Maybe it's all the praise it received in Sideways, or maybe it's just damn good wine. Either way, Pinot Noir has been put on a pedestal of sorts ever since Miles and Maya sipped it on the big screen, a fact made more apparent with the second coming of Pinot Days, a single-minded oenophile's paradise hitting Santa Monica's Barker Hanger starting January 13th.

At the main event, the Grand Tasting, participants can enjoy as many of the 125 showcased Pinots as possible, many of which are actually from Southern California this year.

A ticket to the Tasting will cost you $60, and includes access to one of the “Pinot 101” classes. In addition, there are also a handful of other Pinot events to pick from, such as the Winemakers “Table Hop” at the Wine House – a Pinot-paired dinner created by Chef Todd Barrie in which the 10 participating wine makers play musical chairs. The Wine House will also host a mini grilled cheese festival in which Pinots will be served alongside Barrie's gourmet melts.

VIP admission is also available. Check the event's website to purchase tickets.

Will Merlot ever enjoy such a celebration? Not this year, anyway.

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