Wine, parties at Passport to Dry Creek Valley

Wineries in one of Sonoma County's most popular appellations are gearing up for the most raucous event of the year: Passport to Dry Creek Valley.

The weekend festival, which is sponsored by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley and takes place next weekend, started in 1990 and is designed to showcase new releases and other special wines. Among oenophiles, the event is perhaps best known for its huge parties - all 45 of the valley's 62 family-owned wineries throw big bashes to welcome revelers.

Party themes range from Mardi Gras to "Wizard of Oz," disco to Hollywood. Most shindigs also feature food from local chefs as well as live music.

Tickets for the two-day event cost $120. Unlike other large tasting events in the Wine Country, which cater to an unlimited number of people, this year the Winegrowers group expects to sell only 4,000 tickets to "Passport," creating a much more intimate experience.

"The fact that we limit the number of people allows participants a chance 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," says Amber Behrens, who is coordinating the event. "It really is the best way to get to know the region."

When participants check in for the weekend festivities, they receive wineglasses for tastings and a guidebook - or passport - that includes information on all of the participating wineries and the parties they'll throw.

Because so many wineries are involved, Behrens recommends formulating a strategy before heading out to Dry Creek Road.

One good place to stop: Mauritson Wines, just east of the intersection of Dry Creek and Lytton Springs roads. Though the Mauritson family tends to tone down the party aspect of Passport weekend, they play up the food, teaming with celebrated Healdsburg chef Charlie Palmer for a menu to accompany some of the featured wines.

This year, Palmer will prepare tempura-crusted and fried Tomales Bay Oysters with kefir yuzu remoulade to pair with Mauritson's 2007 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc; Painted Hills natural beef "sliders" with Point Reyes bleu cheese to pair with 2007 Rockpile Ridge Zinfandel; and a tandoori pork po'boy with mango chutney to pair with 2007 Charlie Clay Pinot Noir.

"Food unlike any other you'll find in the valley," winemaker Clay Mauritson says. "Who needs a party when you have this?"

Farther up the valley, along Lambert Bridge Road, neighboring wineries are focusing more on good times. Dry Creek Vineyard, which is owned and operated by Don and Kim Wallace, will pay homage to Margaritaville with a Jimmy Buffett cover band, white sand beach and open arms for Parrotheads.

Bill Smart, director of marketing, says the theme plays on the winery's nautical motif - a concept that stems from the family's passion for sailing and is on all of its labels.

"We're a fun, non-pretentious group that loves wine and a good time," he says.

Across the street, at Passalacqua Wines, the party will have a distinct Italian flavor. Every year, the Passalacquas, whose ancestors hail from Genoa, pick a different region of Italy to highlight. The theme this year is Sicily.

Owner Jason Passalacqua says the winery will sponsor live Italian music and will set up an Italian marketplace. Guests can buy trinkets imported from Italy and sample reserve wines and new releases such as the 2006 Sangiovese.

The marketplace also will feature Sicilian food. While family members were still completing the menu, Passalacqua guaranteed a selection of wood-fired-oven pizzas, calamari and, of course, gelato.

"Italian heritage is a big part of what our wines are all about," Passalacqua says. "To go to the real Italy, you need a real passport. To experience our take, the Passport event will be just fine." {sbox}

Passport to Dry Creek Valley: Sat.-next Sun. Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg. Tickets $120 (Sunday only $70). (707) 433-3031, www.wdcv.com.