Food & wine pairing on the Russian River

I haven't been to this event, but it sounds like a great time.

On Nov. 1 and 2, 73 wineries in the Russian River area will have a dish of food at their tasting room for you to enjoy with their wines -- all for one event price ($60 for 2 days, $40 for Sunday only). It's called "Tasting Along the Wine Road."

That's a great deal considering that $10 seems a standard tasting fee at one winery lately. Not that I think that's a good idea, but still ... if you're going to drop $60 tasting wine, you might as well nosh some black truffle macaroni and cheese or rabbit shepherd's pie while you're at it.

There's only one flaw: unlike an event that happens in a single place, this one is spread out over many miles on winding roads. Designated drivers can pay $20 for just the food -- and the food does sound well worth the money. (Not noodles and gravy: Hearty Duck Ragu with Pinot Noir, Walnuts and Pomegranate).

Good luck convincing a friend to chauffeur you around without even one little sip of Carol Shelton's Zinfandel. I recommend bribing them with a bottle at the end of the journey.