How Was Wine in the Pines 2018? Let Me Tell You!

June 22, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

During the drive along an empty 5 freeway on a Saturday afternoon, up to the Frazier Park exit and then a few more miles to watch the terrain change from dry desert like conditions to lush green hills and pine trees, I got to try out all the great cornering my little Mini Cooper can make on the now winding road: Welcome to Wine in the Pines 2018 in the Pine Mountain Club slice of the Los Padres National Forest.

Me and my little sister “Charlotte” at Wine in the Pines 2018

I think this is the third year my husband has graciously given his ticket up to my baby sister “Charlotte” for sisterly bonding time. We’ve always taken full advantage of the hour drive up and back to get very caught up. This year she said it was the best year ever as she was getting a hang of this wine tasting thing…while I visited with friends and tasted just a bit – lots of tossing out – as I’m the designated driver on these trips.

So, enough meandering, let’s get to the heart of the matter, what did we love to taste this year? You can skip my commentary below and just look at these four photo grids if you like, if not, here you go:

Always a good time tasting and visiting with Arndt Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Cass Winery (Ted Plemons is always a favorite at this event, as are his namesake “Ted” wines), Charles Wine (no not a distributor, he makes these wines), Stephen Hemmert Wines (loved that Roussanne), the owners of Vinemark Cellars, Tobin James poured by two sweet wine lovers from Bakersfield, Hoi Polloi and Pagter Brothers (these latter two share the Double Trouble Wine Room in downtown Newhall) towards the front of the event.

We always end our tasting in that section with my friend Yoshi Murakami with JFC International for chilled sake, shochu (he served one aged in spent Jim Beam barrels – my favorite) and shochu-based cocktails! The first year Yoshi poured at the event many people had only experienced warm sake, now that they’ve discovered cold sake, and how refreshing it is on a sunny day in the pines, his table has grown in popularity!

As I made my way up the loop – I knew that organizers Mark and Debbie Bailey always try to put the same winemakers in the same spots so their fans can find them – I knew I would meet up with Sherrijon Gaspard with her refreshing Vina Sympatica sparklers (look for a new line of still wines coming soon) and I never miss time with Michel Ayer of Workman Ayer (my all-time favorite white and red blends).

In the Pine Mountain Club Village Gazebo’s version of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto we enjoyed the live music, watching people dance and wine tastes from Flying Goat (Bubbles and Rose Bubbles), Fiddlehead Cellars, La Montagne (a new Pinot Noir) and Turiya.

Then after rounding the back bend I expectantly looked for Lee and Helen Williams of Golden Star Vineyards in their bright tie-dyed shirts, an ode to their flagship wine “Purple Haze” making new wine friends, and greeting us old wine friends too.

We loved the food that was supplied from the local restaurants like La Lena Mexican Restaurant, as well as yummy plates from our very own Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery. Would’ve enjoyed the Stella Artois Blood Orange beer our friends had, but I had to skip it, was getting time to get back on my favorite road!

Proceeds from Wine in the Pines benefit the American Cancer Society. Find Wine in the Pines on Facebook too.

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, 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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Casa Pacifica Announces 5th Annual “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition Winner

May 24, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CAMARILLO, Calif. – On Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Bottle & Pint in The Annex at The Collection RiverPark, Casa Pacifica chose its 5th Annual “Best in Fest” brewery winner. This year, Topa Topa Brewing Co. took home the top prize with their Chief Peak IPA. Institution Ale’s Rx Pils and MadeWest’s Red Rye earned honorable mention.

This was the first year the “Best in Fest” judging was open to the public. Attendees tasted the twelve brews alongside the judges. The esteemed panel of judges included: Kevin Pratt, the nation’s second highest ranked beer judge; Jason Hendrick, General Manager of Barrelhouse 101; Zach Rosen, Certified Cicerone; Erin Peters, also known as the Beer Goddess; and Bec O’Neal, Sales Rep for Stone Distribution Company. Guests also received delicious small bites from other Annex tenants: Pancake, Scratch Sandwich Counter, and Seoul Sausage Co. Another welcome addition to the competition was the dispensing of beers via numbered taps. In years past, competition co-chairs Curtis Taylor and JC Lombardo collected the brews and stored them in coolers until the judging.

The breweries vying for the title were: 14 Cannons Brewery, Enegren Brewing Co., Institution Ale, The LAB Brewing Co., Leashless Brewing, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ojai Valley Brewery, Red Tandem Brewery, SLO Brew, Topa Topa Brewing Co., Ventura Coast Brewing Co., and Westlake Brewing Company. All twelve brews from the “Best in Fest’ Brewery Competition will be available for tasting at the 25th Anniversary of the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at CSU Channel Islands.

Casa Pacifica and the Angels are excited to welcome back their generous Hosts, The Zarley Family; The Van Huisen Family; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil & Mission Produce. The VIP Lounge will be presented by Wells Fargo. The newest addition to the festival is the Ultra VIP Experience, sponsored by Union Bank. This special addition for the 25th Anniversary will only be available to high-level sponsors.

As always, the Festival will offer an unbeatable array of exhibitors offering delicious food samples from fabulous restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops, to the palette-pleasing tastes of fine wines, smooth brews, and specialty beverages from throughout the region and California. A large online silent auction will tempt festival-goers with must-have, one-of-a-kind, themed baskets. The Yummie Top Chef Competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Actor Oded Fehr returns as the Yummie Culinary Competition emcee. Live entertainment from the main stage throughout the day will keep the festival-goers rocking out and crowding the festival’s dance floor. Bruce Barrios, Ventura County’s favorite DJ, will emcee the day’s festivities.

All proceeds from the “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition and the Wine, Food & Brew Festival will benefit the vital programs and services Casa Pacifica provides to the community’s most vulnerable children and their families. Get your tickets today at http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

To purchase tickets or for more information about exhibitor opportunities, please visit http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com. For further questions please contact Carrie Hughes, Director of Development & Public Relations for Casa Pacifica at (805) 366-4011, or by email at chughes(at)casapacifica.org.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and administers a number of community-based programs designed to strengthen families and keep children in their homes and communities. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.

Discover Your Wild Side in Cambria

May 23, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CAMBRIA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Spring is on the way and with wildflowers blooming across the Central Coast, a wild weekend getaway is just the thing to spring for. With a fresh infusion of hoteliers, winemakers, brewers, restaurateurs, fitness instructors, and artists—along with some old-school dive bar fun—Cambria has everything for the perfect weekend with the girlfriends. You just have to know where to go to find the wildflower in you.

Stolo On day one of visitor’s wildflower weekend, they can sip on some wine and taste some beer, rock out to live music, eat pie, and indulge. In other words, treat themselves. Use day two of the weekend to relax and renew. Visitors can eat healthy, do a little yoga, take in the beautiful natural surroundings, and meditate on a great weekend of wildflower fun. By the time visitors leave Cambria, they’ll have had the perfect combination of wildflower fun and relaxation.

Day One: Get wild like the flowers!

Morning:
Stop for a steaming cup of coffee and a deliciously warm morning snack at the Cambria Coffee Roasting Company. The gourmet and specialty coffees offered at this quaint, local hotspot are roasted in-house, meaning visitors have likely never tasted fresher brews. Indulge in a tour of the decadent Hearst Castle. Only six miles north of Cambria lies Hearst Castle, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from atop the Santa Lucia Mountains. Craftsmen labored for nearly 28 years to create this grand estate, named after media mogul William Randolph Hearst.

Midday:
Fuel up for the wild night ahead and grab a monstrous sandwich or burger at the Café on Bridge Street. The Café is the perfect stop for inexpensive lunch fare, with sandwiches, salads and soups that everyone will love. Tucked away in a charming corner off the main thoroughfare, this eatery is an ideal lunchtime escape. Visitors can grab-and-go or sit down and enjoy. Later, embark on a walk along the Meander Trail to enjoy nature’s display of beautiful wildflowers before revving up for the rest of the evening. Wind along the wildflowers with this west-to-east, uphill trail that meanders from Marine Terrace Trail and connects to Ridge and Forest Loop Trails. Enjoy wide open space with Pacific Ocean views.

Afternoon:
Head east through the winding hills on Santa Rosa Creek Road for fine wine tasting at Stolo Family Vineyards. Sitting at the base of a sun-kissed nine-acre vineyard, the farmhouse and old dairy barn at Stolo Family Vineyards dates back to the late 1800s. Less than three miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyards thrive in Cambria’s unique microclimate, producing unmatched coastal-style Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. After wine tasting, pick up some signature sweet homemade pie or jam at Linn’s Fruit Bin. When it comes to dessert, visitors won’t want to miss Linn’s olallieberry pie. It’s a Cambria specialty, and incredibly popular, for good reason—it’s delicious! You can get pies, as well as all kinds of olallieberry delicacies, at the variety of Linn’s stores in town.

Evening:
Visitors can check into their lodging property and freshen up for a wild night out. Then, sip on an ice-cold beer at 927 Brewing Company. Sample some of the delicious brews offered by 927 Beer Company. They serve up some serious suds like Toyon, Mudhoney Oatmeal Stout, Nit Wit Wheat, Old #23 Robust Porter and Dakota Pale Ale. Stop in at the Black Cat Bistro for dinner. Simply elegant and sumptuously delicious, this intimate eatery opened in 2002 and has been the talk of the town ever since. Sample unusual appetizers, farm-fresh entrees and decadent desserts as visitors drink the regional wines that are central to the chef’s expression. Don’t miss the locally- sourced abalone from Cayucos.

Night:
Let the fun continue with drinks and dancing at Mozzi’s, Cambria’s historic biker bar. Established in 1866, Mozzi’s Saloon is the only historic biker bar in Cambria. Completely remodeled in 2007 with the original ambiance of yesteryear—full bar, live music, pool and snooker tables, friendly atmosphere, and bar menu—Mozzi’s has it all.

Day 2: Relax, renew, and detox!

Morning:
Visitors can clear their palette with a healthy and light breakfast at Centrally Grown. This restaurant nestled in the hills along the coast has edible gardens, custom sculptures, sustainable water features, and ocean-view patios, not to mention delicious food and a rustic vibe. Then, clear the mind with a yoga class on Moonstone Beach. Start the morning meditating on a wonderful weekend while listening to the calming ambiance of the waves gently lapping the shores of the Central Coast. Yoga on Moonstone Beach offers visitors the ultimate relaxation. After yoga, enjoy the breeze off the Pacific Ocean while taking a walk along the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch. At the main entrance to Fiscalini Ranch, the one-mile Bluff Trail boardwalk meanders above the coastal bluff from Windsor Boulevard. This scenic trail offers spectacular ocean views and is a good place to spot native wildlife, seabirds, migrating whales, sea otters and other marine life.

Midday:
Enjoy fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and Instagram-worthy salads at Sandy’s Deli. This quaint deli and bakery is conveniently located in the heart of Cambria. Or enjoy an out-of-the-box health food option at Soto’s True Earth Market. Browse the shelves at Soto’s and curb cravings with fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, unique cheeses, and a variety of sandwiches. Grab whatever the heart (and stomach) desires, take it to-go, and enjoy on Moonstone Beach.

Evening:
Dine on light, global fare at Robin’s Restaurant, followed by a walk through the village, enjoying the breeze as you window shop. Robin’s is known for its creative international fare, farm-to-table selections, and charming atmosphere. It’s located in a historic building, but you’ll likely be distracted by the incredible food and wine selection.

Night:
The detox is complete! Spend the rest of the night relaxing and fall asleep early to the calming sound of the Pacific Ocean. No matter what visitors choose to do on their wildflower weekend getaway, Cambria has something for everyone. So, grab your girls, grab your wine, and get wild.

Now Open: The Underground, The Mob Museum’s Prohibition History Exhibition

May 20, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS (PRWEB) – The Mob Museum, The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, today announces the opening of The Underground, its new Prohibition history exhibition featuring a working distillery and speakeasy. Zappos.com serves as The Underground’s signature sponsor.

The Mob Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.

Entirely re-envisioning the typical museum exhibition experience, The Underground takes visitors on an uncommonly vivid journey back in time: Situated discreetly in the basement of the Museum, The Underground encompasses 2,814 square feet appointed with luxurious, Art Deco design motifs. Guests of The Underground are encouraged to ponder the time when consuming alcohol was not only a criminal act, but also bred secret watering holes–some of which became the most glamorous places to be.

“We are extremely proud of this addition to the Museum, which was developed to tell the story of this pivotal period of American history in the most dynamic way possible,” said Jonathan Ullman, president and chief executive officer, The Mob Museum. “To our many supporters whose contributions made The Underground possible, we extend enormous gratitude.”

The Museum’s project team for The Underground included LG Architects, design firm Gallagher and Associates, historic consultant Robert Chattel of Chattel, Inc., custom fabricator CREO Industrial Arts, the City of Las Vegas and Core Construction.

Numerous exhibits and artifacts found in the distillery and speakeasy add depth and context to the experience. Exhibits and artifacts on display bring to life the essence of a time that saw organized crime syndicates grow richer and more powerful than ever before, while giving rise to great cultural and societal change.

Artifacts on display include:

Five-gallon whiskey still, an example of one of the smaller home stills used to make alcohol during Prohibition.
Valise with hidden flasks produced by Abercrombie & Fitch, with a brass stud on its base that, when swiveled, reveals a tiny keyhole. Once unlocked, the false bottom opens to reveal three silver flasks.
One-gallon “alky cooker” like those used by impoverished families employed by Chicago’s Genna brothers to make small batches of liquor in their homes.
Grape brick sign, which advertised the blocks of grape concentrate sold in grocery stores. These blocks could be combined with water to make grape juice. Of course, yeast could be added, the mixture poured into a bottle, the bottle corked and, three weeks later—voila!—home-made wine.
Budweiser frozen eggs, which along with more than 25 other non-alcoholic products, carried Anheuser Busch’s most popular brand name during Prohibition. Other products included soft drinks, malt extract, corn syrup and truck bodies. The frozen eggs were sold in 30-pound canisters and stabilized with sugar and salt.
Beaded chiffon dress, circa 1926, which provides an example of the new and bolder fashions that became popular during the Prohibition era due to the rise of flapper culture.

A unique aquarium exhibit, produced in conjunction with The Animal Planet series “Tanked,” tells the story of the 1922 sinking of the Lizzie D, a tug boat believed to have moonlighted as a rum runner, off the coast of Fire Island, New York. The 440-gallon tank memorializes the discovery of the sunken vessel in 1977, which was indeed found to be carrying crates containing hundreds of bottles of Kentucky bourbon, Scotch whisky and Canadian rye whisky.

Master Distiller in Residence George Racz, oversees the initial production of corn-mash moonshine in The Underground’s 60-gallon, custom-made copper-pot still. Capable of producing 250 750 ml jars of moonshine per week, the gleaming still forms the focal point of the distillery.

In the speakeasy, The Underground’s moonshine provides the centerpiece of the cocktail collection, while a full bar is also available. The speakeasy cocktail menu includes typical Prohibition cocktails such as Bee’s Knees, Underground Old Fashioned, Ginger Jake and Giggle Water. A variety of coffee cocktails, draft beer, bottled beer, wines by the glass and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available.

Finally, for private groups and intimate events, a VIP hideaway called “The Fitting Room,” concealed by a secret entrance off the speakeasy, can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Entrance to The Underground at The Mob Museum is free with general Museum admission until 5 p.m.; guests who wish to visit just The Underground after 5 p.m. may enter via its exterior side entrance free of charge until closing. The new hours of the Museum, including The Underground, are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Wednesday, and 9 a.m. until midnight, Thursday through Saturday.

For even more information about Prohibition, visit the Museum’s online exhibit at prohibitionhistory.org. Photos are available for download here.

ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM
The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a world-class, interactive journey through true stories—from the birth of the Mob to today’s headlines. The Mob Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive storylines. Whether you like it or not, this is American history. It debuted a major renovation in 2018, including a Crime Lab, Use of Force Training Experience, and Organized Crime Today exhibit as well as The Underground, a basement-level Prohibition history exhibition featuring a working speakeasy and distillery and sponsored by Zappos. Since opening in 2012, The Mob Museum has accumulated numerous accolades, including being named one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 U.S. Museums,” one of Las Vegas Weekly’s “Twenty Greatest Attractions in Las Vegas History,” one of Hotel.com’s Top 7 “Travel Brag Landmarks,” one of USA Today’s “12 Can’t Miss U.S. Museum Exhibits,” “A Must for Travelers” by The New York Times, one of “20 Places Every American Should See” by Fox News and Budget Travel magazine, “Best Museum” by Nevada Magazine and is a multi-year winner of the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” rankings. The Mob Museum has been awarded accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded U.S. museums. General admission is $26.95 for adults ages 18 and over with special pricing for online purchase, children, seniors, military, law enforcement, Nevada residents, and teachers. The Museum is open daily; visit the website for up-to-date operating hours. For more information, call (702) 229-2734 or visit https://themobmuseum.org. Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/themobmuseum or Twitter @themobmuseum.

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Announces the 2018 Lineup

May 14, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The 23rd 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 2nd-5th, outdoors among the pines at The Woods at Mammoth Lakes.

More than 15 internationally known bands will perform on two stages. On the Bluesapalooza Main Stage, the Beyond Blues Thursday Night (5:30pm-9:30pm) kicks off with Harper and Midwest Kind with Lazer Lloyd. Friday Night Rock ‘N Blues (5:00pm-10:00pm) features headlining performances from TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and Alicia Michilli, and Saturday’s Bluesapalooza (12:15pm-9:30pm) features Ozomatli, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Eric Gales, Danielle Nicole and Wee Willie Walker and The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. Festivalgoers can unwind, kick back and relax on Soulful Sunday (12:15pm-5:15pm) with ZZ Ward, The Reverend Shawn Amos, and Vanessa Collier. On the Minaret Stage, Dennis Johnson and The Mississippi Ramblers, Dirty Cello, and The Bald Eagles will perform throughout the weekend, and during late night sets after the Main Stage performances.

“At 8,000 feet, we’re the highest elevation beer and music festival on the West Coast,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “In 23 years, we’ve built a solid reputation of mixing legendary blues performers, exciting new acts, and the best craft breweries from around the west so we’re the best festival to find your new favorite band and your new favorite beer and meet some of the brewers.”

And when it comes to craft beer, attendees have a mammoth supply to choose from and taste. The Mammoth Festival of Beers features two days of beer tasting, both Saturday (12pm-5:00pm) and Sunday (12pm-4:00pm), showcasing more than 60 plus breweries pouring over 200 craft beers, such as Mammoth Brewing Company, Bear Republic, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Firestone Walker, Pizza Port Brewing, Russian River Brewing, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many more. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, Infinite Music Foundation and many local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, plenty of tasty food from some of Mammoth’s best restaurants will be served in the Blues Food Court satisfying the heartiest of appetites. And for those that prefer grapes to hops, Paso Robles winery Castoro Cellars will offer their signature wines.

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

Advance tickets are on sale now and this year’s event is again expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com/tickets; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For festival updates and additional information, visit the event’s responsive website, http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com which features music videos; links to bands, breweries and ticketing; a photo gallery; email signup; live social media updates; FAQ section; an informative blog on festival happenings; and more. According to the event producers, this is the best place to obtain up-to-the-minute information about the festival. Or, contact the event hotline, 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The event venue, 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.

Newhall Refinery is Event-Full!

May 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Yes, your favorite dining destination not only has a new wine list, Mother’s Day, the Chef’s Tasting Menus Friday, Saturday and Sundays, then comes Taco Tuesday, Late Night Fried Chicken until sold out on Thursdays after 7, Sunday Brunch, Tap Takeovers and new beers daily – whew – they’ve also got two extra special events for you coming up only on 5/23 (ticketless but will be a sell out for sure) and 6/10 (this one requires a ticket and at press time over half were sold) so plan ahead if you want to attend:

May

Newhall Refinery 5^th Anniversary Celebration With $5 Specials: 5 Years of Menu Favorites Available Until Sold Out.

Only from opening to closing on Wednesday May 23:

Lunch selections include the Refiner’s Fries, Hummus, Drunk Mac, Fish ‘N Chips, Mini Coffee ‘N Donuts for your $5 dessert as well as Beer and Cocktail Specials.

Dinner will have their House bread – a Country white with house made cultured butter finished with sea salt; from their Brunch – Refinery hash with poached/fried egg; From Taco Tuesday – they will offer a Calamari taco avocado radish; Water flower Wednesday will be the Papardelle Pesto Lobster; as well as Refiner’s Fries, Drunk Mac, Blueberry Bread Pudding and Coffee ‘N Donuts – again all until they run out!

Facebook event page link for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/194438508003423/

June

Summer Wine Pop-Up at Newhall Refinery on the afternoon of June 10 is one I’m really looking forward to as they have all of the wineries – and one surprise winery – from the tasting rooms in downtown Newhall: Hoi Polloi, Pagter Brothers, Pulchella and Parhelion. The event will also feature some of the new wines for the new wine list at Newhall Refinery too! So it’s a true “shop local” event and a wine tasting! These are the teasers, I’m mystified by what will be in the “bubbles and dessert” area as well as where the location may be:

Undisclosed location just walking distance from Newhall Refinery…

Guests will receive a wristband and a map to the event…

Local wines, accompanied by delicious Summer Wine Selections by Newhall Refinery, to give guests…the perfect mix of adventure and imbibing!

Find our “bubbles and dessert” area…

Delicious bites from Newhall Refinery…

A trio playing live music…

Only 200 tickets available…

Ticket includes entry, a commemorative etched wines glass, food and wine!

Get tickets –> http://newhallrefinery.com/product/summer-wine-tasting-pop-up-event/

Facebook event page link for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1016900871793483/

More

September’s Wine Around the World Dinner takes you to…your own backyard – California! This is the fourth in this year’s series. Tickets here: http://newhallrefinery.com/product/wine-around-the-world-dinner-california/

Their Special Events Menu created by Chef Dustin Boole offers several options for a private affair in The Cellar for you and up to 49 of your pals.

There is always more, so stay tuned to these pages to see what’s next: http://newhallrefinery.com/events/

https://www.facebook.com/newhallrefinery/

Catskills Wine & Food Festival Announces Unique Lineup

May 10, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

BLOOMINGBURG, N.Y. (PRWEB) – Today, Catskills Wine & Food Festival (CWFF) announces its lineup of celebrity chefs and musical acts for its inaugural event in upstate New York this October 6 – 7.

From website.

The event is a one-of-kind experience in which guests will be treated to intimate cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs as well as live music, private tastings, a smorgasbord of good eats, and an impressive selection of beer, wine, and cider, all carefully curated. For the full experience, guests can rent on-site cabins that sleep up to 18 people and stay overnight on the magnificent event grounds, nestled in the beautiful mountains of upstate New York.

A limited number of presale tickets will go on sale April 18th at 11 AM, and are only available at CatskillsFestival.com. Ticket prices will increase in May. The lineup of celebrity chefs includes:

Jordan Andino (Flip Sigi and TV personality)
Donatella Arpaia (Prova Pizzabar and Iron Chef judge)
Sarah Blair (Culinary Producer)
Josh Capon (Bowery Meat Company, Lure Fishbar, and more)
Michael Chernow (The Meatball Shop and Seamore’s)
Gail Simmons (BRAVO’s Top Chef)
Alex Guarnaschelli (Butter)
Amirah Kassem (Flour Shop)
Bobbie Lloyd (Magnolia Bakery, The Next Great Baker judge)

Musical guests include:

Lord Huron (Sunday’s headliner)
Moon Taxi
Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Drake White and the Big Fire
Ripe
Escort
Dwayne Gretzky
The Dip
Rebecca Perl

Additional chef attendees and musical acts, including Saturday’s headliner, will be announced on an ongoing basis.

Unlike other food, wine, and music festivals, CWFF is an intimate event, allowing guests to get up-close to the action—whether that’s a musical performance or a cooking demonstration. This is a unique opportunity to taste homemade creations cooked “live” by some of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs. Because of this, tickets are limited and will go fast.

General admission two-day passes, available at CatskillsFestival.com, are $285. This package includes food and wine tastings, access to cooking demonstrations and live music, access to activities throughout the campground, access to the Sunday Market–a culinary curation of the Catkills and beyond–and shuttles to and from select hotels in the area.

All-access two-day VIP passes are available for $549. These passes includes all the general admission events, plus access to VIP Village where celebrity chefs will be holding Meet & Greets and VIP guests can enjoy intimate dining experiences curated by CWFF celebrity chefs, a Saturday evening VIP dinner and a Sunday VIP brunch (all-inclusive), various open bar events, and an exclusive swag bag.

CWFF will also host a private launch event on Friday evening (10/5) for festival sponsors and influencers. This invite-only experience will kick off the festival weekend. For more information, email hello@catskillsfestival.com.

This is 21+ event. For more information about the festival or to sign up to receive advanced updates as new musical guests and celebrity chef attendees are confirmed, visit CatskillsFestival.com.

About Catskills Wine & Food Festival:

Catskills Wine & Food Festival is an intimate VIP experience in which guests can watch and learn from some of the nation’s top celebrity chefs. The event features celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, private tastings, live music, and a dynamic selection of beer, wine, and cider. For more information, visit CatskillsFestival.com.

New Rosé All Day Garden Announced

April 2, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (PRWEB) – America’s most renowned wine and food festivals have four main ingredients—celebrity winemakers, top culinary talent, thought-provoking tasting seminars, and elements that highlight and celebrate current trends. The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, April 26 – 29, combines these elements to create the ultimate wine weekend in Northwest Florida. Held in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center, the 2018 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will feature a dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs, brew masters and entertainers while introducing grand new features, including the Rosé All Day Garden, provocative seminars with industry leaders and culinary masters, aiming to please every palate.

“We’ve watched Rosés grow and grow in popularity, and wanted to replace Champagne Lane with something new,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner for Wine World. “Inspired by New York City Rosé festivals, including La Nuit en Rosé and Pinknic, we believe the Rosé All Day Garden will beautifully complement our April weather.”

Presented by ResortQuest, the Rosé All Day Garden will feature Rosés from around the globe, including Italy, Spain, France, South America and from North America, California and Oregon. The entire Grand Park will be transformed into all things Rosé. From pink décor to machines whipping out Frosé, a popular frozen drink made with Hendrix Gin and Marques De Caceres Rioja Rosé, the Garden will be blooming pink. Rosé vodka, Rosé champagne, Rosé sparkling wines and Rosé wine from domestic and international vineyards will be among the hundred different tasting options. Attendees are invited to embrace the theme by donning their favorite pink, rose or blush colored attire. A photo booth and Rosé swag from ResortQuest give guests every opportunity to see and drink pink.

“Europeans have been drinking Rosés forever. However, in the last four or five years, Americans began discovering European Rosés, which are light in color with lots of flavor yet dry,” said Chan Cox, founder of the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival and owner of Chan’s Wine World. “Dry rosés are so versatile. They go with anything and they are pleasant for warm summer enjoyment.”

Educational tasting seminars are another critical element of a world-class wine festival, and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will once again feature highly-sought after winemakers and master distillers from around the world sharing their knowledge and love of producing fine wines and spirits.

On Saturday, April 28, Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards as well as Southern Right and Ashbourne wineries will lead the first seminar beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Honoring one of the master distillers featured at the Craft Beer & Spirits Jam on Friday (4/27), Master Distiller with Maker’s Mark, Rob Samuels, will lead an educational tasting seminar on Saturday (4/28) from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Among the master distillers at the 2018 Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and featured within Spirits Row at the Grand Tasting will be Master Distiller Dave Pickerell of WhistlePig.

On Sunday (4/29) from 1:30 – 2:15 p.m., Mathieu Pouchan of Salon Delamotte will lead a tasting seminar on the timeless classic, Champagne.

Oregon wine pioneer David Adelsheim’s Sunday tasting seminar will focus on the Pinot Noirs that put Oregon wines on the map. His seminar runs 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Finally, a grand wine festival deserves an exceptional culinary program, and the Savor South Walton Culinary Village is set to deliver delicacies that pair beautifully with the wines. Lead by the Culinary Director of Wine World’s The Wine Bar and The Craft Bar, Scott Plumley, the creative spread infuses local produce along with local meats from Heureux Beef just north of Defuniak Springs, Fla., and Coastal Blue Farms in Freeport, Fla. With distinct flavor profiles to blend acidity with bases and balance the wines, the menu includes: Alabama goat cheese fritters with San Marzano Tomato Sauce; avocado sourdough paired with marinated baby tomatoes and Aleppo pepper; Heureux Beef slider topped with aged gouda, tomato-bacon marmalade, and Coastal Blue Farms Micro Arugula; as well as Low Country Shrimp and Grits paired with Conecuh Sausage, Shellfish Nage and Collard Greens.

Award-winning cheeses will also be on the menu. Presented by Gourmet Foods International, world-renowned cheese expert and educator Michael Landis will present a sampling of the American Cheese Society’s Medal-winning cheeses.

The four-day celebration of wine also includes Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, Spirits Row, Nosh Pavilions, live entertainment and more than 800 wines poured by knowledgeable wine industry insiders.

Tickets are now on sale. Event details and tickets are available at http://www.sowalwine.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://sowal-wine.xorbia.com/.

Presented by Wine Enthusiast Media, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and Visit South Walton, the festival offers the ideal backdrop for a beach getaway. The Festival is made possible by the generous support of the following Founding Partners: Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Visit South Walton Tourist Development Council, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Wine World of Northwest Florida and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is the official lodging partner of the festival.

About South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
This year’s annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival will be held April 26-29, 2018 throughout the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The festival features a stunning showcase of the best wines in the world. Meet the celebrity wine producers and master distillers presenting their fine wine and spirits from around the world. The Savor South Walton Culinary Village offers a sumptuous array of foods to taste, wines to pair, as well as wine and food tasting seminars. Visit the new Rosé All Day Garden, Spirits Row and Nosh Pavilions and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. The Craft Beer & Spirits Jam and Winemakers & Shakers events round out the extended festival weekend. The event is a major fundraiser for Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which benefits children in need in Northwest Florida. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.SoWalWine.com.

Great Vegas Festival of Beer to Host Beer and Sear Craft Beer and Culinary ‘Beerunch’ at Searsucker

March 26, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS – Motley Brews will host a Beer and Sear craft beer and culinary ‘beerunch’ at Searsucker Las Vegas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. In addition to exclusive beer tastings, the event will include music and culinary stations.

Stephen La Sala, executive chef of Searsucker, will prepare a sampling of brunch selections to pair with the beer offerings. Three food stations will offer fresh salt and brine offerings, including poke hand rolls, oysters on the half-shell served with a spicy cocktail sauce and lager mignonette and Bloody Mary shrimp cocktails; brunch favorites, including beer-brined pork belly bennies, served with homemade bread, lemon-dill hollandaise and beer-cured salmon, Mexican poutine served with stout-braised carnitas, rajas and Oaxaca cheese and short rib fries, made with beer-braised short ribs and topped with Vermont cheddar and egg; and Chef La Sala’s traditional taco bar, with an authentic pastor taco, an infamous charred octopus taco and beer-braised crispy pig ears.

Guests attending this exclusive event will experience a decadent taste of the eighth annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, where Chef La Sala will cook a variety of beer-inspired dishes created specifically for festival guests with VIP tickets. This year’s Great Vegas Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, April 7. The Mad Craft Experience, added to the Great Vegas lineup last year, will be held on Friday, April 6.

Tickets to Beer and Sear are priced at $55, plus tax and fees, and are available for purchase on the website at http://greatvegasbeer.com/great-vegas-presents-beer-sear/.

About Motley Brews:

Founded in 2010, Motley Brews was created for locals, breweries and brew fans alike to share great libations in a true local setting. Motley Brews develops beer-centric festivals and events throughout the Southwest, including San Diego, Las Vegas and Pasadena, Calif. Motley Brews’ annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, founded in 2011, is Nevada’s largest craft beer festival. Motley Brews supports local non-profits with every event, raising more than $125,000 to date. More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.

About Searsucker:

Searsucker, a restaurant brand conceptualized by chef Brian Malarkey, brings sharable comfort cuisine coupled with a casual, feel-good atmosphere to Austin, Texas, Del Mar, Calif., San Diego, Calif., and the newest Las Vegas location in Caesars Palace. Named after the simplicity of the seersucker fabric, which is casual and emanates a relaxed vibe among those who wear it, Searsucker evokes that same feeling in its dishes and atmosphere. Each of its four locations features comfortable couches, eclectic music and extreme flavors, all which combine to create the perfect social dining experience. For more information, please visit Searsucker.com.

Motley Brews to Bring Eighth Annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer Back to Downtown Las Vegas in April

March 11, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LAS VEGAS – Great Vegas Festival of Beer will return to Downtown Las Vegas for two days on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 – which coincides with National Beer Day. The experiential event, produced by Motley Brews, is expected to be the state’s largest craft beer festival for the eighth time with more than 500 beers and 10,000 attendees anticipated throughout both days.

The weekend will begin with the return of the Mad Craft Experience, which was added to the Great Vegas lineup last year, from 7-10 p.m. on April 6, with culinary competitions and select beer tastings from notable breweries. The Grand Tasting will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, with early entry at 2 p.m., and will offer more than 500 craft beers from more than 120 local, regional, national and international breweries, in addition to beer-inspired and infused cuisine from some of Las Vegas’ top chefs.

“We have separated Great Vegas from any other beer festival in the nation by introducing new interactive and experimental experiences for craft beer lovers,” said Brian Chapin, founder and CEO of Motley Brews. “This year, we’re adding even more entertainment, culinary options and of course, beer.” Chapin demonstrated Las Vegas’ thirst for craft beer with the inaugural Great Vegas in 2011, which quickly sold out to more than 2,000 attendees. The event has grown from year to year, prompting an expansion to two days in 2017.

Tickets for the Mad Craft Experience start at $55 plus fees. Tickets start at $40 plus fees for Saturday’s Grand Tasting, providing access to the festival from 3 to 7 p.m. along with a tasting glass, unlimited beer samples and entertainment options including a silent disco, BrewLogic seminars and more. Early admission tickets are also available, providing entry at 2 p.m., priced at $50 plus fees.

VIP tickets to the Grand Tasting, Great Vegas’ most coveted credential, are priced at $90 plus fees, and include early entry at 2 p.m., access to the VIP Brewers Lounge, which includes a rotating tap of limited release and rare beers, a decadent spread of top-notch cuisine prepared by celebrated Las Vegas chefs, a lounge area and more. VIP tickets are limited, and all tickets are available for purchase now at www.greatvegasbeer.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the event always benefit local non-profits, this year including The Folded Flag Foundation, the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, Goodie Two Shoes Foundation and the Nevada Craft Brewers Association. More information about Great Vegas Festival of Beer is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GreatVegasBeer, or on the website at http://greatvegasbeer.com/.

Motley Brews will host a Beer and Sear craft beer and culinary ‘beerunch’ at Searsucker Las Vegas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. In addition to exclusive beer tastings, guests will experience a decadent preview of what is to come at Great Vegas, where Stephen La Sala, executive chef of Searsucker, will cook a variety of beer-inspired dishes created specifically for festival attendees with VIP tickets.

About Motley Brews:

More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.