Locals from the Santa Clarita Valley, and some from out of the area, got to enjoy a great selection of wines produced by some small artisan winemakers, most of which you’d have a hard time finding in retail shops.

Represented at the event were wines from:
B & P Winery
Cantara Cellars
Estrella Creek
Gagnon Cellars
Golden Star Vineyards
Nugguciet Cellars
Reyes Winery
Trinitas

Rounding out the selection were additional wines provided by two quality wine distributors – Wine Warehouse and Southern Wine & Spirits.

Wine highlights for me were (I didn’t taste everything):
B & P  — 2009 and 2010 Syrahs
Cantara Cellars – 2010 Zinfandel
Estrella Creek – Moondancer
Gagnon Cellars – 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon Reserve
Golden Star Vineyards – 2012 Syrah

Great appetizers were provided from the Cheers kitchen – my favorite was the chorizo-stuffed empanadas.

And, if all that wasn’t enough for the paltry entrance fee of $20, Theresa Bruneau kept the crowd entertained with her singing.

The place was full, but not uncomfortably so. The television in the VIP lounge had the football game on, and several attendees took a break in there. Wait times were low, and if you did have to wait at least you were being entertained by the music. In most cases, the winemakers were there for one-on-one conversations. And, wine was available to purchase and take home, which is unusual for a wine tasting event. At the end of the event, I saw a lot of smiling faces.  (Some of the photos from the event can be viewed here:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201317318202381.1073741840.1455706632&type=1&l=612a7f62ac)

The owners, Al Robles and Terri Rivera, are planning on putting on more events soon. I’d love some input to provide to them. What did you think of the event? Would you like another one? Or maybe a winemaker dinner? Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Michael Perlis provides outsourced controller services to businesses that do not need a full-time controller. He balances this with his interest in wine: reading and writing about it and, of course, drinking it. He is still trying to figure out how to combine these two pursuits. Feel free to contact him about either at mcpfinancial@aol.com or michaelthezinfan@aol.com.