CLOVERDALE, CA—I recently attended an intimate gathering at Fritz Underground Winery one of the northernmost tasting rooms in Sonoma County. In attendance were about 150 wine clubers and general public drop-ins. Here’s the final installment of this charming event.

The setting was relaxed. All in attendance were sporting casual attire. After all, this was Sonoma County.

All the wine served during the event was terrific—without exception. 5 Pinots and one white… I tasted the following:

2010 Bianca Mia: Excellent. Great acidity. Russian River fruit. At just $14 a fantastic Value. (Yes, this was the white.)

2009 Fritz RRV Pinot Noir: This medium body wine brings bright black cherry flavors that roll around in your mouth. Lucius quality. At $30. Another excellent value.

2009 Lost Canyon Goff-Whitton: Sweet plum perfume. Lovely baby soft finish. I’d be proud to offer a toast to my best friend with this wine! Simply wonderful.

2009 Lost Canyon Morelli Land: So elegant; so velvety. All these wines were so consistent.

2009 Lost Canyon Saralee’s Vineyard: Again, so smooth and easy to drink!

2009 Fritz Reserve Pinot Noir: A starburst of black cherries and pomegranate right up front. Feather soft fruit. This is the one I’d like for my birthday. 

Winery President, Clay Fritz (pictured in the red shirt), was making his rounds to insure that everyone in attendance was having a good time. He grew up on the winery grounds in the 1970s.

As the pig roasted slowly in the box, guests had the chance to watch a barrel making demonstration.

At long last… it was time to transform the pig into pork!

(WARNING: Next photo is NOT for the squeamish!)

Once properly prepared, everyone queued up for the late-afternoon buffet.

The pork was SO tender and delicious. Polenta was the perfect accompaniment.

The meal was prepared by KR Catering. Ken Rochioli, Proprietor (not pictured) was former owner of the Western Boot Steakhouse, a well-known eatery in the nearby town of Healdsburg.

A young guy beside me in line looked at this beet salad and said “Wow! Look at those big chunks of salmon!” Perhaps he had too much Pinot! ;-)

I visited with these nice folks but had to leave early. 

Rovetti and the Meatballs kept the Rockabilly, Swing and Bluegrass coming.

As I left the party, I popped several of these chocolate truffles into my mouth. They were insanely good. A nice finish to a memorable afternoon!

California’s fine wineries certainly know how to throw great parties. If all you’ve done is visit tasting rooms, I urge you to make a point of attending special events like this one. It’s a great way to take your wine tasting adventures to the next level.

Though this Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, Fritz Underground Winery is holding its annual Paella Party, I’ve just learned that the event is SOLD OUT. :(

This year, Chef Gerard from the Food Network will be cooking his legendary fare. As one wine club member told me at the pig roast: “I’ve been to Madrid and had Paella. Chef Gerard’s is better!”

Wine Country Lesson Number One: Make reservations for such events well in advance.