No Suitcase Needed to Travel Around the World Passport Weekend and the Monterey Wine Auction and Gala Slated for February 17-19, 2006
Monterey, CA - November 23, 2005 - The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) will be hosting the annual Passport Weekend and Monterey Wine Auction & Gala from Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19, 2006. Passport Weekend includes weekend-long activities at tasting rooms throughout Monterey County. The Monterey Wine Auction & Gala will feature extraordinary wine, lifestyle, and other one-of-a-kind packages. The Gala will occur Saturday, February 18 in the barrel room at Blackstone Winery.
Monterey Wine Country’s 4th annual Passport Weekend will feature a worldwide flair as each of the wine tasting rooms throughout Monterey County observes the culture, food, and entertainment from their selected country. Nearly 25 countries will be represented during this unique opportunity to travel the globe without even having to pack a suitcase!
Embarking on the journey through Monterey Wine Country is easy! Guests register for their official passport at one of the participating wineries. They will then continue their adventure by visiting tasting rooms throughout the region and getting their passport stamped at each location. Upon completion of touring a select amount of wineries, participants will be entered to win the grand prize of a Monterey Wine Country gift basket, valued at over $1500.
On the evening of February 18th, guests will enjoy the picturesque Blackstone barrel room, typically not open to the general public. Attendees will have the opportunity to place bids on an extraordinary wine auction featuring unique items such as rare vintage bottles, exclusive overnight stays at winery guest houses, spa packages at famous spas throughout Monterey County, golf packages, and numerous VIP winery tours and winemaker dinners. Winemakers from Monterey will host tables for the evening and pour their best in an intimate setting. Proceeds from the event will benefit college scholarships for the children of local agricultural employees, the American Vineyard Foundation, viticulture research through the University of California’s Monterey outreach office, and the non-profit work of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Foundation.
Tickets are available by contacting the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association at (831) 375-9400 or online at www.montereywines.org. Tickets for Passport Weekend are $45 before February 1, 2006 and $50 thereafter. Tickets for the Monterey Wine Auction & Gala are $160 and include complimentary shuttle transportation from Monterey. Guests can purchase a weekend getaway package, which features both the Passport Weekend and the Monterey Wine Auction and Gala, for $185.
About MCVGA
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 80 vintners and growers in Monterey County. MCVGA can be reached by calling 831.375.9400 or visiting online at www.montereywines.org.
