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Grand Tasting Event
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
71-333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Tickets $135 – $225
The Annual Palm Springs Pinot Noir Festival, aka “A Passion 4 Pinot” is a high-class high-end event. Come mingle with winemakers, taste, and discover new wines from over 70 of the best Pinot Noir producers from California. The highly popular and desirable wintertime desert playground of Palm Springs will become Pinot Noir Central. Come mingle with Pinot lovers from around the world as we celebrate this amazing wine varietal.
The ultimate goal of “A Passion 4 Pinot” is educating wine lovers about the virtues of the world class California produced Pinot Noir and the artists and the process of craft behind it. “A Passion 4 Pinot is a celebration of everything Pinot Noir and its brilliant and talented winemakers, the vineyards, the grapes, and the often-bewitching process of urging the noble pinot noir grape into great wine. “A Passion 4 Pinot” offers a uniquely engaging experience where wine enthusiasts can interact with winemakers and winery owners, by asking questions and learning the stories behind what goes into making great California Pinot Noir. Come join us at this upscale Passion 4 Pinot Noir wine tasting event that is sure to sell out.
Dinner Events
Chef Juan Morales, The Steakhouse, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa- Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs.
Each dinner event below features a delicious menu from Chef Juan Morales paired with amazing award winning wines.
CIRQ Estate and CHEV Wines Winemaker Dinner
Friday February 2nd
6:00 – 8:30pm
Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, Rancho Mirage
32-250 Bob Hope Dr. Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
$190 (includes tax and tip)
Featured Wines at the Dinner
- 1st course: CHEV 2020 RRV Chardonnay
- 2nd course: CHEV 2020 SRH Pinot Noir
- 3rd course: CHEV 2019 RRV Pinot Noir
- 4th Course: CIRQ 2018 RRV Pinot Noir
Wines subject to change due to availability
Join us for a special Winemaker dinner featuring the amazing wines from Browne Family Wines, CIRQ Estate and CHEV Wines, crafted by Winemaker Jeremiah Timm. Indulge in this exquisite four-course sit down dinner menu curated by Executive Chef Juan Morales of the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. Chef Morales has created a menu which celebrates the flavors of the season, complemented by thoughtfully selected wines from CIRQ Estate and CHEV Wines; presented by Winemaker Jeremiah Timm. In addition, and as a special treat; you will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine/bubbles and receive a special take home gift, compliments of Agua Caliente Casinos.
Winemaker Jeremiah Timm
Having dreamt of one day owning their own vineyards and estate winery, Michael, and Sarah Browne (Co-Founders of Kosta Browne) founded Browne Family Wines in 2018. Jeremiah Timm worked for Michael Browne at Kosta Browne for over 10 years, working his way from Enologist to Director of Winery Operation. He eventually left Kosta Browne to explore the world of Cabernet. After a chance meeting in 2018, he reunited with Michael Browne and his team at CIRQ Estate and was instrumental in launching Michael’s new brand CHEV. In 2023, the CIRQ 2019 RRV Pinot Noir that Jeremiah crafted along with his team, was awarded 100 pts by reputable wine critic Audrey Frick, from JebDunnuck.com. “Jeremiah and his meticulous attention to detail are what makes the wines so unique and special. He and the team are dedicated to crafting what Michael Browne calls – Pinot Noirs with “intense elegance.”
Sangiacomo Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner
Friday February 2nd
6:00 – 8:30pm
Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs, Palm Springs
Cascade Lounge
401 E. Amado Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262
$190 (includes tax and tip)
Featured Wines at the Dinner
- 2022 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- 2021 Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard Chardonnay
- 2021 Eden Dale Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
- 2022 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
- 2021 Five Clone Pinot Noir
Wines subject to change due to availability
For over 95 years, the Sangiacomo Family has been synonymous with iconic farming in Sonoma County. With their first vineyard planted in 1969, they continued to expand within Sonoma Coast and Carneros, then the Petaluma Gap and Napa Valley. The Sangiacomo Family’s third generation, comprised of siblings Mike, Mia, and Steve, is dedicated to achieving farming excellence through a wealth of generational knowledge. Sangiacomo has recently been recognized as one of California’s Greatest Vineyards by Wine Spectator, and the family passion for sustainability and stewardship is evident in every row of their vineyards.
Since launching their namesake wine brand in 2016, The Sangiacomo Family has continued to showcase the purest expressions of their estate vineyards in every bottle of wine, exhibiting an authentic sense of place. The wines define the intersection of artisan winemaking harmoniously joining together with the mastery and art of farming – a shared vision between farmer and winemaker.
In this four-course dinner, experience an unforgettable culinary adventure created by Executive Chef Juan Morales and his culinary team hosted by Steve Sangiacomo and James MacPhail. Join us for an intimate conversation about farming, terroir and the unique impacts of a long-standing grower-winemaker relationship. This immersive event promises to be an evening of behind-the-scenes storytelling and exquisite food pairings, bringing together friends and fans, old and new. We can’t wait to share this special evening with you. In addition, and as a special treat: You will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine/bubbles and receive a special take home gift, compliments of Agua Caliente Casinos.
Steve Sangiacomo, Managing Partner and Grapegrower
Steve Sangiacomo is a third-generation partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, located in Sonoma, California where his family has farmed since 1927. He grew up on the ranch and began learning the ropes from his father and extended family at a young age. In his early 20s, he began learning the family business from the ground up and in his 30s, he and his brother Mike took over the reins. Today Steve shares responsibility with his brother for managing the family’s 1600 acres of vineyards as well as grape sales to more than 70 premium wineries, many of whom vineyard-designate their wines with the Sangiacomo name. He also oversees his family’s own wine label, Sangiacomo Family Wines. He flat out loves his job, particularly the wide variety of responsibilities spanning the agricultural, strategic, and operational aspects of the business.
James MacPhail, Winemaker
James has deep roots in Sonoma County and a long history of producing critically acclaimed wines of tremendous character and a sense of place. Encouraged by his father, James pursued his dream to become a winemaker in the mid-1990s, mentored by some of Sonoma County’s most respected winemakers and growers. Through this experience, he honed his craft focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley. He selects and works with growers who share his commitment to sustainable farming and understand the significance of terroir-based, vineyard-designate wine. James makes wine – naturally, in small batches, by hand. He is a believer in traditional, old-world techniques and minimal intervention – as well as trusting his gut and acting on intuition. In 2016, James was asked by the Sangiacomo Family to make wines for their new project. He was one of the first winemakers to make Pinot Noir from the Roberts Road Vineyard, with 2023 marking his 20th vintage from this site. Since 2002, James has produced over 100 different Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays with 90+ point scores, making him one of the most celebrated winemakers in Sonoma County.
Seminars
Join us for one of our two seminars, both to be held on Friday, February 2nd @ 11am.
Wine Seminar: Bubbles, Bubbles and More Bubbles Outstanding California Sparkling Wines
Friday February 2nd
11:00AM- 12:15pm
Rancho Mirage Westin Golf Resort and Spa
71-333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
$125
Bring on the BUBBLY! Award winning winemakers, Dianna Novy of Flaunt Wine Company, Sarah Wuethrich of Maggy Hawk and Arnaud Weyrich from Roederer Estate are joining forces to explore an amazing selection of their sparkling wines hailing from Sonoma and Mendocino County. Together, they will unravel the mysteries surrounding these effervescent treasures, providing insights into their production methods, visual characteristics, taste profiles, and ideal food pairings. Prepare to embark on a glorious journey of flavors as you discover the fascinating world of California sparkling wines. This panel of esteemed winemakers will explore region-specific bubbles from Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
Sarah Wuethrich of Maggy Hawk
Arnaud Weyrich from Roederer Estate
Dianna Novy of Flaunt Wine Company
Don Davis of MacRostie Winery
Don Davis | MacRostie Winery
Katie Finn | Desert Wine Shop
Moderator Katie Finn is the owner of the Desert WIne Shop on Hwy 111, Katie is a an advanced level sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators.
The West Sonoma Coast AVA All Star Tasting Panel Seminar
Friday February 2nd
11:00AM- 12:15pm
Rancho Mirage Westin Golf Resort and Spa
71-333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
$125
Experience the adventure. Taste the journey. Immerse yourself in the wines of Sonoma County’s newest AVA: West Sonoma Coast. Farmed at expansive elevations – from sea level to 1400 ft., these wines are uniquely wild and expertly tamed by some of the true pioneers of the rugged Sonoma Coast winegrowing region.
The West Sonoma Coast Vintners is an association of wineries and growers who are passionate about farming along the mountainous coastline of western Sonoma County. Our members create wines that evoke the complexity of the region — wines expressive of our unique community.
This Panel tasting seminar will consist of five of the best Pinot Producers from the West Sonoma Coast AVA. Come taste and discover what makes the Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast so delicious and highly sought after.
- Peay Vineyards – Andy Peay
- Bob Cabral Wines – Bob Cabral
- Three Sticks Wines – Ryan Prichard
- Cobb Wines – Ross Cobb
- Boar’s View – Jennifer Downing
Bob Cabral | Bob Cabral Wines
Ross Cobb | Cobb Wines
Jennifer Dowling | Boars View Winery
Ryan Prichard | Three Sticks Wines
Andy Peay | Peay Vineyards
