In less than one month, on Saturday June 9, in the beautiful landscape of Pine Mountain (about one hour from Santa Clarita) is the annual Wine in the Pines (WITP). I’ve attended this event a few times, and so has our Contributing Editor, Michael Perlis. We both find the venue and the wines breathtaking. In fact, it was a surprise to me the first time I attended and met so many Santa Claritans that had already purchased homes in the community for their vacations and retirement! Below is some information for this year’s event, and if you would like to read Mike’s coverage of the 2011 WITP click here:
The Village of Pine Mountain Club has hosted wine festivals in June of each year beginning in 2003. Wine in the Pines 2012 will be hosted by the Pine Mountain Club Commercial Property Owners’ Association, Inc. The Village is located between the coastal communities, Bakersfield, Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley (see map). Drive times vary between an hour from Bakersfield and Valencia, less than two hours from Santa Maria and about two hours from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. There are cabins and homes available for rent for the weekend.
Though the winery participants have yet to be released, these are this year’s chefs:
Chef Rick www.chefricks.com
The up-tempo american cooking prepared by one of the central coast premier chef’s, Rick Manson is a blend of southern louisiana, southwest, and southern California influences, seasoned with a hint of rhythm and blues, a splash of color, and a touch of irreverence.
You won’t need any extra bucks to taste Rick’s creole shrimp, chicken, and andouille smoked sausage jambalaya pasta, so come to the restaurants booth where he will embrace you with the warmth of his considerable smile, and where he will be practicing the motto on his self-produced house wine label: “Everything I do gohn be funky (from now on).”
The Hitching Post Casmalia www.hitchingpost1.com
Casmalia, California, former cow-town of the Old West, is where California-style barbequeing was brought to perfection by the pioneers. The Hitching Post has brought this live-oak California-style barbequeing to perfection bringing choice, aged beef to the ultimate of gourmet flavor and tenderness. Known for the best oak grilled steaks in the Santa Maria Valley since 1952, Bill Ostini and Teri Stricklin will bring their barbequeing team to Wine in the Pines this year.
Cafe Med www.cafemedrestaurant.com
Cafe Med and the Gourmet Shoppe, traditions in Bakersfield. You can eat in, take your food and a great bottle of wine with you, or sign up and take a class to learn how to prepare your favorite gourmet meals.
Harlan and his team will be back in Pine Mountain Village serving specialties you won’t want to miss.
Pine Mountain Pizza Company
A local favorite in Pine Mountain Village, Pine Mountain Pizza is known for its gourmet pizzas. Susie Hopp and her team will be serving gourmet pizza by the slice. You don’t want to miss this.
Chef Alfonso Curti – Trattoria Uliveto www.trattoriauliveto.com
The restaurant features classic Italian music, a warm and comfortable color scheme, and artistic pieces to add the final touches. Come and escape for the evening to enjoy a sumptuous repast.
Alfonso Curti, former executive chef of “Grappolo” in Santa Ynez, is a native Calabrian who moved to California from Italy a little over ten years ago and made a name for himself working at his family’s restaurant in Santa Ynez.
Espresso Escape www.espressoescape.net
Santa Ynez Olive Oil Company www.santaynezoliveoil.com
Hello:
Wine in the Pines is on again this year: Saturday, June 8, from 12 noon to 4pm. I would love to send you more info if you could use it. I am the Events Chairperson for the Pine Mt. Club Commercial Property Association, which puts on Wine in the Pines and other Pine Mt. Village events. My phone number is 661-242-1996. Thank you.
Hello Rosetta, please send a news release, or any information to me at Eve@evewine101.com and Michael at michaelthezinfan@aol.com Glad to know it’s happening!