Garagiste Wine Festival Returns with 50+ Winemakers: Celebrates Tenth Anniversary in Paso Robles, November 12th – 14th

September 27, 2021 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CALIF. (PRWEB) – The Garagiste Wine Festival, which launched in November 2011, returns to its birthplace of Paso Robles to celebrate its 10th anniversary with three days of events, including the tasting of wines from over 50 small production wineries from California; an exclusive seminar with Tablas Creek Vineyard’s Jason Haas on the past and future of Paso Robles wines, the popular Keep It Rockin’ After Party, and a special event at Atascadero’s Pavilion on the Lake that recognizes 10 of the Paso OGs (Original Garagistes), along with ‘Rare and Reserve’ pourings from 2021 festival winemakers. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.my805tix.com/e/10th-annual-paso-garagiste-wine-festival.

“We are excited to return to Paso Robles and Atascadero with what we believe will be our best festival ever,” said Doug Minnick, Garagiste Festival Co-founder. “We will celebrate the evolution of the Garagiste Festival – and how it has amplified garagiste winemakers and the garagiste movement – as well as the evolution of our birthplace and touchstone, Paso Robles, through a special seminar with Jason Haas of Paso’s Tablas Creek, the iconic winery that almost singlehandedly popularized Rhone varieties in America. But, most of all, we will celebrate reconnecting with our fantastic Garagiste Festival attendees as we introduce them to another exciting group of innovative, micro-production winemakers.”

The Garagiste Festival is the nation’s first and only festival to showcase the wines of micro-production commercial ‘garagiste*’ winemakers. Dubbed “tasting nirvana,” “strange and wondrous,” and “one not to miss” by the LA Times, the Garagiste Festival is renowned for its renegade spirit, passionate winemakers, handcrafted wines, rules-breaking, ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos and ‘just have fun’ approach. The Garagiste Festival features the wines of commercial garagiste winemakers across California, who make under 1500 cases annually. Since inception, the festivals, which include Solvang, Sonoma, Los Angeles and Paso Robles, have showcased over 450 different wineries and over 4,000 wines to over 12,000 wine lovers.

“There’s no doubting the last 18 months have been challenging for all of us. What has always been at the core of the Paso Robles wine region, and by virtue garagiste winemakers, is the ability to adapt and innovate,” said Stewart McLennan, Garagiste Festival Co-founder. “It’s going to be truly special to have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy Paso and its garagistes once again.”

“At this year’s festival, we will explore what is next for Paso wine, pay tribute to our OGs, who are proof that renegade winemaking dreams can turn into big success – all while showcasing over 50+ winemakers whose wines demonstrate that not even a pandemic can keep garagistes from producing some of the best and most innovative wines our industry has to offer,” concluded McLennan.

The Garagiste Festival 2021 Line-Up

The Paso Robles Garagiste Festival gathers together undiscovered artisan ‘garagiste’ winemakers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot wines in the world – all in one location. You’ll never find their wines in supermarkets – and you’ll never find them all in one place like this. Discover the biggest “small” thing happening in the world of wine through three days of exciting events:

Rare and Reserve plus 10 OGs! Friday November 12th – 6:30-9:30pm

Tenth Anniversary festivities kick off Friday evening with “Rare and Reserve – No Repeats’ at the charming Pavilion on the Lake, in Atascadero. The tasting features over 30 of the rarest wines and barrel samples the 2021 Paso Garagistes have to offer (wines that will not be poured at the Grand Tasting) – – along with a Spanish-themed buffet from Trumpet Vine Catering. The event will also feature a tribute to 10 of the festival’s Original Garagistes – wineries who poured at the early years of the Festivals who have gone on to even larger success – including special tastings of their signature wines.

Tasting Seminar – The Past and Future of Paso Robles: In Depth with Jason Haas* November 13th – 11:00am-12:30pm — Paso Robles Event Center

Saturday begins with an exclusive tasting seminar with Jason Haas, second generation proprietor of pioneering Tablas Creek Vineyard, which was founded in 1989 by the Perrin and Haas families in what would become the Paso Robles Adelaida District. In addition to their delicious wines, Tablas Creek is renowned for importing 19 different grape varieties into the United States and making them available to the broader community through their grapevine nursery. In this seminar, Jason will take attendees through Tablas Creek’s journey from an idea between friends to the search for the perfect spot to create its famous grapevine nursery, vineyard, and winery. He will also share his insights into what the future of the Paso Robles wine region holds. The seminar will include tastings of some of Tablas Creek’s rarest varietal bottlings, as well as the new vintage of the Esprit de Tablas.
*Only available with VIP Ticket or Weekend Pass

The Main Event – The Grand Tasting – Saturday November 13th – 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Paso Robles Event Center

Discover your favorite (and new favorite!) small production wineries from among the over 50 winemakers who will be pouring over 200 different wines. The day includes unlimited tastes, complimentary cheese and charcuterie, artisan food samples and a souvenir Stolzle crystal wine glass.

Keep it Rockin’ After Party |- November 13th, 5:30-8:30pm – Paso Robles Event Center

Mingle with the winemakers, grab a cold brew and rock out with live music.

Covid Update: The Garagiste Festival has adapted its protocols to foster a safe environment that will not detract from the festival’s signature attendee camaraderie and one-on-one interaction with the winemakers (winemakers, not tasting room personnel, always pour at The Garagiste Festival). This includes using more outdoor space and greater table distancing, as well as adherence to the current county mandates. For more information and updates on festival Covid protocols, click here.

Participating Wineries include:
Alma Sol Winery, Arianna Wines*, Ascension Cellars, Bolt To Wines, Bushong Wine Company, Caliza Winery, Copia Vineyards, Demeter Family Cellars*, DeWitt Vineyard, Dilecta Wines, Dusty Nabor Wines, Etnyre Wines, Familia Hicks Wines*, Ferguson Family Wines, Gary Kramer Guitar Cellars, Greyscale Wines, Hayseed & Housdon Wines, Hoyt Family Winery, Kaleidos Wines, Kimsey Vineyard, Marin’s Vineyard, Mastro Scheidt Wines, MCV Wines, Ondule Wines, Powell Mountain Cellars, Quench + Temper, RF Wines, Seagrape Winery, Seven Oxen Wines, Torch Cellars, Two Moons Cellars and Volatus Winery.
*New to Paso Festival

Tickets: To preserve an intimate experience and one-on-one interaction with winemakers, tickets are very limited for the Garagiste Festivals and always sell out. Tickets are available at http://garagistefestival.com. For special discounts and updates on The Garagiste Festival in Paso Robles, Taste of Garagiste mini-tastings and other Garagiste Festival events and news, sign up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/, or follow us on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1rgBC80).

Festival Sponsors include:
Travel Paso, Visit Atascadero, G3, ETS, Glenn Burdette, mWEBB Communications

Sponsor Hotels: For “Garagiste” weekend deals.
Adelaide Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Paso Oaks Hotel

For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

About The Garagiste Wine Festival
The Garagiste Wine Festival (http://www.garagistefestival.com), named “Best of the Fests” for 2019 by Fest Forums and the ‘Best Wine Festival in the US in 2018 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, is the first and only wine festival dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ micro-wineries who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; the Garagiste Festival, Northern Exposure, in Sonoma; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more.

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

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

Two Bottle Post: Entourage by Two Papas 2019 Grenache Blanc and 2018 Syrah

June 26, 2020 by evebushman

Honestly can’t remember when I first met winemaker Rick Pratt, it could’ve been at Sunset in the Vineyard, benefitting the work of our Assistance League, or one of many events he has poured wine at over the years. Rick has donated wines to many non-profits and some that I’ve been involved with, besides Sunset in the Vineyard, include Garagiste Festival, Wine on the Roof and most recently he was extremely generous with Circle of Hope for Vine 2 Wine, To Go.

After this recent Vine 2 Wine event Rick sent me home with two of his latest wines. I waited less than a week after the event to wrap my palate around these two:

2019 Grenache Blanc

Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 12.9% alcohol

Picked September 2019, in stainless six months.

Pratt said this wine drinks more like a Sauvignon Blanc and I could definitely see that. I got aromas of lemon and lime peel, white peach, Mandarin orange and a slight powdery creaminess. In the mouth I got that same bursting citrus fruit, homemade lemonade, fresh green apple, a medium acidity that carried over to a medium finish. We enjoyed this wine before dinner, and due to the Sauv Blanc qualities – the bright citrus and mild acidity – it was a great aperitif.

2018 Syrah

Thompson Vineyard, Alisos Canyon, Santa Barbara County

14.2% alcohol

Rick had advised me to decant the wine for two hours before drinking, and I might’ve gone closer to three. From the nose there was sweet black cherry, plums, blueberry, milk chocolate, white pepper, earth, dried leaves and caramel while the taste delivered a lovely balance of spice, dark fruit, tannin and another medium finish. I did my tasting notes just after I cleansed my palate with a sample of our Bolognese spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove. We had the wine just before sitting down to dinner, with dinner and after dinner.

We would definitely like to have both of these wines again. Rick gets great fruit and makes great wine with it. My biggest takeaway is that these wines worked well with and without food, making them accessible to all palates whenever the mood strikes.

I also checked in with Rick during the tasting, and asked him to share his thoughts on the Thompson Vineyard, which he happily supplied, as well as more info on his new Syrah:

Thompson Vineyard sits deep within Alisos Cyn. in northern Santa Barbara County. The canyon runs West to East allowing cool ocean air to flow in over the Solomon Hills, keeping the daytime temperatures mild. As a result, hang times on the fruit are 2-4 weeks longer than your normal SB Rhône Vineyard, fruit is picked no earlier than mid October and often going as long as November 1st. This long hang time, when handled properly, results in wines with big fruit, great balance and neutral acidity. Thompson, along with their neighbor, Sine Qua Non, are among the most sought after grapes in the state. Thompson produces Grenache Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and their only non-Rhône, Chardonnay. With the heavy rains this year, the soils received a good cleansing and the 2020 harvest looks again to be a great one. According to Vineyard manager, Jason Grupp, the crop is looking outstanding!

A little info on the Syrah. The Syrah vines were originally smuggled into the country in 1974 from the Hermitage region of France. In 1988 David Thompson purchased cuttings from the original ‘smuggler’. He took those cuttings and just shoved them into the ground. A very risky move, leaving the cuttings susceptible to disease and insects. Luckily the cuttings survived. As a result of this process you get the purest form of expression from the Estrella clone of Syrah.

Meet The Winemaker (From website)

Rick and Teresa

Rick’s interest in wine-making began in the 70’s but it wasn’t until over twelve years ago that his hands-on education began. Thanks to a high-school classmate who was making wine in his garage, a life-long dream would one day be realized. His journey to becoming a garagiste taught him the skills he would one day need to be able to create wines for all to enjoy.

“Along the road I have had the good fortune to experience mentoring from two of the best. I am most grateful to Wes Hagen and Greg Brewer for their support and insight. The fact that our wines have been so well received is due in large part to their guidance.”

Today we are finally able to share our wines with you. A lot of love went into crafting each one and in creating each label. May you enjoy them as much as we did making them!

https://twopapaswines.com

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.

Westchester Magazine’s Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Popular Wine and Food Festival June 9-14

April 29, 2020 by evebushman

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Westchester Magazine celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the popular Wine & Food Festival with two new exciting events taking place this year at iconic Westchester locations – Party on the Pier at Rye Playland on June 10 and the Wine Collector’s Dinner on June 12.

“We are thrilled to add two new events at iconic Westchester landmarks to our 10th anniversary lineup of fantastic events,” said Sam Wender, publisher, Westchester Magazine. “What better way to celebrate all of Westchester than expanding our mark to offer residents of the Hudson Valley and Sound Shore something exciting right in their own backyard.”

Party on the Pier at Rye Playland

Wednesday, June 10 | 6-9 p.m.

The brand-new Party on the Pier at Rye Playland will feature the third annual Bartender Shake-Off in addition to top restaurants sampling summer/seafood favorites alongside beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. Price includes all food and drink at the event.

Location: Playland Park, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye

Price: $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

Wine Collector’s Dinner

Friday, June 12 | 6:30-11 p.m.

This special evening will be a celebration and tasting of truly unique wines provided by local wine aficionados. Each attendee is required to bring one magnum of their best and rarest from their cellar to be shared during the event. The evening kicks off with a special Champagne toast featuring a 10-year-old vintage in honor of 2020 being the 10th Anniversary of the Westchester Magazine Wine & Food Festival. A special four-course meal will be prepared by the top chefs of Westchester County—Peter X. Kelly of X20 Xaviars on the Hudson, Ron Gallo of The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges, Glenn Vogt of RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen, Dave DiBari of The Cookery, and John Paidas of Apropos Restaurant & Bar at The Abbey Inn & Spa. Between each course guests will have the opportunity to sample wines from other table guests.

Location: The Abbey Inn & Spa, 900 Fort Hill Road, Peekskill

Tickets: Ticket price is $150 per guest. *Includes tax and gratuity

Returning fan favorite events include:

Italian Wine Experience with Kevin Zraly

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sip, swirl, and savor a variety of fine Italian wines and savory and sweet Italian delicacies at this walk-around tasting event. Renowned wine expert, author and founder of Windows on the World Wine School, Kevin Zraly, will lead wine seminars for those interested in learning more about the nuances of Italian wine.

Location: Gigante Restaurant & Bar, Eastchester, NY

Price: $95

Burger & Beer Blast

Thursday, June 11 | 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Burgers, beer, music, wine, spirits, food trucks and the best grilling on this side of the Hudson River come together at Westchester’s ultimate block party! Top local chefs present their unique take on the all-American burger as they compete for the Best Burger Award.

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $75

Grand Tasting Village

Saturday, June 13, 2020 | Noon- 4:00 p.m.

The signature event of the Wine & Food Festival, the Grand Tasting Village features tastings from 50+ local restaurants and 150+ wines, beers and spirits. Chef demonstrations and a variety of food trucks create a gastronomic delight for food and wine lovers.

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $85

Party Line Connoisseurs Tent at the Grand Tasting Village

Saturday, June 13, 2020 | Noon – 4:00 p.m.

Spend the day like a VIP in the Party Line Connoisseurs Tent! This private area features an exclusive lounge for relaxing while you sample the event’s highest quality wines along with dishes from the area’s top restaurants. Wine expert, author and educator Kevin Zraly will be leading Wine Seminars throughout the day focusing on the vintages being served in the Party Line Connoisseurs Tent. Entrance to this exclusive area and the wine seminars are only for guests purchasing Party Line Connoisseurs Tent tickets and includes access to all Grand Tasting Village events. *First come, first serve

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $125

**No one under 21 will be admitted.

No Infants, Children, Strollers, or Pets allowed. **

For the complete lineup and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Westchester Magazine’s 10th Annual Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of gourmet food, exceptional wines, beer, spirits, mouth-watering burgers, and award-winning chefs. Guests will sip and savor, enjoy the county’s finest plates and pours and mingle with Westchester’s top chefs, sommeliers, and specialty food purveyors as they attend exclusive dinners, tastings, and demos. The festival is a not-to-be missed experience recognizing the culinary spirit of Westchester County with 100+ top local restaurants and a selection of world-class wines. The event draws more than 7,000 people from across the New York Metro area including New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit here.

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
Red Boat Fish Sauce
The Bouqs Co.
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Vibiana
Winebow Fine Wines + Spirits
Wolfgang Puck Catering

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.

For further information, please visit Stu and the Kids on the web: www.stuandthekids.org
Stu and the Kids are social!
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/stuandthekids
On Instagram: @stuandthekids
On Twitter: @stuandthekids

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.