Restaurant wine professionals and retail fine wine buyers.

Fill out the application between February 1 and April 1 and wait for an email to see if you're selected.

Applications for Pinot Forum 2025 will be open from February 1 - April 1, 2025.

Attendees are selected through a lottery system from eligible applicants.

Applicants will be notified of their application status via email starting in mid-April.

Yes, if you do not receive a spot in the lottery, you will be placed on a waitlist in case additional spots become available.

We understand that unforeseen things happen in life, just let us know as soon as possible so we can invite the next person on the waitlist.

While there is no cost to attend the Pinot Forum itself, attendees are responsible for covering the cost of their flight and transportation to and from the airport to the hotel. All accommodations and travel during the event will be provided.

Plan to be ready to leave the hotel by 5pm on Sunday July 13 (your host winery will confirm exact pickup time). Scheduled events run through the night of Tuesday July 15. Checkout from The Hampton Inn is at 12pm on Wednesday July 16.

The Hampton Inn in Windsor, CA. You will have a room to yourself!

We strongly recommend checking flights in and out of Santa Rosa (STS). The airport is only a short ride to your hotel and you can check a case of wine for free going home! If STS is not a good option San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) work as well. You will be responsible for ground transportation to the hotel, but your host winery can assist you with planning.

Once you arrive at The Hampton Inn your transportation is taken care of for Pinot Forum events. Some people prefer to have a rental car to get to/from the airport, or if you are extending your trip. It is up to you, parking is complimentary at the hotel. If you are bringing a guest your guest may want to have a car to get around while you are at events.

STS: Lyft/Uber are typically the best choice. Your host winery may be able to help arrange a pickup from the airport as well! SFO & OAK: Lyft/Uber can be quite expensive though they are an option. Sonoma County Airport Express is typically the preferred ground transportation option if you don’t want to rent a car. If you want to get creative with planes, trains and automobiles your host winery can help you figure out travel on BART, the SMART train, and/or the Golden Gate Ferry.

YES! They are welcome to join the Sunday Welcome Dinner and Tuesday night Bacchanalia Toga Party (don’t forget a toga for your guest!), other events are limited to the attendees. Your host winery will be happy to assist you and your guest to set up activities while you are busy (we have lots of ideas included in the welcome packet distributed prior to Pinot Forum).

All you need to pay for is your travel to and from The Hampton Inn from your home, everything else is taken care of!

Absolutely! Your host winery will be happy to assist you plan more winery visits and activities should you want to come early or stay late. If you are interested in adding nights to your room reservation Amber will be happy to help coordinate with the hotel.

To ensure a comprehensive experience, all attendees are required to participate in the full event, as the schedule is designed to be attended in its entirety.

The full schedule for the event will be emailed with confirmed attendees and shared at check-in on July 13, 2025.

Yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to network with other attendees throughout Pinot Forum. From casual lunch conversations to structured activities, you’ll have the chance to connect with winemakers, industry professionals, and fellow wine professionals. Additionally, the Bacchanalia Toga Party and other social events provide a relaxed and fun environment to engage with others.

Yes, there are opportunities to participate as a vendor or sponsor at Pinot Forum. We welcome partnerships that align with the event's mission and values. For more information about sponsorship packages or vendor opportunities, please get in touch with us directly.

If you're interested in volunteering or getting involved with Pinot Forum, please get in touch with us directly. While opportunities may vary, we’re happy to discuss how you can contribute and be a part of the event.

This is a hands-on event, which takes place out in the vineyards and in the cellars. Dress comfortably and in layers. Our days in July are very warm but the evenings can cool down quickly, a warm jacket or sweater is a good idea. We recommend casual footwear for all events. You will likely want sunscreen and/or a hat for sun protection.

The dress code for the Grand Dinner is wine country chic. Smart casual attire is recommended, such as a nice blouse or shirt, dress pants or skirts, and stylish yet comfortable shoes. Since evenings can be cooler, we suggest bringing a jacket. The dinner is typically hosted on a beautiful outdoor terrace, offering breathtaking views of wine country.

Get ready to channel your inner Roman and get creative with your toga! While not required, togas are strongly encouraged for this fun, festive event. Feel free to get crafty—whether it’s a classic white sheet or something with a fun print, Pinterest is full of ideas! There will be a toga contest with prizes, so bring your best and most unique creation. Adorn your toga with personal touches, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your host winery is happy to assist if needed, but most importantly, have fun and embrace the spirit of Bacchanalia!

We make every effort to accommodate dietary restrictions with proper notice. Please reach out to our event coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your specific needs.

Please get in touch with our event coordinator to discuss your specific needs, and we will be happy to assist in providing the necessary accommodations to ensure your full participation.

You can get in touch with event organizers by visiting the contact page or by emailing us at info@pinotforum.com for any additional questions or special requests.