Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival

The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 21 is sold out. However, if you're a truly dedicated fan, you can make it to the May 20, Friday event featuring a winery tour and a tasting with Karen McNeil, author of The Wine Bible.

While the world famous Williamette Valley in Oregon offers many organically grown Pinot Noirs (Sokol Blossor, Brick House, Cooper Mountain, Montinore, Maysara - to name a few), Anderson Valley wineries currently offer only two (certified) organically grown Pinots.

One is from Santa Rosa producer Lutea Wine Cellars which has a certified organically grown and processed 2008 Lutea Pinot Noir ($25) made with organic and biodynamically grown grapes from Filigreen Vineyards.

Handley Cellars has an estate Pinot Noir - the RSM vineyard designate - which is also certified organically grown.

Philo Ridge offers a "practicing organic" Pinot ($28) and Segue Cellars had one Pinot made from Filigreen Vineyards' grapes awhile back.

For rose lovers, grab it while you can - Handley Cellars also has a Pinot Noir Rose ($20); the 2010 vintage will be released at the Festival.