Circle Of Hope Announces Online Auction Open To All This Saturday, May 23

May 21, 2020 by evebushman

Cult Wines, Library Wines, Themed Baskets, Gift Cards, Dream Vacations for the Future and More – All Will Be Available Beginning May 23

SANTA CLARITA, CA – With Vine2Wine, To Go poised to start on May 30 with wine, food and a goodie bag for ticket holders there is one thing non-ticket holders can get their hands on to enjoy the fun as well: Circle of Hope has announced their first online auction to start Saturday, May 23 and will close a day after the main event, on May 31.

In keeping with their out-of-the-box idea for the “To Go” event Circle of Hope has created another unique idea, changing their traditional in person silent auction to an online auction, substantial in the wine department, for both guests and non-guests to partake in and enjoy.

Circle of Hope Auction Chair Debra Ragonig commented, “We wanted to get the auction rolling early, and get interested parties that want to support Circle of Hope, and get their hands on some very cool auction items as soon as possible, so we have our online auction starting a full week before our big Vine2Wine, To Go party. Getting our interested bidders online now and registered will help us get the ball rolling.”

Co-chair Eve Bushman added, “Many good friends have really outdone themselves with their incredible generosity diving deep into their own private cellars, including Vine 2 Wine’s long time Wine Chair Jeff Jacobson who also recruited his two adult children and their spouses: Julie and Chris Hovden and Jeremy and Michelle Jacobson. In addition he recruited longtime Vine 2 Wine supporters and friends Russ and Leslie Bretall. Jeff and I both recruited our mutual friends Steve and Amy Elzer. Rounding off our donors included my pals Marlee Lauffer, Karen and Michael Perlis, Rose and Steve Chegwin, and my husband Eddie Bushman.”

How it works: This Saturday, May 23 go to the Circle of Hope website, https://circleofhopeinc.org/vine2wine/ , and look for a button for the online auction or go directly to the auction link here. There is no fee to sign up and participate. Register there and start bidding. If you really want something and don’t want to come back to see how the bidding is going we encourage you to look for the “buy it now” price and the item will be yours. Wines and other auction items will be available for pick up in Santa Clarita on June first.

A preview of the auction items include: gift cards to local restaurants such as Salt Creek Grille and Wolf Creek Restaurant; gift baskets with loads of items like a “Sephora Extravaganza” and “It’s Time to BBQ!”; jewelry, candles and fashion Items; liquor; trips that can be taken in 2022; retro basket with popcorn maker, snow cone machine and tons of 80’s retro candy; Father’s Day baskets like “MEGA Poker Night” or “Liquid Gold (aka Jack Daniels)” and more.

“Some of the library wines featured include Sine Qua Non Rosé, Joseph Phelps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, Justin Isosceles and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tobin James Bordeaux Blend and Reserve Syrah, 1993 Silver Oak Cabernet, 1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet, 1996 French Cab Franc, 1999 Whitcraft Lagrein, 1997 Vintage Port, 1998 German Riesling, Australian Grenache, Brunello di Montalcino and more wines from McPrice Myers, Robert Biale, Shane Wines, Regusci, Booker, Denner, Clavo, Veraison and Linne Calodo” Bushman said.

For information on Vine2Wine, To Go, Circle of Hope services and programs or to receive sponsorship information, please contact Circle of Hope at info@circleofhopeinc.org or at 661 254-5218. Donations and ticket purchases can be made through the Circle of Hope website at www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. For more information on Circle of Hope and the services they provide, please visit their website at www.circleofhopeinc.org or call 661 254-5218. The Circle of Hope office and Wellness Center is located at 23033 Lyons Ave., Ste 3, Newhall, Ca. 91321

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

May 1, 2020 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

We look forward to “seeing” you all there!

##

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

17TH ANNUAL SAN FERNANDO VALLEY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, APRIL 27, 2019

April 13, 2019 by evebushman

SYLMAR, CA – The Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) Foundation will be hosting the 17^thAnnual San Fernando Valley Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

This signature event raises crucial funds for our scholarship programs which provides a local financial support system for students and has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships, thanks to the success of events like this. It will be an exciting and fun-filled day to include exquisite cuisine prepared by our award-winning Culinary Arts Institute, wonderful wines, a silent auction, live entertainment and much more!

“San Fernando Valley Food & Wine Festival is a yearly must-attend event for the San Fernando Valley.”

This year’s Annual Food & Wine Festival is expected to draw hundreds of guests in the beautiful Los Angeles Mission College Culinary Arts Institute Building on the afternoon of April 27^th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

With a theme of “International Cuisine” attendees will enjoy cuisine from around the world, pared with wines to complement each dish. In addition, we will be hosting a silent auction, pastry pavilion, and live entertainment provided by local artists.

Meet our amazing faculty and staff of master chefs, including Culinary Arts Department Chair, Chef Louis Eguaras. His past experience includes: Executive Chef of Presidential Culinary Services; Author of bestselling book “101 Things I Learned in Culinary School,” and former White House Chef at Camp David Presidential Retreat and The White House cooking for Presidents Bush Sr and Bill Clinton, dignitaries like Nelson Mandela, John Majors and Brian Mulroney and celebrities like Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and more.

General admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $150. All tickets will include a beautiful souvenir stemmed wine glass to commemorate the event.

To purchase tickets, please visit http://sfvfw.com/ or call: 818 364-7600 ext. 7111

About the Los Angeles College Foundation:

The Los Angeles Mission College Foundation is the support arm of the college, made up of community members and civic and business leaders.

The mission of Los Angeles Mission College Foundation is to raise funds and provide stewardship for funds already raised, through annual scholarship drives, special events, grant applications and business partnerships. Our goal is to provide a local financial support system to needy and deserving students entering and continuing their education at Mission College. Our vision is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing support for individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue quality accessible educational programs and services.

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

January 14, 2019 by evebushman

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

www.MastersofTasteLA.com

How Was the 4th Cocktails on the Roof?

September 21, 2018 by evebushman

Cocktails on the Roof News: Thanks to everyone that bought a ticket, volunteered, signed up as a vendor and participated in the 4th Cocktails on the Roof event held September 7.

The Day After

We are rocking that roof! Photo credit: The Signal newspaper.

Waking up to 71 notifications on Facebook = must have been a great night! Once I cleared those there were 76 new ones! Egads! It only got worse when I uploaded my photos here and here. “We raised nearly $40,000 in three hours and will be focusing on STEAM programs this year” stated Amy Daniels, Executive Director for the WiSH Education Foundation, “With an emphasis on the ARTS.”

Now, to announce the cocktail winners, share some of the raves and thank everyone that helped make our event a success.

Cocktail Winners

First Claim Jumper, Second Place Salt Creek Grille and Third Place went to Solita Tacos.

Raves

Judy: Another fabulous event, thank you for your vision so long ago.

Michelle: We had such a nice time tonight. Thank you Eve for putting together such a fun event. Looking forward to next time.

Eric: Third year in a row for us, and two new attendees we convinced to attend. They said they would be there next year.

Michael: 2muchfun w/someofthebest! Thx WiSH! Epic Evening! Always a great time w/ WiSH

Jason: An incredible event!!

Dawn: Cocktails on the Roof! So much fun seeing lots of friends and enjoying our VIP lounge – thank you Image-2000 and Joe Blatchford!

Tamar: Another fantastic event!!! Thanks Eve and Amy!

Jennifer: Great to see you all! Can’t wait til 2019!

Dana: VIP… oh yeah, the best way to do #cocktailsontheroof! See y’all next year!

Heidi: Our first time at Cocktails on the Roof!! What a fun event!! Met a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time! Dancing, drinking a lot of cocktails…. thank God for Uber!!!

Jeannie: Fun being with you all!

Cheryl: Congratulations on an amazing event to support our community!

Sue: Excellent! Thanks for all you do for Hart District!

Amanda: Great job last night. The vendors were fabulous! Such a variety. It was also good to see you and share a moment.

Richard: What a great night.

Josh: Thanks for including us!! We had a blast.

Michael: Great event, as always Eve. You and your team should be very proud!

Alex: Love u eve!! Another amazing event!!

Steve: First off, last night was fantastic and you are to be congratulated, yet again. Truly Eve, that is an amazing civic event and I hope you get a special sense of accomplishment for what you created because it is really something worthwhile, fun and tasty too.

Patti: Great event!!! Good job everyone!!

Maureen: What a great night seeing so many friends for a great cause!

Alex: Another amazing event!

Judy: fabulous event thank you to all the volunteers who took time to help us last night! Lots of fun, drink and fun!!!

Michael: Awesome event. Another great job. So nice to see old friends and sample all the delicious food and drink.

Steve: Great event Amy, Eve, and all!

Stacey: So fun! What a great night with good friends.

Stephanie: It was really fun with great friends and an old boyfriend!

My goal in sharing the “lists” below is that you will go to the restaurants you enjoyed on our roof and frequent the businesses that chose to sponsor our event:

Pinups for American Heroes

Samantha Wade, Donna Carrion, Mary Bird, Kori Hawk, Kat Soto, Ashley Caldwell and Brittany Sanders.

Sponsors

The Magazine of Santa Clarita, Elite Magazine, Westfield Valencia, Littler, BrightView, California Credit Union, Oasis Associates, Andy Gump, SOS Entertainment, The Signal, SCVTV, Burrtec, Brightview Tree Company, Team House Real Estate, Eve Bushman Consulting, Image 2000, 24/7 Events and SCV Tax.

Vendors

Salt Creek Grille, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Dulce Vida Tequila, Mammoth Coffee Roasting (Espresso Martini), JFC International (sake-based cocktails), Alchemy Valencia, Marston’s Valencia, An Indian Affaire, LA Scotch Club (the only event the club participates in), Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Vines Restaurant and Bar, Willow Creek Distillery (formerly the Distillery at Opolo), The Newhall Press Room, (Moscow) Mule 2.0, Nealie’s Skillet, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, Honu Coffee, The Local Pub and Grill, Smokehouse on Main, Impex Beverages (spirit brands), Claim Jumper Restaurant and Saloon, Figenza Fig Vodka, Sweet Beams Ice Cream Truck, Sweet T’s Treats and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Committee

From the WiSH Education Foundation board: Amy Daniels, Richard Cohn, Lynne Secrest, Ed Masterson and Judy Penman. From WiSH Advisory Board: Eve Bushman and Marlee Lauffer. From our community: Dawn Begley, Mitch Russell and Jennifer Ramos. (Of special note: Ramos was recruited just weeks before our event and signed up no less than SEVEN restaurants in less than two weeks, warranting a special shout out from me!)

Volunteers

Amy Daniels, Noah Daniels, Josh Daniels, Christi Kessler, Mia Slotsve, Koren Young, Recyl Chapman, Mallany Carver, Whitney Wollin, Dennis Ward, Kathleen McGraw, Kathleen and Allen Marquart, Burt Ceroni, Diane Curtis, John Rogers, Holly Bellamy, Robin Wimsatt, Ellen Hawthorne, Carmel Farnsworth, Eileen Gunning, Judy Penman, Cheryl Gray, Carolyn Lodes, Jen Phelps, Nicole Stinson, Steve Portaro, Danise Davis, Mary Bradway, Taj Ambar, Damien White, Brittany Murrietta, Cindy Kirk, Larry and Christy Grable, Maggie-Mae Laufman, Rochelle and Terry Gallimore, Michael Farnsworth, Jennifer Primero, Talia Stern, Raymond and Cathie Baker, Joelyn and Robert Caprine, Steve Dole, Nicole Feast, Scott Fushi and Rich Daniels.

About WiSH Education Foundation

The WiSH Education Foundation supports the 23,000 students in grades 7-12 of the William S. Hart Union High School District. We fund programs and initiatives not paid for by tax dollars alone and our goal is to benefit as many students with our dollars as possible, directly in the classroom, where it’s needed most.

WiSH is important to everyone who lives in the Santa Clarita Valley, whether you have a student in our schools or not – great schools help keep our home values strong and educating our young people is vital to our community!

http://wisheducationfoundation.org/

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

Limerick Lane + Salt Creek Grille = a Fun Preview! The Main Event is 8/16!

August 10, 2018 by evebushman

Was pretty amazed, yes by the superb fruit and balance in the Rhônes and Zinfandels from Limerick Lane, and by the amazing auction items that had been donated so far to this particular Boy and Girls Club of SCV fundraiser, but equal to all that (for me) was a food pairing menu by Salt Creek Grille catering and Chef Tamra Levine.

Photo by Carl Kanowsky.

So, opposite of what I normally do – share my tasting notes on the fabulous wines first – I want to share the menu. Again you may ask why? This time I’ll tell you: Chef Tamra did the pairing based on the winery tasting notes, and created dishes she herself had never created before. Again you may ask how? She did what I would do – if I could cook – and incorporated the hints of the fruits and spices from the wines into her dishes. These are the Hors d’oeuvres, my notes are in parenthesis:

Mini Punjabi Grilled Cheese Panini (Mango chutney is in there!)

French Seafood Cassoulet (We didn’t sample but it sounded amazing as Cassoulet is traditionally made with beef.)

Old World Spiced Grilled Chicken/Vegetable Fritter/Pomegranate Glaze (Will you be able to find those same pomegranate notes in the wine?)

Provencal Short Ribs/Sautéed Gnocchi (We didn’t sample this one so you have to let me know how it is!)

Wine Country French Toast/Zinfandel Rosemary Sauce/Oven Roasted Grapes (Don’t care what this was paired with, just wanted to take it home!)

The Wines

Watching the SCVTV video of our preview, Carl Kanowsky, who has organized this event annually with his wife Terry, explains that “Jake (Bilbro) introduces each wine” that will be poured by Salt Creek staff for the guests and “you don’t have to fight with other people to get up to the really good stuff. It’s all going to be there for you.” Ann Marie Bjorkman, President of the Boys and Girls Club commented, “It’s nice and intimate – and limited to 75 people.” Here’s a peek:

2017 Rose of Grenache and Syrah

94 points Wine Enthusiast, reportedly the highest score the magazine has ever awarded to a Rose.

With aromas of grapefruit, mango, peach, shale, banana and strawberry, followed by the same fruit flavors on the mouth. Light and smooth, as well as a medium acidity, and long finish.

2016 “Hail Mary” Grenache and Syrah blend

93+ Robert Parker

93 Wine Enthusiast

Terry Kanowsky commented on the “delightful bouquet” that included black cherry, blackberry, crushed leaves, earth and sage. On the mouth we got the same black fruit, medium tannin, smoke, cigar and a long finish – a “huge back palate” according to Chef Levine, I had to agree.

2016 “1910” Zinfandel (The 1910 denotes the year the vineyard was first planted.)

96+ Robert Parker

95 Wine Enthusiast

Flowery, spicy and bold fruit on the nose; then a lovely amount of black fruit, spice and drying qualities in the mouth.

2016 Russian River Estate Zinfandel

92 Robert Parker

93 Wine Enthusiast

With red, blue and black fruit aromas, as well as cracked black pepper Mike Bjorkman called a “bit of pepper” on the nose; then in the mouth it was big, spicy and bold with an extra long finish.

2015 “1023” Zinfandel

93 Robert Parker

95 Wine Spectator

Interesting hard candy on the nose, then plums, milk chocolate and forest floor. In the mouth it was dark, spicy and dry. Love a wine that has the aromas to pull you in.

2015 “1910” Zinfandel

95 Robert Parker

91 Wine Spectator

Aromas of blueberry jam, earth, dusty and zero heat on the nose (all of these Zins showed no alcohol burn) while in the mouth we got a nice sweet, peppery, and dark fruit – all in perfect balance.

Exclusive Auction Items (available only that evening)

Two one-day Park Hopper Passes to Disneyland/California Adventure.

Two tickets to a Los Angeles Kings game in November 2018.

Framed, autographed photo of Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar with Certificates of Authenticity.

Dinner for two with Limerick Lane wine at Salt Creek Grille before the Kings game; limo to Kings game.

Private tour, tasting and lunch at Limerick Lane and Jake Bilbro: Jake will coordinate with the winning bidder to create an irreplaceable “Limerick Lane Experience.” Lodging for one night in Sonoma County. Tour and tasting the following day at two of Jake’s best friends wineries: Arista and Mauritson. Arista is known as one of California’s top producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and Mauritson’s 7 generations of farming in the Dry Creek valley make for an unparalleled experience tasting their allocated Zinfandels and Cabernet’s. (This lot requires at least eight weeks advance reservation with Jake and is subject to his availability and activities at Limerick Lane.)

Chef Michelle Bustillos will provide a Cooking Lesson in your home, with Limerick Lane Wine Pairing, for six people.

Tickets and Info

Date: Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for

Salt Creek Grille
24415 Town Center Drive, Valencia

Please join Jake Bilbro of Sonoma County’s Limerick Lane in a tasting of select wines from the winery’s collection. Well-known wine critic Robert Parker says of Limerick, “If you haven’t caught onto the magic that is emerging from Limerick Lane, it’s about time. Impressive heights of quality.”

Ticket link –> http://www.scvbgc.org/

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 15k 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

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout Returns for a 9th Year to Fight Childhood Cancer for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

July 16, 2018 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES, CA —Returning for its highly-anticipated ninth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), is set for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. The Presenting Sponsors for the cookout are Northwestern Mutual and Volvo Cars of North America.

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade – 2017 Participants | ©Alex Berliner/ABImages

Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more. The 2018 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Chris Bianco, April Bloomfield, Evan Funke, Giada De Laurentiis, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Steve Samson, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures (for a current list, see page 3). More chefs will be announced in the coming months, as well as leading vintners and mixologists from across the country.

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195, and L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade offers a $1,200 premier ticket level that includes early access to the event and VIP seating as well as an exclusive invite to the private and intimate Welcome Dinner the evening before, on Friday, September 7. The culinary cookout is family-friendly; children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult and do not need to register for the event.

For complete listings of participants and to purchase tickets for this year’s event visit the ALSF website. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.

L.A. supporters enthusiastically responded with huge turnouts in the first eight years, sampling signature dishes of world renowned chefs and reaching over $5.8 million in sponsorship, ticket and auction sales to date. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendees Jimmy Kimmel, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions of the cause.

More than 2,000 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, attended the 2017 event, which raised over $1.3 million. Those in attendance heard an inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents, and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Patrick Scott, Alex’s brother, who read a moving letter he wrote to his sister.

“The fact that this is our ninth year hosting this event is pretty mind blowing! It feels really amazing to be able to have such a tangible impact on something that is just so important,” said co-founder Caroline Styne.” It’s also so gratifying to see so many others jump on board and wholeheartedly support this event and the foundation as a whole.”

“We’re continuously amazed by the generosity and support of the Suzanne, Caroline and David, all the participating chefs, vintners, mixologists and guests of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “The inspiring event exceeds our expectations year after year and helps us move closer toward achieving my daughter’s vision – a cure for all kids with cancer!”

For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Sarah Wright at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (866) 333-1213 or S.Wright@AlexsLemonade.org.

Become a fan of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ALSFCulinaryEvents Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @LALovesAlexs

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $150 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 800 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. In addition, ALSF provides support to families affected by childhood cancer through programs such as Travel For Care and SuperSibs. For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

Partial List of Participating Chefs

Nick Anderer (NYC) – Maialino

Chris Bianco (Phoenix) – Pizzeria Bianco

April Bloomfield (L.A.) – The Hearth &Hound

Josef Centeno (L.A.) – Bäco Mercat

Michael Cimarusti (L.A.) – Providence

Josiah Citrin (L.A.) – Melisse

Giada De Laurentis (Las Vegas) – Giada

Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (L.A.) – Border Grill

Gavin Fine (Jackson Hole, WY) – Fine Dining Restaurant Group

Michael Fiorelli (L.A.) – Love & Salt

Ben Ford (L.A.) – Ford’s Filling Station

Jeremy Fox (L.A.) – Rustic Canyon

Chris Flint (L.A.) – NoMad Los Angeles

Neal Fraser (L.A.) – Redbird

Evan Funke (Venice, CA) – Felix Trattoria

Suzanne Goin (L.A.) – Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern

Hedy Goldsmith (L.A.) – Sweet Hedy

Timothy Hollingsworth (L.A.) – Otium, Barrel & Ashes

Eva Ein (Santa Barbara) – McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

Bruce Kalman (L.A.) – Union, Knead & Co.

Sara Kramer & Sarah Hymanson (L.A.) – Kismet

David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach, CA) – Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite

David Lentz (L.A.) – The Hungry Cat

Donald Link (New Orleans) – Pêche, Herbsaint, Cochon, Cochon Butcher

Jenn Louis (Portland, OR) – Ray

Tyler Malek (L.A.) – Salt & Straw

Kevin Meehan (L.A.) – Kali

Matt Molina (L.A.) – Everson Royce Bar, Triple Beam Pizza

Zoe Nathan (L.A.) – Huckleberry

Bryant Ng (L.A.) – Cassia

Nancy Oakes (San Francisco) – Boulevard

Adam Perry Lang (Hollywood) – APL Restaurant

Zachary Pollack (L.A.) – Alimento, Cosa Buona

Steve Samson (L.A.) – Sotto, Rossoblu

Michael Schwartz (Miami) – The Genuine Hospitality Group, Amara at Paraiso

Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo (L.A.) – Animal Restaurant Group

Nancy Silverton (L.A.) – Mozza Restaurant Group

Jonathan Sundstrom (Seattle) – Lark, Bitter/Raw, Slab Sandwiches & Pie

Shannon Swindle (L.A.) – Craft

Suzanne Tracht (L.A.) – Jar

Marc Vetri (Philadelphia) – Vetri Cucina

Michael Voltaggio (L.A.)

Rocco Whalen (Cleveland/Charlotte) – Fahrenheit

Jason Winters (L.A.) – Urban Pie

Sherry Yard (L.A.) – IPIC Group

Shiho Yoshikawa (L.A.) – Sweet Rose Creamery

***All chefs and vintners have graciously donated their time, food and talent to the cause for this event***

Wine in the Pines 2018: Registration Open for Wineries and Ticket Link Open for Sales!

February 2, 2018 by evebushman

For the past few years Eve Bushman Consulting has assisted in recruiting new wineries for the annual wine festival, Wine in the Pines. We also market the event to the Santa Clarita Valley audience and beyond. (That’s the disclosure part – done!) So, when I got the email below a few weeks ago from event organizer Debbie Bailey directed to the wineries, I asked for permission to share it and held onto it until the both the winery recruitment form and ticket link went live. It’s all live now! Check out the details below. If you need more info I’m only an email below: Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

We can’t believe it’s already 2018 and we’re gearing up for this year’s WINE IN THE PINES! Please double check those new calendars to make sure you reserved the date for our 16th annual Wine in the Pines Festival. SAVE THE DATE for SATURDAY, JUNE 9th, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (our VIP doors will open at noon and general admission ticket holders will join in at 1:00pm).

Please make note that we will again host our “Meet and Greet” on Friday, June 8, at 6pm, in the Wine Room Gallery. If you haven’t been able to join us for this, you’re missing out! It’s a great night to meet other Winemakers and taste some of their best creations. Please join us and bring your favorite bottle to share!
If you are planning to stay the weekend in Pine Mountain Club, please be sure to book your room early. Places we recommend staying at are; the Pine Mountain Inn (661-242-1982) or the Old Bear Bed and Breakfast (661-242-1622). Also, there are also plenty of beautiful cabins available through VRBO or Airbnb. We do have some friends with cabins too, so let us know if you would like us to check on that.

Don’t forget that Wine in the Pines festival is a fundraising event hosted by the volunteers of the Village of Pine Mountain Club, Commercial Property Owners and we work hard all year to keep this main event strong and prosperous. Our mission is not only to help to improve our local community, but also to help local non-profits flourish in their missions. Last year we were able to make another $4000 contribution to the local Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society!

Our proceeds will continue to go toward community projects and various non-profits. We personally count on your participation in 2018 to continue to make this happen! (We truly do – and thank you so much for your past support.)

You can reserve your space easily by just responding to this email. As it gets closer, I’ll get any additional details needed. Please be sure to visit our website at http://www.wineinthepines.com. If you have any questions you may contact us by email at thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you this year! (Note from Eve for wineries: look at the Wine in the Pines home page and click where you read these words: Want to be one of the wineries or breweries at the 2018 event? Fill out our online form HERE and we will be in touch!)

Thank you so much for your continued support, it truly makes a difference!

Cheers!
Debbie & Mark Bailey

Debbie Bailey
Coordinator, Wine in the Pines Festival
Owner/Manager, The Wine Room Gallery

Mark Bailey
Chairman of the Board, PMCCPOA
Chairman, Wine in the Pines Festival
Business Owner, Madd Bailey’s Pub & The Wine Room Gallery

The 9th Annual “STARS of Cabernet”

November 8, 2017 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES – LearnAboutWine, a wine education and event website dedicated to the education, service, and enjoyment of wine, is pleased to announce a stellar lineup of wineries appearing at the 9th annual “STARS of Cabernet” event on November 15 at One of the top hotels in the Los Angeles area, The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Facebook Banner “STARS of Cabernet” is the premier tasting of the year that celebrates Cabernet Sauvignon. Over 36 of the best Cabernet producing wineries in California and the world will showcase their Cabernet as well as other wines. Tasting over 100 wines including cabernet and variety of others. Wineries come from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, France, Argentina and Chile. The only event of its kind in the Los Angeles area, which showcases some of the top bottles of Cabernet.

There will be guest winemakers that will host an intimate VIP reception before the Grand Tasting and share their experiences and expertise with the select crowd. Featuring Wines from: Hess Collection, Hertelendy Vineyards, Metaphora Wines, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Guarachi Family Wines, Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery, Cornerstone Cellars & Clos Du Val.

A silent auction, containing lots of collectable and large format wines, benefits TJ Martell Foundation. The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. Learn more at tjmartell.org .

Tickets now on sale.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets please visit StarsofCabernet.com

Stars of Cabernet thanks its’ sponsors: Peninsula Hotel, Los Angeles Magazine, Evian, Robb Report, The Somm Journal & Tasting Panel

Confirmed Wineries:

Addendum Napa Valley

Arrowood Vineyards and Winery

Bernardus Winery Bordeaux

CAMi Vineyards

Clos Du Val

Cornerstone Cellars

Derenoncourt (Montesquieu Winery)

Duckhorn Wine Company D

unn Vineyards

Ehlers Estate

Folio Fine Wine Partners

Frank Family Vineyards Frog’s Leap

Gamble Family Vineyards

Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery

Guarachi Family Wines

Hawk and Horse Vineyards

Hertelendy Vineyards

Hess Collection

Hestan Vineyards JH Collection

La Sirena Metaphora Wines Nellcôte

O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Oakville Ranch Winery

Silverado Vineyards

Smoking Gun Wines Spire collection/ Mount Brave Spottswoode/ Pilcrow/ True North

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery

Stanton Vineyards

ZD Wines, Napa Valley

About Peninsula Hotel:
The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards, within easy walking distance of Century City and Beverly Hills’ legendary Rodeo Drive.

About LearnAboutWine and the new wineLA.com
Ian Blackburn, founder of LearnAboutWine, drinks wine for a living. Since it was established in 1995, he has built LearnAboutWine into the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California and as it turns 20 years old in 2015. To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, LearnAboutWine will get a big facelift and a new brand called wineLA (.com) will take over events and classes in Los Angeles. Ian Blackburn say’s “LearnAboutWine has a higher purpose that we intend to grow nationwide in 2015… an exciting time for us indeed.” Ian continues to innovate and focus on demystifying wine for everyone from the casual drinker to the potential collector and was voted as “One of the Top 5 Places to Taste Wine in Los Angeles” by LAist.com (8/2013). Ian’s passion for wine and entertaining makes him one of the top spokespersons in the United States and currently Ian is studying for his Masters of Wine. Ian’s entertaining ways can heard on YouTube, or on many of Los Angeles radio airwaves; ABC’s “The Bachelor” and on Wealth TV.

Vintage Eve Moves Over Today for: “L.A. Supports Wine Country Event”

November 7, 2017 by evebushman

UPDATED 11/8/17: both Stars of Cabernet and LA Supports Wine Country have merged and will both be held at the Peninsula Hotel on Weds 11/15. They will be held in two separate rooms…but are connected.

LOS ANGELES – Mother Nature traveled through the North Coast region of California this past month with tragically historic record setting wildfires exaggerated by 70 mile-an-hour winds. Over 8,000 structures have been damaged in the spreading fires and thousands of lives have been changed forever. The wine industry, meaning the people that live, work, and farm in the regions are the most important casualty in this natural disaster. It will take a great deal of time and energy to build back what used to be. Donations are going to be needed in every way to help those in need. To help bring these California communities closer to their fundraising goals, wineLA is putting together a benefit for Wildfire Relief supporting Habitat for Humanity – going to those that need it most in Wine Country. It is time to come together and donate to our California family in the north.

The wineLA team is working to put together an event on November 12, 2017, which will be open to anyone to come out to help support our efforts. We are looking for volunteers to help bring this event to life so we can reach our goal and grow the fund north of 1 million dollars.

ABOUT REBUILDING WINE COUNTRY: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SONOMA: Rebuild Wine Country is for long-term giving. Immediate needs are being met by fantastic community non-profit partners already. This fund is about the bigger picture in the weeks, months, and years to come, protecting economic recovery for those without a roof over their head. With these funds, our fiscal sponsor Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County will distribute aid to sister chapters in all affected counties to repair and rebuild homes for those who need it most.

Donations:

● Benefits affected families in Wine Country as a whole, by rebuilding homes
● Goes 100% to the charity - no fees are imposed by YouCaring (vs 5% or more on GoFundMe)
● Is tax deductible - Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County is our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor
● Has no administrative costs - all management of this fundraiser is executed by wine industry professionalsABOUT THE EVENT: www.LAsupportsWineCountry.com
Sunday, November 12th at The MacArthur (formerly the Park Plaza) we are looking for entertainers to anchor the festivities, wineries to pour, restaurants to serve, and auction items galore! 3 stages – 4 ballroom spaces full of activities; from costumed performers walking the aisles, to notable artworks from formidable artists and silent auction items a plenty! Come and do some holiday shopping and give 100% of the proceeds to charity! Donate if you’re too busy, or better yet – sign up your employer as a sponsor and give your entire staff a ticket to join the event.Click here for tickets or to make donations: www.LAsupportsWineCountry.com

(Also you can sign up to volunteer - support - perform - provide - sponsor - and suggest)

VIP: 1:00 PM
Early entrance – enhanced food experience – top wines – VIP tables – and a stylish VIP tshirt! Special entertainment will also be provided to the VIPS.

General: 2:00-5:00 PM
Walk around tasting event with different food, wine, music in every room. Artworks and donated items on every table.

Participating Wineries: Aganjanian Vineyards, Herb of Lamb, Dragonette Cellars, Alpha Omega Winery, Beekeeper Cellars, Cakebread Cellars, Clos Pepe Estate Vineyards, Dane Cellars, Donelan Family Wines, Lucky Dogg Wines, Mauritson Wines, Moraga Wines, Nabor Wines, Page Mill Winery, Robert Craig Winery, Windrun.

Participating Restaurants: Cafe Pinot, Momed Restaurants, Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse, Otis Spunkmeyer, La Brea Bakery, Petrossion

Participating Entertainers: Carmen Rizzo, 123 Andres, Snap Boogie, Tina Kim, Malynda Hale, Los Caminantes

ABOUT WINELA
wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

In 2005 – founder Ian Blackburn hosted www.LAsupportsLA.com – an event to support victims of Katrina. Over 2500 guests – world famous entertainers – and hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised and donated to two charity entities. The event was seamless – and appeared to take months to prepare… but we accomplished the event in just 8 days… and hundreds of talented and loving individuals came together to make one of the most legendary events of all time take place. This time – we do it for Northern California and the industry we love and depend upon.