October 15-20, 2023

BMI Wine & Food Experience

This event is now sold out.

The BMI Wine & Food Experience, October 15-20, 2023, promises to be an unforgettable opportunity for any wine enthusiast. The rolling hills and picturesque vineyards of Sonoma County provide the perfect backdrop for education, wine tastings, and exploration. As we make our way through the region, attendees will have the chance to sample some of the finest wines in the world, from crisp Chardonnays to unique Pinot Noirs. Sonoma County is not only known for its world-class wineries, but also for its thriving craft beer scene, therefore the program will also work in some local beer education.

Our first day begins with Karen MacNeil, a renowned wine expert, author, and educator. She will lead our group through a sensory experience tasting seminar and a session on the best Sonoma wines for club wine lists. Attendees will spend the week visiting numerous wineries, each with its own unique style and approach to winemaking. Some may specialize in small-batch, artisanal wines, while others may focus on more traditional varietals. Attendees will interact with winery owners, winemakers, and viticulturists highlighting sustainable farming and Sonoma’s environmental stewardship in the wine industry. Farm to table lunches with exposure to high quality artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, olive oils, honey, and locally grown produce will be part of the fun.

In addition to a robust agenda, there will be a few free evenings to explore local restaurants and markets, where you can sample the region's delicious cuisine and be able to shop. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, this CMAA trip to Sonoma is an experience you won't soon forget.

Dates & Registration

October 15-20, 2023 (FULL)

Kick Off Video with Karen MacNeil

Agenda Overview

All times are PT.

All programming is subject to change.

Registration begins on Sunday afternoon with an early evening program orientation and welcome toast. Complimentary breakfast is available daily at the hotel and bus transportation will be provided throughout the region from Monday to Thursday. Participants must attend all sessions to receive Education Credits. The program concludes Thursday night, and participants can schedule small group winery visits on their own or depart on Friday.

Sunday, October 15

Time	Event
2:00-4:00 p.m.	Registration at Hotel for Early Arrivals
4:30-6:00 p.m.	(Optional) Cocktail Welcome at Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Quick 5 Mile Drive or Short Uber from Hotel)
6:00 p.m.	Free Evening/Dinner on Your Own (Consider Rustic at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery)

Monday, October 16

Time	Event
10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon	Sensory Experience Tasting Seminar with Karen MacNeil
12:00 noon	Lunch at Gott’s Roadside
2:00–4:00 p.m.	Sonoma’s Best Pinot Noirs with Karen MacNeil
4:45–6:30 p.m.	Sunset Tasting and ROC Education at Gundlach Bundschu Winery with Katie Bundschu
8:00 p.m.	Free Night to Explore Local Restaurants

Tuesday, October 17

Time	Event
8:45–9:30 a.m.	Morning Tasting at Twomey Vineyards—Russian River Valley
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Point Reyes Farm Experience, Mead (Honey Wine) Tasting and Lunch
3:00–5:00 p.m.	Shopping, Sightseeing and Tasting Rooms in Downtown Sonoma (This is not near our hotel.)
5:00–9:00 p.m.	Tour, Tasting, and Wine Dinner at Buena Vista Winery

Wednesday, October 18

Time	Event
10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon	Kick the Dirt at La Crema
12:15–3:00 p.m.	Garden Experience and Lunch at Kendall Jackson
3:15–5:30 p.m.	Black Glass Tasting Experience at Rodney Strong
6:00 p.m.	Free Night to Explore Local Restaurants

Thursday, October 19

Time	Event
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.	Gold Ridge Organic Farm Adventure
1:00–3:30 p.m.	Sparkling Wine Education and Magnum Lunch with Joy Sterling
4:00–5:00 p.m.	Special Wine Tasting at Merry Edwards
5:30–9:00 p.m.	Beer Education and Closing Celebration at HopMonk Tavern

Friday, October 20

Departures

Important Information

Attendees who successfully participate in all education sessions will earn 30 CMI Education Credits. Registration is limited to 55 attendees.

The BMI Wine & Food Experience host hotel will be the Hotel Trio in Healdsburg, CA. This modern Marriott property is within walking distance of downtown Healdsburg and includes daily breakfast, a fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tub, and firepits.

Location: The Hotel Trio, 110 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA.

Rate: CMAA has arranged for a special rate of $229 plus applicable taxes.

Reservations: Book online. The last day to book within the group block is September 15, 2023.

CMAA makes every effort to keep attendee expenses at this event including registration fees and accommodation rates for the event as economical as possible. We work diligently to negotiate the best hotel rates and to make the best use of your registration dollars to keep the Conference affordable and accessible.

CMAA encourages all participants to reserve a room at host hotel; this supports not only this event, but also future meetings. While in some instances, less expensive accommodations may be available from third party online consolidators, booking within CMAA’s established block helps to underwrite the cost of meeting space and other hotel concessions. When commitments to our host property are not met, CMAA must pay penalties which will ultimately increase the cost of events.

All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing by the individual whose name appears on the registration. To be valid, submit all requests to CMAA Registration. No refunds will be made after Friday, September 15. CMAA will not issue refunds for no-shows. Substitutions are gladly accepted; substitutions of registrations are permitted prior to the event. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with the substitution. Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited.

CMAA is dedicated to providing a safe, hospitable, inclusive, and productive environment for all participants at CMAA Events. CMAA has established minimum expectations of behavior for participants at all CMAA events. Please review the CMAA Events Code of Conduct Policy. It is intended to supplement any other applicable CMAA policies, including the CMAA Code of Conduct and Ethics.