North Coast Grape Growers Association

Marin County Pinot Noir Producers Collaborate to Preserve Marin’s Family Farms

First of its kind benefit to showcase up-and-coming vintners newest releases

Marin County, CA - In the 1970’s Marin County was best known as home of the Grateful Dead and “swinger” parties held in bubbly hot tubs. But today Marin County is more focused on preserving its diverse agricultural viability, including a little-known winegrowing heritage. This preservation effort will take a big leap forward on Wednesday, June 1st when Marin County Pinot Noir winegrowers launch their newest vintages for the first time – together – in an inaugural fundraising effort to preserve the shrinking resource they depend upon – agricultural land in Marin County.

Called “A Celebration of Marin County Pinot Noir”, the event is sponsored by the non-profit North Coast Grape Growers to benefit the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), dedicated to preserving Marin County family farms. The event will showcase Marin’s newest breed of boutique Pinot Noirs and will be held at the oldest winery in Marin County. The historic (rarely open to the public) Escalle Winery, while no longer in production, was established in 1881 at 771 Magnolia Avenue near downtown Larkspur, only minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.

On Wednesday, June 1st a private media tasting from 2-3 PM will precede a trade tasting from 3-5 PM. The fundraising Pinot Noir tasting & reception will follow and be open to consumers from 5-8 PM.

Marin vintner Jonathan Pey of Pey-Marin Vineyardsis thrilled about the event,“For the first time, Marin’s Pinot Noir specialists have come together to support a cause that is critical to Marin County - its agricultural viability.”

The limited production Marin County Pinot Noirs, carefully crafted in the chilly, remote coastal vineyards of western Marin County include marquee names and some of America’s most promising new faces: Dutton-Goldfield, Niebaum-Coppola, Pey-Marin Vineyards, Pt. Reyes Vineyard, Stubbs Vineyard, Sean Thackrey and Vision Cellars.

This collaborative effort of Marin winegrowers and leading non-profit agricultural organization will also feature a variety of artisan cheeses & other delicious foods – all grown on the family farms of Marin County. Tickets must be purchased in advance ($25 per person) at www.duttongoldfield.com and may be tax deductible.