Friday evening’s kickoff event is the lively Taste of Pigs & Pinot where guests sample 60 highly acclaimed Pinot Noir wines competing in the Pinot Cup competition, both from Sonoma County and around the world. Two Rosé wines will be offered in addition to the lineup of Pinot Noirs treating guests to a “white wine” twist on Pinot Noir.
Tastings are served alongside a variety of pork dishes, including homemade sausages, charcuterie, grilled pork, pâtés and other special creations from Chef Palmer, Folia Bar + Kitchen, Dry Creek Kitchen, visiting celebrity chefs, and local Healdsburg restaurants.
VIP Admission
Friday March 20, 2026 | 5:30-6:30 pm
$500 per person
(Includes General Admission to Taste of Pigs & Pinot)
Exclusive early access to the culinary stars of the weekend. This one-hour VIP reception, hosted at Folia at Appellation Healdsburg, offers an intimate setting to mix and mingle with gala chefs and winemakers before the main event begins. Enjoy passed canapés, and sip on Charlie’s Palmer Co. Champagne, select Pinot Noirs, and a specialty cocktail from our presenting sponsor.
With limited capacity and a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere, the VIP Reception is your chance to savor the flavors—and the company—before doors open for Taste of Pigs & Pinot.
Pinot Cup
Each year, 60 hand-selected Pinot Noirs—those featured at Taste of Pigs & Pinot—go head-to-head in an exclusive blind tasting judged by an esteemed panel of wine experts. While this highly coveted competition happens behind the scenes, the results take center stage.
The winner and runner-up are revealed Friday night and celebrated throughout the weekend with featured pours, elevated placement, and well-deserved bragging rights.
Judges include top voices in wine—from Master Sommeliers to industry insiders and respected media—ensuring the competition reflects the highest standards in the world of Pinot.
