The Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival is one of my favorite wine events in the U.S. Now in its 25th year, “Pinot Fest” is a gathering of more than 50 producers from this small, cool-climate AVA, many of whose Pinot Noirs exceed their Sonoma competitors in quality at a fraction of the price. The Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, 5/18, but I recommend spending the weekend and checking out the many related wine and food events that make Pinot Fest a longstanding destination to kick off Spring.