MacMurray Ranch Hosts 34th Annual Taste of Sonoma

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif., June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- It is considered one of the most beautiful and private ranches in all of California, and on Saturday, August 31, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the historic MacMurray Ranch will open its gates to the public for the 34^th annual Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch.®

Set in the Russian River Valley against the backdrop of MacMurray Ranch's rolling hills and majestic vineyards, this lively event will bring together hundreds of local winemakers and chefs. As part of the region's premier wine and epicurean event – Sonoma Wine Country Weekend – Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch offers oenophiles and foodies an extraordinary opportunity to taste thousands of award-winning wines from Sonoma's top vintners and delectable gourmet foods from acclaimed Sonoma chefs.  Tickets are now on sale.

"On behalf of MacMurray Ranch, we are excited to welcome guests to Sonoma County and the Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch," said Kate MacMurray, spokesperson for MacMurray Ranch wines. "Our historic ranch is an idyllic setting for this world-class celebration of Sonoma's artisan foods and local wines."

Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch will be packed with informative and entertaining wine seminars, lively cooking demonstrations and get-your-boots-dirty vineyard tours. Guests also will have a rare opportunity to experience an historical retrospective on MacMurray Ranch and the MacMurray family.

"We are honored to share a selection of MacMurray Ranch wines from Sonoma County, alongside the acclaimed wines of our neighboring vintners," said Chris Munsell, MacMurray Ranch winemaker and longtime Sonoma County resident. "No other event brings the best of Sonoma food and wine together in such a spectacular way."

Named one of the 10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States by Celebrated Living magazine, Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch is Sonoma's can't-miss event. Throughout its history, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend has raised more than $11 million for local charities in support of farm workers and families in need.

"Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch is a key element of Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and we are thrilled to work closely with the MacMurray Ranch team this year to provide our guests with an unforgettable Sonoma County wine and food experience," said Honore Comfort, Co-Executive Director for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend. "Whether our attendees are returning guests or newcomers, Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch will offer endless opportunities to explore and discover more to love about our wine country, all presented amid the beautiful and historic backdrop of MacMurray Ranch."

Tickets
Tickets for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch are now on sale. Prices are as follows:

* Grand Reserve tickets include preferred seating and access to limited release wines.

Learn more about Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and Taste of Sonoma at MacMurray Ranch, purchase tickets, and find out about special Visa Signature pricing and benefits at:

www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com
www.facebook.com/winecountryweekend
www.twitter.com/SonomaWCW.

About MacMurray Ranch
Nestled in the Middle Reach of Sonoma's Russian River Valley, MacMurray Ranch has been a farmstead since the 1850s. Hollywood legend Fred MacMurray bought the ranch in 1941 and embraced the rancher's lifestyle, raising prize-winning cattle while his children rode horse back through the hills. In the mid-1990s, MacMurray Ranch was transformed into a world-class vineyard. Today, 450 acres of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines flourish where cattle once roamed. The original buildings have been faithfully restored, and Fred's daughter Kate MacMurray remains deeply connected to the land and the wines of MacMurray Ranch.

With vineyards in some of the world's most sought-after Pinot Noir regions – including the Russian River Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands – MacMurray Ranch crafts an award-winning range of estate Pinot Noir wines. Winemaker Chris Munsell brings more than 20 years of winemaking expertise into the vineyard and the cellar, personally selecting the finest Pinot Noir blocks from MacMurray Ranch's five estate vineyards throughout Sonoma County and the Central Coast. Chris coaxes delicate, nuanced flavors – from red cherry and cola to raspberry and forest floor – from his Pinot Noir grapes. The result is a collection of wines that reflect the unique terroir of each vineyard and showcase the extraordinary flavors of the exquisite Pinot Noir grape. Learn more at www.macmurrayranch.com.

About 2013 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Sponsors and Beneficiaries
A partnership between Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Foundation and Sonoma County Vintners, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is California's premier wine, food and social event, taking place on Labor Day weekend each year. The events comprising Sonoma Wine Country Weekend have raised over $11 million in support to local charities that benefit students, children, farm workers, and people in need.  The 2013 Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is presented by Visa Signature®. For a complete list of beneficiaries and sponsors, please visit www.SonomaWineCountryWeekend.com.

SOURCE MacMurray Ranch