Given the dramatic increase in popularity of Pinot Noir in America in the past few years, it should come as no surprise that Pinot Days, a festival dedicated to the grape, would be so successful. It is surprising, however, that this festival has never been held in Los Angeles until now.

For some reason I don’t fully understand Southern California often gets short shrift when it comes to big wine festivals. But no longer. After successful runs in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, Pinot Days is coming to LA.

I know it’s hard to think about what you’re going to be doing in January with Christmas looming this week, but the new year is little more than a week away. If you live in southern California and you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, it’s worth your time to block off a few hours on Sunday, January 17th right now.

The Pinot Days Grand Tasting will offer the opportunity to taste more than 400 Pinot Noirs from about 75 different producers over the course of 4 hours, with snacks to nibble on from local food purveyors. Wineries from all over California, as well as a few from Oregon and even farther afield will be in attendance.

Of course, if you’re a hardcore Pinot lover, you may want to participate in more than the Sunday Grand Tasting. Thursday and Saturday nights feature winemakers’ dinners at Sage on the Coast and the Peninsula in Beverly Hills. Check out the event web site for more information on the dinners and other activities, which include smaller tastings at several LA retail stores.

Pinot Days Southern California Grand Tasting
Sunday January 17th, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Tickets are $50 per person and should be purchased online in advance.

My usual tips for large public tastings apply: get a good night’s sleep; wear dark colors; drink lots of water; go with a full stomach; and spit so you can taste more than 5 or 10 wines and actually remember them.