There once was a time when the Pinot Days tasting was the new kid on the block in San Francisco. Now in it’s seventh year, Pinot Days has firmly established itself as one of the largest and most exciting Pinot Noir events in America. If you enjoy Pinot Noir, or you are still trying to figure out if you do, this is an event that should not be missed.

Pinot Days offers a number of events to lovers of “the heartbreak grape”, from winemaker dinners to seminars that focus on specific regions or specific producers. This year’s seminars are looking quite attractive, focusing as they are on Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and producer Williams-Selyem.

The main event of the weekend, however, is the grand tasting, on Saturday the 18th, of roughly 200 different producers from around the globe pouring more than 400 different wines. The tasting, as in past years, is heavily focused on California producers, but increasingly draws in participants from Oregon, Washington, New Zealand, and Burgundy.

For details on the various activities as well as a list of the producers who will be pouring their wines for the grand tasting, check out the event web site.

Pinot Days 2011 Grand Tasting
Sunday June 18th
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Festival Pavilion – Fort Mason Center
Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

Tickets for the grand tasting are $50 ($10 cheaper than in past years!) and should be purchased in advance online, especially if you don’t want to stand in a long line at the event. Tickets for winemaker dinners and other activities range from $30 to $150. Details are available on the event web site.

Parking at Fort Mason is easier now that it is a paid lot, but for large events like this, you’d be better off parking several blocks away and walking. Or better yet, taking public transport.

Like all such large public tastings, you will enjoy yourself and learn a lot more by following my simple guidelines: get a good night’s sleep, wear dark clothes, come with a full stomach, drink lots of water, and SPIT!