Sipping into the Sunset

Another year, another sunset in the vines, and there’s nothing sweeter. The Assistance League of Santa Clarita mixed things up this year by honoring their Community Partners with a VIP event and early entrance. They also lined the entryway with displays that depicted each of their philanthropic programs showing what they do in our community.

Guests waiting briefly in line to check-in could easily learn more about what their ticket sale was being used for: Operation School Bell® provides clothing and shoes for our elementary and junior high students, Teddy Bear Patrol gets teddy bears into the arms of children afflicted by injuries and in need of comfort, Board Buddies introduces board games to local elementary-aged children, and Family Ties is a program in which Assistance League volunteers provide meals, social interaction and birthday and holiday gifts to residents of our local SCV Convalescent Hospital.

Then, with glasses in hand, guests felt good – not only about learning more about the Assistance League but in supporting their endeavors as well. Now, let the tasting – both wine and a beer – begin!

Between Jeannie and Chris Carpenter’s Newhall home and Tim Carpenter’s adjacent property, guests got a glimpse of the unexpected: wine-producing vines! The Carpenters, along with a dozen or more local winemakers, make wines out of passion, and most are non-commercial and unavailable for sale.

Many of the guests, including myself, have come to this event often. It has always been a unique affair as local winemakers come out to support a local charity. No one seemed to have any particular favorite though many delighted in sharing a discovery. For me, the buzz was all around, every winery seemed to have very appreciative tasters!

Guests could walk between the two properties with ease, while listening to music provided by the band Wheelhouse. Members of the band include Jeff and Melanie Meyer, Steve Dole, Matt Lincoln, and Warren George.

Food was either prepared in one of the homes’ two kitchens or in an outdoor pizza oven. Also available every year, along with large cheese platters, Corry De Robertis supplies his homemade cheeses to the delight of the crowd.

Seen At Sunset

Steve and Julie Sturgeon, Laine Hedwell and Marlee Lauffer, Moe and Linda Hafizi, Dave and Chris Tanner, Jeannie and Chris Carpenter, Bobbi Welton, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Diane DeBoer, Jeff and Joan Jacobson, Cheryl Gray, Gloria Rief Regan, Cheryl Phillips, Leila Khoury Rosenberger, Patti Rasmussen, Chuck and Marca Johnson, Tami Edwards, Steve and Cathy Martin, Susan Cheney, Kerry and Susie Clark, Elizabeth Teagle, John and Sonya Rowin, Cindy Smith, Luke and Betty Herme, Steve and Megan Lemley, Nate and Jennifer Hasper, Michael Parks, Marsha McLean, Steve Dole, Melanie Dybing Meyer, Jackie Hamby, Lee Yoon, Matt and Colleen Carpenter, Tim Carpenter, Jim Ventress, Stephen Hemmert, Dave Dow and Lisa Blowers, Danny and Nina Mascari family, Bruce Fortine and Gloria Mercado Fortine, Kris Hough, Tom and Jenny Lukas, Elizabeth Hopp, Gil and Rae Gagnon, Bill and Jill Friedman, Lois Bauccio, Carol Provost, Mamie Kuwata, Patrice Rifkind, Ray Tippet, Beth Heiserman, Roman Weiser, Shannon Mee, Joyce Carson, Judy Penman, Deborah Acker-Zolnoski, Jeff and Tamra Levine, Carl Kanowsky, Chris and Patty Connolly, Corry De Robertis and Russ Briley.

Wineries and Breweries

Bouquet Vineyard – Nina & Danny Mascari

Stephen Hemmert Vineyards

Compa Vineyard

Bobcat Wine

Du Nasi

Capuano Winery

Six Foaks Cellars

Two Hearts Vineyard

Golden Star Vineyards

Whistling Vineyard

Copper Hill Brewery