60 wineries in Passport to Dry Creek Valley next weekend

Getting your passport stamped was never so delectable.

The 22nd annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley on April 30 and May 1 has palate appeal for both wine enthusiasts and foodies.

In Healdsburg, Ridge Winery is featuring its “Gourmet Burger Barbeque,” while Seghesio Winery is playing up “The Big Easy” with its Seafood Gumbo. And then there's A. Rafanelli, also in Healdsburg, with its classic Italian fare, such as house-made ravioli.

“There are so many family-owned wineries in Dry Creek Valley,” said winemaker Shelly Rafanelli, 37. “The event educates people by pairing wine with food and entertaining.”

The swanky event is from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with tickets at $120 per person. (Keep in mind that tickets for the Wine Road Barrel Tasting range from $20 to $30.)

During Passport, more than 60 wineries up and down the Dry Creek Valley welcome tasters with pours, appetizers and entertainment. In the past, entertainment has run the gamut from circus troupes to belly dancers to safari adventures.

A great benefit is the one-on-one access to winemakers and vineyard owners. Where to begin? Choose any participating winery and roam the valley from there. (Check out participating wineries at wdcv.com.)

If you don't have a ticket yet, there's still a chance you can make the cut by putting yourself on the short list. Organizers are accepting calls and emails from people who need to sell their tickets because of scheduling problems, as well as from people hoping to buy tickets. Contact the WDCV office for more information at 433-3031 or send an email to info@wdcv.com.

Here are a few key tips for tasters:

Don't bring junior. This event is for people who are 21 years old or older. If you come with children or infants, you may be asked to leave.

Don't bring man's best friend unless your pup is a certified service dog. Leaving your dog in the car is not a safe option.

Choose your transportation wisely. Large, full-size buses are not allowed at the event because wineries are set up to handle only 40 to 60 people at a time. However, smaller 24-passenger buses and limousines are allowed.

Create a sipping strategy. Pick a cluster of wineries in a particular part of the valley to explore. For instance, if you pick up your passports at Armida Winery (www.armida.com) and start the day there, linger in the southern end of the valley and stop in at Alderbrook Winery (alderbrook.com), Everett Ridge Winery (everettridge.com) and Seghesio Family Vineyards (seghesio.com).