Ahh, spring is officially here!  And we couldn’t be happier.  The winter rains are over and the sun has permanently set up shop right here in beautiful Dry Creek Valley.  Even with our warm days, we’ve had to endure some rather frosty nights, which has certainly kept our vineyard crew on their toes.  All in all, we seem to have come through things okay, with minimal damage in our vineyards.  With warm weather here, our spring and summer activities are starting to ramp up with fun events coming in May and June.  We look forward to seeing you at a Dry Creek Vineyard event this spring and summer!  Read on for more details.

Starting in May, we’re on a mission to educate, by tackling the mysteries of Fumé Blanc.
 

For several years now, we’ve heard that a name change for Fumé Blanc to simply Sauvignon Blanc is something we should consider, given the worldwide acceptance of the varietal. Beginning last year, we conducted a survey (of which you were a part) of several different audiences. At the center of the issue was the question,  “Should we make a name change to Sauvignon Blanc?”

What followed was an incredible response, with many people taking time to write well thought out critiques – both for and against the change. Ultimately, we decided to stick with tradition and history. Fumé Blanc is part of the lexicon at Dry Creek Vineyard.

To help demystify this subject, we’ve launched a new web site: www.whatisfume.com.   It’s a terrific resource, chock full of fun facts and interesting info about Fumé Blanc.  We also plainly spell out the “true story” of this misunderstood wine.  We invite you to join us this May, and throughout the summer season, for all things Fumé.  Stop by the winery to purchase one-of-a-kind Fumé merchandise – perfect for that Fumé fanatic in your life. We look forward to seeing you!
 

FOO May Fun! Each weekend we will have a fun mix of tastings, food, and wine pairings, as well as live music and other treats — all in appreciation of Fumé Blanc!  Relax on our picnic grounds or shop in our tasting room. It’s all great fun.  The weather is getting warmer and Fumé Blanc is the perfect picnic wine!
 

All Month, you can enjoy special savings on our 2006 Fumé Blanc, featured in Wine Spectator's "California Values Best Wines to Drink Now."  Visit our tasting room and save 25% on case purchases of Fumé Blanc.  Or, shop our online store, and enter the coupon code FUME25 upon checkout.
 
On Saturdays, you can also take part in a classroom style tasting of our flagship wine.  Led by one of Dry Creek’s experienced wine professionals, this focused tasting dives into the history of the varietal, differing flavor profiles of Sauvignon Blanc, as well as pairing advice and other tidbits of information. The price is $15 per person for the general public. Club Members are free.  Join us on any of the following dates:

May 3, 10, 17, & 31 at 11:00 a.m.
 

Please RSVP to Reenie Donahue, Hospitality Coordinator, at 707-433-1000 ext. 121 or reenied@drycreekvineyard.com.
 

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Price: $35 club member, $45 non-member
 

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of delicious food, juicy Zinfandels, and terrific Zydeco music on our beautiful picnic grounds.  Local favorite, Gator Beat, returns to fill the air with the soulful sounds of the Louisiana Bayou.  Be sure to bring your dancing shoes – this is one band you’ll want to get up and groove to!  On the menu, cajun cuisine paired with our outstanding Zinfandels will rule the day. 

Be sure to RSVP and help us kick off the summer with some extra sizzle!  Reservations can be made through Reenie Donahue, Hospitality Coordinator, at 707-433-1000 ext. 121 or reenied@drycreekvineyard.com.

Yum!  What better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a chilled bottle of Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc paired with delicious Tropical Fish Tacos and Citrus Marinated Vegetable Salad. 

Click to download these recipes: 

Tropical Fish Tacos, Citrus Marinated Vegetable Salad

You can find more mouthwatering recipes on the Fumé and Food page of our new web site: www.whatisfume.com.