Eve's Wine 101

Best High-Altitude Fall/Late Summer Festivals

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For those looking to elevate their summer/fall festival adventures – go up. High-altitude mountain festivals means iconic views, cooler temperatures and oftentimes less crowds (though you have to watch your alcohol consumption at high elevations!).

We put together a list of our favorite late summer/fall food/beverage and movie festivals that are over 8,000 feet of elevation –

Vail Wine Classic (8,150’, August 11-13): The Vail Wine Classic includes “Vail Uncorked Dinner Series” featuring five-course dinners at Vail’s top restaurants, a Somm-led “Argentine Experiences Hike” that culminates with a three-course paired lunch, a seminar about RIEDEL’s’s varietal-specific glassware, and much more. Vail Wine Classic brings master winemakers and wine enthusiasts together for an immersive three-day tasting event that includes all-inclusive tastings of diverse and distinctive wines from around the world and a-la-carte events.

Breckenridge Wine Classic (9,600’, Sept. 15-17): In addition to the iconic Grand Tasting sessions that feature hundreds of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and epicurean purveyors, the Breckenridge Wine Classic’s innovative lineup includes a “Winemaker for a Day” experience, “Wine & Wildflower Hike,” and exquisite paired dinners with some of the country’s best vintners at five standout Breckenridge restaurants, including one at the ski resort.

Vail Oktoberfest (8,150’, Sept 9-11 + Sept. 16-18): The beloved Vail Oktoberfest is a Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, costume contests, German delicacies, flowing German beer, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment and more. This free, family-friendly event was named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today.

Telluride Film Festiva l (8,750’, Sept. 2-5) – Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado triples in size. Swells of passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total cinematic immersion, embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms.

How Was “Masters of Taste” LA 2022?

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The fifth annual Masters of Taste event, held on the field of the Rose Bowl, was last Sunday and we were thrilled to attend.

This is from my social media post the next day:

Oh WHAT FUN we had at Masters of Taste yesterday! This is the event where 100% of the profits go to Union Station Homeless Services! And it was on my birthday this year!

Traveling by limo courtesy my publishers Moe and Linda Hafizi, was an additional treat! Some of the liquor we sampled included wine from Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake, Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails (full article just on them runs 4/22), Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, Dulce Vida Tequila, Ventura Spirits for their Amaro Angelino, Roku Gin, Suntory Whisky, Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, American Born bourbon whiskey, Woodford Reserve, the 1886 Bar at the Raymond…and then there was the FOOD!

If you want to just see the story in photos and videos click this, for more details keep reading!

The Details

It’s always such a rush walking down to the Rose Bowl field from the stadium seats! I always make an immediate right turn and hit as many tables as possible before resting after that first loop around. This is who made an impact this time:

Georgia’s Restaurant made Gretchen’s Jambalaya – the first booth I had food at and it was delicious, flavorful and not too spicy!

The long but fast moving line for delectable Dim Sum from Lunasia Dim Sum House was worth it.

Another line was to sample the food and meet the host chef, Vanda Asapahu, at the Ayari Thai table!

Golden Star Vineyards and Ascension Cellars, two wineries that I’ve enjoyed for years, so it’s always nice to see them on the playing field.

The detail on the animal-faced macarons, an item you can request for special occasions, from Etoile Filante Patisserie was another cool find.

Maneki Wanko Lucky Dog (juice box) Sake: I saw people sipping from juice boxes and was surprised to find that the cute little turquoise boxes with a playful dog design was holding Sake!

Fantasy Frostings makes a killer cake, moist and tasty. I looked at their Facebook and their wedding cakes are lovely!

Knox and Dobson ready-to-drink cocktails made an impact on me again – see the full article just on them April 22 on Eve Wine 101.

Little Llama Peruvian Tacos made a Shrimp Ceviche Tostada that was full of flavor.

Dulce Vida Tequila has THE best flavored tequila in my opinion, this time I enjoyed their grapefruit, on its own as it doesn’t need a thing. And it’s made with real fruit.

Enjoyed discovering Ventura Spirits Amaro Angelino, also their Limoncello. Nice local place to support.

Who doesn’t love short ribs? Chef Gil Saulnier from Mi Piace made a Prime Slow Braised Short Rib over Saffron Risotto and a Mini Crème Brûlée cheesecake too = so very decadent!

Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur was my first big find at Masters of Taste years ago. If you like gin try this liqueur, it softens all that juniper with other botanicals.

I got more comfort food from Granville as they served up their Uptown Mac n’ Cheese!

American Born bourbon whiskey was tasty, again on its own, no mixer needed!

World Empanadas baked several varieties, I wanted to try them all but settled on sharing a Nutella-filled one with my husband. Family run, locally owned and Vegan too.

Woodford Reserve had a huge area just at the entrance, and made a refreshing slush cocktail with their bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice. I wanted a second one, but that would not do with all that we had to try!

The 1886 Bar at the Raymond always make the best cocktails, on the field and in their Pasadena restaurant!

Bertha Mae’s brownies, in all kinds of flavors, were yummy.

There was quite a buzz going for the Jicama Shrimp Tacos from Mercado! They were sooooo good!

Smoke Lab Aniseed vodka distilled from Basmati rice is India’s “first premium vodka”, and not at all like the sweet or thick Sambuca anise liqueur.

Mignon Chocolate had their fountain flowing and I had a nice freshly dipped strawberry from them!

Enjoyed the Suntory whisky booth for the whisky and the Roku gin.

Seeing two of the Drago brothers and trying their pasta with pork sausage and Gorgonzola from Drago Centre was a big thrill for me.

See all of the Masters and their social media outlets here  https://mastersoftastela.com/masters/

2022 Host Chef Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai

Vanda Asapahu is the second-generation owner and chef of Ayara Thai and Ayara Luk in Los Angeles, CA. Vanda worked with non-profit organizations and the United Nations in Thailand. Living in Thailand allowed Vanda to revive old family recipes and travel through the different regions to discover new tastes and inspirations…read more here.

From the Start

Our mission was to create a unique event that would benefit an organization that focuses on addressing and resolving the issues surrounding homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. The solution was to produce a one-of-a-kind, premier food and beverage festival for those who appreciate delicious food, cocktails, and sweets! Anyone who attends Masters of Taste can feel confident that they’re making an impact in their community because 100% of the proceeds help Union Station Homeless Services end homelessness and rebuild lives.

2022 Platinum Sponsors

The House of @suntorywhisky and Judith L. Chiara Foundation.

http://www.MastersofTasteLA.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mastersoftaste/

https://www.facebook.com/MastersOfTaste

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Circle of Hope Announces In-Person Fundraising Event at The Wünderground Museum, Porsche Santa Clarita

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Santa Clarita, Ca – Local non-profit organization Circle of Hope has announced the return of one of Santa Clarita’s favorite in-person annual fundraising events, Vine 2 Wine. The community is invited to attend this exclusive interactive wine and beer tasting fundraiser that will be held at the new Porsche Santa Clarita Wünderground Museum on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Located underground below the Porsche Santa Clarita Dealership, The Wünderground brings together a significant collection of rare and special vehicles from across the United States to help tell the Porsche story in a spectacular display. Guests will immerse themselves in Porsche history and learn how the Porsche family and their team of designers and engineers developed their iconic style from 1948 to today. The star-studded display will feature significant firsts and best from throughout the brand’s history, but also iconic favorites driven by Porsche personalities and celebrities, alongside victorious racing vehicles that prove Porsche’s impressive competition successes. Explore this space, learn about the marque’s irrefutable history, drive one of its glorious machines, and fall in love with the life of a Porsche owner.

Guests attending Vine 2 Wine will enjoy a gourmet sit down dinner, unlimited wine and beer tasting from many of Southern California’s finest and favorite wineries and breweries and have an opportunity to speak with the vintners and brewers to learn about their wines, beers and spirits. The evening also includes a live and silent auction, music and entrance into the Wünderground museum. VIP tickets are available that also include a VIP cocktail hour with full bar, 1 included cocktail, assorted passed hors d’oeuvres and VIP parking. “We are so excited to be able to bring back in such a unique way this signature fundraising experience that has always been a Santa Clarita favorite”, stated Alex Hafizi, Chairman of the Board for Circle of Hope. “This year we have three wonderful chairs for the event, Alison Lindemann, Nola Aronson and Christy Grable who will be bringing in some exciting and unique features to make this year’s event a whole new experience for all to enjoy”.

The WineBrew List (At press time)

Breweries:
Firestone Walker
Brewery Draconum
Wineries:
Entourage Two Papas
Parhelion Cellars
Pagter Brothers Winery
Hoi Polloi Winery
Gagnon Cellars
Mystic Hills
Pulchella Winery
Onx Wines
PRP
Scout & Cellar
Ascension Cellars
Montemar Winery
Tobin James
Summer Somewhere Wines
Reyes Winery
Zaca Mesa
All proceeds from the evening support Circle of Hope a cancer support organization in Santa Clarita that offers emotional, financial, educational and supportive wellness therapies to those in our community affected by cancer. “We are so honored to have Porsche Santa Clarita offer the Wünderground Museum to Circle of Hope as the location of this year’s Vine 2 Wine”, commented Laura Kirchhoff, Executive Director, Circle of Hope. “The Wünderground is a very unique experience here in Santa Clarita and pairing that with a gourmet dinner, wine & beer tasting, and other interactive festivities, will surely  make for a fun, one of a kind evening and interactive experience all while supporting a great cause.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information on Vine 2 Wine, to purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, please visit www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization offering financial assistance with cancer medical bills to qualified individuals. Circle of Hope also offers supportive services with wellness therapies designed as cancer support, along with educational resources and a support group for cancer patients, survivors, family and caregivers. All services, classes and programs are offered free of charge. For more information, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321.

Circle of Hope: Vine2Wine 2Go Set for May 30!

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Welcome to the 2020 Vine2Wine,To Go! This exciting event is creating quite the buzz with all those missing the good ‘ole days of special events and fundraisers here in Santa Clarita. So it’s back, but with a whole new twist!

On May 30th, Circle of Hope is offering a new version of this popular and highly anticipated fundraising event with a new name for 2020…..Vine2Wine,To Go! We are taking all the popular and exciting aspects of this signature event, plus a few more, and moving the venue to a new location…..your very own living and dining room. Guests can purchase either a general or VIP ticket. Tickets include your choice of a dinner selection from one of three of Santa Clarita’s most popular restaurants….Salt Creek Grille, The Old Town Junction and Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. VIP tickets will also include an additional bottle of wine and a ticket to be entered into the exclusive VIP Opportunity Drawing.

When picking up your meal curbside from the restaurant of your choice, you will also receive your Vine2Wine kit in a bag. Your kit will include a wine glass, wine samples from various wineries, beer, and other assorted favors and giveaways. Your kit will also include an agenda of the evenings activities that you will surely enjoy. The Vine2Wine party will include, via your computer, a table-side cooking demonstration of your meals being prepared from your chosen restaurant, Wine 101 presented by Eve Bushman, a virtual winery & brewery tour of the featured wineries and breweries, live music & entertainment and a fabulous on-line auction! Your evening’s activities will be hosted live by the entertaining and beautiful Melanie Meyer.

Ticket sales are now live. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Circle of Hope for details. Watch for details in the coming days!

The Vine2Wine auction will be posted in the coming weeks prior to the event and will include, trips, fabulous auction baskets, gift cards, library wines, liquor themed baskets and so much more!

We look forward to “seeing” you all there!

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Circle of Hope provides emotional, educational and financial assistance along with supportive wellness therapies all free of charge to the Santa Clarita Valley cancer community. Your tax-deductible donation will make a positive impact to the success of this event and will enable Circle of Hope to continue to support cancer survivors and those undergoing cancer treatment. Funds raised will go towards supporting financial assistance for medical treatments and wellness therapies to members of our community who are fighting their battle with cancer.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in Wyoming this September

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JACKSON, WYO. (PRWEB) – Each September visitors to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can take in a spectacular range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures during a time when the days are long, the air is cooler and the streets are filled with artful offerings to nourish the soul. Presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returns for its 36th year, September 9 – 20, 2020, creating 11 magnificent days of interactive visual, culinary and historical art-related functions with the magnificent Teton Mountain Range providing a captivating backdrop to an energetic and creative scene.

September is the perfect time to travel to the charming mountain resort town of Jackson, and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival presents more than 50 family-friendly events, many of them free, at a time when the summer crowds have dwindled and the scene has shifted to a cooler, calmer and more creative climate. As USA Today said touting Jackson as a fall weekend trip to plan, “Art lovers will enjoy September’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as great music and food.”

From a stay-open-late gallery walk called Palates & Palettes, featuring an international selection of art and complimentary wine and beer, to an open-air tasting fair known as the Taste of the Tetons where local chefs create innovative dishes for guests to sample on the picturesque Town Square, Jackson Hole arts cater to all the senses. Or explore the art of the cowboy on Historic Ranch Tours demonstrating how Old West meets New West in Teton Valley.

A signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the Western Design Exhibit + Sale showcases four days of contemporary and traditional Western-inspired functional art from furnishings to fashion by top artisans from across the U.S. Other festival favorites include the Showcase of Homes, perfect for architecture and design enthusiasts, with the opportunity to tour extraordinary Jackson houses and talk shop with the experts behind the designs. And at the amazing QuickDraw, visitors stroll among dozens of artists busily painting, sculpting and sketching their masterpieces in just 90 minutes, before the newly minted art is offered for sale in a live and lively auction.

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is an extraordinary event that unites admirers of artists, art and nature in a magical mountain town that may be small in size but is big in culture and heart. Each day of the festival offers a chance to see, hear, taste, touch and feel something special, something bespoke, something inspiring, while fall foliage blazes from the trees of the dramatic surrounding mountain landscape. This spirit of culturally rich Jackson is at its peak during the Fall Arts Festival, known as the Rocky Mountain West’s premier cultural event.

About the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival:
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming, is served by major airlines, including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels may be found at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com. The 36th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival will take place September 9 – 20, 2020. For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

Vintage Eve Circa 11/2016: Sunset in the Vineyard is the only event that…

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…I know about 99% of the vendors and almost the same percentage of the guests as it’s a local event put on by one of my favorite non-profits: Assistance League Santa Clarita. There are two members that live on my street, and many more members and supporters in my neighborhood!

Shannon Mee, Eve, Simon Mee.

This was what I was quoted for saying about the event in a recent Magazine of Santa Clarita Magazine article:

Sunset in the Vineyard is the only event that represents the SCV Vintners and Growers Association. These are winemakers and grape growers that are based in the Santa Clarita Valley; often friends, assisting each other in harvest every year and tasting each other’s efforts along the way – from vine to bottle. 

What also makes the event unique, besides being the first of its kind in our valley held in a private two-home winery estate, it is an opportunity for fledgling winemakers to learn more about the craft. Not all wine events have the winemaker available to attend – in this event I can only think of a couple of tables that may send an educated wine representative if the winemaker is unavailable. The point is, whoever is pouring you a sample has had a hand-on experience with that wine.

For me personally, it was a fine day many years ago when I discovered the vineyard at the Carpenters’ home. I learned that there were many home winemakers in our valley, working together, and thought how cool it would be to get some kind of way to visit them all in one day. I envisioned a tour bus. The Carpenters and their winemaking friends, dreamed of something much more long lasting. And, not to forget, to the benefit of the children of the Santa Clarita Valley served by the Assistance League.

If that’s not enough only Sunset in the Vineyard guests get a chance to taste the same grapes from the same vineyard – Bouquet Vineyard tended to by local winemaker Danny Mascari – but the only difference will be which artisan winemaker crafted the wine.

See the action, and some of my favorite wines of the day, in just two minutes here in this YouTube slide show.

The Vino and Brewsky

Compa Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Bobcat Red and Due Nasi, Bouquet Vineyard, Capuano Winery, Copperhill Brewery, CPB Winery, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Hoi Polloi Winery, Hundred Vines, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Nuggucciet Cellars, Pagter Brothers, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Stephen Hemmert Wines, VNTBC Nanno Brewery and Whistling Vineyard.

The Artisan Foods

This year some of the delectable food was prepared by The Culinary Arts students and Instructors at College of the Canyon’s Institute for Culinary Education: grilled veggies, flatbread pizza, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Returning was local favorite DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses, wowing the crowd with their latest flavorful cow and goat cheeses, and the Speakeasy Bakery with several freshly baked breads and tapenade dipping sauce. New to the scene, and parked in the front driveway, was the vintage Sweet Beams Ice Cream truck. And the cookies…something the Assistance League is known for, several sweet volunteers worked the crowd armed with baskets full of delectable cookies.

Seen Amongst the Artisans

Joel and Judy Cox, Howard Pointer, Marjanne Priest, Chris and Jeannie Carpenter, Steve and Elizabeth Hopp, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Roman Weiser and Tina, Judy Penman, Lee Williams, Alesia Humphies, Steve Dole, Steve Frye, Scott Pagter, Doug Minnick, Simon and Shannon Mee, Nina and Danny Mascari, DeRobertis, Andrew Kevin Friend and Jessica Javier, Arnold Bryant and Alexander Hafizi, Margo Berg, Robert and Annie Schwartz, Susan Hayward, Cheryl Phillips, Marlee Lauffer, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Colleen and Matt Carpenter, Stephen Hemmert and Nicole Nelms St Julien, Rae and Gil Gagnon, Dave and Chris Tanner, Josh Premako, Chef Michelle Razzano Bustillos, Chef Cindy Schwanke, Lilia Denson Murillo, Rob and Ann Piscitello, Betty Rabin Fung, Amy Daniels, Gail Pinsker, John and Debra Heys, Jeff Hacker, Randy and Gail Winter, Julie and Steve Sturgeon, Bruce Fortine, Betty and Lucas Herme, Melanie Dubing Meyer and Jeff Meyer, Jim and Monica McClafferty, Pam Ingram, Sandi Naba, Robb and Rebecca Bacon, Leila Rosenberger, Janice Murray, Scott Ervin, Todd Wilson, Ken and Patrice Rifkind, Elizabeth Teagle, Bobbi Welton, Nate Hasper, Megan and Steve Lemley, Russ and Nancy Briley, Juan Alonso, Doris Zimmer, Doron and Joyce Carson, Steve and Elizabeth Hopp, Maureen and Derrick McKaughan, Larry McClements, Lori Rivas, Danise Davis, Carole Lenoir, Cheryl Wilson Daniel, Jennifer Haberer and Larry Mazzeo and -Dole Humphries kept this crowd happy with live music.

About Assistance League (AKA what your ticket price does for our community)

Assistance League Santa Clarita organized in 1989 by local women, was chartered in 1993 and has grown to 174 members and 51 Assisteens®.  A chapter of National Assistance League, it is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian and IRS 501(c)(3) service organization.  It is also a 100 percent volunteer-driven organization.  All funds raised from Sunset in the Vineyard benefit Assistance League programs exclusively in the Santa Clarita Valley such as Operation School Bell®, which clothed more than 2,500 children in the SCV this year.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Solvang Stomp: 2nd Annual Wine Harvest Street Festival Set for Saturday, 10/19/19

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Solvang, California, USA –Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, has announced the return of Solvang Stomp, a Wine Harvest Street Festival. The second annual event will be happening on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang on First Street (between Mission Drive/Hwy 246 & Copenhagen Drive) and the adjacent Solvang Park.

Solvang Stomp guests will have the opportunity to stomp grapes in vats barefoot, sip tastes from dozens of area wineries, dance to a live band, drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge” and be able to purchase food inside the festival area from popular area eateries as well as participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest based on Lucille Ball’s famous grape stomp episode on her TV show. All “Solvang Stompers” will receive a souvenir logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win wine-related prizes.

Daniel Lahr, Solvang CVB’s Special Program Manager shared, “Solvang is surrounded by world-class vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms. October is harvest time which means it’s a festive time to taste new wine and stomp some grapes.”

Farhad remarked, “Our inaugural 2018 event attracted 500 guests with 46% staying in a Solvang hotel, 60% purchasing wine or beer, and an impressive 75% shopped and dined locally according to our after-event survey. Solvang CVB is proud to present this event to celebrate our local wine heritage.”

Solvang Stomp general admission from 2:00-5:00 p.m. is $75 per person and VIP Stompers (limited to 250 guests) features early admission at 1:00 p.m. and private VIP area for $125 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online at www.solvangusa.com/STOMP

The second annual Solvang Grape Stomp is presented by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau with event production by Cultivate Events. For more information about lodging, dining, wine tasting and attractions year-round in Solvang, visit www.SolvangUSA.com

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Announces Their 2019 Lineup

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MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The 24th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, California is gearing up for its High Sierra summer party with four days of music and two days of craft beer tasting, August 1st-4th, outdoors among the pines at The Woods at Mammoth Lakes.

More than 20 internationally known bands will perform on two stages including seven-time Grammy award winner Buddy Guy, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Jimmie Vaughan, Charlie Musselwhite, Popa Chubby, Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, Sugaray Rayford, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Southern Avenue, Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs, Sal’s Greenhouse, Dirty Cello, Emily Wolfe, Reverend Tall Tree & The Blackstrap Brothers, Kings & Associates, Chris Pierce, Katie Henry Band, The Sextones, and more.

“At 8,000 feet, our festival unites the best in craft beer and legendary blues at altitude,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “This year’s lineup is an incredible mix of celebrated blues performers and some emerging new acts.”

The Mammoth Festival of Beers boasts two days of beer tastings, both Saturday (12pm-5pm) and Sunday (12pm-4pm), showcasing more than 70+ breweries pouring over 200 beers, ciders, and hard kombuchas. A sampling of breweries include Mammoth Brewing Company, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Eel River Brewing, Firestone Walker, Great Divide Brewing Co, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many, many more. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, Infinite Music, One Tree Planted, and local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, a variety of food purveyors will be on site. And for those that prefer grapes to hops, Paso Robles winery Castoro Cellars will be offering their signature wines.

Multi-day tickets are the festival’s best buy and those that purchase the Blues/Brews Ultimate Pass receive early entry to the festival and beer tastings each day.

Advance tickets are on sale and the festival is expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com/tickets; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For updates and additional information, visit http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com, or call 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The Woods at Mammoth Lakes, is located at 5701 Minaret Road between Main Street and Meridian Boulevard. Mammoth Lakes is a mountain resort located near Yosemite National Park in the Eastern High Sierra off Highway 395, offering world-class golf courses, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and resort facilities. For additional information about camping or local accommodations, call 800-GO MAMMOTH or visit http://www.visitmammoth.com or http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/lodging.

Twenty-four years ago, Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza started in the parking lot of Whiskey Creek Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, CA with just ten breweries and a couple of garage bands. From these humble beginnings, the event today attracts thousands of attendees from all over the world and is recognized as one of the best festivals of its kind in the United States.

The Wine Affair – Sip, Stroll & Savor the Sounds: Takes Place March 24 on Main Street in Downtown Newhall

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Santa Clarita, CA— Soroptimist of Greater Santa Clarita Valley (SIGSCV) is excited to announce their 11th annual Wine Affair fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 24th from 2pm – 6pm. The event is an extravaganza of wine (and beer), food and local music that has grown in popularity year after year.

Sand Canyon Country Club (www.sandcanyoncc.com) is the title sponsor of the event.

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology (www.scvadvancedaudiology.com) is a Platinum Sponsor.

An exciting change to the popular event is the location – the March event will take place on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, introducing attendees to a new array of venues, delicious appetizers, new wines as well as craft brews. There is surely something for everyone to enjoy while experiencing the transformation of our Old Town Newhall district.

Karen Schnurr, SIGSCV President stated, “We are thrilled to be able to hold this event in the heart of Old Town Newhall, introducing the community to the vitalization and excitement of this area of our city. We are so grateful for the number of inquiries from businesses up and down Main Street wanting to participate.”

Proceeds from this event will go toward improving the lives of women and girls in our community.

General admission tickets are $60 and VIP tickets are $110. Both can be purchased online at www.thewineaffair.org.

Mystic Hills Vineyard is the VIP ticket area wine sponsor. At press time there is not a current list of wineries participating but some of the venues hosting tastings will include Newhall Refinery, Double Trouble Wine Room, The Old Town Junction, Persia Lounge and Restaurant, Brewery Draconum, Pulchella Winery, Smokehouse on Main, The Press Room and at least another half dozen more.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aida Weinstein at 661-713-2656.
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that improves the lives of women and girls. More than 110,000 members and supporters in 20 countries and territories invest in the dreams of women and girls through access to education. Soroptimist’s main program, Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women, has disbursed about $30 million to almost 20,000 women since 1972. Its newest program, Dream It, Be It, targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org, its online community that provides on and offline opportunities for volunteer action benefiting women and girls.