Announcing our Keynote Speakers for World of Pinot Noir – February 29 – March 2, 2024.
December 11, 2023 (Santa Barbara, Calif.) – The largest celebration of Pinot Noir on the planet - World of Pinot Noir(WOPN) – is returning to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara on February 29 – March 2, 2024, and will feature more than 200 premier Pinot Noir wineries from around the globe.
For three days, Pinot Noir-philes will explore 20+ different events and experiences, including Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday, exclusive wine-pairing dinners, tasting seminars and an Opening Night Party with a special musical guest. New in 2024, attendees and winemakers will kick-off the weekend with an opening night Welcome Toast.
In 2024, WOPN will feature an all-star lineup of keynote speakers including: Ray Isle, Author and Executive Wine Editor of Food + Wine; Julia Coney, Writer, Wine Educator and Wine Consultant; Amanda McCrossin, Sommelier and Wine Personality; Evan Goldstein, MS, Author and Chief Wine Officer of Master the World; David Glancy, MS, CWE, Founder of the San Francisco Wine School; and Matt Kettmann, Author and Contributing Editor of Wine Enthusiast. For more information on talent and events, visit www.WorldofPinotNoir.com.
Here is the full program for the upcoming the 24th-annual World of Pinot Noir:
WEEKEND VIP PASSPORT LEVELS
Secure your all-access VIP Passport to the 2024 World of Pinot Noir. Select one of three exclusive levels. Upon purchasing, your personal WOPN concierge will reach out and work with you to create your ultimate weekend itinerary.
This package is for one guest and includes: the Opening Night Party, your choice of Friday and Saturday seminars (one each day) and lunches (one each day); VIP access to the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings; and your choice of Pinot Noir Pairing dinner options on Friday and Saturday evenings. VIP Passport holders will receive priority access to the Saturday Burgundy Dinner.
This package includes all the VIP options above, but for two guests, plus a three-night stay in a Luxury Ocean View King Room at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara February 29 – March 3, 2024. Sold Out.
This package includes all the VIP options above, but for two guests, plus a three-night stay in a Luxury Ocean View Suite at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara beginning February 29 – March 3, 2024. Availability is limited.
This package is for two guests and includes: the Opening Night Party, your choice of Friday and Saturday seminars (one each day) and lunches (one each day); VIP access to the Friday and Saturday Grand Tastings; and your choice of Pinot Noir Pairing dinner options on Friday and Saturday evenings. VIP Passport holders will receive priority access to the Saturday Burgundy Dinner, PLUS a three-night stay in a Luxury Ocean View Room for three nights The Ritz-Carlton Bacara - February 29 – March 3, 2024.
OPENING NIGHT PARTY – Thursday, February 29 | 7pm
The World of Pinot Noir’s opening night soirée is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable in the event’s 24-year history. The feast and fête will feature Pinot Noir and bubbles from all over the world poured by America’s leading sommeliers, scrumptious fare from the chefs of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara and scores of famous winemakers in the crowd. Enjoy a welcome toast complete with surprise bites to kick off the weekend in style. Held throughout the airy Ballroom Foyer and outdoor Terrace.
THE NEW “GRAND CRU” OF CALIFORNIA – Friday, March 1 | 9:30-11:30am
Join winemakers from the “Grand Cru” vineyards of California for a celebratory look at the history that made California well-known for growing and producing premium Pinot Noir. Led by David Glancy, Master Sommelier and Founder of the San Francisco Wine School, the seminar will showcase Pinot Noir vineyards from the Santa Maria Valley to Russian River Valley, to Anderson Valley, and more. Guests will walk away with a deep understanding of the rich history of farming philosophies, winemaking approaches, and how California vineyards became known for Pinot Noir.
THE LEGACY GENERATIONAL LIBRARY TASTING – KNOW YOUR WINEMAKER – Friday, March 1 | 9:30-11:30am
The guiding principles and experience of who makes your wine often proves far more important than the scores, or tasting notes, as Ray Isle says in his upcoming book, “The World in a Wineglass: The Insider's Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now.” In this tasting seminar, Isle, the Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine, will celebrate the world’s top family-run wineries whose legacy of sustainability and innovation has helped produce some of the most exceptional Pinot Noirs in recent history.
WOMEN OF RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY LUNCHEON – Friday, March 1 | 12-2pm
Join an elite group of women winery owners and winemakers from the Russian River Valley in a celebratory lunch honoring 40 years and counting of the AVA and the group’s efforts to lead the way in sustainable and innovative winemaking practices to steward the land for generations to come. This three-course meal prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team hosted in the Rotunda is a journey guided by each woman of Russian River Valley through cool climate Pinot Noirs from iconic vineyards.
SANTA CRUZ AVA LUNCHEON - Friday, March 1 | 12-2pm
Overlooking the renowned Silicon Valley, The Santa Cruz Mountains is the first California appellation defined by its high-altitude vineyards and unique location at the convergence of coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay. The region offers an array of individual microclimates, warm days and cool nights, marine influences, high elevations, distinctive soils and fruit from less than 80 acres, all contributing to the distinct flavor profiles of Pinot Noir unlike any other. Guests will enjoy an afternoon with the boutique wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA pouring new releases alongside rare and older vintages to compare and contrast wines as they age. Shaped by its unique terrain and a maverick mindset, the Santa Cruz Mountains is a wine region for independent spirits with a taste for the extraordinary. These wines are rarely found outside of the cellar door – this is your chance to try hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY VIP GRAND TASTING – Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 | 2:30-6pm
Access the Grand Tasting one hour early and visit your favorite winemakers before the crowd. Taste through hundreds of Pinot Noirs from around the world in The Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Grand Ballroom. Meet winemakers, compare regional characteristics in your favorite Pinot Noirs, and find new selections.
VIP guests have exclusive access to private lounges and experiences held during the Grand Tasting, including special wine tastings, delicious food pairings and more.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY GRAND TASTING – Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 | 3:30-6pm
Taste through hundreds of Pinot Noirs from around the world in The Ritz-Carlton Bacara's Grand Ballroom. Meet winemakers, compare regional characteristics in your favorite Pinot Noirs, and find new selections. Check out the list of participating wineries at www.worldofpinotnoir.com and track your favorites. Enjoy light bites from The Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team. The virtual silent auction coincides with the Grand Tasting. Bid on unique wine experiences, large format bottles and special wines only available at The World of Pinot Noir.
FRIENDS OF ADAM LEE DINNER – Friday, March 1 | 7pm
Join us for an evening hosted by Adam Lee, founder of Clarice and famed Siduri Wines, his partner Morét Brealynn, founder of Morét Brealynn Wines, and their winemaker friends at the Angel Oak Cellar. This dinner will feature wines from their latest labels, Clarice, Morét Brealynn Wines, and a surprise guest or two for an unforgettable evening. Adam and friends will host an intimate five-course meal prepared by the Ritz-Carlton Bacara culinary team in the exclusive Angel Oak Cellar that centers around wines from some of the most sought-after vineyards up the Coast of California from Sta. Rita Hills to Santa Lucia Highlands to Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. Sold Out.
EXPERIENCE THE ESSENCE OF GOLDENEYE DINNER – Friday, March 1 | 7pm
Early on, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn had a vision – to craft world-class Pinot Noir that reflected the terroir of California, the tradition of Burgundy and the stature of their already legendary Merlot program in Napa Valley. Nestled amongst redwood forests, apple orchards and rugged, fog shrouded Pacific Coast, Goldeneye specializes in crafting singular Pinot Noir expressions, each intimately connected to the unique terroir of the region. Guided by Winemaker Kristen McMahan, Goldeneye's portfolio has earned numerous accolades from what is now the most expansive estate Pinot Noir program in Anderson Valley.
Join us for this five-course dinner in the Rotunda for an evening where you can taste the passion, feel the tradition, and experience the essence of Goldeneye—a journey that celebrates the harmony of nature, craftsmanship and community.
GLOBAL WINE CONVERSATIONS: A WORLD OF PINOT NOIR – Saturday, March 2 | 9:30-11:30am
This year’s exciting blind tasting challenge will celebrate and differentiate the diverse and unique Pinot Noir regions from around the world. Guests will have the chance to blind taste up to 12 wines that epitomize the marquee AVAs from Burgundy, to Australia, to Oregon to California. Wine Expert Julia Coney and Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein will host this Global Wine Conservations blind tasting, offered for the first time to a larger public audience beyond winemakers and winery principals. This is an exclusive chance to hone your blind tasting skill, engage in an interactive guessing challenge, and learn the characteristics highlights of each Pinot Noir wine region. Whether you’re a budding oenophile or wine pro, you’ll walk away a fan and a master of Pinot Noir.
BUBBLES AND BITES: A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD - Saturday, March 2 | 9:30-11:30am
Experience the versatility of Pinot Noir Champagne and sparkling wines in this curated pairing that highlights the flavors of bubbles and cuisines from around the globe. Join Sommelier Amanda McCrossin of SommVivant, and a panel of winemakers as you explore the diversity of unique terroirs and regional farming methods for Pinot Noir grown for sparkling wines and discover unexpected and delightful pairings. The seminar will delve into the winemaking methods and tirage during this retrospective tasting from Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Newberg, Santa Barbara, Australia and France.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF TOLOSA LUNCHEON – Saturday, March 2 | 12-2pm
Tolosa is proud to be celebrating 25 years of winemaking in California's San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. With wine from the Edna Valley and other highly sought after vineyards and appellations throughout California, Tolosa represents vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett's vision of crafting Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that rival any in the world.
The luncheon will feature a curated selection of library wines, our newest 2022 vintage, and highly acclaimed wines such as Primera 2019 - 96pts Gold Decanter. This experience combines both sensory and informative components to create an exclusive event that takes you through a generation of winemaking. Tolosa's 25th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon will be hosted by vintner Robin Baggett, president and CEO of Tolosa Josh Baker, and winemaker Frederic Delivert.
DOMAINE DELLA 10th ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON - Saturday, March 2 | 12-2pm
Join Founder and Winemaker, David Hejl, of Domaine Della to celebrate the ten-year anniversary with the release of their 2021 vintage. Domaine Della’s mission is to craft intense and adventurous wines and partner with the very best growers, to create a true expression in harmony and balance from the place where they were grown. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy these extremely limited production wines and some library favorites only available at WOPN. David sources fruit from the finest vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Santa Lucia Highlands.
HONORING 40 YEARS IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY DINNER – Saturday, March 2 | 7pm
Oregon's Willamette Valley is celebrating its 40th birthday and you’re invited to a special dinner. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a five-course dinner paired with wines that honor the last 40 years of the Willamette Valley complemented by a look and taste to the future of this dynamic region. Join us and a few legendary surprise guests and unforgettable wines as we share stories from the pioneers alongside today’s innovators.
THE VINTAGE BURGUNDY DINNER – Saturday, March 2 | 7pm
The World of Pinot Noir is thrilled to present an extraordinary dinner featuring a special curation of Burgundy wines, sourced by the WOPN Sommelier Team. Paired with a five-course gourmet menu prepared by the Ritz-Carlton’s chef de cuisine, this intimate dinner will be hosted by Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine in the Angel Oak Cellar. Tickets for this intimate, one-of-kind dinner experience are limited and only available with the purchase of a Weekend VIP Passport.
To learn more about all the events, and to purchase tickets, please visit WorldofPinotNoir.com.
Media interested in covering or attending the annual event, please contact moc.npow@ofni.
About The World of Pinot Noir
WOPN, a non-profit trade organization, was established in 2001 by a small, dedicated group of winemakers from California’s Central Coast. The group’s mission is to bring together the world’s foremost Pinot Noir producers, and in a gorgeous setting, celebrate the delicious wine grape. Wineries, potential sponsors and wine enthusiasts interested in learning more, please visit worldofpinotnoir.com, or contact moc.npow@ofni. Follow and tag us on Facebook and Instagram. #wopn #wopn24 #wopn2024
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