Festival Napa Valley Announces Its 15th Anniversary Season

April 8, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Festival Napa Valley, recognized for transforming California Wine Country into a cultural destination, announces its 2020 summer season, July 17– 26. The Festival’s 15th anniversary will be commemorated with more than 40 concerts and events in an inspiring season of reflection, celebration and enthusiasm for the years to come.

Now in its 15th year, Festival Napa Valley offers a rich range of programs—from symphonic concerts, opera, film, and dance, to chamber music and jazz.

In addition to presenting the finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley is committed to supporting underserved members of the community by providing free tickets to students, veterans and seniors. The Festival’s extensive educational program includes master classes for local college students; Arts for All camps, which serve more than 1600 Boys & Girls Club youth ages 6-18; and a tuition-free music academy for 60 pre-professional musicians from around the world.

“This anniversary season is dedicated to recognizing and honoring all of the outstanding artists, chefs, vintners and partners that make this Festival so special,” says Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “We are equal parts inspired and reflective, and both of these feelings have found expression in the programming for our 15th Anniversary Season. We are excited to create a little magic for our audience and supporters this summer.”

Festival Napa Valley 2020 Highlights:

International opera star Thomas Hampson kicks off the 15th season at Castello di Amorosa with his bountiful Song of America: Beyond Liberty. Hampson will be joined by acclaimed pianist Lara Downes, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and a chamber ensemble in this concert pairing music, poetry, rhetoric, and history.
Grammy and Academy-award winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson headlines Wine Country’s biggest arts charity event, the Arts for All Gala at HALL Napa Valley.
The Festival presents the world premiere of Goodbye, Mr. Chips, the highly anticipated opera by acclaimed composer Gordon Getty.
High-energy cover band Brickhouse headlines Taste of Napa, Festival Napa Valley’s signature celebration of food, wine and music, at Vista Collina.
Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell and radiant soprano Larisa Martínez perform music inspired by Bell’s chart-topping CD, Voice of the Violin at Charles Krug Winery. To commemorate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Bell and his two distinguished colleagues, pianist Jeremy Denk and cellist Steven Isserlis, perform Beethoven’s masterpiece “Triple Concerto” with Festival Orchestra Napa, under the baton of Joel Revzen.
Brilliant American violinist Chad Hoopes performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Blackburn Academy Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Carlo Ponti at Far Niente, accompanied by poetry written by Napa County high school students on the theme The Four Seasons of Napa Valley.
Renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs a private recital at Darioush.
Maestro Joel Revzen and Festival Orchestra Napa bring Disney’s seminal film, Fantasia, to life while the film plays on the big screen.
Opera Under the Stars at Meadowood Napa Valley features Festival favorites soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Michael Fabiano performing arias and duets with Festival Orchestra Napa, led by the eminent conductor James Conlon.
Ballet superstar Roberto Bolle brings his celebrated show, Roberto Bolle and Friends, to Napa for the annual Dance Gala.
Festival Live! Chamber Series returns with 12 free concerts at locations throughout Napa Valley.
The popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series showcases the next generation of classical music artists.
The Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra shines in an admission-free Monday at the Symphony concert featuring works by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Karen LeFrak at Lincoln Theater.

Single concert tickets starting at $39 are now on sale. For an elevated Festival Napa Valley experience, Patron Passes including access to exclusive lunches, dinners and lounges are also available. To view the full schedule and to purchase passes, visit http://www.FestivalNapaValley.org.

About Festival Napa Valley:
Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region. The Festival’s central mission is to make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic Napa Valley venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year. Festival Napa Valley 2020 takes place July 17 – 26. To learn more, visit http://www.festivalnapavalley.org.

Casa Pacifica’s Award-Winning Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival

April 1, 2020 by evebushman

CAMARILLO, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Tickets are now on sale for the 27th Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival which will be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2020, at CSU Channel Islands! Voted Best Charity Event and Best Food & Drink Festival by VC Reporter eight years running, the all-inclusive festival is a county favorite.

All proceeds from the festival benefit Casa Pacifica, which provides vital programs and services to the community’s most vulnerable children and their families. The festival always sells out so get your tickets early for best pricing. This year, a new ticket level, Admission Plus, is on sale, offering guests the chance to make the most of their afternoon by granting early admission to the general festival area at noon and creating an enhanced festival experience. Admission, Admission Plus, and VIP tickets are available at http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

Casa Pacifica is excited to welcome back to their generous hosts: Conico Oil/MacValley Oil; Mission Produce; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; SDI Industries; The Van Huisen Family; and The Zarley Family. The festival offers a chance for guests to sample food and drinks from over 150 exhibitors including: restaurants, caterers, bakeries, specialty shops, wineries, breweries, and specialty beverages. A large online silent auction offers guests and people not able to attend the chance to bid on must-have baskets and experiences.

The “Best in Fest” competition winners will show off their winning creations, and the Yummie Top Chef competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Live entertainment throughout the day on the main stage will keep the festival-goers dancing all afternoon.

If you are interested in sponsoring or being an exhibitor at the festival, please visit http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

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

Second Annual Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic Set for Memorial Day Weekend 2020

March 22, 2020 by evebushman

WAILEA, Hawaii /PRNewswire/ — After an acclaimed first year event, Four Seasons Resort Maui has announced the second annual Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic line-up for Memorial Weekend 2020. Developed in partnership with “wine therapist to the stars” president and principal of Wally’s Wine & Spirits Christian Navarro, the weekend of events promises opportunities to connect with an all-star line-up of world-class vintners, master sommeliers and celebrity chefs.

“This year, we’ve raised the bar even higher,” says Four Seasons Maui General Manager Marc Bromley of the annual event, awarded Robb Report’s “Best of the Best New Wine Festival 2019” in its inaugural year. “Some of the world’s most coveted wineries and most star-studded chefs will join us here in Maui to create pure magic.”

Navarro’s curated list of over 30 wineries include powerhouses such as GAJA, BOND, Dom Pérignon, Opus One, and many more. Acclaimed spirit producers Casa Dragones tequila, Michter’s whiskey, and Dos Hermanos Mezcal by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston will also join the weekend.

Four Seasons Maui Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst will welcome superstar chefs Wolfgang Puck of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group and Spago Maui, Francis Mallmann, Michael Mina of Mina Group, Josiah Citrin of Melisse, Jackson Yu of Omakase, and Erik Anderson of Four Seasons Napa Valley.

Guests who reserve the Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic event package will have an all-access pass to the entire weekend of events.

EVENT SCHEDULE (details are subject to change):

Starlit Soiree
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
The weekend’s events kick off with a meeting of the stars, under the stars, featuring famed Italian wine producer GAJA, Wally’s Chef Ryan Kluver, Four Seasons Maui’s Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst and Four Seasons Napa Valley’s Executive Chef Erik Anderson. Fifth generation vintner Giovanni Gaja will host this extraordinary evening.
Oceanfront Gala
Friday, May 22, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Over 35 world-renowned wine and spirit producers and bites prepared by celebrity guest chefs will be showcased at this grand tasting event set on the Resort’s stunning Oceanfront Lawn. Guests will mix and mingle with visiting vintners and master sommeliers, as well as the Resort’s robust staff of more than 20 sommeliers providing the Resort’s legendary service.
Masterclasses
Saturday, May 23, 2020 & Sunday, May 24,2020, Daytime
Guests will enhance their wine IQ with access to two of the following Masterclasses that feature the world’s best wine, caviar, coffee and more:

Champagne and Caviar: Billecart-Salmon and Calvisius Caviar
Napa Valley Superstars: Dana Estates, Marciano Estate, Realm, Sinegal Estate
Glassology: A Discovery of How Glass Shape Affects Taste
The Great Terroirs of California Pinot Noir: Barden, The Hilt, Kistler, Occidental, Williams Selyem
House of Roederer: An Exploration of Biodynamic Champagne
The World’s Rarest Coffees: A Tasting with Two Coffee Sommeliers
Central Coast Superstars: Aleksander Estate, Barden, Crown Point, Daou, Jonata, Margerum
Super Tuscan Legend: Solaia

Elite Dinners
Saturday, May 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrity chefs pair up with select wineries to present five break-out dinners across the Resort’s stunning venues. Guests will choose from the following exclusive options:

Opus One featuring Chef Wolfgang Puck
BOND featuring Chef Josiah Citrin
Memento Mori featuring Chef Michael Mina
Dom Pérignon featuring Chef Jackson Yu
Casa Dragones Tequila featuring Chef Melissa Perello

Fire & Feast with Francis Mallmann
Sunday, May 24, 2020, 6:00 p.m.
Sparks will fly as South America’s most beloved chef Francis Mallmann brings his celebrated style to the shores of Maui. Mallmann, who has developed a cult-like following after Netflix documented his story on Chef’s Table, will pull the meal right out of the fire, which guests will enjoy alongside Uruguayan Bodega Garzón wines.
Brunch & Bubbles
Monday, May 25, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
The weekend concludes with a lavish brunch featuring only the best Champagne houses. Producers include Billecart-Salmon, Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot.

Discover the full list of featured wines and spirits here.

Ticket and Accommodations Information
Guests will experience the entire schedule when they choose to book the event package. A la carte tickets are available for the Oceanfront Gala only. Guests must be age 21 years or older to attend all events. Accommodations must be reserved separately. Visit fourseasons.com/mauiclassic for more information.

The presenting sponsor for the Four Seasons Maui Wine & Food Classic is ultra-high-end luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. Additional sponsors include NetJets, Riedel, Alaska Airlines, Martin Katz, and Chef Works.

About Four Seasons Resort Maui: To learn more about the legendary resort, visit the website.

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country to Host 40th Annual “Day in the Country” Fall Festival

September 30, 2019 by evebushman

LOS OLIVOS, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Olivos (https://www.losolivosca.com/), the historical, wine-drenched Santa Ynez Valley wine country town in the heart of Santa Barbara County, will welcome guests to its 40th annual Day in the Country festival (https://www.losolivosca.com/day-in-the-country/) on Saturday, October 19, 2019. The largest of Los Olivos’ event productions, Day in the Country embodies the village’s history-laden atmosphere, featuring an entertaining mix of Victorian-era, Western-style and harvest season activities and experiences. A day-long fall event, Day in the Country will this year, be the family-friendliest part of the inaugural “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley” (http://tastesyv.com/), a multi-day and multi-town, immersive foodie event running October 17-20.

Day in the Country begins with an early morning, Platinum Performance-sponsored 5K Fun Run and a 5K Walk (7:30 AM-9:30 AM) – which are dog-friendly, and include a one-mile Kids’ Run. Runners may sign up online in advance, or day-of, starting at 7:00 AM in downtown Los Olivos. Also starting at 7:00 AM, served until sold out, is a Burrito Breakfast produced by members of the Lucky Clover 4-H Club, at the Los Olivos Community Organization Hall (f.k.a., Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall).

At 10:00 AM, Los Olivos’ main thoroughfare of Grand Avenue transforms into a parade route displaying vintage tractors, antique autos, professional square dancers, musicians and animals. Presiding over the 2019 Day in the Country Parade is this year’s Grand Marshal, Eli Parker (https://www.fessparker.com/Family/Eli-Parker), who rides in celebration of the family-owned Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard’s 30th year in Santa Barbara County.

The parade is followed by a street fair (opens at 11:00 AM) with more than 100 local and regional vendors, crafters and food purveyors, where food trucks and pop-ups will mingle with shopping opportunities for original, local artisan goods. The Los Olivos outpost of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden, and live music will entertain throughout town.

While overall admission to Day in the Country is free, activities in the event’s Kiddie Korral – where littles and grown-ups will find kiddie steer roping, giant yard games, face painting and more family fun – will carry a minimal fee. Los Olivos businesses will also be showcasing their entries in the 2019 Los Olivos Scarecrow Fest, inviting Day in the Country revelers to cast votes for their favorite scarecrows in the friendly competition.

Also on tap for this year’s event, is the 2019 Day in the Country Wine Roundup which provides tasters with a ticketed Roundup Pass good for both Saturday and Sunday ($25.00 per person; 21 and over), allowing them more than 18 tastes from over nine local wineries like Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates, Epiphany Cellars, Brewer-Clifton, Larner Vineyard & Winery, E11even Wines by Andrew Murray, Solminer Wine Company and others, to be announced. On Saturday, a tented VIP Lounge will also feature Los Olivos-area labels lacking in-town tasting rooms, and just “two-steps” away, gourmet nibbles from the First & Oak Kitchen food truck and a “Country Lounge” with live music, in front of Community Craft.

Day in the Country is produced by the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce (https://www.losolivosca.com/about/lochamber/), a volunteer organization which funds town services such as maintenance for the village’s central flagpole, public restroom facilities and trash removal.

Current “Day in the Country” sponsors are as follows; additional sponsors will be announced as the event nears and will be listed on the event’s web page or on the Facebook Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/417814779042620/):

Visit Santa Ynez Valley; a santé Spa; The Bear and Star; The Bubble Shack; Fess Parker Wine Country Inn; Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard; Epiphany Cellars; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation; KRAZy Country 105.9; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café; Mission Sanitation; Nielsen Building Materials; Platinum Performance; Saarloos + Sons; St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church; Revisit Wine Co.; Los Olivos General Store and Larner Vineyard & Winery.

Located just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, the walkable – and Instagram-able – Santa Ynez Valley town of Los Olivos boasts an abundance of wine tasting options; wine, beer and craft cocktail bars; foodie havens in the town’s restaurants and gourmet culinary counters; art galleries and carefully-curated boutique shopping for clothing, accessories and home décor – both new and vintage; plus, luxury lodging and equally luxurious spas. Many of the town’s businesses are housed in 100-year-old buildings, which have been meticulously maintained.

Los Olivos also hosts a signature, family-friendly, holiday season event, Olde Fashioned Christmas (December 7, 2019;https://www.losolivosca.com/los-olivos-olde-fashioned-christmas/). Additional information about Los Olivos may be found at LosOlivosCA.com (https://www.losolivosca.com/), including a brief history of the Western town.

For further information about Los Olivos’ October 19 Day in the Country festival, please contact Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or info [at] stilettomarketing [dot] com.

About Los Olivos, CA
Located in the vista-filled Santa Ynez Valley, the charming, historical town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Founded in 1887 as a stop on the stagecoach route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos is noted for its support of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, seasonal festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly village residents. Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast.

Perlis Picks: The Garagiste Festival in Glendale (Part Two)

July 27, 2019 by Michael Perlis

Last week, I wrote about the seminar that Karen and I attended at the latest Garagiste Festival in Glendale. Part 2 is about the other wines we tasted.

The grand tasting featured over 50 wineries from all over California, 23 of which also poured the previous evening at the Rare & Reserve kick-off party – shout out to Fired Up Chef Services for the great BBQ buffet dinner that accompanied this.

Here are the wineries that stood out to us. I’ve also added a few comments in brackets. We didn’t taste everything, so not being marked as a favorite isn’t a sign of disrespect. And in some cases we only tasted at a winery’s table during the Rare and Reserve tasting and if so that is indicated as well.

13^th & Third Wines – Paso Robles

2018 Rose of Grenache

2017 Lily (blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Picpoul)

2015 NMR (blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre)

[Hard to go wrong when the winemaker is Don Burns of Turtle Rock and Saxum.]

Aldina Vineyards – Sonoma

2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Angeleno Wine Co. – Los Angeles

2018 Super Bloom Verdejo, Clay Station

2018 Meadow Rose, Terra Alta

2017 Zanja Madre (Grenache, Tempranillo), Alonso Family Vineyard

2017 Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyard

[As I mentioned in the segment about the seminar and in a previous article, I’m a big fan of what this winery is doing in downtown LA.]

Ascension Cellars – Paso Robles

2015 Ascendance Cab/Merlot [from the R&R tasting]

Bevela Wines – Santa Barbara

2018 White Lotus Grenache Blanc [from the R&R tasting]

Bodega de Edgar – Paso Robles

2015 Gran Reserva Tempranillo [from the R&R tasting]

Byron Blatty Wines – Los Angeles

2016 Evenfall (Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Merlot)

2015 Ghost Cat (Syrah, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot)

[both from the R&R tasting]

Cavaletti Vineyards – Santa Barbara / Los Angeles

2018 Alicante Bouschet – Barrel Sample

2017 Vigneron Reserve Syrah/Cabernet

2018 The 109 Mile Rose (Tempranillo, Grenache)

2017 Sangiovese

2017 Rancho Baila Sol Field Blend

[So impressed with everything from this winery.]

Deno Wines – Paso Robles

2010 Two Bills Zin-Grenache

2009 Paso Robles GSM

2017 Arneis, El Pomar District

2016 Estate Grenache

2016 Estate GSM

2014 Estate GSM

[These tasted like old school Paso Robles to me. I don’t mean big over-the-top wines. They brought back memories – in a good way – of visiting before things got so crowded. They have a tasting room in Templeton now, which also reminds me of old school Paso.]

DeWitt Vineyard – Sierra Foothills

2016 Estate Syrah

2015 Estate Touriga

2016 Estate Tempranillo

[Really nice, fairly prices wines. Just disappointed their Barbera wasn’t ready!]

Dusty Nabor Wines – Central Coast

2014 Bolt To Wines Grenache

2016 Bolt To Wines Grenache Blanc [the richness of this wine was amazing.]

2017 Syrah – Ballard Canyon AVA

2017 Bolt To Wines Syrah

Ferguson Family Winery – Sierra Foothills

2016 The Phoenix Zinfandel

2016 Boomshakalaka Petite Sirah

Golden Star Vineyards – Central Coast

2015 Tempranillo, Paso Robles

2016 Syrah, Chavez Vineyard, Antelope Valley AVA

[I really am past due for a visit to this high-desert winery.]

Golden Triangle – Paso Robles

2015 Syrah, Willow Creek District

2015 Cab / Syrah, Willow Creek District

[Finally got to taste Garagiste Fesitval co-founder Stewart McLennan’s wines. And the good news is that he is opening a tasting room in Templeton.]

Hoi Polloi Wines – Central Coast

2017 Rose of Grenache, Adelaida District, Paso Robles [consistently Karen’s favorite Rose]

2016 “Blue Velvet” Syrah, Larner Vineyard, Ballard Canyon AVA [a consistently great Syrah from an iconic vineyard]

[From Garagiste Festival co-founder Doug Minnick and his partners; we are lucky to have this tasting room in the Santa Clarita Valley.]

MCV Wines – Paso Robles

2018 Pink Rose

2016 Petite Sirah, Rosewynn Vineyard

2016 1105 Blend

[I’ve been a fan of Matt Villard’s wines for a long time. Some big news coming from this winery so stay tuned.]

Oceans Churning Wines – Sonoma

2014 Chardonnay [from the R&R tasting]

Powicana Farm – Mendocino

2013 Petite Sirah [from the R&R tasting]

Record Family Wines – Paso Robles

2017 Estate Viognier

2017 Estate Grenache Rose

2016 Randy’s Red (Syrah, Grenache)

2016 Reserve Syrah

[The wines are made by Jeff Strekas of ONX, so of course they’re going to be delicious.]

Two Papas Wines – Santa Barbara

2017 Grenache Blanc, Saarloos Vineyard

2017 Grenache, Saarloos Vineyard

2017 Grenache, Thompson Vineyard

2017 Syrah, Thompson Vineyard

[I was eager to taste Santa Clarita local Rick Pratt’s wines and I was totally blown away by the quality.]

Two Shepherds – Sonoma

2018 Picpoul Blanc, Yolo County

2018 Rose of Carignan, Mendocino

2018 “Wiley” Carbonic Carignan, Mendocino

2016 Carigan, Mendocinao

[William Allen continues to make his delicious, convention-defying wines.]

Velvet Bee Wines – Santa Barbara

2018 Queen Bee (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon) [from the R&R tasting]

Wandermust-Must Wines – Sonoma

2018 Verdelho [from the R&R tasting]

Zanoli Wines – Paso Robles

2017 Mourvedre, Glenrose Vineyard

2016 Syrah, Glenrose Vineyard

Congratulations to co-founders Doug Minnick and Stewart McLennan as well as Lisa Dinsmore (Event/Web Director) and Melanie Webber (Public Relations and Communications) for another great event. Their passion and hard work have really made the Garagiste Festival concept something special. We can’t wait for the next one.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 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 President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

STU AND THE KIDS RETURNS TO VIBIANA FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL FLAVORS OF ASIA FOOD FEST ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH

July 25, 2019 by evebushman

Stu and the Kid’s Flavors of Asia Food Fest at Vibiana – photo credit Erik Fisher

The 6th annual Stu and The Kid’s Flavors of Asia Food Fest Fundraiser, an exceptional Thai-flavored Food & Wine Festival hosted by Chef Stuart Skversky with the help of his friends, returns to Vibiana on Sunday, August 4, 2019. The event is a rare chance to experience original dishes created by Los Angeles’ Asian-food-loving chefs expressed through Far East influences and personal styles that have impressed guests since the inception of the event in 2014. All of the proceeds from this event are used towards scholarships for university education to help underserved and orphaned Hill Tribe kids in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In 2009, Stuart Skversky, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and rising-star chef, made a dramatic life change by giving up a promising culinary career in Los Angeles to move to Chiang Mai, becoming a full-time volunteer at the Wat Don Chan (a local Buddhist temple), teaching local children English, cooking and baking. Recognizing a need to help prepare these at-risk Hill Tribe kids following their graduation, he founded Stu and The Kids to better prepare them for adulthood, help them get into a university or technical college and give them the tools for an independent future. Funds raised go directly to the children’s education, school uniforms, supplies, housing, food and tuition for higher education. Now in their ninth year of fundraising throughout the world, Stu and The Kids has raised over $658,000 for the charity, including last year’s astounding record of $164,000 accumulated from the Los Angeles festival, in addition to fundraising on the east coast and online donations during 2018. Stu and The Kids supervises thirty-six kids, including sixteen that received 4-year scholarships in 2018 to support education and jobs in accounting, business management, in-home elder care, cooking and fashion and textiles and two with continuing 2-year master degree programs. The charity hopes to increase the awards to twenty more four-year university scholarships in the coming year.

VIP ticket purchasers will have early entrance at 2:30 p.m. to meet and chat with the chefs and receive a Stu and The Kids tote bag filled with special gifts including a signed copy of Jet Tila’s new cookbook, 101 Epic Dishes, a collectible Stu and the Kids baseball hat and much more.

Among the participating chefs for this year’s event are Hosts Neal and Amy Fraser, Vibiana; Walter and Marguerite Manzke, République; Hugo Bolanos, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air; Eric Klein, Wolfgang Puck Catering; Eric Bost, Auburn; Gilberto Cetina, Chicken Itza, Holbox; Matt Lee, Restaurant 917; Jason Neroni, The Rose Café; Sherry Yard, The Tuck Room; Warren and Rose Schwartz, Magpies Softserve; Mei Lin, Nightshade; Food Network’s Jet Tila; Sarintip “Jazz” Singsanong, Jitlada; and Chef/Author Robert Danhi.

Other chefs to be announced; a complete list of participating chefs, restaurants, caterers and food artisans is listed below.

Beverages are plentiful to pair with spicy food and this year’s top-shelf purveyors list features a Thai-inspired cocktail made by tipple-smith Joshua Lucas and crisp summer selections from Bodega Wine Bar. Singha and Leo are featured Thai beers and Winebow Fine Wine+Spirits includes a fantastic range of wineries. Non-alcoholic choices are supplied by Herb + Orchard’s ready-made water infusions and Stu and The Kids famous fresh Coconut Bar.

The Flavors of Asia Food Fest fundraiser provides not only an amazing culinary experience but also showcases the exotic Thai culture. Guests can experience an educational presentation, activities for all ages including a vivid display of Northern Thai umbrellas and lanterns from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, performances of Thai music and an authentic Muay Thai boxing demonstration. The silent auction benefiting Stu and The Kids has a vast offering of beautiful photography of Chiang Mai locations, hand-made Hill Tribe bags and silver jewelry, gift baskets, autographed cookbooks, dinners at many of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and more available at great pricing.

A live auction of packages and experiences includes:

· Stu’s priceless Thailand vacation for two which includes a six-night stay at a luxury suite in a private eight thousand square meter estate bordering the National Parklands in the in the breezy foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain of Chiang Mai; a trip to the white temple in Chiang Rai and an elephant sanctuary; zip lining; overnight trekking and cooking class. The lucky winners will also have the honored chance to visit the Wat Don Chan Orphanage and serve lunch to The Kids, and have dinner with recipients of the Stu and The Kids Mentor and Scholarship Program.
· Lunch for two at Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel Air with an exclusive overnight stay.
· A three night stay for up to eight guests in a luxurious Palm Springs desert estate, inclusive of a BBQ lunch or dinner by private chef, Deb Caponetta.
· Four Diamond Club tickets to the Angels vs. Boston Red Sox game on Friday, August 30, valued at $1,000.
· Four tickets to the LA Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers game.

Event hours for Stu and The Kid’s Flavors of Asia Food Fest are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $135 General Admission, $225 for VIP Admission and $25 for children 6-12 (under 6 are free). To purchase tickets, visit Flavors of Asia Food Fest to Benefit Stu and The Kids on eventbrite.com.

FLAVORS OF ASIA FOOD FEST TO BENEFIT STU AND THE KIDS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2019
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. for VIP tickets

General Admission: $135 in advance; $150 at the door, subject to availability
VIP Admission: $225; includes early admission and chef access.
Kids tickets: $25 for kids 6-12, (under 6 are free)

All tickets may be purchased online; visit: Flavors of Asia Food Fest to Benefit Stu and The Kids

WHERE: Vibiana, 214 South Main Street, Los Angeles, California 90012

Presenting Chef and Culinary Ambassador to Thailand: Chef Jet Tila

Participating Restaurants, Caterers and Food Artisans

Auburn
Ayara Thai
Bar Amá
Bodega Wine Bar
Chao Krung
Chicken Itza
Cookie Good
E Stretto
Ensaymada Project
Friends and Family
Holbox
Jitlada
Magpies
Night Shade
Olive Pit
Otus Thai Kitchen
Patina Catering
Redbird
Republique
Restaurant 917
Same Same
Savore Catering
Sinners and Saints
Tender Greens
The Rose
The Tuck Room Tavern
Vibiana
Wolfgang Puck Catering
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel Air

SPONSORS
6 Degrees LA
Behind the DJ Booth
Chefs to End Hunger
Erik Fisher Photography
LA & SF Specialty
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ABOUT STU AND THE KIDS:
Stu and The Kids is a 501c3, tax-exempt nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for orphaned and underserved Hill Tribe children for continuing their education in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Stu and The Kids is committed to do good and make change by empowering kids, offering support, resources, opportunity and motivation while celebrating and respecting the diverse traditions, customs and culture of the communities where they do their work.

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Perlis Picks: The Garagiste Festival in Glendale (Part One)

July 20, 2019 by Michael Perlis

Think about one of your favorite wines. What goes into your decision to make it your favorite? Is it the varietal? The region it comes from? The terroir? The year? The label? There may be multiple reasons. I that, at least for me, a big one is passion – the passion of the vintner, winemaker, grower, everyone who worked so hard to get that wine into the bottle for you.

And nothing speaks wine passion more than the Garagiste Festivals. We at Eve’s Wine 101 have a special affinity for them, having reported on the Garagistes from the beginning, including my interview with co-founder Doug Minnick before the very first event in 2011 in Paso Robles, which Karen and I also attended. Focusing on ultra-small (and then therefore ultra-rare) production wineries, the festivals have now expanded to four annual events – Paso Robles, Solvang, Sonoma and (conveniently for locals) Los Angeles.

We’ve definitely attended our share of these over the years. They’ve now had about two dozen events in total and the passion of these winemakers is clear. More so than with a large big-budget winery, the owner/winemaker typically has to handle all or most of the tasks of the winemaking process, sometimes in addition to what their day job might be.

By the way, you may have noticed the word “garagiste” being used a lot more lately; I sure have. The Garagiste Festival doesn’t own the term, it goes back to the originally somewhat derogatory French word for small winemakers. And I can’t say for sure that the increased usage of the term overall is connected to the success of the Garagiste Festivals, although I would tend to think so. After all, they were voted the best wine festival in America. So, if you want to be sure you are supporting the real deal, go to their website and sign up for their newsletters.

Karen and I attended the latest LA event, held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. In keeping with the LA theme, the Saturday event started with a seminar presented by three LA based wineries working to bring back to LA County an industry that used to dominate the landscape in the days before prohibition and real estate development.

Hosted by Steward McLennan, one of the founders of the Garagiste Festival, the seminar presenters were Patrick Kelley of Cavaletti Vineyards, Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste of Angeleno Wine Co. and Mark and Jenny Blatty of Byron Blatty Wines. All three wineries get a significant amount of their grapes from Los Angeles County. The Blatty wines are made in the Santa Clarita Valley and Angeleno is in the process of finalizing its tasting room and winery operations in downtown Los Angeles.

Of course, it was a wine seminar, so there was wine.

Each winery poured two wines, in the following order, lightest to heaviest:

Cavaletti Vineyards –

2018 109 Mile Rose (62% Grenache, 38% Tempranillo)

2017 Grenache, Swayze Vineyard

Angeleno Wine Co. –

2017 Zanja Madre (Grenache and Tempranillo)

2017 Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyard

Byron Blatty Wines –

2017 Undertake (60% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah)

2016 Pragmatic (90% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot)

For me, the takeaway from these wines is that Los Angeles County is capable of producing a variety of styles of high quality wines. Truly something for everybody.

The winery owners all shared stories of trials and tribulations. Their individual stories varied, but they all included one common component – the challenge of teaching potential customers, retail stores and restaurants about the quality of wine coming from LA County. One might think they are fighting an uphill battle but they appear to be winning it; that takes passion! I expect the LA winery scene to continue to grow and prosper and I know of at least one cult-status winemaker who is planning to set up shop soon – more on this in a future article, hopefully.

Of course, the Garagiste Festival isn’t just about Los Angeles. The grand tasting after the seminar featured over 50 wineries from all over California, 23 of which also poured the previous evening at the Rare & Reserve kick-off party – shout out to Fired Up Chef Services for the great BBQ buffet dinner that accompanied this. More on the wines in Part 2 which will run on this site next Saturday, 7/27.

Garagiste Glendale: “Garagiste Goes Local: The Rebirth of the LA Wine Industry” Seminar and a Shout Out to…?

July 12, 2019 by evebushman

Already aware of LA County wines as have been drinking some for years, some from this seminar, and others, like Golden Star Vineyards and Byron Blatty, due to tasting them at Santa Clarita Valley events. Our class was led by Garagiste co-founder Stewart McLennan and included Patrick Kelley from Cavaletti Vineyard, Jasper Dickson and Amy Luftig Viste from Angeleno Wine Company and Mark and Jenny Blatty from Byron Blatty Wines. (We were also presented with six samples, two from each winery, that we would taste at the close of the discussion.)

Panelists l to r: Patrick Kelley, Cavaletti Vineyards; Amy Luftig Viste and Jasper Dickson, Angeleno Wine Company; Mark and Jenny Blatty, Bryon Blatty Wines.

We started with a bit of a bio from each or the panelists then Stewart asked about challenges, and to share a bit of history of LA winemaking. I’ve grouped together answers to all of theses questions by each panelist:

Patrick Kelley, Cavaletti Vineyard

BIO: Patrick has a BA in biology, attended business school, lived in San Fernando Valley for 10 years, then moved to Ventura where he started making wine “without plans to make wine” his business. Now he’s up to 600 cases and this is his second time at Garagiste.

CHALLENGES: Finding customers that accept LA County Wines is his biggest challenge as its “unknown brands in unknown region.” So events like Garagiste help to get his “wine in front of customers.”

HISTORY: The climate is dry, water is available, but Phylloxera hit the region just like in Napa. The vineyards that did exist, a few thousand in San Pedro, pretty much shut down in the 1960s.

Amy Luftig Viste, Angeleno Wine Company

BIO: Amy has a degree in public health and continues to work in that field. She fell in love with wine, took some courses at UCLA and found herself most interested in winemaking and the Central Coast where she did some interning. Over a few Mimosas with Jasper the two came up with a plan to start their own winery in LA. This was when she “was the happiest she has ever been.”

CHALLENGES: Opening a winery in downtown Los Angeles has been her biggest challenge. But she “goes until someone says they can’t.” Gaining advocates from city government helped.

Jasper Dickson, Angeleno Wine Company

BIO: Jasper boasted no degrees, was a high school dropout and worked at Silverlake Wine for ten years. Over that decade he met many winemakers at the shop and asked many questions. He started making wine in his garage at home. In 2013 he went commercial and in 2015 he had his Mimosa date with Amy.

CHALLENGES: Jasper echoed Amy’s stand on challenges, with the addition of getting lots of bank rejections in the beginning.

HISTORY: There were Spanish missionaries building missions in California as well as planting grapes. In 1859 Californians were drinking two million bottles per year.

Mark Blatty, Byron Blatty Wines

BIO: “There is a common thread,” Mark began, “and it’s that all of us here love to drink wine.” He and Jenny have a background in television production and now they are also “Executive Producers” of their wine. He’s learned that you don’t have to own it all (a winery and the vineyards) to make wine.

CHALLENGES: Consumers have zero experience or a “bad experience” with LA County wines. But when people discover the wines, and enjoy them, he feels a certain sense of pride as an Angeleno. Another challenge: those writing about wine aren’t writing about LA County Wines, so there is no book educating them.

HISTORY: Prohibition changed a lot of things in California, especially removing all of the grape vines to make room to grow citrus instead.

Jenny Blatty, Byron Blatty Wines

BIO: For Jenny it was a “daydream” and she was “obsessed with wine.” That obsession drove her to take classes and start making wines in 2013. Putting out their first vintage in 2014 – most of the grapes they picked themselves and continue to do so. That first vintage produced less than two barrels.

LA County Wine Tasting

2018 Cavaletti 109 Mile Rose, Swayze Vineyard

The Swayze Vineyard is in the Antelope Valley, next to the poppy preserve, and has very little pest presence.

Peach, grapefruit, Meyer lemon, gravel and some acidity.

2017 Cavaletti Grenache, Swayze Vineyard

Barnyard, herbaceous, olives and some tart.

2017 Angeleno Zanja Madre Grenache/Tempranillo, Alonso Family Vineyards

The name Zanja Madre translates to “Mother Ditch.”

Black fruit, spicy, green notes.

2017 Angeleno Syrah, Alonso Family Vineyards 100% Syrah

Plum, grape jam, cherry candy, balanced.

2017 Byron Blatty Undertake, Zinfandel/Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah.

The 5% of Syrah is from Paso fruit. This is a common winemaking theme for them: a four varietal blend of four different vineyards. And this wine – Undertake – was a big undertaking…not a nod to an undertaker.

Big, bold, spicy, red to dark fruit.

2016 Byron Blatty Pragmatic, Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

90% Malbec, 22 months in barrel and from seven different vineyards.

A bit softer and brighter fruit than Undertake, with perfumy notes and hints of black pepper.

Shout Out to Upcoming Byron Blatty Wine Dinner at The Old Town Junction on July 25: 5 courses, 5 wines, tax and tip included for $85

“A Taste of Summer” is what they’re officially calling this remarkable collaboration. Here are the details from Eventbrite:

About this Event

Join us for an unforgettable summer evening at the Old Town Junction, on Main Street in downtown Newhall, as we present: “A Taste of Summer” wine dinner, featuring the Los Angeles wines of Byron Blatty! A Taste of Summer will be an unparalleled food and wine experience, combining the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients, cooked to perfection, and expertly paired with world-class wines grown right here in L.A. County.

Our evening will begin with canapés prepared by Chef Daniel Otto, served with a glass of Byron Blatty’s delightful Rosé from the Antelope Valley, followed by a seated, five course dinner, each paired with one of Blatty’s locally grown wines.

Chef Daniel will take you through each amazing dish, with Mark and Jenny Blatty on hand to walk you through their vision for putting Los Angeles back on the map, as one of California’s premiere wine growing regions. Blatty’s winemakers, Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper (of Newhall’s Pulchella) will also present several of these unique wines, and explain what makes them so special.

Tickets are $85 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity, $70 per person for Byron Blatty Wines Club Members. (Members will be sent a promo code for discounted tickets.)

To inquire about Membership options please email: mark@byronblatty.com, or see their website: https://byronblatty.com/membership

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.

Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival Returns April 29-May 5

April 17, 2019 by evebushman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Returning in just one month for a seven-day run following the success of last year’s expansion to a week-long event, the 2019 Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival presented by Mercedes Benz of Charlottesville will return to Charlottesville to celebrate the best of wines in the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Virginia beginning Monday, April 29 through Sunday, May 5. Events will take place at Vault Virginia, multiple area wineries and restaurants, and Sprint Pavilion.

Tickets are on sale now and available at monticellowinetrailfestival.com and the Charlottesville’s Visitor Center on the downtown mall. Patrons will again have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of events available with optional VIP upgrades.

The Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival, an established spring tradition in Charlottesville, is a partnership between the Monticello Wine Trail, Sprint Pavilion and Vault Virginia, with presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Charlottesville. The Monticello Wine Trail is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote quality grapes and wine produced in the Monticello AVA. Dynamic winemakers, who are creating a unique wine region that features wines with an authentic expression of place, shape the region. The high quality of these wines is often recognized with success in national and international wine competitions.

“The Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival is a great opportunity to experience all of what the Monticello AVA has to offer. Expanding the festival from three to seven days allowed us to schedule a wider variety of events so guests can create an itinerary that matches their personal tastes,” said MWT President George Hodson.

Participating Vineyards and Wineries

The 2019 Monticello Wine Trail Festival will feature 29 participating regional wineries and vineyards, including: Afton Mountain Vineyards, Barboursville Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, Burnley Vineyards, Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, Chestnut Oak Vineyard, Cunningham Creek Winery, Delfosse Vineyards & Winery, Early Mountain Vineyards, First Colony Winery, Flying Fox Vineyard, Gabriele Rausse Winery, Glass House Winery, Grace Estate Winery, Horton Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, Kilaurwen Winery, King Family Vineyards, Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, Lovingston Winery, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Reynard Florence Vineyard, Stinson Vineyards, Stone Mountain Vineyards, Thistle Gate Vineyard, Trump Winery, Veritas Vineyard & Winery and Wisdom Oak Winery.
2019 Schedule of Events & Ticket Information

Festival Kick-Off – Monday, April 29: Monticello Cup Awards
Vault Virginia
6-10 p.m.
An exciting event for the wine enthusiast to kick off this year’s Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival, taste award-winning wines from the 2019 Monticello Cup WineCompetition alongside the wine growers and winemakers who made them. The night ends with the competition results for the Top 6 wines and winner of the prestigious Monticello Cup for the overall highest scoring wine.
Tuesday, April 30 – Thursday, May 2: Winemaker Dinners
A series of collaborative dinners between local restaurants and wineries.
For event details and locations, visit monticellowinetrailfestival.com. Reservations are required for each dinner. Contact participating wineries. More dinners to be added.
- Wednesday, May 1 – Brasserie Saison Winemakers Dinner (Afton Mountain Vineyards & Jake Busching Wines).
- Thursday, May 2 – Taste of White Hall Winemakers Dinner (Grace Estate Winery, Stinson Vineyards, White Hall Vineyards)
- Thursday, May 2 – Going Rogue: A Most Peculiar Wine Tasting (Early Mountain Vineyards, Flying Fox Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Lightwell Survey Wines, Veritas Vineyard & Winery)
Friday, May 3: The 3rd Annual Rosé Lunch
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Call for event information: 434.245.4920
The 3^rd annual Monticello AVA Rosé Lunch will feature four rosés from the Monticello AVA perfectly paired with a seasonal menu.
Friday, May 3: Winery Tours and Tastings
For event details and locations, visit monticellowinetrailfestival.com. These events will have limited tickets available depending on location. Please contact participating winery for more information.
Friday, May 3: A Spirited Wine Trail Reception
For event details and locations, visit monticellowinetrailfestival.com.
Saturday, May 4: The Grand Tasting
Sprint Pavilion
1:30-5:30 p.m. (VIP ticket holders gain early entry at 12:30 p.m.)
Tickets (ages 12 and under are Free):
General Admission: $29 until Midnight April 15, $35 after April 15, $40 at gate
General Admission Designated Driver or Under 21: $10
VIP: $80
VIP Designated Driver or Under 21: $25
Tasting event at Sprint Pavilion featuring more than 25 local wineries and live entertainment. An exclusive VIP ticket is available and offers catered food and an opportunity for sampling exclusive wines from each winery.
Wine tastings will be limited to one flight of tastings per winery with the purchase of your ticket. Extra wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle.
Festival Finale – Sunday, May 5: The 4th Annual Sparkling Brunch
Veritas Vineyard & Winery
10 a.m.-Noon | Tickets are $25
Wrapping up this year’s Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival, the 4th Annual Monticello AVA Sparkling Brunch will be held at Veritas Vineyard & Winery and will feature sparkling wines from five area wineries. The ticket prices includes food and a tasting from each sparkling producer. Additional glasses, or bottles, of sparkling wine can be purchased for on and offsite consumption.

Complete schedule of all events, information and menus available at monticellowinetrailfestival.com.

For more information on the Monticello Wine Trail Festival, visit monticellowinetrailfestival.com, and follow on: Facebook.com/TasteOfMonticelloWineTrailFestival, and Twitter@TasteMonticello.

37th Annual Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Returns to Santa Maria Valley

April 14, 2019 by evebushman

SANTA BARBARA, CA – 2019 – The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival, now in its 37th year, stands out in a world awash in wine festivals. Not only is it one of the largest wine festivals in Southern California, but it is often the actual winemaker or winery owner who is pouring for the public. Slated for May 4, 2019 at Rancho Sisquoc Winery, this festival sets itself apart as the wine festival put on by winemakers for wine lovers.

Novice and experienced oenophiles alike get the opportunity to ask their wine related questions during the weekend’s signature Festival Grand Tasting. Held the afternoon of May 4th, at majestic Rancho Sisquoc, the Festival Grand Tasting features over 70 wineries, many pouring newly released wines. Local food purveyors, live music, culinary and wine demonstrations, and a silent auction are a perfect pairing with the wine.

The Santa Barbara Vintners Festival allows wine lovers to taste over 70 varietals grown locally. No other wine festival in the world offers the opportunity to experience more local grapes. Santa Barbara is blessed with such great diversity because of its unique geography which includes a transverse valley. This east-west valley creates a quilt of micro-climates in the area, allowing for the wide range of grapes that thrive.

Drawing on the wealth of wine knowledge represented at the Festival, guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is made. There will be museum-like displays providing insight into the winemaking world, from watching a cooper make barrels, to seeing how wine actually gets in the bottle, to barrel-tasting at the winery itself.

During the weekend of the Festival, the Vintners Visa is also available. This $50 Wine Country Tasting Pass allows guests to pick tastings at 12 wineries in the county with over 40 wineries to choose from during the May 2-6, 2019 window. This pass is the most robust tasting ticket offered all year.

Several ticket options are available for the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival. Early Entry VIP access ($100), which allows holders access to the Festival Grand Tasting an hour before it opens to the public, General Admission ($75), Locals Only ($60) and Designated Drivers and Under 21 ($25).

This year the Festival returns to Santa Maria’s Rancho Sisquoc Winery, the beloved site of past Festivals. The winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and farm purchased in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. James Flood, who still own the property today. The ranch is part of an 1852 Mexican land grant and the Chumash Indians called this area “Sisquoc,” which meant “gathering place.” Today, Rancho Sisquoc remains a gathering place, this time for wine lovers.

The northern region of the Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, is renowned for world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. The area boasts 34 tasting rooms, six unique AVAs, 13 beaches, and a growing selection of local breweries, all within a beautiful 30-minute drive. If you are looking for sand dunes, hiking trails, horseback riding, cycling, and authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue, you’ll find all in Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Valley is the perfect home base to eat, drink and do more for less. Guests who are staying at any Santa Maria Valley hotel receive a special pass that include tastings at Santa Maria Valley area tasting rooms.

Tickets for the festival are available online now, visit www.sbvintnersweekend.com for more information.

SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS

The Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners Association) is a non- profit 501 (c) 6 organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class, authentic wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County (or sub-AVA) labeled, winery associates, vineyards, vineyard management companies, hospitality, and industry associate members. The Association produces festivals and wine country weekends; educational seminars and tastings; provides information to consumers, trade, and media; and advocates for the Santa Barbara County wine and grape industry. www.sbcountywines.com