Do This: Pinot Days

By Carrie Becker in Food on Nov 5, 2010 8:20PM

Next week the mighty Pinot grape will be celebrated in the form of Pinot Days. Pinot Days festival planners have tapped oenophile chefs like Brian Millman of Uncommon Ground and Randy Zweiban of Province and notable sommeliers to host dining events all weeklong. One don't-miss event - a Pinot Days “Dinner Party” with Brian Duncan and Chef John Caputo at Bin 36 on Thursday, November 11 at 5pm.

On Saturday, 60 wine producers descend on the tourist trap known as Navy Pier to offer pours and serve up knowledge about the struggles of growing the stubborn grape. From the list, we are excited to see producers like Failla (we enjoyed a tasting on their St. Helena property this summer) and a perfect pairing for Pinot, bacon from the pork shrine event, Baconfest. The wine exhibitor list is rich with California producers while only a handful of Washington state vineyards will be making the trip. We would love to see a closer split of the two regions, if only to see the brawl amongst attendees and winemakers alike over their favored land.

Check here for a full list of events and tickets. Also, be sure to check the list of retail establishments holding special winemaker tastings.

Pinot Days Grand Festival takes place on Saturday, November 13 from 1pm - 5pm at Navy Pier, Exhibit Hall B; price is $50 for all the pinot you can drink.