March holds some great opportunities for California wine lovers to taste a barrel full of wine an ounce at a time.  Events like these are a great way to experience a wide range of wines from different producers, expanding your palate in the process.

Be sure to take notes on your favorites.  I see a lot of people at wine tasting events snapping photos of bottles with their smartphones, which is an easy and quick way to remember what to look for when you are shopping.

Here are some highlights to put on your calendar:


Family Winemakers of California
Mar 11, 2012
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Del Mar, CA
Well over 100 California wineries will be represented at this annual affair which showcases smaller producers you might not see at other tasting events.

Family Winemakers of California
Mar 13, 2012
Pasadena Convention Center
Pasadena, CA
A trade/media tasting featuring most of the wineries featured at the Del Mar event.

Paso Robles Zinfandel Festival, 20th Annual
Mar 16-18, 2012
Paso Robles Event Center
Paso Robles, CA
Paso Robles presents its annual homage to the Zinfandel grape with a variety of events culminating in Saturday's Zin Tasting and Wine Country Auction.

In Pursuit Of Balance
Mar 19, 2012
Julia Morgan Ballroom
San Francisco, CA
This tasting promotes dialogue around the meaning and relevance of balance in California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The participating wineries focus on balance, non-manipulation in the cellar, and the ability of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to serve as vehicles for the expression of terroir.

STARS of Napa Valley
Mar 21, 2012
The Hotel Hanford
Costa Mesa, CA
Learn About Wine brings Napa Valley to Southern California.  Top Napa producers will pour while you explore one of the great wine regions of the world.

STARS of Napa Valley
Mar 22, 2012
The Peninsula Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA
The Beverly Hills version of the Learn About Wine event.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto Locals Day
Mar 25, 2012
Lompoc Wine Ghetto (Sobhani Industrial Park)
Lompoc, CA
All 15 wineries which produce at the industrial park known lovingly as the Lompoc Wine Ghetto will open their garage doors and pour their wines.  Music and food trucks will add to the festivities. 


Get details on these and other California wine tasting events by checking the Now And Zin events page.



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