Renowned Winemakers and Growers to Pour Rare Gems at Master Class and Grand Tasting Hosted By Prominent Wine Authority Antonio Galloni
Sonoma, CA (May 1, 2024) – The Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association (MMDWGA) is excited to reveal the full lineup of wineries and vintners that will be participating in its popular Reach for the Moon! master class and grand tasting on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Louis M. Martini Winery’s historic Monte Rosso Vineyard. Hosted by prominent wine authority and Vinous founder Antonio Galloni, Reach for the Moon! is a unique opportunity to meet and taste with the Moon Mountain District’s renowned winemakers and growers and to explore some of California’s finest mountain grown and sustainable wines.
Launched in 2023, Reach for the Moon! is a celebration of the Moon Mountain District’s pioneering sustainable farming practices and commitment of the AVA’s winemakers to craft the highest quality wines grown from the region’s volcanic soils . Expanding upon last year’s sold out event, the second annual Reach for the Moon! master class will feature prominent winery panelists sharing an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated 2023 vintage from barrel, plus a rare chance to taste 2013 library vintages of the same wines. Members who will be presenting include: Erich Bradley of Repris Wines, Mark Herold of Kamen Estate, Mark Williams of Louis M. Martini, Massimo Monticelli of BRION, Jeff Baker and Alejandro Zimman of Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery, Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., and Phil Coturri of Winery Sixteen 600 and Enterprise Vineyards.
Renowned wine authority and critic Antonio Galloni will guide this year’s master class, which will focus on rare and collectible Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignons from the AVA’s celebrated sites. Recognized as some of Northern California’s premier vineyards, they are featured on Vinous’ groundbreaking map of the region. Master Class participants will enjoy a private tour of either the Monte Rosso Vineyard or Moon Mountain Vineyard, which are featured on the Vinous map.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have a front-row seat to the Moon Mountain District’s evolution from a loose collection of vineyards to one of California’s most dynamic and fascinating AVAs,” noted Galloni. “I am delighted to return to Reach for the Moon! as we continue to explore the nuances that inform the world-class wines being made in the Moon Mountain District AVA.”
The Moon Mountain District is one of California’s crown jewels for growing high quality grapes and artisanal wines recognized for their intense and concentrated flavors and strong, integrated tannins. The AVA was officially recognized in 2013, but it has a long and incredibly rich history of grape growing that goes back nearly 140 years. The District’s winegrowers are committed to producing the finest wines possible, using the highest levels of sustainable farming methods including organic, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture. Today, the Moon Mountain District has one of the highest percentages of organic vineyards of any AVA in California.
Reach for the Moon! tickets are now available for purchase at www.moonmountaindistrict.org, and include two options to discover the winemaking behind Moon Mountain District’s small production, terroir-driven wines. Full Pass Tickets are $400 per person and include a seat at the Master Class as well as access to the Grand Tasting, beginning at 9:00 am. Grand Tasting tickets are $250 per person and include access to the Grand Tasting at Monte Rosso Vineyard, beginning at 12 pm. The Grand Tasting will feature more than two dozen of the Association’s winery members pouring their wines alongside delicious bites showcasing the bounty of Sonoma. Wineries presenting their Moon Mountain District wines include Bedrock Wine Co., Biale Vineyards, B. Wise Vineyards, DiCostanzo Wines, Far Mountain Wines, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards, Gail Wines, Hanzell Vineyards, Hill of Tara Wines, Kamen Estate Wines, Kistler Vineyards, Korbin Kameron, LaRue Wines, Lambert Bridge Winery, Lasseter Family Winery, Liquid Sky Wines, Louis M. Martini, Muscardini Cellars, Pangloss Cellars, Repris Wines, Sojourn Cellars, Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery, Ty Caton Vineyards and Winery Sixteen 600. The MMDWGA is also partnering with the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance for this year’s event.
“We are thrilled to welcome back our highly successful Reach for the Moon! event and for the opportunity to introduce the Moon Mountain District and its unique wines,” said Erich Bradley of Repris Wines and Pangloss Cellars. “The region’s diverse volcanic terroir, marked by countless canyons, ridges and escarpments create a variety of exposures that you won’t find on the valley floor. This mix of different aspects and microclimates sets our region apart and allows us to showcase the unique terroir on multiple levels.”
Located on the western side of the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma, the Moon Mountain District is geologically distinct as it’s entirely made up of volcanic soils that are well-draining and gravelly. The shallow, rocky soils and elevations ranging from 400 feet to 2,000 feet stress the vines resulting in low yields of exceptional grapes that produce elegant, age worthy wines of distinction. Home to some of Northern California’s premier vineyards, the Moon Mountain District is renowned for its age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons, old-vine Zinfandel and stunning Pinot Noirs, as well as exceptional Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Throughout the weekend, Moon Mountain District members will host their own exclusive gatherings and special tastings. For additional information on the events as well as to learn more about the growers and wineries within the Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association, please visit the website at www.moonmountaindistrict.org.
About Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association
Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association (MMDWGA) is a nonprofit trade association committed to representing and promoting grape growers and wine-related businesses in the District. The Association is responsible for the appellation’s 2013 AVA distinction. MMDWGA’s leadership board and its membership include some of the most experienced and respected viticulturists in the industry today. The Moon Mountain District represents over 140 years of independent minded realists who yet remain capable of pursuing what some would consider impractical dreams.
