Believe it or not, we’re getting close to the main event, so it’s time to start making plans.

The 2026 Mercury Blending Party is set for Saturday, September 26, from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and if you’ve been before, you already know this is the one everyone waits for.

This is our biggest event of the year. It’s exclusive to Mercury Wine, and there isn’t another event quite like it anywhere in wine country.

The rivalries will be renewed. The competition will be fierce. The wine will be flowing. And yes… The Paella Guy is coming back.

We’ll have fantastic food, great wine, plenty of laughs, and the chance to spend the day with your fellow Mercury Wine club members who travel in from all over the country for this event.

This year’s Blending Party will be held at Oriental Hall, located just 1.25 miles east of the Mercury tasting room in the heart of Alexander Valley.

Whether you’re defending your title, looking for redemption, or just coming for the pie and wine, you won’t want to miss it.

CRU Club Members, RSVP now by email.

We’ll be sharing more details as we get closer, but for now, save the date and reserve your spot.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Check-In & Warm-Up

Check in, grab a glass, and settle in.

We’ll have last year’s winning blend open for tasting along with a few new Mercury releases. Enjoy charcuterie, nibbles, and a chance to size up the competition. This is also a great time to meet your fellow blenders and discuss your strategy—or intentionally mislead them.

1:00 PM | Blending Begins

Take your seats.

Brad will lead a tasting of the barrel samples you’ll be working with, discuss the strengths of each wine, and share a few blending tips before turning you loose to create your masterpiece.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Turn In Your Blend

When you’ve perfected your recipe, turn it in to the Mercury team.

While we recreate the competition wines, lunch will be served.

3:30 PM | First Round of Judging

The wines from your table will be poured and presented.

Taste, judge, and vote for your favorite blend. Table champions advance.

4:00 PM | Second Round of Judging

The table winners go head-to-head.

Taste, debate, and vote again as the field narrows.

4:30 PM | Championship Round

The bracket winners face off in the final showdown.

Two wines enter. One wine leaves victorious.

5:00 PM | Crowning the Champion

Votes are counted, the champion is announced, and bragging rights are awarded.

We’ll celebrate the winner, console the losers, enjoy a final glass of wine with friends, and send everyone home happy.