Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ Frequently Asked Questions
The first Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ took place the last weekend in April of 1990. There were 19 wineries participating and only a few hundred passports were sold. This event has grown to 46 participating wineries and 6,000 attendees in 2010! Attendees continue to tell their friends, relatives and even strangers about how much fun they had at the event. Participants travel from all over the United States to Dry Creek Valley, eager to have their Passport stamped!
What is Passport to Dry Creek Valley™?
Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ is an annual event showcasing the wineries, vineyards and exceptional beauty of Dry Creek Valley. There are 60+ wineries and 150 growers in the Dry Creek Valley, producing a variety of wines to please any palate. Wineries up and down Dry Creek Valley celebrate the magic of their valley with wine, food, entertainment and the hospitality for which Dry Creek Valley is famous. Many wineries offer either live music or entertainment. Entertainment in past years has included circus troupes, belly dancers and safari adventures. You are certain to be carried away by the festive atmosphere that each winery creates. Attendees have the opportunity to speak to and connect with the winemakers and vineyard owners on a personal level, and learn more about the history and culture of Dry Creek Valley and its wines Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, like a concert. Tickets go on sale every year on February 1 at 10:00 a.m. PST at www.wdcv.com. To be placed on our mailing list to receive information about Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ and all WDCV events please email your name, address & phone to info@wdcv.com. Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ is usually held the last full weekend of April each year, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. However, in 2011, it will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 and Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This change, for the first time in 22 years, is due to the occurrence of Easter on April 24th.
What is the price of a ticket to Passport to Dry Creek Valley™?
For 2011 the price of a Passport ticket is $120.00 each, including tax for a 2-day Passport. The Sunday-only tickets are $70.00 each including tax. Each person is allowed to purchase 4 tickets maximum at a time. You can choose all 2-day tickets, Sunday-only tickets or a combination of both. You can select your starting winery as long as that winery still has tickets available. You will be able to print your tickets. Please bring those with you to the event. You will pick up your Passport at your starting winery. A printable Activity Brochure will be available on our website in mid-March so you can start to plan your adventure before you arrive in beautiful Dry Creek Valley. An Activity Brochure will also be mailed to each purchaser in early April.
Can you recommend a hotel for my visit?
Yes! We have several wonderful hotels in the area, available in a range of prices and amenities. You may book your hotel room after you order your tickets on our website www.wdcv.com.
Which Wineries participated in 2010? (Wineries participating in 2011 will be available in December 2010)
Alderbrook Winery, Amista Vineyards, Amphora Winery, Armida Winery, Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, David Coffaro Vineyard & Winery, De La Montanya Winery, Dry Creek Vineyard, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Everett Ridge Winery, Family Wineries, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Forchini Vineyards and Winery, Frick Winery, Fritz Underground Winery, Göpfrich Winery, Gustafson Family Vineyard, Kachina Vineyards & Winery, Kokomo Wines, Lambert Bridge Winery, Mauritson Family Winery, Mazzocco Sonoma Winery, Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate, Mill Creek Winery, Mounts Family Winery, Optima Winery, Papapietro Perry Winery, Passalacqua Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Peterson Winery, Quivira Vineyards and Winery, A. Rafanelli Winery, Raymond Burr Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs, Rued Winery, Sbragia Family Vineyards, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Stephen & Walker Winery, Talty Vineyards, Teldeschi Winery, Truett Hurst Winery, Unti Vineyards, Wilson Winery, and Zichichi Family Vineyard.
What if I need to cancel?
Tickets are non-refundable; however they can be transferred. Contact the WDCV office for more information at 707-433-3031.
What is the Short List?
The Short List is a list of buyers & sellers. As of the week of April 1st we will be accepting phone calls & emails from people who are interested in selling their tickets due to unanticipated changes in schedule and people looking to purchase. We put you in contact with each other. You are responsible for making the person(s) who purchase the tickets aware of the rules and restrictions. Remember to direct them to the FAQ’s section of our website so that they will be well-informed. Remember when requesting to be placed on the Short List that we need your name, the number of tickets that you want to purchase or sell, 2-day or Sunday-only and the best contact number for you.We suggest that you begin your Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ adventure in the general vicinity of your starting winery. For instance, if you picking up your Passports on Saturday at Mill Creek Winery in the southern end of the valley, plan on visiting Armida, Alderbrook, Everett Ridge, Seghesio, etc. on Saturday. You may then want to head to the north end of the valley on Sunday and visit Gustafson Winery, Fritz Underground Winery or Sbragia Family Winery. Take a look at the online Activity Brochure and decide which wineries are important to you. Do you have some favorite wineries that you must see every year, but are also looking to discover a new varietal this year? Once you know which wineries you really want to visit, stay in that general area. It is impossible to visit all of the wineries that participate.
How do I get on your mailing list?
Email us with your name, address, & phone to info@wdcv.com, or you may call us at 707-433-3031 and leave your information on our voice mail. Once you are in the database you stay in the database. It is only necessary to register once. It is not necessary to register each year. If you have a change in your contact information, please send an email to info@wdcv.com and indicate that this is an update, not a new request.
We would like to attend Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ with a group.
Can we hire a bus?
Please be aware that large, full size buses are not allowed at this event. Receiving a group of 40-60 people at one time is difficult on the wineries. To be responsible hosts, to provide an experience worth remembering, and to adequately describe the variety of wines being poured, smaller groups of people are ideal. Therefore, 24-passenger buses and limousines are allowed at the event. However not all wineries can accommodate smaller buses or limousines, so please refer to your Activity Brochure for details. The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™ encourage you to drink responsibly.
What should I do if I am trying to coordinate a starting winery with a large group of friends?
We suggest you select wineries that are off the beaten path and that have a higher number of tickets available. The number of starting tickets available per winery can be found on the ticketing section of our website.
May I bring my dog?
Only certified service dog are allowed at the event. In addition, leaving your pet in the car is not a desirable or safe option.
May I bring my child?
This event is for adults who are over the age of 21. Children, including infants, are not allowed to attend this event. If you are seen at the event with a child you may be asked to leave.
Do I need to carry my ID?
Yes! The event is for adults who are over the age of 21. You must carry your ID with you throughout the entire event as required by law. . Many people think that because they showed their ID at their starting winery that they then can put it away. Each winery is responsible for the people tasting at their winery and reserve the right to request identification. If you are unable or unwilling to show your identification you may be refused service at that winery or asked to leave.
Do you have any insider tips on how to structure my day?
We suggest that you begin your Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ adventure in the general vicinity of your starting winery. For instance, if you picking up your Passports on Saturday at Mill Creek Winery in the southern end of the valley, plan on visiting Armida, Alderbrook, Everett Ridge, Seghesio, etc. on Saturday. You may then want to head to the north end of the valley on Sunday and visit Gustafson Winery, Fritz Underground Winery or Sbragia Family Winery. Take a look at the online Activity Brochure and decide which wineries are important to you. Do you have some favorite wineries that you must see every year, but are also looking to discover a new varietal this year? Once you know which wineries you really want to visit, stay in that general area. It is impossible to visit all of the wineries that participate.
Suggestions:
*No Fragrances-Please refrain from wearing heaving perfumes, colognes, aftershave or lotions. Fragrances can overwhelm the aromas and taste of the wines for you and the people around you.
*Drink Responsibly-Limit the amount of wine you taste; Swirl, Sniff, Sip and Spit; Water is provided-stay hydrated; Take your time at each winery!
*Drive Carefully-The winding roads are narrow and the scenery is breathtaking! There is a lot of traffic during Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ weekend. Please be advised that the California Highway Patrol will be in the Valley to enforce parking restrictions.
If you need any additional information please contact the WDCV at 707-433-3031.
How do I get on your mailing list?
Email us with your name, address, & phone to info@wdcv.com, or you may call us at 707-433-3031 and leave your information on our voice mail. Once you are in the database you stay in the database. It is only necessary to register once. It is not necessary to register each year. If you have a change in your contact information, please send an email to info@wdcv.com and indicate that this is an update, not a new request.
We would like to attend Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ with a group. Can we hire a bus?
Please be aware that large, full size buses are not allowed at this event. Receiving a group of 40-60 people at one time is difficult on the wineries. To be responsible hosts, to provide an experience worth remembering, and to adequately describe the variety of wines being poured, smaller groups of people are ideal. Therefore, 24-passenger buses and limousines are allowed at the event. However not all wineries can accommodate smaller buses or limousines, so please refer to your Activity Brochure for details. The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™ encourage you to drink responsibly.What should I do if I am trying to coordinate a starting winery with a large group of friends?
We suggest you select wineries that are off the beaten path and that have a higher number of tickets available. The number of starting tickets available per winery can be found on the ticketing section of our website.
May I bring my dog?
Only certified service dog are allowed at the event. In addition, leaving your pet in the car is not a desirable or safe option.
May I bring my child?
This event is for adults who are over the age of 21. Children, including infants, are not allowed to attend this event. If you are seen at the event with a child you may be asked to leave.
Do I need to carry my ID?
Yes! The event is for adults who are over the age of 21. You must carry your ID with you throughout the entire event as required by law. . Many people think that because they showed their ID at their starting winery that they then can put it away. Each winery is responsible for the people tasting at their winery and reserve the right to request identification. If you are unable or unwilling to show your identification you may be refused service at that winery or asked to leave.
Do you have any insider tips on how to structure my day?
Email us with your name, address, & phone to info@wdcv.com, or you may call us at 707-433-3031 and leave your information on our voice mail. Once you are in the database you stay in the database. It is only necessary to register once. It is not necessary to register each year. If you have a change in your contact information, please send an email to info@wdcv.com and indicate that this is an update, not a new request.
We would like to attend Passport to Dry Creek Valley™ with a group. Can we hire a bus?
Please be aware that large, full size buses are not allowed at this event. Receiving a group of 40-60 people at one time is difficult on the wineries. To be responsible hosts, to provide an experience worth remembering, and to adequately describe the variety of wines being poured, smaller groups of people are ideal. Therefore, 24-passenger buses and limousines are allowed at the event. However not all wineries can accommodate smaller buses or limousines, so please refer to your Activity Brochure for details. The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™ encourage you to drink responsibly.What should I do if I am trying to coordinate a starting winery with a large group of friends?
We suggest you select wineries that are off the beaten path and that have a higher number of tickets available. The number of starting tickets available per winery can be found on the ticketing section of our website.
May I bring my dog?
Only certified service dog are allowed at the event. In addition, leaving your pet in the car is not a desirable or safe option.
May I bring my child?
This event is for adults who are over the age of 21. Children, including infants, are not allowed to attend this event. If you are seen at the event with a child you may be asked to leave.
Do I need to carry my ID?
Yes! The event is for adults who are over the age of 21. You must carry your ID with you throughout the entire event as required by law. . Many people think that because they showed their ID at their starting winery that they then can put it away. Each winery is responsible for the people tasting at their winery and reserve the right to request identification. If you are unable or unwilling to show your identification you may be refused service at that winery or asked to leave.
Do you have any insider tips on how to structure my day?
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