Mile Marker 60: Clos Pepe Vineyard Experience Takes Place on March 5
LOMPOC, CA (January 9, 2020) – WALT Wines, one of the leading luxury Pinot Noir producers in the country, has announced plans to host the official kick-off event for the 20th Anniversary of the World of Pinot Noir at the Clos Pepe Estate Vineyard located on Route 246. The event - coined as Mile Marker 60 referencing WALT’s 1,000 Miles of Pinot concept - includes a vineyard tour, a high-profile moderated panel conversation alongside a unique vertical tasting.
“We have enjoyed being part of the World of Pinot Noir program for the past few years,” says WALT General Manager, Jeff Zappelli. “Being able to host the official kick-off event at our Clos Pepe Estate Vineyard, one of the most prestigious Pinot Noir vineyards in the country is exciting. This experience aims to educate Pinotfiles about vineyard characteristics, its coastal location and influence, as well as look deeper into the ageability of wines produced from the site.”
Guests will embark on a guided shuttle from the The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara to the Clos Pepe Estate Vineyard for an experience focusing on vineyard site, winemaking from the coveted vineyard and the ageability of wines produced from the site. Upon arrival guests will stroll through the Clos Pepe vineyard and learn about the distinct characteristics of this special site. Guests will then be seated for a private panel featuring Ambassador Kathryn Walt Hall, WALT Winemaker Megan Gunderson, Winemaker Adam Lee, and Clos Pepe Vineyard Owner Stephen Pepe. The conversation will be moderated by WALT General Manager, Jeff Zappelli. The panel conversation and wine tasting will showcase a selection of both library, current release and barrel sample wines.
Afterward, guests will then be invited to enjoy a hosted backyard BBQ catered by The Hitching Post 2 and boogie down with a country music performance by Country music recording artist, Anderson Daniels. All guests will leave with a signed copy of Kathryn Hall’s New York Times Bestseller, A Perfect Score. Tickets are all inclusive and available to purchase for $250 per person HERE. “Kicking off the 20th Anniversary event in the vineyard brings World of Pinot Noir back to its roots,” said Stacie Jacob, spokesperson for the World of Pinot Noir. “Partnering with the Clos Pepe Vineyard and the various winemakers sourcing world-class fruit from this premiere site and inviting guests to be part of this exclusive experience is what celebrating the Pinot Noir grape is all about.” Clos Pepe Vineyard was purchased by Stephen and Cathy Pepe in 1994 as a horse ranch and established the 9th vineyard in what would become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Specializing in cool-climate, small production, craft-based Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Clos Pepe is now recognized as a leader in local and national wine culture, wine education. Located at 4777 East Highway 246 in Lompoc, CA, the Clos Pepe vineyard consists of 29 acres of sustainable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines producing some of the finest fruit and wine in the world. Sustainably farmed with low yields and no herbicide or insecticide, the Close Pepe vineyard is exposed to wind and fog and features small vines and clusters. The site includes 25 planted acres of Pinot Noir as well as 4 planted acres of Chardonnay. To purchase tickets to the Mike Marker 60: Clos Pepe Vineyard Experience HERE. For more information about WALT Wines, please visit www.waltwines.com.
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ABOUT WALT: 1,000 Miles of Pinot WALT specializes in premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the most coveted vineyards along the Pacific Coast, spanning 1,000 miles from the Willamette Valley to the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County. Led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson Paredes, WALT represents wines of a place – these special sites where thoughtful viticulture enables winemakers to create expressive wines that reflect the signature personality of each site. WALT farms three estate vineyards and partners with meticulous growers who aspire to share standards of quality. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Walt Hall, WALT honors Kathryn’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt, who were grape growers in Mendocino County since 1972 and nurtured Kathryn’s passion for vineyards and wine. Guests can visit WALT at two tasting room locations including at the Sonoma Plaza located in Sonoma, CA, Healdsburg, CA and in the Oxbow district located in downtown Napa, CA. All three Tasting Rooms are open to the public. For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com or call (707) 933-4440. @waltwines #1000milesofpinot.
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, Twitter and Instagram. #wopn #wopn20
