Pinot alert: Willamette Valley wineries to pour into L.A. on Sept. 11

Pinot-heads, i.e., fans of Oregon Pinot Noir, should mark this on their calendar right now. If anyone’s asking, they will be otherwise occupied on the evening of Sept. 11,when 66 Willamette Valley winemakers will be pouring their wines at the Ebell of Los Angeles (743 S. Lucerne Boulevard) for “Pinot in the City.�

That’s mid-city, easy to get to from any direction.

Who’s coming? Pretty much everybody who counts in the valley: Andrew Rich Wines, Bergström Wines, Big Table Farm, Dusky Goose, Elk Cove Vineyards, Montinore Estate, Ponze Vineyards, Rex Hill, Scott Paul Wines, Seneann, Soter Vineyards, Whistling Dog Cellars, etc., etc.

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You can see the full list at the “Pinot in the City� website.

Tickets are $75, available online. You might want to purchase raffle tickets too, for a chance to win an instant 120-bottle Oregon wine cellar and a trip for two couples to the Willamette Valley, including a stay at the Allison Inn & Spa, private dinner with two winemakers, special tastings, vineyard tours and more.

Think of the tasting as an advanced seminar in wines of the Willamette Valley, enough to get you prepped for a visit to the wine region southwest of Portland. The Willamette Valley Wineries association can help out with maps, guides to visiting wineries, and tips on where to stay and to eat.

You’ll probably want to spend a couple of days eating in Portland too. And for that, turn to the Oregonian’s dining guide for 2013.

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