Big turnout for Winter Wineland

 
CRISTA JEREMIASON/The Press Democrat San Jose residents hang outside on the patio of the Ridge Vineyards during the 18th Annual Winter Wineland held at 120 wineries in northern Sonoma County on Saturday.

San Mateo wine lover Larry Yim half seriously wished the mac 'n' cheese being offered Saturday at the Thumbprint Cellars tasting room came matched with fruit from the vine.

But even without special pairings, the three creamy pasta dishes vying for top spot in the winery's first ever “Mac Off” proved popular among tasters coming in from the brisk outdoors.

As winter days go, it could have been worse — especially with stormy days predicted this week for the North Coast. But some wine, a variety of rich treats to sample and an opportunity to mix with winemakers provided the perfect chance for thousands of connoisseurs to shake off their post-holiday-season doldrums.

More than 5,400 people — a record number — bought advance tickets to the 18th annual, two-day Winter Wineland event, said Tracy Logan-Immordino. She is administrator for Wine Road, an association of wineries and lodging establishments in northern Sonoma County's Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys.

Additional tickets were available at each of the 120 participating wineries.

Patrons and winery personnel alike said the event is a favorite because of its typically mellow, knowledgeable crowd — people “who are really serious about wine,” said Melissa Baker, tasting room manager for Ridge Vineyards.

That's not to say there aren't laughs to be had, or some unusual headwear like the light-up Viking helmets some tasters scored by joining Murphy-Goode's Goode and Ready Wine Club. The women in San Francisco resident Jessica Richman's group of friends from Cal wore cardboard tiara headbands in honor of her 27th birthday.

Ken and Cindy Brennan of Cazadero, on a getaway weekend to celebrate her birthday, said they liked being able to taste at wineries usually open by appointment only. The time of year also means winemakers are less busy than in later seasons and are often available to discuss their craft, Cindy Brennan said.

Like others, they said the winter event compares favorably with more crowded, less expensive barrel-tasting weekends that tend to draw a more raucous crowd that Mazzocco Sonoma winemaker Antoine Favero likened to “Cancun relived.”

The event continues today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available atwineroad.com.