Perlis Picks The Spinster Sisters and The Astro

February 16, 2019 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Santa Rosa in Sonoma County is very diverse. There are many high end hotels and restaurants if you are looking for that but there are other options as well.

In what is known as the SOFA arts district are two places you should know about. The area is known as SOFA because it is South of A Street and actually has an annual sofa parade during its Winterblast street festival.

Acclaimed Chef Liza Hinman took a big chance when she opened The Spinster Sisters restaurant in 2012 in the under-served SOFA area. But the risk has clearly paid off with the restaurant’s popularity and accolades, most recently being awarded Best Restaurant in 2017 by the North Bay Bohemian. Being lauded by others as well (such as Michelin, SF Weekly, Eater and Wine Enthusiast) are just additional examples of the kudos they have received, serving Liza’s continually evolving menu featuring local products.

Truly, upon entering this restaurant, you know immediately that you wish it was in your neighborhood. A lot of adventurously prepared small plates (like smoked trout dip, pork belly sliders, steamed mussel mouclade, among many others) were keeping a large crowd in a family atmosphere very happy. The very fairly priced wine list is intriguing as well, with a nice selection of local wines combined with other California and international choices. The by-the-glass list includes some wines on tap, which adds to the fun. Oh, and they are open for breakfast and lunch too. Check out their website for more info on the menus and wine selections.

Liza’s continuing commitment to the area’s development is evident in her recent acquisition and remodeling (along with her partners from The Spinster Sisters) of The Astro Motel, which is walking distance from the restaurant. Admittedly, this was another risk on her part, as the property had long been considered a blight to the area. But Liza and her team have transformed the Astro.

The Astro has 34 rooms, of which two are Doubles and two are King Suites. The rest have Queen size beds in them. Built in the early 60s, it used to look like a pretty standard “motor hotel” with rooms in a U-shaped layout with a parking lot in the middle. That parking lot is mostly gone, replaced by landscaping and an edible garden. A short walk to offsite parking picks up the overflow. Each room has its own colorful and eclectic furnishings designed by local artists and craftspeople. And all these mid-century original items are for sale.

The Astro actually opened earlier than planned, as FEMA approval granted after the fires in late 2017 for them to house displaced survivors at no cost to them, again just showing commitment to the area.

The downstairs lounge area currently serves breakfast with coffee from Flying Goat and pastries from Criminal Bakery. The lounge is a roomy place to wind down and use the free WiFi to go through emails at the end of a day of sightseeing. The plan is to expand the offerings to include wine tasting from local producers.

The Astro is a fun place to stay. There are plenty of things to do in the area as well. One of the investors is Giro d’Italia champion Andy Hampsten and the motel rents Shinola Bikes to its guests. Also, per the website: “It’s the only place in Sonoma County where, within a five-minute walk, travelers can gaze at contemporary art or used cars, see an avant-garde theater ensemble or a team of bocce players, get a tattoo or a tintype portrait, and a taste of the some of the finest wine, beer and produce in Northern California.” Besides, you’re right in the middle of Sonoma County.

It wouldn’t be right to close this article without a big thank you to The Astro General Manager Lisa Robbins and her staff. They are a gracious group and went out of their way to take excellent care of us.

The Spinster Sisters

401 S A St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

The Astro

323 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

https://theastro.com/

http://thespinstersisters.com/

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com

Perlis Picks Zinfandel: Stories from Napa Valley

February 2, 2019 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

During our trip to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, Karen and I naturally got a hankering for some Zinfandel. So, where did we go? Well, Napa, of course. Wait, really?

Admittedly, Zinfandel may not be the first varietal that comes to mind when one thinks about Napa, but maybe it should be. After all, the popularity of current “fad” grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon is a fairly recent phenomenon and historically vineyards were planted heavily to Zinfandel, often interspersed with other varietals.

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is the organization for all things Zinfandel. Perhaps best known for the huge annual January event in San Francisco, ZAP does a number of other things as well. According to the ZAP website: “Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is a membership based organization that advances knowledge and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history.”

Last year, ZAP held a series of events in various California wine regions, highlighting the Zinfandel producers and vineyards of those regions. Our timing prevented us from attending the event held in Sonoma County but with Napa being only a hop, skip and a jump over the Mayacamas Mountains [from our morning visit to Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery], we were excited to attend…

Zinfandel: Stories from Napa Valley.

Held in the CIA at Copia, Napa, the event consisted of a tasting seminar followed by a walk-around reception. Moderated by the always entertaining “Sommelier to the Stars” Christopher Sawyer, the speaker panel consisted of Julie Johnson (Tres Sabores), Carol Brown (Brown Estate Vineyards), Tres Goetting (Robert Biale Vineyards) and Tegan Passalacqua (Turley Wine Cellars). And, yes, wine was included with the seminar, as any respectable wine seminar should include wines to taste. (Maybe all seminars regardless of whether about wine or not should include wine, but I digress.) The wines presented were:

Tres Sabores – 2015 Estate Zinfandel, Rutherford

Brown Estate Vineyards – 2016 Estate Zinfandel, Chiles Valley

Robert Biale Vineyards – 2016 Aldo’s Zinfandel, Oak Knoll

Turley Wine Cellars – 2016 Dragon Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

The wineries and wines presented offered great examples of the diversity of Napa Valley Zinfandel showcasing wines from the valley floor as well as from mountainside vineyards.

Each speaker had some interesting tidbits for us. Among other things, I learned that Julie Johnson was one of the founders of Frog’s Leap Winery (along with John Williams and Larry Turley) as well as “Women for Wine Sense” before eventually founding her own Tres Sabores winery in 1999. We’ve known Tres Goetting for some time and loved his comment that “I love Zinfandel because it is a mysterious varietal that never ceases to amaze.” I think we’ve known Tegan Passalacqua even longer and found his remark very intriguing that the Howell Mountain AVA is the most unique AVA that he has worked with. But I think that Coral Brown really touched on how I feel about Zinfandel when she said that their goal is to make the wine shine and the food pairing is just like a backup singer to the wine.

During the seminar, Christopher Sawyer also shared with us that ZAP had just received a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to help to fund the launch of “Zinfandel Stories: Preserving California’s Legendary Vineyards.” This was especially good news to us, as we are staunch advocates of the importance of California’s historic vineyards, so many of which are Zinfandel-based.

After the seminar it was time for the reception, which included many more wineries organized to showcase Zinfandel from Napa Valley’s different growing regions, along with bites from the CIA kitchen. Here’s what was poured…

From Calistoga:

August Briggs Winery

2015 Ancient Vines

2015 Old Vines

Chateau Montelena Winery

2012 Estate

2014 Estate

T-Vine Winery

2014 Frediani Vineyard

From Chiles Valley:

Brown Napa Valley

2016 Estate

Green & Red Vineyard

2015 Chiles Mill Vineyard

2015 Chiles Canyon Vineyard

From Howell Mountain:

Howell Mountain Vineyards

2015 Old Vine

2015 Beatty Ranch Reserve

Lamborn Family Vineyards

2014 The Earthquake Vintage

2014 The Platinum Anniversary

Outpost Wines

2015 Estate

2016 Estate

Summit Lake Vineyards

2014 Summit Lake Vineyard

From Napa Valley:

Ballentine Vineyards

2016 Estate

2015 Reserve

Grgich Hills Estate

2013 Estate

2014 Miljenko’s Old Vines

Hendry

2015 Blocks 7 & 22

2015 Blend

2015 Mike and Molly

Saddleback Cellars

2016 Old Vine

The Lost Chapters (Scotto Cellars)

2013 The Lost Chapters

Turley Wine Cellars

2016 Dragon Vineyard

2016 Hayne Vineyard

2016 Mead Ranch

Sattui Winery

2015 Black Sears

2015 Vittoria’s Vineyard

2015 Quaglia Vineyard “Agent Vine”

From Oak Knoll:

Robert Biale Vineyards

2016 Aldo’s Vineyard

From Oakville:

Oakville Ranch Winery

2015 Field Blend

2014 Field Blend

From Rutherford:

Neal Family Vineyards

2016 Rutherford Dust Vineyard

Tres Sabores

2016 Estate

From St. Helena:

D-cubed Cellars

2014 Korte Ranch

The above list is from the program. (More wines were poured as well.) I listed them all here, not to boost my word count (well maybe a little) but to emphasize that there is really a lot going on in Napa Valley when it comes to Zinfandel. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of wines from Howell Mountain, like Outpost. At the same times there’s no denying the richness of the lower elevation wines like Brown and Green & Red. There’s a lot of diversity and a Zin for every taste, for sure.

I think it is especially important to support Napa’s Zinfandel production as these vineyards are in constant danger of being replaced with more profitable grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon. So please, go out and get some Napa Zin soon.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Ev Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Explore Monterey County Gems for Unique Experience

January 31, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA. — Outdoor adventures. Diverse dining. Rich cultural history. Monterey County is home to all of these unforgettable experiences — and you can discover these in the towns of Marina, Salinas and Seaside along California’s Central Coast. Though these three towns occasionally stand in the shadow of their more popular neighbors like Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur, they’re still can’t-miss hubs for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and history buffs alike. Explore these undiscovered gems for a unique experience you’ll remember for years to come.

Marina: The Height of Beachside Tranquility

Do you enjoy a nice day (… or two or three) on the beach? Then you must visit Marina, located right on the water in Monterey County. Marina State Beach offers plenty of great waves for avid surfers, as well as sand dunes that provide a home for all sorts of exotic birds and animals. The well-marked Dune Nature Trail gives you a full rundown of the creatures located among the dunes, making this a truly unique beach experience.

And after a long day on the beach, Marina offers plenty of intriguing dining options. Head to English Ales Brewery for locally brewed beer paired with a comprehensive menu of pub grub. Or if you’re looking to try one of Monterey County’s newest and most buzzed-about restaurants, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette offers delicious raw, cured or wood-fired takes on your favorite dishes.

Salinas: A Unique Combination of Culture and Agriculture

Salinas isn’t just the home of Nobel Prize laureate John Steinbeck. It’s also a notable agricultural hub, lovingly called “America’s Salad Bowl” as a nod to the many crops grown in the Salinas Valley. You can learn more about the farming techniques being put to work in Salinas at Ag Venture Tours, which gives you a full sensory experience of the many greens grown in this region. But that’s not the only sensory experience in the area. The River Road Wine Trail offers wine lovers the chance to trek along River Road and visit nearly a dozen award-winning wineries.

After exploring all that grows in Salinas, learn more about the favorite son of Salinas, John Steinbeck, at the National Steinbeck Center. Full of interactive exhibits and fascinating artifacts from his life, this museum gives you a personal, one-of-a-kind look at the life of a great American. Then, if you are hungry for more, stop by The Steinbeck House to see his childhood home and enjoy a delicious lunch. Once you’ve had your fill of all things Steinbeck, get your fill of locally grown cuisine at 201 Main in Oldtown Salinas. With an extensive wine list and an eclectic menu of fresh food, 201 Main has something for everyone.

Seaside: Monterey’s Coastal Neighbor

Located just to the north of Monterey, Seaside is sometimes overlooked by visitors who tend to head toward its more popular neighbor. In Seaside, you can fill your day with a diverse range of outdoor activities and delicious dining options. Seaside is home to Fort Ord National Monument, a beautiful stretch of rolling hills and over 83 miles of trails. It’s a favorite for mountain bikers, but it’s also perfect for a relaxing stroll.

For a full day of outdoor fun, hit the links at Bayonet and Black Horse, two challenging golf courses that offer stunning bay views. Ready for a relaxing meal after a day outdoors? Then get ready for a big authentic Italian meal at Gusto, some of the most delicious Italian food on the peninsula.

While in Seaside, make sure to explore recently revitalized Broadway Avenue. The downtown artery was updated with expanded sidewalks, newly planted trees and designated bike lanes. On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the street plays host to a year-round certified farmers market with a bounty of local produce and products.

The fact that Monterey County’s lesser-known towns are so packed with culture and activities proves something the locals know to be true: Monterey County has endless activities to explore and places to discover. It’s a place to go on adventures, enjoy delicious food and learn about California history. Plan your trip and find out more today at SeeMonterey.com.

ABOUT MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) is a 501c6 organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. The MCCVB is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to drive business growth through compelling marketing and targeted sales initiatives that maximize the benefits of tourism to our guests, members and the community. Travel spending in Monterey County was $2.85 billion in 2017, representing a 3.5 percent increase from 2016. This $2.85 billion in visitor spending supported 24,990 jobs, contributed $255 million in total taxes and generated $127 million local tax dollars that directly benefited the community.

Auberge du Soleil Honored with 13th Consecutive Michelin Star Award

January 28, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

RUTHERFORD, Calif. (PRWEB) – Synonymous with wine country cuisine, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant, has received its 13th consecutive Star rating from the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country. The internationally recognized rating Guide is one of the most universally respected culinary authorities of fine dining. In its 13th edition, the 2019 Guide rates Auberge du Soleil among the top restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California Wine Country, one of the leading travel and culinary destinations in America.

Renowned for its commitment to sourcing ingredients from neighboring farms and purveyors, Mediterranean-inspired seasonal dishes, an award-winning international wine cellar, and spectacular vista views, The Restaurant has attained a rich legacy as a “must experience” stop along any culinary journey to Napa Valley. In addition, The Restaurant has received a Star award every year since Michelin began publishing the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California Wine Country edition.

“At Auberge du Soleil, we have a passion for all things culinary,” said George Goeggel, Managing Partner of Auberge du Soleil. “We want to know what’s in season; where the ingredients came from; and how Chef Curry and his team will interpret them on the plate. This genuine interest provides a natural entrée for connecting with our guests, most of whom also share our food-obsession. We are deeply honored to receive our thirteenth consecutive Star from the Michelin Guide which essentially recognizes our team for doing what they love and sharing it with others.”

Robert Curry has served as Executive Chef at Auberge du Soleil since 2005. Widely considered a landmark among California wine country restaurants, Auberge Du Soleil is dedicated to maintaining the culinary traditions of both Napa Valley and France. Curry’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes showcase peak seasonal ingredients sourced from a range of local and regional purveyors and farmers with whom Curry has developed long-standing relationships.

Executive Pastry Chef Paul Lemieux has led the pastry team at Auberge du Soleil since 2003. His finely crafted work is evident in the exquisite seasonal desserts he creates including delectable house-made chocolate, involving sourcing cacao beans from select international farms and carefully roasting and refining the chocolate in small batches in the hotel’s pastry kitchen.

The Restaurant’s menu items are complemented by pairings from an award-winning wine list. The 15,000 bottle cellar of domestic and international selections is curated by Wine Director, Kris Margerum. The Restaurant’s wine program has consistently received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the past 20 years.

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is open daily for breakfast (served from 7:00am to 11:00am), lunch (served from 11:30am to 2:15pm) and dinner (from 5:30pm to 9:30pm). Brunch is available on the Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 2:15pm. For reservations, please call 800-348-5406 or reserve online.

The Restaurant, along with the casual Bistro and Bar, are open to the public, and serve as cornerstones for Auberge du Soleil, a Forbes Five Star hotel and a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, the most prestigious collection of small luxury hotels and restaurants in the world. Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France, and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil provides the quintessential Napa Valley adult getaway. The hotel consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and other influential publications. For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil.

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a 13-time Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant, and the exclusive Auberge du Soleil Spa. Known for passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious hospitality, the property is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts. The hotel consistently receives the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media, and is perennially ranked among the best in the world by influential publications. For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil. For reservations and availability contact the hotel directly at 800.348.5406 or email ads.reservations@aubergeresorts.com.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014.
http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each Auberge property possesses a unique individuality, all share a crafted approach to luxury that is expressed through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Properties in the Auberge Resorts Collection include: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Solage, Napa Valley; Esperanza and Chileno Bay, Los Cabos, Mexico; Hotel Jerome, Aspen; Malliouhana, Anguilla; Nanuku, Fiji; Madeline Hotel and Element 52, Telluride, Colorado; Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica; Mukul, Guacalito, Nicaragua; Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Conn.; White Barn Inn, Kennebunk, Maine; Vanderbilt Hotel, Newport, R.I.; Grace Santorini and Mykonos, Greece; Auberge Beach Residences and Spa, Fort Lauderdale; The Lodge at Blue Sky, Park City, Utah (opening Spring 2019); Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico (opening Summer 2019); Mauna Lani, Hawaii (opening late 2019); Commodore Perry Estate, Austin; and Susurros del Corazon, Punta de Mita, Mexico (opening 2020), with several others in development. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit http://www.aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts.

AUSTIN HOPE NAMED THE 2018 PASO ROBLES WINE INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR

January 27, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Paso Robles, CA – On January 18 the Paso Robles wine community come together to recognize one of their own who has exemplified the spirit of Paso Robles Wine Country with outstanding leadership and vision in promoting the region. Austin Hope, President and Winemaker of Hope Family Wines will receive the 2018 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person of the Year award at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s annual winter gathering.

Austin Hope (photo credit: Carpe Travel)

Austin Hope, President and Winemaker of Hope Family Wines, is a steadfast advocate for the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area. Austin has played an important role in introducing the wines of Paso Robles to a global audience while holding leadership positions within the industry leading to the region being recognized and respected as one of the great wine regions of the world.

“I am humbled to be recognized as the 2018 Wine Industry Person of the Year,” said Austin Hope, “I have had the great benefit to work with an amazing team at Hope Family Wines who share my philosophy in promoting the region with the same enthusiasm as promoting our own wine brands. This honor would not be possible without the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance team as well as the endless support from my wife and daughters.”

Austin has emerged as a visionary leader after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in fruit science, today he is a third-generation California farmer and first-generation winemaker. He built and leads Hope Family Wines which includes Austin Hope, Treana, Troublemaker, Liberty School, and Quest wine brands.

Working locally, nationally, and internationally on behalf of the Paso Robles wine industry, Austin has held several important positions, including past Chairman and current Secretary of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance where as a board member he worked with 58 vintners and growers to establish the region’s 11 AVAs. Austin currently sits as a board member of the CAB Collective, a group dedicated to promoting Cabernet Sauvignon and red Bordeaux wines of Paso Robles. Austin, and his wife Celeste, support Must! Charities by hosting an annual golf tournament as well as hosting an annual Dia de Los Muertos event benefiting children’s art programs for Studios on the Park.

Austin Hope was nominated and named the 2018 Paso Robles Wine Industry Person by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership which represents 450+ companies including wineries, vineyards, and associated businesses. Austin was recognized by industry colleagues at the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s Annual Gala on Friday, January 18 at the Park Ballroom.

The evening also featured the installation of the Alliance’s 2019 Board of Directors and the presentation of the new incoming Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (official announcement to follow in the coming week.)

Board of Directors Installation
The incoming Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Team are as follows:

•   Jason Yeager – Chairman
•   Jason Haas – Vice Chairman, Tablas Creek Vineyard
•   Austin Hope – Secretary, Treana And Hope Family Wines
•   Sarah Kramer – Treasurer, Umpqua Bank
•   Tyler Russell – Director, Cordant|Nelle
•   Molly Scott – Director, Justin Vineyards & Winery
•   Bob Tillman – Director, Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery
•   Faith Wells – Director, Hospice du Rhone
•   Malani Anderson – Director, Turley Wine Cellars

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 250 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. @PasoRoblesWine, @PasoWine, #pasowine

America’s Best Wine Festival Returns to One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns: Garagiste Festival Comes to Solvang February 8th – 10th

January 26, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which was named America’s Best Wine Festival by USA Today, returns February 8th – 10th to Solvang, which was named One of America’s 10 Best Small Historic Towns by USA Today. Tickets are now on sale.

This marks the seventh year that the Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure has showcased the wines of some of California’s best small production winemakers in one of California’s most charming small towns, which is celebrating its 107th anniversary this year. Solvang is in the heart of the renowned Santa Ynez Valley wine country, just north of picturesque Santa Barbara, California.

“America’s best wine festival meets one of America’s best historic small towns for the seventh year in a row…what could make for a better wine country weekend?” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “There is a special place in our hearts for Solvang, and for the amazing small production winemakers who pour at this venue. Solvang, and the beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Hall, lend such a charming and intimate setting for attendees to chat and taste with the winemakers and owners who will be pouring their hard-to-find wines. We love the diversity of the wines poured here, with multiple micro-climates, grape varieties and innovative blends represented.”

Over 40 winemakers from Santa Barbara County and across California converge at Solvang’s Mission-style Veterans’ Memorial Hall to pour over 150 wines over three days of events which include the continuation of the festival’s ‘Original Garagiste’ seminars, moderated by Garagiste Festival Co-founder and KRUSH radio host, Stewart McLennan, and, this year, featuring Central Coast winemaking legend Ken Brown of Ken Brown Wines.

“We are proud to lead off our main event with a one-on-one discussion and tasting with Ken Brown – a true original ‘garagiste’ many years before micro-production winemaking became a movement,” said McLennan. “Ken was one of the first to recognize the cool climate potential of this region back in the 70s and to craft delicious wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay right here in Santa Barbara. We are looking forward to an informative and inspiring conversation as we taste some of his delicious wines.”

Brown, whose Ken Brown Wines focuses on very small lots of Pinot Noir from the finest vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills, is recognized as one of Santa Barbara County’s pioneering winemakers and innovators. Not only was he among the first vintners to realize the tremendous promise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, but he was also the first winemaker to introduce the Syrah grape, as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, to the region. He was founding winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery and spent 20-years at Byron Vineyard and Winery which later sold to the Robert Mondavi family. In this seminar, attendees will learn how he helped shape the Santa Barbara wine scene and why he ultimately returned to small-lot winemaking.

The Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 kicks off on Friday, February 8th from 6:30-9:00pm with the very popular “No Repeats, Rare & Reserve,” where attendees can get up close and personal with the winemakers as they share limited Club Only, Library and Pre-Release bottles and Barrel samples, and enjoy a BBQ buffet from local favorite Tim’s BBQ. On Saturday, the seminar with Ken Brown, “Original Garagistes: A Deep Dive & Tasting,” runs from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm and includes a Wine Country boxed lunch (VIP/Weekend pass ticket holders only). The day continues with the main event, the Grand Tasting, from 2-5pm showcasing over 40 winemakers pouring 150+ wines and 20+ unique varieties. All tickets include unlimited tastes, complimentary cheese and charcuterie and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass – plus a Silent Auction full of enticing wine packages which benefits The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly. On Sunday, Garagiste Passport Day returns, offering discounts and special offers to festival attendees at area wineries.

The festival also announced that it will return to Sonoma California for its 2nd Annual Sonoma Garagiste Festival the weekend of April 13, 2019. Said Minnick: “We are very excited to return to Northern California in April. The reception we received last year was fantastic and we already have an exciting group of No Cal micro-production wineries signed up. Stay tuned!”

Dubbed “tasting nirvana”, ‘strange and wondrous’, and “one not to miss” by the LA Times, the Garagiste Festival is renowned for its renegade spirit, passionate winemakers, handcrafted wines and rules-breaking, ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos. Launched in Paso Robles in 2011, the festival features the wines of commercial garagiste* winemakers who make under 1500 cases at festivals across California, including Solvang, Sonoma, Los Angeles and Paso Robles. Over 350 different wineries have poured over 3,000 wines for over 10,000 wine lovers at Garagiste Festivals since inception and the festival has raised over $125K in support of The Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly.

For full Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure 2019 schedule details, go to http://californiagaragistes.com/2019-syv-fest/

Tickets are very limited and Garagiste Festivals always sell out. To buy tickets, go to: https://bit.ly/2Bcs0ck. For breaking festival news and special discounts, sign-up for our free newsletter, The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/ or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook.

Among the over 40 winemakers already scheduled to pour are:
Ascension Cellars, Bodega de Edgar, Bolshoi Family Wines*, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Copia Vineyards, Cordon Wines, Cutruzzola Vineyards, D. Volk Wines, Dascomb Cellars, Hoi Polloi Winery, Kaleidos Winery, Kimsey Vineyards*, Lepiane Wines, Metrick Wines, Montemar Winery, RF Fine Wines*, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Sycamore Ranch, Temperance Cellars*, Tercero Wines and Westerly Wines.*

*First time pouring at the Solvang Festival.

Sponsors include:
AEB, California Winery Advisor, City of Santa Ynez Valley, Digital Dogma, Distinctive Glassware, ETS Laboratories, Farm Credit West, Glenn Burdette, G3 Enterprises, Hamlet Inn, The Hanover Insurance Group, House of Copper, Laffort U.S.A., mWEBB Communications, Wine Industry Insight, Wine Reach App, WiVi Central Coast Conference & Tradeshow.

For sponsorship info, email info(at)garagistefestival.com.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

In addition to being named the US’ Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste Festival was named one of the ‘Top Nine Incredible Epicurean Vacations’ in the world by ABC News, * “one of the premier wine events of the year,” by the LA Times and “Best Festival” by Sunset Magazine’s ‘Best of the West.’ The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.

*Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico: From Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa to Zanzonico Wines in Ensenada

January 25, 2019 by evebushman 3 Comments

A few weeks ago I shared some news in my weekly Dear Wine Friend e-newsletter that I’m still struggling with:

Wine News: I recently learned that longtime Del Dotto winemaker Gerard Zanzonico is moving off to Ensenada, where he has already been making wine, and moving into the role of consulting winemaker for Del Dotto. While Gerard holds a permanent place in my heart as one of the first winemakers I’ve interviewed, and continue to interview every year or so, I do understand that winemakers have to retire like everyone else. He’s invited Eddie and me down to his home to work on his memoirs – we’ve joked about doing this for years – so at least it’s not goodbye just yet. #SadFace

Eve in Del Dotto caves with Gerard. Photo by Ed Bushman Feb., 2012

So, long story short (if possible!) I reached out to Gerard to find out more about his work in Ensenada. I learned that he’s been making wines for MD Vinos, and already has four years under his belt as a Baja California winemaker. What seemed like a shock was already experienced territory for Gerard, he’d obviously had four years to get used to the idea.

“Not retiring but changing directions…I will have my own brand Zanzonico Wines and consult for MD vinos in Ensenada…(making) probably two more wines (for them).”

Loving the sound of Zanzonico Wines I pressed Gerard for more info. He would be making a Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Nebbiolo. About 1,000 cases in total so he could “still have fun.”

Gerard and his wife Patricia “bought a nice place looking over the ocean just north of Ensenada (with a) separate Casita” for my husband and me to get “comfortable” in once they are settled, and have a full tasting and tour of the Guadalupe Valley. Gerard said we “would love the experience.” Well this invitation did soften the blow of him leaving Napa!

Over the years I’d learned a lot about Gerard, with him starting his career as a cellar rat at Chateau Montelena during the Judgment of Paris. I remember asking him what it was like, after the tasting brought such fame to the winery and he said – and I’ll never forget – “We were too busy working hard and having fun to notice!” (Here was one of the reasons I love to visit Gerard. He may be at one of the most amazing properties in the Napa Valley, hosting club members with tastings, dinners and bungalow visits – but he was just so down to earth and natural to be with.) It was with that one sentence that I knew Gerard had a story to tell, and we’ve been chatting for years about him doing just that. Looks like he’s been working on drafts of his story in Ensenada, and “with your help maybe can finish it off.”

As far as what will change at Del Dotto Vineyards, I learned that Robbie Meyer will take over the day-to-day winemaking duties though Gerard will come in every three months for two weeks at a time, for at least three to four more years. I look forward to meeting Meyer and tasting with him at some point in the future.

So, that about covers it. Except that over the past ten years or so we had several tastings, these are the articles I could still find on the Internet, though I know there are more. If you are interested in learning about Gerard I suggest you take a peek:

March 2012 Elite Magazine: The Unique Beauty of Napa

October 2013: This is What We Chose and Why – The Upcoming Napa Trip

December 2013: Tasting with Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico and Winery Owner Dave Del Dotto = Priceless

October 2014: Visiting ZD and Drive By Del Dotto

September 2015: Vintage Eve Circa 9/2015: Old and New Finds at Del Dotto and Regusci

September 2017: Napa 2017 After The Fires: Del Dotto

Lastly, from Gerard, “Thanks for all your support over the years…many fond memories of tasting, sorting and being together. Always loved the photo of us walking into the cellar at Del Dotto…Gerard.”

So, Ensenada anyone?

MD Vinos

Or Napa?

Del Dotto Vineyards

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

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is back and better than ever

January 23, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif.) — An additional week and a fresh mix of participating restaurants, wineries, and lodging options promises to make the 2019 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks the best yet.

Set for Jan. 27-Feb. 10, the 2019 Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks returns for a ninth consecutive year by once again enticing food lovers from near and far with special pricing and the same farm-to-table fare that has long made this Central Coast wine country destination a haven for foodies. For just $20.19, all are invited to savor specially curated three-course tasting menus from the Valley’s top dining establishments.

The most noticeable difference this year, though, is that the Santa Ynez Valley’s annual celebration of local food has been extended from one week to two at the request of diners and restaurateurs alike.

“We continually heard from local restaurants and from diners that the only way to improve Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks is to offer more of it,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “The event has been successful from year one, expanding well beyond what can be fit into just one week. It is exciting to continue to see it grow.”

Blessed with an abundance of imaginative local chefs, deep agricultural roots, and a collaborative culinary scene, dining in the fertile Santa Ynez Valley is an attraction all to itself and a perfect pairing with the region’s world-class wines. The region’s cuisine is unique and diverse, ranging from traditional Scandinavian feasts to contemporary and innovative fare.

Representing each of the Santa Ynez Valley’s six distinct communities, 32 restaurants will participate in Restaurant Weeks in 2019. In addition to the offerings of the Valley’s restaurants, many Santa Ynez Valley wineries will offer wine and small bite pairings in their tasting rooms for $20.19. And special lodging deals are available at hotels throughout the Valley.

Dates of participation vary by establishment, but this year’s list of participating restaurants, wineries, and lodging properties includes:

Ballard
The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave., 800-638-2466

Buellton
Campfire Café at Flying Flags R V Resort & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, 805-688-3716
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.,45 Industrial Way, 805-694-2252
Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Rd., 805-697-4777
Hitching Post II, 406 E Hwy 246, 805-688-0676
Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805-688-8807
La Tequila Mexican Restaurant, 35 W. Highway 26, 805-697-7776
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, 805-688-1000

Los Alamos
Full of Life Flatbread, 225 Bell St., 805-344-4400
Norman, 9150 US Highway 101, 805-344-0080
Pico at The Los Alamos General Store, 458 Bell St., 805-344-1122
Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., 805-344-3020
Valle Fresh, 380 Bell St., 805-865-2282

Los Olivos
The Bear & Star, 2860 Grand Ave, 805-686-1359
Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805-688-7265

Santa Ynez
The Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Rd., 805-691-9448
S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., 805-691-9794
Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805-688-6899
Willows Restaurant & Bar, 3400 E. Highway 246, 805-686-0855

Solvang
Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805-688-8880
First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805-688-1703
Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., 805-688-8857
Hill Haven Provisions, 448 Atterdag Rd., 805-691-9025
Hummingbird Restaurant, 453 Atterdag Rd., 805-403-7100
Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-686-0846
Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out, 1992 Old Mission Dr., 805-693-2994
Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805-688-3121
River Grill at The Alisal, 150 Alisal Rd., 805-688-7784
Root 246, 420 Alisal Rd., 805-686-8681
Solvang Brewing Co., 1547 Mission Dr., 805-688-2337
Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Dr., 805-691-9444
Toscana Pizzeria, 485 Alisal Road #163, 805-697-7445

Wineries
Alma Rosa Winery, 181-C Industrial Way, Buellton, 805-691-9395
Hitching Post Wines, 420 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-0676
Kalyra Winery, 343 N Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 805-693-8864
Loring Wine Company, 201-B Industrial Way, Buellton, 805-691-1300
Pence Vineyards & Winery, 1909 W. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-735-7000
Roblar Winery & Vineyards, 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez, 805-686-2603
Sunstone Winery, 125 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, 805-688-9463

Lodging
Flying Flags R V Resort & Campground, 180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, 805-688-3716
Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley, 600 McMurray Rd., Buellton, 805-686-1555
King Frederik Inn, 1617 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang, 805-688-5515
The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805-688-3121
New Haven Inn, 271 Alisal Rd., Solvang, 805-618-8541
Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, 51 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 800-732-7687
Santa Ynez Inn, 3627 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, 805-688-5588
Sideways Inn, 114 E. Highway 246, Buellton, 805-688-8448

Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week menus do not include tax, tip, or beverages, and reservations are strongly encouraged. For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including menus and dining hours, visit www.DineSYV.com.

About the Santa Ynez Valley:
Barely two hours from Los Angeles and a scenic four-hour drive from San Francisco, the Santa Ynez Valley feels worlds apart from both. With six distinct communities encompassing everything from classic California wine country to Northern European traditions to the very best of the Old West, the Santa Ynez Valley is home to endless possibilities. Here in and around the towns of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang visitors will find more than 100 wineries, incredible food, special events and a unique, rich heritage. For more information, including a complete listing of wedding venues, restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV.com.

Perlis Picks: Historic Vineyard Society 2018 Year in Review and Upcoming 2019 Events

January 19, 2019 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

This week, we’ll take a break from our Sonoma trip series to share with you the recent information received from the Historic Vineyard Society.

Karen and I have been fans of this organization for some time. Spearheaded by Mike Dildine, the HVS team of Bob Biale (Biale Vineyards), David Gates (Ridge Vineyards), Mike Officer (Carlisle Winery), Tegan Passalacqua (Turley Wine Cellars and Sandlands), Morgan Twain-Peterson (Bedrock Wine Company), Larry Piggins (Photography), Emily Rasmussen (HVS Executive Director) along with special consultant Joel Peterson (Ravenswood Winery and Once & Future Wine) do the important work, with YOUR help, to preserve California’s historic vineyards.

Here’s their latest news:

It’s hard to believe, but another year has come and gone! We at the Historic Vineyard Society have had another eventful, productive year, and we’re incredibly grateful to all those who joined us for our various events and tastings over the last twelve months.

The Year in Review

In February, a panel of HVS growers and winemakers gathered for a two-part event at Cadet Beer & Wine Bar in Napa: first, a private tasting of several wines with a panel discussion on historic vineyards, then an open-to-the-public tasting where locals had the chance to taste a selection of wines from historic vineyards.

In April, HVS hosted a magnificent, never-before-seen gathering of wines from California’s oldest vineyards. The tasting took place at Press Club in San Francisco and featured 30 wineries and 70+ wines across dozens of historical sites, from Cienega Valley Riesling to Contra Costa Carignan, Calistoga Petite Sirah and numerous eclectic field blends. The event sold out at 250 guests and was a great success.

In June, HVS Board members once again participated in an educational tasting for students in the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology program, working to spread the good news of historic vines to the next generation of the wine industry.

November marked another new event for HVS: a tasting at Sonoma’s Best Mercantile in the town of Sonoma. Keeping with the theme of the store’s name, this tasting featured wines from the oldest vineyards in Sonoma Valley: 100 attendees had the opportunity to taste wines from Monte Rosso, Old Hill Ranch, Pagani Ranch and Bedrock Vineyard.

What’s New for 2019

Upcoming HVS Events:

February 6th, 2019: HVS returns to Cadet Beer & Wine Bar in Napa, showcasing a selection of old-vine wines from the Russian River Valley to the Cienega Valley. More details on our website here.

June 8th, 2019: Save the Date for our 2019 Vineyard Tour & Dinner! After a year off, we’re excited to announce the return of this beloved HVS event. The 2019 Vineyard Tour and Dinner will take place high above Sonoma Valley at the beautiful Monte Rosso Vineyard on Saturday, June 8th. Tickets will go on sale in mid-January. We hope to see you there!

HVS on the Web: Be sure to follow HVS on social media to stay up to date on the latest HVS announcements and see behind-the-scenes photos from events and historic vineyards.

Facebook: Historic Vineyard Society

Instagram: @historicvineyardsociety

Twitter: @historicvineorg

Ways to Support HVS

Donate! Perhaps the most obvious answer, but we can’t overstate how much we value all your contributions. As a reminder, your tax-deductible donation directly supports historic vineyards through education, research and vineyard-related events. Help keep these precious vines in the ground!

Shop using AmazonSmile, where .5% of every eligible order will be donated to HVS. To get started, visit smile.amazon.com, then search for and select Historic Vineyard Society. Every penny counts!

Once again, we can’t thank you enough for all your support of HVS. We look forward to another great year to come.

Best wishes,

[Signed by]

Mike Officer

Bob Biale

Tegan Passalacqua

David Gates

Morgan Twain-Peterson

Mike Dildine

All donations will benefit the Historic Vineyard Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of California’s oldest living vineyards. For further information, contact the Historic Vineyard Society at (707) 494-1667 or info@historicvineyardsociety.org.

Masters of Taste Announces 2019 Date And Introduces Chef Michael Hung as 2019 Host Chef!

January 14, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Los Angeles, CA- Come celebrate and be part of the fourth annual Masters of Taste 2019, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival taking place on Sunday, April 7^th, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Masters of Taste

Masters of Taste 2019 is also introducing Chef Michael Hung as the event’s first-time Host Chef. 2017 and 2018 Masters of Taste Culinary Master, Michael Hung’s illustrious career credentials include time spent with Traci Des Jardins’s James Beard Award-winning team at San Francisco’s Jardinière and overseeing the kitchen at Roland Passot’s Michelin-starred La Folie. Chef Hung then left San Francisco to open Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles, where under his leadership the restaurant was honored “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure. Michael’s success continued when he opened the highly-acclaimed Viviane in the Avalon Hotel Los Angeles and then he started his own company Ardour Hospitality in 2016, which focuses on full-service consulting, culinary and hospitality experiences in Greater Los Angeles. In addition to running his own company, Michael has also returned to Faith & Flower where he oversees the kitchen.

“I have been a participant in Masters of Taste for the past two years and it is spectacular! Cooking and serving people on the field of the Rose Bowl could be a once in a lifetime occasion, but I have been lucky enough to get to do it for the past two years, and this year, the honor to be able to formally host the event,” says Hung. “And, while the festivities are amazing, what is most impressive is that Masters of Taste donates 100% of proceeds from this event to Union Station Homeless Services each year. Homelessness deserves our attention, focused work and finances, and Union Station Homeless Services and Masters of Taste are truly leaders in helping those who are in need.”

Masters of Taste 2018 attracted nearly 2,800 guests and garnered media attention throughout Southern California and beyond. Masters of Taste 2019 is expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 45 Master Chefs including returning Culinary Masters Chef Erwin Tjahyadi (Bone Kettle), Chef Kyle Johnson (Bourbon Steak), Chef Calogero Drago (Celestino Ristorante), 2019 Host Chef Michael Hung (Faith & Flower) and Chef Lee Hau Fu (Lunasia Dim Sum House) just to name a few. Also, participating in Masters of Taste 2019 will be L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 40 Beverage Masters including spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line cocktail bar featuring four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations and their Master Mixologists, select wineries, local craft breweries, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2019 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last three years Masters of Taste has raised over $1.5 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs. Thank you for making that possible.

Mark your calendars and save-the-date for Masters of Taste 2019!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2019 will take place on Sunday, April 7^th, 2019 and is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information on Masters of Taste 2019, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com. Masters of Taste 2019 Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, January 1^st, 2019.

Masters of Taste

Pasadena Rose Bowl

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

T: 626.791.6677

E: info@MastersofTasteLA.com