Sonoma's Volcanic Moon Mountain Hosts Masterclass & Grand Tasting

Moon Mountain District Winegrowers Association is excited about the full lineup of wineries and vintners participating in its popular Reach for the Moon! Masterclass & 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.

Click here to purchase tickets for Reach for the Moon! 2024

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, click here to purchase - packages 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 9:00am. Grand Tasting tickets are $250 per person and include access to the Grand Tasting at Monte Rosso Vineyard, beginning at 12pm. 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, Moon Hollow Estate, 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.