04.20.11 home | north bay bohemian index | sonoma, napa, marin county restaurants | preview ## Weekend Taste By Shelby Pope What does Alexander Valley taste like? Evidently, a combination of pork cheek and caviar—at least according to those behind Taste Alexander Valley, who just released tickets to the 14th annual wine and food event. Taste Alexander Valley gives gourmands a chance to travel between parties held at over 30 different wineries, with each winery offering wine and food pairings, entertainment and weekend-only discounts. The opening gala takes place at Francis Ford Coppola winery, where attendees can choose between snacking on exotic hors d'oeuvres from Healdsburg's Peloton Catering, dancing to Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers or hobnobbing with winemakers and other industry bigwigs. The event's website promises a taste of "the causally elegant wine country lifestyle"—which probably means you should refrain from cannonballing into Coppola's just-opened swimming pool. Taste Alexander Valley runs Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22. Opening gala on Friday, May 20, at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. Weekend passes $65-$90; 0pening gala $90. 888.463.0210. Send a letter to the editor about this story.