Annual Rhone Rangers San Francisco Tasting Saturday, March 26 Join David Gates, Ridge’s VP of Vineyard Management, and over 100 of the top American producers of Rhone Varietals for seminars, a winemaker dinner and of course the grand tasting at the Fort Mason Center. As last year, the Rhone Rangers has extended their “Sidekick” member discount on the tasting to its member wineries’ supporters. To receive a $5 discount to Sunday’s tasting or either of Saturday’s seminars, or a $10 discount on Sunday’s combined seminar/tasting ticket, enter the code “PRT01” when you register. There is also a new “weekend pass” ticket, priced at $150, which gives you access to all three seminars as well as VIP access to the Grand Tasting (a savings of $40, and a great excuse to make a weekend of the event!). Saturday, March 26 Seminar Series with Jon Bonné, 1:00pm to 4:00pm Saturday’s events begin with two seminars, both moderated by San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor Jon Bonné. The first seminar (1:00pm to 2:15pm; $45/$40 with discount) is titled Green Rangers: Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic Rhones, and will feature Rhone Rangers wineries who fit each category and who will discuss the past and future of sustainability in the world of wine. The second seminar (2:45pm to 4:00pm; $45/$40 with discount) is titled Mourvedre on the Move and will feature six different examples of our favorite red grape! Both are limited to 50 people. Seminar participants have not yet been finalized, but we’re hopeful we’ll be in at least one of these seminars. Library Tasting, Winemaker Dinner and Auction, 6:00pm to 9:30pm Saturday concludes with David Gates, VP of Vineyard Management at Ridge, as well as 14 other top Rhone Ranger wineries, participating in a Library Tasting, Live Auction and Winemaker Dinner at Dogpatch Studios, 991 Tennessee St in San Francisco. Catering will be provided by Girl & the Fig (the well-loved Sonoma food purveyor and restaurant, famous for its Rhone-Alone wine list). Winemaker Dinner tickets are $125 per person, and attendance is limited to 150 people. Proceeds benefit the Rhone Rangers Scholarship Fund. This event has sold out both of the last two years. More information on all the San Francisco Rhone Rangers events is at http://www.rhonerangers.org/calendar/sf_grand_tasting.php.