COST: $1812/person double occupancy, $2212 single occupancy

EVENT DETAILS:

The Grape Leaf Inn, in coordination with Relish Culinary Adventures and Scott Beattie Cocktails, is proud to announce the Sonoma Locavore Experience. This three-day tour package is the first to focus on the organic and biodynamic vineyards, family farms, local restaurants and other Sonoma County businesses that are dedicated to sustainability. The first tour is scheduled for August 25-27, 2008 with additional offerings on September 15-17 and 22-24, October 13-15 and 20-22, and November 17-19. The price per person based on double occupancy is $1812 or single occupancy $2212.

Locavore—a person who endeavors to eat only locally produced food—was selected as the 2007 word of the year by the Oxford American Dictionary who noted, “The word ‘locavore’ shows how food-lovers can enjoy what they eat while still appreciating the impact they have on the environment.”

The Northern Sonoma County region of California is home to some of the world’s premier wineries but has only recently been recognized as having an incredibly diverse agricultural landscape. Artisanal cheese makers, sustainable meat producers and dozens of small organic family farms have called this area home for decades and they collectively make this a foodie mecca like no other. The Sonoma Locavore Experience celebrates local, organic ingredients and sustainable farms and related businesses through cooking, mixology and winemaking. Guests will visit organic and biodynamic vineyards and farms, cook and savor meals and cocktails that feature ingredients grown, raised or produced within thirty miles of Healdsburg, and meet the people whose dedication to sustainability is a natural part of life in this bountiful and beautiful region.

The package includes two nights lodging and all meals, including winemaker dinners, a cooking class, vineyard, winery and farm tours, a wine and cheese pairing and bio-diesel transportation. Winemaker dinners feature Wells Guthrie from Copain and Ames Morrison from Medlock Ames. Guests will visit the organic and biodynamic vineyards of Quivira and Marimar Estate wineries in addition to the organic farms of Dry Creek Peach and Produce or Dry Creek Olive Company.

WEBSITE: www.grapeleafinn.com...