(April 26, 2012; Los Angeles, CA)—The 7th Annual LAWineFest, benefiting City of Hope, has partnered with Los Angeles magazine in lining up 350 global vendors to pour more than 500 wines, craft brews and artisanal spirits at this year’s event. Known as the largest educational wine tasting event in Los Angeles, LAWineFest affords Angelenos a chance to sip selections from Slovenia to Chile, and attend a variety of classes offering an in-depth look at various regions and libations. Iconic California regions such as Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara will be solidly represented, along with more exotic choices from Israel’s Dalton Winery and Bock Prince of Hungary. Other highlights include sparkling wine from Le Grande Courtâge of France and fine spirits from Scotland.
New food options for 2012 include a fresh seafood feast of oysters, clams, seafood salad and more, prepared by Cafe Sierra at The Hilton Universal. Gourmet food trucks will offer sliders, gourmet sandwiches, seafood, cupcakes, cake pops and other epicurean delights. All food items are priced starting at just $3 per plate.
Special Programs: Tasting seminars on cheese pairing, international wines, spirits and cooking demos will be offered both Saturday and Sunday; tickets available separately at LAWineFest.com or by calling (818) 429-6770. Class options include:
“Will Cook for Sex” with chef and author Rocky Fino, the Good Time Gourmet
Pisco Porton’s mixologist and Comme Ça bartender Yuval Soffer will be on hand to make his specialty cocktails, including the Garden of Eden made with Pisco Porton, Cointreau, lime, simple, fresh fennel and strawberries.
“Dry Creek Valley: A Century of Great Zin,” featuring an all-star lineup of top Zinfandels from this renowned Sonoma County region.
Cheese & Wine Pairing with The Cheese Impressario Barrie Lynn and Malibu winery-owner George Rosenthal of Rosenthal Wines.
Scotch Tasting (both single-malt and blends) with Chris Uhde, Scotch Master for the USS Highland Games Costa Mesa and Brand Ambassador for Impex Beverages and Chieftain Single Cask Whiskies.
Winemakers Panel with Maurice Wendell, owner of well-known central coast winery Wedell Cellars
Wines of Italy & Spain with expert Mark Newman, of Million Dollar Palate
Accommodations: Just 15 minutes from Raleigh Studios, The Hilton Universal is offering a special LAWineFest rate of $169/night for all event attendees. Rate is available from Wednesday, June 6 – Monday, June 11. Visit LAWineFest.com for more details.
Tickets: $75/day; $139/couples or weekend pass (includes all wine tasting; food priced separately). Early-bird pricing available; visit LAWineFest.com for details.
About LAWineFest
LAWineFest was founded in 2005 by renowned wine educator, columnist and Sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, Dr. Joel M. Fisher. LAWineFest is the largest educational wine tasting event in Los Angeles, with the dual mission of bringing wine education and enjoyment to Angelenos and supporting charitable organizations. For further information, please visit LAWineFest.com
About Los Angeles magazine
Los Angeles magazine is the definitive resource and indispensable guide for in-the-know and on-the-go Southern Californians. A regional magazine of national stature, Los Angeles is the authority on everything from cutting edge cuisine, style trends, and thought leadership to all that is the Best of L.A. Available every month in print and every day online at LAMag.com, Los Angeles magazine covers the people, lifestyle, culture, entertainment, fashion, art and architecture, and news that define Southern California.
Additional sponsors include Southern California Land Rover retailers, Icelandic Glacial Water and The Hilton Universal.
