2016 BUBBLYFEST By The Sea To Be Held October 6-8

June 16, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

America’s only annual Champagne and sparkling wine festival will include more than 60 world-class producers and a host of new events – all set among California’s most breathtaking coastal locales. Tickets are now available.

Avila Beach, California – BUBBLYFEST is proud to announce its annual BUBBLYFEST By The Sea will be held October 6-8. Tickets are now on sale at bubblyfest.com.

This third-annual celebration of the world’s greatest Champagne and sparkling wine will include a slew of new events, an exclusive winery tour, seminars, parties and, of course, the ever-popular Grand Tasting to be held at the Avila Beach Golf Resort.

“BUBBLYFEST By The Sea is our marquee celebration and one of California’s most popular wine events,” says BUBBLYFEST Event Producer Holly Holliday. “Whether you’re a wine industry insider or simply a fan of bubbles, BUBBLYFEST provides an upscale and fun way for wine lovers to learn more about Champagne and sparkling wine and party with some of the best wines and winemakers on the planet—all with the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline as the backdrop.”

The 2016 BUBBLYFEST By The Sea events include:

+ Bubbly at Sunset: Sparkling Wine Dinner
Join us for an epic four-course meal paired with non-traditional sparkling wine varieties from four different winemakers.

+ Second-Annual “Excursionar” Presented by Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
California’s preeminent sparkling wine producer, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, will host this intimate excursion-cum-seminar at its vineyards and cellars. Led by Sparkling Winemaker Dave Hickey, the day-long event will include learning about the winery’s methods, its prized Coquard Presses (one of two in North America), a tour of the Laetitia Cellar, and culminate with an exclusive tasting of Laetitia’s award-winning sparkling wines.

+ VIP Grand Tasting Experience
This one-hour tasting at the Avila Beach Golf Resort’s Beach House will feature four highlighted wineries pouring an exclusive bottle from their collection.

+ San Francisco Wine School Winemaker Seminar
A distinctive panel of winemakers and industry insiders will lead a tasting and discuss sparkling wine production, style and current trends.

+ Cocktails & Corks
Our popular Gatsby-inspired party returns for another magical evening of jazz, cocktails and bubbles. This year’s gala will be held on the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean at the Seacrest Oceanfront Hotel. Jazz Era attire is strongly encouraged.

+ Riedel Master Class Seminar
Join Riedel before the BUBBLYFEST By The Sea Grand Tasting for a tasting journey that explores the art and science of wine glass shapes, from Pinot Noir glasses to sparkling flutes.

+ Grand Tasting
Experience Champagne and sparkling wine from more than 60 American and international producers while soaking in the gorgeous coastal views at Avila Beach Golf Resort. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings, light appetizers, and be able to participate in several seminars, including a sabering class and a mixology workshop on crafting Champagne cocktails at home.

BUBBLYFEST Accommodation Discounts
Book in any hotel or vacation rental within the Avila Beach community for the BUBBLYFEST 2016 weekend and you’ll receive a 20-percent discount on events with proof of confirmation. Also, the Seacrest OceanFront Hotel is offering a 15-percent discount on all rooms during BUBBLYFEST 2016. For more information, please visit bubblyfest.com/stayandplay or email Holly Holliday at holly@createpromotions.com

For more information on the events, tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit bubblyfest.com, or email Holly Holliday at holly@createpromotions.com.

About BUBBLYFEST By The Sea

BUBBLYFEST By The Sea is America’s only wine festival dedicated to Champagne and sparkling wine. It brings together the world’s greatest bubbles and winemakers at some of the most breathtaking seascapes along California’s Central Coast. BUBBLYFEST By The Sea is the main event of BUBBLYFEST, which also hosts pop-up events in San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles. A portion of proceeds from BUBBLYFEST events go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County. For more information on BUBBLYFEST events, tickets, participation and sponsorships opportunities, please visit bubblyfest.com, or email Holly Holiday at holly@createpromotions.com.

Ojai Wine Festival Proceeds Continue to Support Ojai Parks & Music

May 5, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

(OJAI, Calif.) — For 30 years, the Ojai Wine Festival has served as the primary non-profit fundraising effort of the Rotary Club of Ojai-West and its numerous philanthropic endeavors that serve to preserve the distinct events and qualities that make Ojai unique. This year, the 30^th Annual Ojai Wine Festival will be taking place Sunday, June 12, from noon-4 p.m. on the shores of picturesque Lake Casitas.

Proceeds from the signature Southern California fine wine and craft beer event have supported Ojai’s historic free summer concerts in Libbey Park for the past 15 years. Funds are regularly contributed to maintain the bandstand, purchase instruments, and provide supplies for the concerts which attract 300-400 attendees each. Libbey Park’s natural oak tree canopy provides the perfect backdrop for the concerts, but other areas of the town’s iconic park are in need of upgrades.

The Rotary Club of Ojai-West is spearheading the funding and installation of the beautiful Libbey Park shade sail project to cover and protect the city’s most popular children’s play area from extreme sun exposure during the summer months. The club’s $15,000 commitment to the costly project will be funded with proceeds from the Ojai Wine Festival.

This year’s festival has been expanded to include exceptional collection of wineries with an extensive VIP tasting experience and winery tours, a silent wine auction, a beer garden with over 30 craft beers, a selection of local restaurants selling culinary delights, arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, a lakeside dance floor and 30^th Anniversary cake cutting ceremony sponsored by Barefoot Wines.

http://ojaiwinefestival.com/

Fourth Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival Saturday, April 23 at Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce

March 14, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Wine aficionados and gourmet foodies will find an exceptional array of palate-pleasing experiences at the Fourth Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival to be held noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23 in the vineyard at Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce. VIP entrance will be at 11 a.m.

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Spot any familiar faces…?

“We are proud to be able to introduce our guests to the wines of Sierra Pelona Valley and beyond,” said Robert Reyes, Wine maker and General Manager Reyes Winery and founder of the Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association. “And this is our fourth year assisting nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley.”

The Festival is a fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. The SCV Senior Center provides comprehensive services to 10,000 seniors and their families annually in a 450 square mile area in and around north L.A. County Fifth Supervisorial District. The service area includes the communities of Santa Clarita, Agua Dulce, Acton, Castaic, Val Verde, Paradise Ranch, Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall, Stevenson Ranch, Oat Mountain, and all of the unincorporated areas in and around the Santa Clarita Valley. There are more than 30 individual programs, one of the largest spectrums of programs and services for senior citizens in the state of California. The SCV Senior Center is the only Senior Center in Los Angeles County that provides 19 of 21 programs and services listed in the Los Angeles County Senior Center Directory.

The Fourth Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival will feature more than 80 food and wine vendors from throughout Southern California, as well as entertainment, specialty items sampling and handmade crafts from local artisans.

Attendees will receive: Specialty event glass, event plate, swag gift bag, wine and food sampling and free parking.

Guests will be treated to gourmet food pairings from highly acclaimed Los Angeles area chefs and artisanal food makers, as well as award-winning wines and other libations at the Festival.

Previous years participants have included: San Antonio Winery, Mystic Hills, Alonso Family Vineyards, Reyes Winery, Steve Hemmert Wines, Agua Dulce Winery, Coruce Vineyards, Chateau Fredeking, Golden Star Vineyard, Iconic Wines, AV Winery, Chavez Vineyards, High Desert Cellars, Charles Wine Co., Bouquet Vineyards, Hearthstone Vineyard and Winery, Bobcat Winery, Harris Wine Biz, Gottwine, LA International Wine Competition, Crillon Importers – Agwa, Rhum Barbancourt, Absente, Magellan Gin, Du Nasi, Six Foukes, Douglas Gould, Wine Neg. Lil Bastard Label, Sarah Jean’s Southern Cuisine, Bella Cucina, Organo Gold Specialty Coffee, Anheuser-Busch, Brown Knows Cider, Pepsi Beverages Company, Porto’s Bakery, Gourmet Blends, Truffles N Toffee, Le Chene French Cuisine, Mickey’s Momma’s BBQ, Thelma’s Morning Café, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Hookah Bar, Tochigan Farms and Culinary Wonders Cooking School.

Festival director Beth Heiserman said the Festival is a “great way to spend the day with friends enjoying great wine, great food and great entertainment in a beautiful vineyard setting.”

Live entertainment for the Festival will be provided by Still Moving Project, Just Us and other musicians.

In addition to food, refreshments, entertainment and an art exhibit from local artists and craftsmen, the Festival will include a raffle featuring wine-and-dine gift certificates, wines and gift baskets.

Jan.1, 2016-April 9, 2016 prepaid for general admission tickets are $75 and VIP $100 (if still available – only 100 tickets are available)

April 10, 2016 -April 23, prepaid and at the door general admission tickets are $85 each.

Designated driver tickets are $40 each.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://reyeswinery.com/events/spv-winefestival.

The Festival is an “adults only” event and open only to guests age 21 and older.

Perlis Picks/Recruits: Wine in the Pines 2016

February 13, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

It is hard to believe that it will soon be wine festival season. And, as we did last year, Eve’s Wine 101 is pleased to be helping Wine in the Pines (see our letter to wineries below – if you are a winery owner and are interested please check it out) to be held Saturday, June 11^th in Pine Mountain Club, just an hour or so north of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Held annually at one of the most picturesque sites you will ever find for a wine festival, Wine in the Pines combines this beautiful venue with great wine, delicious food and fun entertainment. Check out my coverage of this event last year here http://evewine101.com/2015/07/11/perlis-picked-wine-in-the-pines-2015/ and we hope to see you there this time. Last year we several Wine 101ers, so if you make it to this festival, please be sure to stop us and say Hi.

To Our Dear Favorite Wineries:

Just a note from Eve Bushman and Michael Perlis of Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting. We are assisting in the marketing and promotion of this year’s Wine in The Pines set for the afternoon of 6/11/16 and wanted to ask if you would like to join us as we go Into the Woods?

Besides introducing your wine to about 1,000 people from Santa Clarita and Los Angeles, you are encouraged to seek wine club memberships, take wine orders, have your wine sold in their Wine Room Gallery wine bar and receive complimentary tickets.

There is no table fee for you to participate! You will be provided with: table, chairs, canopy, ice, water, wine glasses, etc. – everything except the wine!

From us you will be included in press releases before the event, an article in Eve’s Wine 101 after the event, and tons of social networking in between! Let us know what you’re serving, send us photos, etc., and we will use that information in our promotion of the event – and your winery!

You can fill out the entrance form here and/or contact Debbie Guseman or Mark Bailey by email for more information: thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com(Feel free to cc us too.)

From the organizers:

Wineries will not need to fill out a contract, they can simply go online to submit the entrance form to attend WITP. The link is on our home page www.wineinthepines.com (it’s below the grapes and bottle of wine).

The only difference in our festival this is year is that we will be having a VIP hour from 12-1, all other attendees will be in from 1-4pm.

Yours in wine and out,

Eve Bushman, owner, Eve’s Wine 101, Eve Bushman Consulting

Michael Perlis, Editor. Eve’s Wine 101; VP Eve Bushman Consulting

Garagiste Wine Festival Southern Exposure 2016: California Bubbles Headline Valentine’s Weekend Event

January 11, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Fourth annual wine festival features over 50 hard-to-find, cutting-edge, micro-production wineries from Santa Barbara County, and around California; returns to Solvang Veterans’ Hall February 13^th – 14^th; tickets on sale now.

Paso Robles, CA – Garagiste Events announced that its 2016 Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival will take place on Valentine’s Day weekend February 13^th – 14^that the beautiful, Mission-style Veterans’ Memorial Hall in the heart of Solvang, California. In honor of Valentine’s Day weekend, the festival will feature micro-production local sparkling wines, in addition to handcrafted red and white vintages poured by hard-to-find, cutting-edge commercial artisan ‘garagiste’ wineries from Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Paso Robles, Napa, and more. Proceeds benefit The Garagiste Festival Scholarship Fund at Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Department. Tickets go on sale today at http://garagistefestival.com.

Dubbed a ‘wildly exuberant and fun wine event’ by the LA Times, Southern Exposure features a ‘Grand Tasting’ on both Saturday and Sunday. Each Grand Tasting will be preceded by one of the festival’s signature tasting seminars, moderated by Garagiste Festival Co-founder and radio host Stewart McLennan and featuring expert winemakers.

Saturday’s seminar, led by Tercero Wines’ Larry Schaffer, will explore a variety of interpretations of an underappreciated grape beloved by many Central Coast winemakers – and a grape that the festival organizers consider to be one of the sexiest (and sexiest sounding) – Mourvedre.

Sunday’s seminar, sponsored by BubblyFest, will focus on Sparkling Wines, aka ‘Bubbles’ and feature some of the most exciting and ground-breaking small-production sparkling wines coming out of the Central Coast, including hot new winemaker, Halcyon Wines’ Tyler Elwell, who will be pouring their sparkling Cabernet Franc Rose.

“We are proud to continue our mission of bringing the best new garagiste winemakers to our audience and, just as importantly, bringing the story behind the wines straight from the winemakers themselves,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “Great wines and great winemakers in the beautiful countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley? We think this is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift…and one that could double as the perfect Christmas gift!”

Like all Garagiste Festivals (and unlike many larger wine festivals), Southern Exposure deliberately limits ticket sales to give attendees a comfortable and relaxed tasting experience with personal winemaker interaction. And as always, there will be high-quality wines, first-time and ‘soon-to-break-out’ discoveries, diverse varietals and, of course, a renegade and fun-loving spirit. Launched in Paso Robles in 2011, the non-profit Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemakers, commercial artisan winemakers who handcraft under 1,500 cases a year and pay close, hands-on attention to every wine they make. The only festivals in the US dedicated to these innovative, hard-to-find, micro-production winemakers, the Garagiste Festivals have introduced hundreds of outstanding artisan winemakers to thousands of passionate wine consumers, members of the trade and media, raising the profiles of many of the winemakers nationally for the first time, and raising thousands of dollars for the education of future winemakers.

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

Winemakers already scheduled to pour include: Archium Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Baehner Fournier Vineyards, Bevela Wines*, Brophy Clark Cellars, Carucci Wines, The Central Coast Group Project, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Clos des Amis, Coda Wines, Cordon Wines, Dascomb Cellars, El Lugar Wines, Graef Wines, Halcyon Wines*, Iter Wine*, Kessler Haak Vineyard, La Montagne Winery, Larner Vineyard, Levo Wines, Mallea Wines*, MCV Wines, Millesime Cellars*, C. Nagy Wines, Pace Family Wines, Press Gang Cellars, Rhythm Wines*, Ryan Cochrane Wines, Scott Cellars, Seagrape Wines, small + tall wines*, Stirm Wines*, STANGER/JP3, Tercero Wines, Travieso Winery, Trojak-Knier Winery, Weatherborne, West of Temprance*, Workman Ayer.

Garagiste Festival Sponsors include: Tonnellerie St. Martin, Glenn Burdette, Farm Credit West.

Hotel Sponsors include: VisitSYV.com, The Hamlet Inn.

For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

*New to the Garagiste Festival

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

About The Garagiste Wine Festivals

The Garagiste Wine Festivals (http://www.garagistefestival.com) are the first and only wine festivals dedicated to the undiscovered and under-recognized American artisan ‘garagiste’ producers who are making some of the best, most exciting, handcrafted small-lot production wines in the world. Founded by fellow garagistes Stewart McLennan and Douglas Minnick, the Garagiste Festivals are committed to discovering the best and most innovative limited-production winemakers and promoting and showcasing them to a broad audience of discerning wine consumers. In addition to its flagship annual festival in Paso Robles, CA, the Garagiste Festival line-up includes Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure, featuring Santa Ynez Valley garagistes; the Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, in Los Angeles; garagiste mini-tastings presented from So Cal to Tahoe; winemaker dinners, a newsletter, garagiste profiles and more. The festivals were 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.

Tickets now on sale for the Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend & Festival

December 13, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

The Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend is four days of wine, food and fun throughout Santa Barbara County.

Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 10:00 AM
– to –
Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 5:00 PM (PDT)

Various Locations
Santa Barbara Wine Country, California 93427

More details can be found at www.sbvintnersweekend.com.

Schedule of Events:

Thursday – Sunday 11am-5pm, Vintners Visa at various participating wineries and tasting rooms
Friday 6:30pm, Big Bottle Bash at Presqui’ile Vineyard & Winery in the Santa Maria Valley
Saturday 10-11:30am, Santa Barbara Wine Seminar at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton
Saturday 1-4pm (early entry at noon), Festival Grand Tasting at the River View Park in Buellton

The highlight of the weekend is the Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 23 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m (early netry at noon) at the beautiful River View Park in Buellton. Enjoy wine from more than one hundred members wineries; food sampling from more than twenty food purveyors; live music; wine and cooking demonstrations; local artisans; silent auction and free parking all included in the ticket price. Early entry is available at noon for a special price or experience our Connoisseurs Club for a more intimate festival experience.

Join us on Friday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m, for the Big Bottle Bash kick-off event featuring large format bottled wines and dinner at the beautiful Presqu’ile Vineyard and Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. In the style of a La Paulee, guests are invited to bring their own large format bottle to share with fellow guests.

The Saturday morning Santa Barbara Wine Wine Seminar moderated by Patrick Comiskey of Wine & Spirits from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton will feature an in-depth tasting of syrah featuring a panel of six local winemakers.

Want to visit up to twelve tasting rooms on an all-inclusive wine tasting pass? Get a Vintners Visa for unique and complimentary offerings at your choice of twelve participating tasting rooms from Thursday – Sunday. Typically 30 – 40 wineries and tasting rooms participate in this program. When you purchase your visa, you will select the pick-up location of the actual visa. You will print out the ticket receipt, take the receipt to your chosen winery/tasting room, and exchange the receipt for a Vintners Visa.

Throughout the four day weekend many wineries host their own events, including open houses, winemaker dinners, library tastings, new wine releases, and barrel tastings. Some of these individual events require reservations directly with the host winery.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Only 21 or older are allowed into the Festival Grand Tasting.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Free on-site parking and round-trip bus tickets available from Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

(805) 688-0881 or info@sbcountywines.com

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

September 28, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Southern California’s Largest Food and Wine Festival Raises a Glass to Celebrate its

12-Year Anniversary

San Diego, CA – The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns to America’s Finest City November 15-22, 2015, and is bigger and better than ever. Ticket sales have officially launched for the 12^th annual festival, and co-producer Michelle Metter says that food, wine, and local enthusiasts can expect to see exciting new additions throughout the week as well as the return of festival classics such as the iconic Grand Tasting and signature Taco TKO Fish Taco Competition.

“The city of San Diego is a hub for culinary tourism, and is home to a selection of the nation’s best restaurants, breweries, chefs, sommeliers and beyond,” continued Metter. “Each year, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival showcases our city’s best talent, and allows over 10,000 guests from around the world to indulge in an epicurean experience of a lifetime.”

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is an international showcase of the world’s premier wines and spirits, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. The week-long experience celebrates San Diego’s vibrant culinary community with over 100 citywide events, wine and cooking classes, chef dinners, and multiple tasting events throughout the week. The Festival’s legendary Grand Tasting, presented by Lexus, transforms the beautiful San Diego Bay into a food lover’s paradise, featuring over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits from around the world, 70 of San Diego’s best restaurants, and 10,000 wine and food aficionados from across the nation.

Additionally the Festival attracts celebrated chefs from across the country, including host of the 1970s PBS television series Cooking Mexican, Rick Bayless; James Beard award-winning chef, Gale Gand; Antonin Careme medal holder, Suzette Gresham; Iron Chef America winner, Katsuya Fukushima; authors of Talk With Your Mouth Full, The Hearty Boys; Executive Chef for Cooking Light, Anna Bullet; Maître Cuisinier De France, Bernard Guillas; Chef of Bracero Cocina de Raiz, Javier Plascencia; Chef and Owner of Común Kitchen & Tavern, Chad White, and the 2014 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Chef of the Fest Winner, Duvinh Ta, Executive Chef of Jake’s Del Mar.

Local culinary standouts also fill out the roster of chef all-stars, including: Steve de Barril, Executive Chef and Partner, Seasons 52; Adam Gunderson, Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room; Trevor Chappell, Executive Chef, The Barrel Room; Priscilla Curiel, Chef and Manager, Talavera Azul; Mark Kropczynski, Executive Chef, Grant Grill; Giorgio Lo Verde, Chef, Il Fornaio Coronado; Jason McLeod, Executive Chef / Owner, Ironside Fish & Oyster; John Medall, Executive Chef, The Patio Restaurant Group; James Montejano, Executive Chef, The MED at La Valencia; Anthony Sinsay, Executive Chef, Duke’s La Jolla; Amy DiBiase, Executive Chef, Tidal; Steve Stawinski, Executive Chef, Creekside Grill; Chef Kappa, Executive Chef, Bang Bang; Kimberly Kramer, Executive Chef, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa; Giorgio Lo Verde, Executive Chef, Il Fornaio Coronado; Sam Kambo, Executive Chef, Royal India; Leticia Gonzalez, Chef, Uptown Tavern; Jarrod Moiles, Executive Chef, Veladora; Kevin Templeton, Executive Chef, barleymash, and many more!

New this year, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has partnered with SommCon – a four-day educational conference for wine, beer and spirit professionals as well as serious enthusiasts. Held November 18-21, 2015, this new partnership gives festival attendees access to over 50 new tasting and educational experiences led by the brightest minds in the business. Committed to enhancing the “business of wine,” the educational content featured at SommCon was designed by a team of over 25 of the wine industry’s top professionals who have joined together to form “Team SommCon.”

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival offers several ways for epicurean enthusiasts to indulge in the most decadent culinary experience of the year, including all-inclusive ticket packages that offer overall savings, and feature hotel accommodations as well as admission to a selection of the food and wine festival’s premier events. Discounted accommodations are available at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, hotel reservations and ticket packages can be reserved by calling, 877.385.9595.

To preview the schedule of events and featured celebrities visit the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival online at www.sandiegowineclassic.com. Events, personalities and participating wineries and restaurants are updated daily.

SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

The 12^th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is an international showcase of the world’s premier wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. Held November 15-22, 2015 the event benefits culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded by The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Over 200 wineries, breweries and spirit companies and 70 of San Diego’s top fine dining restaurants will participate in the 2015 Festival. For more information visit www.sandiegowineclassic.com. Produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward Event Productions. For more information call 619-312-1212.

Vintage Beacon Circa Oct 2010: Time for the LA…No…Make that the SCV…Wine Fest!

July 28, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Try and keep up Santa Claritans. In a little over three months there will be a new fest in town. Nope, it’s not the Classic or a Goose flying through – although they would both be more than welcome – we’re getting our first SCV Wine Fest from the man that has been orchestrating the LA Wine Fest for five years, Dr. Joel M. Fisher.

And it all started because Fisher knew, via this wine tattletale, that we needed/wanted/missed our fests lately. He made me very happy when he said, “I don’t intend to go away.”

Fisher continued, “Remember I talked to some of the early birds on the scene on working with them.” Fisher, in fact, attended the Loose Goose and the All Corked Up Fest a few years back and has continued to visit the SCV wine world as a guest lecturer in some of DiMaggio Washington’s wine classes at COC.

Fisher, a published author, wine educator and event planner, is usually rooted to LA. But for the past few weeks he’s been up to our ‘hood just to get to know the folks that keep inviting him here for meetings in the city’s tourism office and making trips to “The Embassy” (What the Embassy Suites will be known as from now own for hosting this event.)

I sat down recently with his Director of Sales, Douglas Gould and Executive Director, Gary Choppe’ to talk about the event. Locals know Gary Choppe’ as he owns Choppe’ Advertising Group and managed the ACU Festival last year. And Doug Gould brings an international sales and marketing expertise with a focus on Hospitality and Wine events.

“The Embassy was a natural choice,” said Choppe. “As it’s close enough to the 126 and 5 freeways to accommodate the guests that normally come to our fests from outside of Santa Clarita.”

So, let me tell you what you can expect. I’ve been to Fisher’s LA Wine Fest for the past few years and am continually amazed at the array of talent – yes, talent – that is honored to pour for him.

From Sake Sommeliers to Scotch Sommeliers. From home wine makers in Manhattan Beach to Napa Wineries. Gourmet Cheese to Gourmet Grilled Cheese trucks.

Our event is scheduled for the afternoon on Saturday February 12, 2011 – and includes access to a VIP room for the first 125 guests that sign up – located at The Embassy (Suites) located at 28508 Westinghouse Place, Valencia, 91355.

So for now dear reader, go to www.SCVWineFest.com and be one of the first 100 to snatch up a ticket at an early birdie price of $30. Fisher will announce the next price, yes it will go up in increments as we get closer to the event, in another couple of weeks.

And consider my idea: Buy tickets for holiday gift-giving now! Stocking stuffers, early Valentines present, whatever, I’m telling you this is the E-Ticket for winos here and beyond.

And look for me! I’ll be there as your Honorary Wine Conduit, or some-such-nonsense. Because, gee, I don’t think I could be any more passionate about our newest FEST!

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

OJAI WINE FESTIVAL Does it Right, by Michael Perlis

July 18, 2015 by evebushman 1 Comment

What makes a good wine festival? A great selection of wine, of course, but also a great location. And what turns a good festival into a great one? Great organization to keep things running smoothly.

For the second day of our Southern California wine-soaked weekend, my wife Karen and I recently attended the 29^th Annual Ojai Wine Festival. Now, I’m not sure how long Angela May and her team have been in charge of the event (I know it’s been at least the last three years since we’ve been attending) but they definitely have this wine festival thing down.

This is a big festival, taking over much of the Lake Casitas Recreation Area in Ojai. Right on the shore of Lake Casitas, actually. Along with a wide range of central coast wineries [from Ventura to Paso Robles], the event also includes great food and beer, as well as two bands to while away a warm pre-summer afternoon.

One of the things I really love about this festival is the event guide. It’s a great place for local merchants to advertise. And attendees can use it as a guide for their day as well as to follow up with wineries after the event is over. Not all festivals do this, but they all should.

Speaking of something people should do, festival attendees should take advantage of VIP tickets when they are available. Many events do offer this perk for an added cost, and in most cases the extra cost is well worth it.

The Ojai Wine Festival is one of those that offers a limited number of VIP Tickets, and the price is well worth it. Not only do you get early access [beat the crowds!], but you start the festival with a glass of Barefoot Bubbly to get you in the mood. And of course, there is the VIP section of the festival, with great seating by the lake and access to the VIP wines and food, as well as beers from Stella Artois [and spirits too].

As usual, this report is primarily about the wineries. And also as usual, there was no way for me to taste all of them. But, of those I tasted, these were some of my favorites:

First, two wineries that were real eye-openers for me…

Ascension Cellars from Paso Robles was pouring in both the VIP section and the main tasting area. The wines in the VIP section were definitely VIP-worthy. All their wines were outstanding. People who know me know that I am mostly a Rhone/Zin guy, but I have to say their Soul Shaker Bordeaux blend really rocked and was my favorite wine of the day. Their Mayhem Syrah was right behind this one.

Falcone Family Winery, also in the VIP section and also pouring some outstanding selections from Paso Robles along with a great Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley. They do something pretty gutsy with their highest end wine, producing a non-vintage 2012/2013 blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon called Annate. Knocked my socks off and came in a very close 2^nd for my favorite wine of the events.

Other standouts…

Bonny Doon Vineyards from Santa Cruz continues to make tasty wines, including the latest version of Clos de Gilroy (Central Coast Grenache).

Kenneth Volk Vineyards makes a wide variety of wines, some of which come from unusual grape varietals, such as the delicious Touriga Nacional from Paso Robles.

Toucan Wines, based in Arroyo Grande, is known for its estate Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which I loved. But my favorite is always Doug Timewell’s Carignane that he makes with grapes from old vines in Contra Costa County. Sadly, Doug is getting out of the wine business soon, and it will be our loss.

The Ventura County Winery Association had their own little corner of the festival. Pouring were Cantara Cellars, Panaro Brothers Winery, Plan B Wine Cellars, Magnavino Cellars and Sunland Vintage Winery. Lots of good wines; standouts for me were the Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc from Cantara and the Grenache Rose and the Syrah from Plan B.

As I wrap up, I need to add one more element to a great festival – the attendees. The crowd is about as friendly as it gets and we have made friends there who we look forward to seeing annually, maybe sooner.

So, that’s it. Great wine, beer, food, entertainment and people all on the shores of Lake Casitas. Not sure it could get any better.

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

LA is Thirsty for the Upcoming Pinot Wine Festival

July 8, 2015 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills, Calif. – Los Angeles welcomes the best of Pinot wines as wineLA is set to host

their first annual STARS of Pinot Wine Festival on Wednesday, August 19, 2015

at Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Attendees can expect to taste some of the top artisan Pinot based wines from around the world. Wineries have been invited to participate from Italy, New Zealand, Chile and Oregon and of course from our own backyard, California: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Maria, Central Coast, Carneros, and Sonoma Coast. Tickets for wineLA’s Stars of Pinot WineFestival will include an elegant assortment of hors d’oeuvres and a number of lofty auction items to bid on. Auction items will range from $100 to $2,000. One hundred percent of silent auction proceeds will benefit TJ Martell Foundation, charity 501c3 raising money for Children’s Cancer Research.

STARS of Pinot will begin at 7:00p.m (6pm for the VIP). Advanced tickets may be purchased for $95 per person online or at the door for $125. There are a limited number of VIP 6:00pm admission tickets (includes full dinner buffet and Pinot Noir Panel tasting with noted experts and Masters of Wine) available for $150 per person (advanced ticket sale) or $200 at the door.

For more information about STARS of Pinot or to purchase tickets, call wineLA at 310-451-7600 or visit www.winela.com or http://www.winela.com/starsofpinot

About Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

“Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a stunning hotel in LA offering elegant luxury accommodations and dramatic decor with an ambiance that combines see-and-be-seen excitement and the calm of an urban resort. Ideally situated on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, this West Hollywood hotel is conveniently located near Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Discover a unique blend of French fashion mixed with Hollywood glamour at this elegant hotel. Choose from 295 rooms on 10 floors including 26 suites and two Imperial Suites all featuring Sofitel’s luxurious feather top and duvet sleep system – SoBed.” Sofitel is located at 8555 Beverly Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA.

About wineLA

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

wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.