection includes @rombauervineyards Sauvignon Blanc, @robertmondavi Fumé Blanc To Kalon, @buccellawines Sauvignon Blanc, @stsupery Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc, and more. Check out the link in bio for the full stellar line-up

📷 @rombauervineyards

All hail the king of Californian wine, Cabernet Sa

All hail the king of Californian wine, Cabernet Sauvignon. 🍷 Today is #CabernetDay – an international celebration of this noble grape, which is the most-planted red wine variety in the Golden State. We’ll be marking the occasion with a contemporary classic from family-owned winery, @heitzcellar, in Napa Valley.

Famous for its firm tannins and fuller body, Napa Cabernet also comes in lighter, more restrained styles such as this fine organic wine from Heitz. The nose bursts with bright red strawberry and raspberry, Provence herbs and sweet spice notes, while the palate is all about freshness and elegance. Ideal for these balmy evenings and lighter fare enjoyed in the garden.

Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is available in Europe 🇪🇺 from @8wines, @martel_weinwelt, and @bacchusvinothek.

📷 @heitzcellar

California is world leader in sustainable winegrow

California is world leader in sustainable winegrowing, and regenerative farming plays a vital role. ♻️ But what exactly is #RegenerativeAgriculture? And how does it help our winemakers craft world-class wines, all while taking better care of the earth? 💡 Napa-based forerunner in regenerative farming @hoopesvineyard has got all the answers.

Véraison has arrived in wine country, and Califor

Véraison has arrived in wine country, and California grapes are showing their true colours! 🍇 Steve Peck, Vice President of Winemaking at @jlohrwines in Paso Robles guides us through this fascinating process, standing in a block of beautiful Cabernet Franc fruit.

🔎 With the fruit colouring up and turning red, the grapes begin to soften and display their signature aromas and flavours. For Cabernet Franc in particular, the winemakers are on patrol for an unwanted green, vegetal character that can mask expressive sour cherry and raspberry flavours.

For many wine enthusiasts, Silver Oak is synonymou

For many wine enthusiasts, Silver Oak is synonymous with California Cabernet. 🍷 This year the iconic Northern California producer is celebrating 50 years of winemaking excellency…

Part of the seminal 'Class of 1972', @silveroakcellars was among the first wineries that pushed the Golden State towards a more powerful style of Cabernet Sauvignon. The choice of variety was intentional, as was the strong preference for American oak — believed to have finer grain and robust tannic structure for ageworthy wines.

To mark the golden anniversary in style, Silver Oak released eight barrels of 50th Anniversary Celebration magnum and hosted some spectacular events, including once-in-a-lifetime dinners across the country.

Find Silver Oak wines in Europe 🇪🇺 at @8wines, @californianwines_eu, @millesima and other select retailers.

📷 @silveroakcellars

California Chardonnay in the cobbled streets of Co

California Chardonnay in the cobbled streets of Copenhagen! 🇩🇰🥂 @dandywithwine chose @rameywinecellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 from a vast range of Californian wines served in restaurants across Europe during our #CaliforniaWineWeeks event.

This crisp and complex Chardonnay comes from the remote, rugged Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, sitting in the coastal hills of Sonoma, overlooking the Pacific. Here, one of California’s foremost Chardonnay specialists, David Ramey, crafts restrained and elegant whites using Burgundian winemaking techniques. Barrel-fermented and aged on the lees, they typically undergo a malolactic fermentation and avoid excessive use of new oak.

Available in Europe 🇪🇺 at @bacchusvinothek, @best_of_wines, @8wines and other select retailers.

📷 @dandywithwine

Hollywood legend Francis Ford Coppola praised @cop

Hollywood legend Francis Ford Coppola praised @coppolawine as "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life" and it is not hard to see why!

Sitting at the heart of the California wine country, this Sonoma County estate in Geyserville boasts two swimming pools, a bocce court, private pool cabanas and a gallery of film memorabilia (including Don Corleone's desk). Visitors are welcome to uncork, unwind, or both, and share in the history of American winemaking at its best.

"The Godfather" director purchased the estate as a dream to have a family cottage, but it became a million-case business producing world-class wines. Today, it is owned by @delicatofamilywines: a "perfect fit to take our family winery to even greater heights", according to Coppola.

🎥 @coppolawine

Sunny August days call for fresh Californian rosé

Sunny August days call for fresh Californian rosé! 🌞 And this Rhône-style blend from @submissionwine is bursting with flavour and finesse…

🍇 A blend Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this pale pink rosé brings out the best of Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi and Monterey. Summery strawberry, tangerine and peach notes leap from the glass, and it exudes elegance with its light body and balanced acidity.

🔎 Submission Wine is part of the @689cellars wine family. Curtis McBride and his friend and winemaker Kent Rasmussen founded it together in 2008. Drawing inspiration from their frequent trips to the Far East, they named 689 Cellars after three numbers considered lucky in several Asian cultures. As Curtis and Kent would say, "here's to a happy, wealthy and long life!”

Available in Europe at @californianwines.eu and @moevenpickwein_deutschland.

📷 @submissionwine

#ThursdayThrowback to 'California Wine Weeks' 🍷

#ThursdayThrowback to 'California Wine Weeks' 🍷 a month-long event that took place in over 200 restaurants and wine bars across 10 European countries! 🇪🇺@konstantinbaum_mw visited @vinophilmurgtal to enjoy this single-vineyard Zinfandel from Lytton Springs by @ridgevineyards.

🍇 This is a true field blend from the Lytton Springs vineyard on Ridge’s spectacular Dry Creek Valley Estate in Sonoma County. Here, century-old Zinfandel vines are interspersed with Petite Sirah, Carignan and Mataro. The result? A deeply concentrated red with complex flavours of black and red fruit, underpinned by an effortlessly elegant structure.

Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs is available in Europe: 🇧🇪 Piko Wines 🇳🇱 Finest Wine 🇨🇭@martel_weinwelt

📷 @konstantinbaum_mw

An all-star lineup at the 'A Half Century of Calif

An all-star lineup at the 'A Half Century of California Wine' seminar ✨ hosted by renowned wine writer and author of ‘The Wine Bible’ @karenmacneilco.

Highlights from Karen’s star-studded seminar include Santa Cruz Mountains icon @ridgevineyards, 1976 Judgment of Paris legends @stagsleapwinecellars, Cabernet specialists @silveroakcellars, and @beringervyds – the oldest continuously operated winery in Napa Valley.

🎥 @karenmacneilco

California wine titan Kendall-Jackson is one of th

California wine titan Kendall-Jackson is one of the world's largest wine companies and 40 years after its foundation it remains a family affair. Meet second-generation vintner, Katie Jackson, who has stepped up to the plate as Kendall-Jackson’s Senior Vice President.

Although its portfolio spans 40 wineries across the globe, the beating heart of the family estate is the Kendall-Jackson Winery in Santa Rosa, California. It is here that they craft famous wines such as the 'Vintners Reserve Chardonnay’ – America’s top-selling premium Chardonnay for over 29 years!

Katie is responsible for sustainability and government relations. She has spearheaded the most ambitious environmental initiatives, from innovative energy management to water security improvement, working towards becoming Climate Positive by 2050. In a recent interview, Katie told @weinkenner.de that she stays true to her father’s motto: "We only got our country on loan, we have to treat it with care."

German-speaking wine lovers 🇩🇪 can read the full Weinkenner interview at link in bio.

📷 @kjwines

An incredible diversity of soils and the ideal cli

An incredible diversity of soils and the ideal climate: this is Napa Valley. 🍇

David Tate from @barnettvineyards outlines the regions key factors, and their influence on wines. For example, Merlots from river-influenced sites are very fruit-forward, while Cabernets from mountain soils are big and muscular, with great ageing potential.

Napa's warm mediterranean climate is only found on 2% of the earth's surface, according to @andrearobinsonms. Warm sunny days and cool nights, coupled with the moderating fog from the Pacific, create a true paradise for world-class wines.

🎥 Watch the full video from @napavintners to discover more fascinating facts about Napa Valley's world-class terroir.

“Well-balanced, beautiful fruit, beautiful vanil

“Well-balanced, beautiful fruit, beautiful vanilla and caramel overtones; really soft mouthfeel: a little something for everybody".• A perfect tasting note of Bogle Chardonnay by Jody Bogle herself from @boglevineyards.

This handcrafted, oak-fermented white from Clarksburg is Bogle’s flagship white wine. Chardonnay does particularly well in this rich, rural region right on the Sacramento River. It has just the right climate for winegrowing, featuring plenty of California’s famous maritime influence, with ocean breezes blowing straight under the Golden Gate bridge and right up to Bogle's sustainably-grown vineyards.

Available in the EU 🇪🇺 at @8wines, @vintrado_wines and @matthyswines.