Paso Robles Announces Virtual Auction Giving Access to One-of-a-Kind Experiences

April 26, 2021 by evebushman

Paso Robles, CA – The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance (PRWCA) has announced the launch of their first-ever Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction. Set to begin on Monday, May 10, and running through Sunday, May 16, this online auction features over 25 lots from more than 50 Paso Robles wine country businesses, including wineries, hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and recreation outfitters. The specially curated auction lots are exclusive packages that are not available as retail experiences where wineries not only offer wine but luxury overnight stays in wine country, winemaker dinners at Paso’s best restaurants, high-touch educational vineyard tours, as well as rare and allocated wines. Funds generated from the Wine Country Virtual Auction benefit the Paso Robles Wine Country Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization that gives back to the community primarily through educational scholarships for aspiring young adults headed off to college. Visit https://pasowine.com/events/virtual-auction to begin viewing lots.

The weeklong online auction will run from May 10 to 16, which precedes the traditional time when the annual Paso Robles Wine Festival takes place. Considering event restrictions and limitations on large gatherings, this auction allows the Paso Robles wine region to showcase the wine country lifestyle to fans and bidders from around the country. One-of-a-kind lots like A French Family Affair brings the families of L’Aventure, Clos Solène, and Benom together for a dinner for six with the highest bidder at the high-end, French cuisine restaurant Les Petites Canailles. Another multi-brand experience unique to Paso Robles brings a group of eight to Sixmilebridge where owner Jim Moroney treats guests to the dinner table with winemaker Anthony Yount. Dinner also features the wines of other brands that Anthony makes including Denner Vineyards and Royal Nonesuch Farms.

There are impossible to find lots available to the highest bidder as well, like a complete current release package (12 bottles) of Saxum wines along with two signed 1.5L magnums. Another hard-to-get lot includes an Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon vintage line-up, including the vintages of 2015 – 2019, along with two signed large format bottles of the 2017 and 2018 vintages.

Overnight stays offer everything from a three-night getaway in a luxury house stay for six at Turley Wine Cellars to the equally luxurious stay for two at the new Geneseo Inn on Cass Winery’s 145-acre estate. These stays and many more uber-cool experiences are on the auction block ready to be won. Visit https://pasowine.com/events/virtual-auction as new lots will be added daily leading up to the launch on Monday, May 10, 2021.

“We are excited to showcase some incredibly rare offerings unique to Paso Robles wine country that have been pulled from personal cellars and paired with incredible experiences that we’ve never seen offered in our area!” said Molly Scott, Chairperson of the PRWCA Board of Directors, and Director of Grower Relations for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. “Equally exciting is the new online auction format which allows Paso Wine fans across the world to partake in helping raise funds that we will channel right back into our local community through our foundation.”

This auction uses the Greater Giving Online Bidding platform, allowing for a paperless bidding system. Bidders use a smartphone, tablet, or desktop to bid on auction items and can easily track lots by “following” their activity without having to continuously return to a table or bid sheet.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation has been giving back to the local community through high school scholarships for 15 years. These scholarships help college and trade school-bound young adults to have a little extra funding to take some of the pressure off affording tuitions, materials, travel, etc. as they plan their futures. The Paso Robles wine community is proud to help the next generation reach their goals.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction launches on Monday, May 10; however, lots are being populated online now. Visit https://pasowine.com/events/virtual-auction to begin viewing lots and check back daily. The inventory of unique and exceptional experiences grows by the day leading up to the May 10 open bidding. The auction concludes at midnight, on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is the official trade organization that represents wineries, growers, and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third-largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit pasowine.com. Facebook – @PasoRoblesWine, Instagram – @Pasowine, #pasowine.

Wine LA Presents: Rhône Warriors 2021 At Home Edition, February 24, 26 & 27

February 8, 2021 by evebushman

We’ve gathered a compelling mixture of some of the greatest Rhône wine producers for a memorable series of tastings – LIVE with the winemakers! Travel with us via Zoom and have wines delivered to your home to taste and experience a battle for the Rhône throne! Join the winemakers LIVE for one tasting or join all THREE! A silent auction will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles via our 501(c)(3) partner, Unite The United.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now! Tickets will sell out; prices increase as the event date approaches.

For information and to purchase tickets please visit:
www.RHONEWARS.com

Night 1 – 2/24 Wednesday, 7pm:

Lasseter Family Winery

Melville Winery

Andrew Murray Vineyards

Tablas Creek

LAW Estate

Force Majeure

Night 2 – 2/26 Friday, 7pm:

Ledge

Denner Vineyards

Jada Vineyard & Winery

Nelle Winery

Skinner Vineyards

RD Winery

Night 3 – 2/27 Saturday, 7pm:

McKahn Family Cellars

Dusty Nabor Wines

Bushong Vintage Company

Brecon Estate

Byron Blatty Wines

Troon Vineyard

ABOUT IAN BLACKBURN

Ian graduated from California Polytechnic University in Hospitality Management in 1991 (Distinguished Alumni 2008) and is a live-long crusader for wine and improving the wine lifestyle. In 1995, Ian pioneered the internet’s first website dedicated to wine education and in 2020, he re-launches learnaboutwine.com to allow nationwide access to his passionate wine classes, tasting events and virtual tastings via Zoom. Ian’s career has shifted from floor service, to distributor representative, to state manager for an international wine portfolio, to author, to internet wine pioneer and now Ian is a leader in Zoom-based wine classes and events. In 2009, Ian launched his own wine brand with Clay Mauritson dedicated to the world’s best Zinfandel; Beekeeper Cellars continues to amass top scores (95-97 points) critical acclaim and professional praise. Ian has dedicated his life to fine wine and holds a number of credentials from the Society of Wine Educators, and continues his study with the Masters of Wine in London. Ian’s first book was published in 2002 and he expects to publish a new book in 2021.

Since 2001, Ian has served as an official Educational Ambassador for the Regions of Champagne, France and The Napa Valley. Celebrating 25+ years in Wine Education, this new age of on line education played right into Ian’s creative hands – contact info@learnaboutwine.com to hire Ian for your corporate event or private function. Also visit any of Ian’s websites at:

and more to come!

About Unite The United:

Unite The United Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit, fundraising organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Their mission is to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and action sports worlds to work toward positive change, by supporting local charities, producing events, and participating in community volunteerism events across the United States.

Wine Market Journal Launches New, Powerful Rare Wine Valuation Website

December 31, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Wine Market Journal, the world’s premier resource for wine auction values and market trends, announces the launch of their new platform with additional features and extensive new data sources. With over 2.5 Million trades reported worldwide, the website empowers its subscribers and data partners with the most accurate and up-to-date rare wine valuation information.

For over 20 years, Wine Market Journal has tracked and reported every significant in-person and online rare wine trade in the world. Leveraging the power of millions of rare wine auction transactions, the Wine Market Journal reports stock market-like indices for the most active and important wine regions and market sectors. The platform also announces upcoming auctions.

“We are excited to unveil an all-new platform that brings powerful features and a broader data set to rare wine traders and collectors. Since 1997, we have painstakingly collected and published trade data from the world’s most significant auction venues. With our new website, we now offer actual wine sales transactions from over 25 top fine and rare wine retailers,” says Peter Gibson, Publisher of Wine Market Journal. “This information was never before available, and the enhanced features allow trade partners, investors and top collectors to make the most informed and accurate buy and sell decisions for rare wine ever.”

Wine Market Journal has proven to be the most comprehensive and trusted tool by auction houses, rare wine retailers, and major stakeholders in the world of fine wine collecting and investing. This powerful platform now grants commercial data partners access to over 1.1 million retail rare wine transactions.

Dave Parker, CEO Benchmark Wine Group comments, “The Wine Market Journal is the primary source of valuation information used by Benchmark Wine when making offers for top wine cellars. We’re looking forward to the additional auction and new retail trade information offered out to data partners, and Benchmark is proud to contribute our retail results as part of that program.”

The dataset from Wine Market Journal powers the cellar valuation feature on CellarTracker and is used by Benchmark Wine Group for wine appraisals and proprietary pricing tools.

“We are expanding data partner program to all interested wine retailers and auction houses,” continues Gibson.

For more information on The Wine Market Journal, contact Michelle Erland at Michelle@parallel36.com or Pia Szabo at Pszabo@parallel36.com.

About Wine Market Journal: Wine Market Journal is the wine industry’s most comprehensive and trusted resource for wine auction trade values and market information. Since 1997, the Wine Market Journal has tracked every solid lot wine auction trade reported by the major houses in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Data is reported in the timeliest fashion and with utmost accuracy. Wine Market Journal is the only resource, online or in print, to track increasingly important internet trades and is powered by a database of over 2.5 million unique values. Wine Market Journal is owned by First Growth Technologies, the official wine appraiser for Silicon Valley Bank and AIG.

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

May 21, 2020 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acker Partners With United Sommeliers Foundation To Help Sommeliers Affected By Restaurant Closures

May 17, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Acker Wines has announced its formal partnership with the United Sommeliers Foundation, (USF), in an effort to support wine professionals affected by the crisis. Acker will be accepting auction consignments of wine and spirits to directly benefit the USF program, which provides financial assistance to sommeliers who have been furloughed as a result of widespread restaurant closures. Acker will donate a portion of its proceeds from each lot sold on behalf of United Sommeliers Foundation to the cause.

“We are very pleased to be working with the United Sommeliers Foundation, helping give back to the sommelier community that has been so good to us over the decades that we’ve spent hosting wine events in many cities worldwide,” said Acker Chairman, John Kapon. “We hope collectors will reach into their cellars, even for just a few bottles, to benefit the sommeliers who help us, in business and in pleasure, during the regular course of our lives. So much of our business is done in the great restaurants of the world, and so we will be accepting consignments to benefit their grant program, assisting wine professionals whose livelihoods have been affected by this ongoing global health crisis. We look forward to doing our part to support efforts like these, and to return to their restaurants to share a glass together soon.”

To offer wines for auction on behalf of the United Sommeliers Foundation, please email wine lists to consignments@ackerwines.com or visit https://www.ackerwines.com/ConsignMyWines, including “USF Donation” in the subject line. For more information about the United Sommeliers Foundation, visit https://www.unitedsommeliersfoundation.org/.

The auction season continues for Acker with a “live online” Spirits-only auction in Hong Kong on May 9th and another sale in New York City on May 15th. Acker is always accepting wines for consignment. Weekly web auctions are closing every week. Acker is hosting Virtual Vintage Tastings with John Kapon on Zoom at 8pm ET and Instagram at 9pm ET on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, email info@ackerwines.com.

About Acker
Established in 1820, Acker is the oldest wine shop in America and the world’s largest fine and rare wine auction house. Since third generation wine merchant John Kapon, Chairman of Acker, started the auction business in 1998, the house has gained worldwide recognition. Acker offers a vast array of services, including cellar consultations, a deep retail inventory of fine and rare wine for immediate sale, first class wine education amenities, in-store tastings daily, and its ne plus ultra – fine and rare wine auctions.

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.

8th Annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off is Getting Spicy (Check out who the judges are…)

January 20, 2020 by evebushman

The 8th Annual Santa Clarita Valley Charity Chili Cook-off is set to feature 40 amateur chefs

to compete for the most prestigious awards of the event.

The 8^th annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off, and organizers are looking for sponsors and chili cooker contestants. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17^th, 2020 (St. Patrick’s Day) at The Hyatt Regency in Valencia. Chefs will go head-to-head in an effort to take the People’s Choice and Judges Choice awards for the top three chilies’ in each category.

The earnings raised this year will be donated to two local charities, FeedSCV and the Wish Foundation wellness centers.

FeedSCV will use the donation for their weekend backpack program from FeedSCV, “Ready To Learn.” The program currently serves The Newhall School District. It provides meals for kids identified as “in need” by the district’s social services, some, classified as homeless. That can include kids staying with relatives (couch-surfing) or living with parents in cars or RVs, or similar circumstances. Each Friday, the kids get to take home a backpack filled with “shelf-stable” single-serving meals for the weekend: Three meals per day and a few snacks as well. Volunteers acquire the food, stuff the backpacks, and deliver them to the schools each week. Currently, the program is nearing capacity and the additional funds will allow increased capacity both in terms of food, and access to a larger assembly site.

The WiSH Education Foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap in state funding; we fund programs that are not paid for by tax dollars alone. Our goal is to provide the tools for success in the classroom and to benefit as many students as possible with our dollars. Our funding focus is STEAM with an emphasis on the Arts – we strongly feel that all students, regardless of interest and passion, deserve support to reach their potential. At this time and given the recent tragedy at Saugus High School, WiSH is focusing attention and detail on wellness across the district. That directed funding would provide whatever is needed for the mental wellness of our student body across the district which would include wellness centers, a tech-free safe space that offers classes, seminars, self-help and triage for those needing a break any time during their school day. WiSH is also raising funding to renovate the Saugus High quad as a comfortable and social gathering space for the campus.

“We hope to raise more money than ever for these two charities this year.” said event co-founder Nicole Stinson. “It has been humbling to watch this event gain popularity each year, and I am excited with our new celebrity judges so far this year Eve Bushman with Eve Bushman Consulting and Eves Wine 101, Austin Dave an award-winning multimedia journalist and two additional judges to be announced in the coming weeks.

Since 2012, the chili cook-off organizers have donated the proceeds to different local nonprofit organizations.

Those who attend the upcoming chili cook-off will have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, silent and live auctions, casino tables and a 50/50 opportunity drawing.

“Opportunities are still available for sponsors, to register to be a chili cooker contestant, and a vendor” said event organizers. “So, grab your secret family recipe, get your chili pot out of storage, and get cooking.”

Contestant fees are $125 per person, while general admission tickets are scheduled to be sold online for $25 before Feb. 14 and $30 after Feb.14. In addition, a limited number of advance-purchase VIP tickets are also available for $65, which includes early entry at 5:30, one drink ticket, VIP area access, VIP parking, swag bag and VIP hors-d’oeuvres.

Sponsors to date include 24/7 Events, Scorpion , Christy Smith, Loan Depot, A1 Party, The Santa Clarita Signal, Santa Clarita Magazine, KHTS Radio, Valley Publications, J & M Entertainment, Ring of Smiles Photo booth, Logix Federal Credit Union, Schlick Art, Event Staffing , Skycrest Signs, Nealies Skillet, SCVTV, Valley Wide Escrow, Back to Health Chiropractic, Hyatt Regency Valencia, Remax of SCV, Finance of America, My Print Express, NextHome Real Estate Rockstars, The Douglas Roberts Insurance Agency, Newhall Escrow, Southland Regional Association of Realtors, Bank of the Sierra, Casino Kings.

For more information please visit www.scvcharitychilicookoff.com or call Nicole Stinson Estate Realty Group 661-816-4234 or Steve Portaro 310-800-3064.

One January Night wine event set for Jan 29 at Salt Creek Grille, Featuring Epoch Estate Wines and Benefits Boys and Girls Club of SCV

January 6, 2020 by evebushman

For this special event Jordan Fiorentini of Paso Roble’s EPOCH Estate Wines will be pouring select wines from the winery’s collection while Salt Creek’s Chef, Tamra Levine, serves food to pair with each pour for a limited number of guests on January 29. Ticket link https://www.scvbgc.org/wine-event/

Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch Estate Wines has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small- production wines with abundant personalities from Paso Robles, CA. Located on the storied York Mountain, Epoch is an ultra-premium producer of wines from Rhone, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. As the steward of both the historic York Mountain Winery property and the Paderewski Vineyard, Epoch is committed to the land it cherishes, the quality wines crafted, and the rich legacies now shared with the next generation of Epoch drinkers.

Wine Spectator raves, “Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini makes beautiful Rhône-style wines.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate exclaims, “Epoch’s wines succeed in capturing all the power of which western Paso Robles is capable, but for all their structure, extract and ripe fruit, they’re beautifully balanced and texturally refined, with new oak very much taking a back seat to the grapes and the vineyards. Fiorentini is clearly passionate and a perfectionist, and I’m sure Epoch is only going to go from strength to strength in coming vintages.”

The event will also feature exclusive auction items available only that evening.

Hosted by: Carl & Terry Kanowsky. Hors d’oeuvres provided by: Salt Creek Grille

A Special Auction Package Offered by Epoch Estate Wines

Experience theEpoch winemaking journey firsthand with this weekend package. Your stay can accommodate two couples for a weekend (three days and two nights) in Epoch’s Vineyard Suites, a two-bedroom abode on the York Mountain property that the Armstrongs now cherish as personal guest quarters. Both suites are beautifully restored, each boasting a queen bed, a full bathroom, and the most breath-taking views of the California Central Coast off their back patios. The Vineyard Suites come stocked with amenities including a mini- fridge, Keurig Coffee Maker, toaster, and microwave as well as breakfast items and snacks.

During your stay, you are invited to visit Epoch’s new Tasting Room, located down the road from the Vineyard Suites to enjoy a complimentary flight tasting for four people. Here you will learn more about Epoch and the history Bill and Liz are preserving on the historic York Mountain property, home to the first bonded winery on the Central Coast. This unique and coveted experience also includes a private tour of their York Mountain Vineyard and a barrel tasting at Epoch’s state-of-the-art winery. The Epoch team will be happy to assist in recommending other great wineries and restaurants in the Paso area for you to enjoy during your visit. Finally, to put the winners in the mood for their trip to Paso, you will walk away from the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Wine Tasting event with a signed magnum of Epoch wine!

This package accommodates up to four people for two nights and does not include airfare, transportation, or meals. Dates must be mutually agreed upon by all parties.

Awarded to the highest bidder. Value: Priceless. Donated by Epoch Estate Wines

The 11th Annual STARS of Cabernet, Once Again at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Wednesday, November 13th

October 30, 2019 by evebushman

LA’s #1 Cabernet Showcase – no other event features the breadth of quality Cabernet wines in such an exceptional tasting environment, with an intimate high-tier audience limited to 140 guests!! As expected, this event sells-out every year and raises money for T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Cabernet is KING and The STARS of Cabernet embraces the continued refinement inside the Cabernet category! Wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma Country, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, France, Chile, and Washington will be on display with abundant tray-passed appetizers and culinary delights! The STARS are the wineries themselves, and whenever possible, the winery table is hosted by a winemaker, proprietor, and/or a winery executive. A “first hand” tasting experience like none-other.

Over 35 luxury brands will be pouring over 100 amazing wines (For each of the featured Cabernets, wines retail at $50 or more). This event features the option of enjoying a 5:30 PM “Insignia” dinner with the President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Clarice Turner plus VIP tasting status **or** A 6 PM VIP Ticket providing early access to the Grand Tasting and includes: (1) A Peninsula Buffet Dinner w/ Carving station, (2) an older vintage tasting during the VIP hour, (3) a limited collectable tasting of Dana Estate and Dominus Estate, AND (4) the full registry of over 100 luxury wines, both Cabernet and other celebrated efforts / varieties from all places of quality. Both the 5:30 Dinner and the 6:00 PM VIP tickets include a VIP GIFT BAG of assorted artisanal treasures from various sponsors, with this year’s bag sponsored by GELSON’S. The 7PM ticket includes unlimited tasting and Peninsula Tray-Passed Appetizers with a Pasta station. All attending guests are also welcome to stay for the 9pm after party – when the music comes up and out comes the dessert! Magic Castle Magician Zach Waldman (made infamous on The Howard Stern Show!) will be performing throughout the evening showing off his sleight of hand expertise.

THE STARS OF CABERNET 2019 INCLUDE:

Addendum, ZD Wines, Bernardus, Trujillo Wines, Bulgheroni Wine, Crown Point Vineyards, Chappellet, Almaviva, Joseph Phelps, Allegretto Winery, Jack Wines, Two Old Dogs, Beaulieu Vineyard, AXR, Clark Claudon, Michel Rolland, The Debate, V. Vineyards, Monteverro, Hawk & Horse Vineyards, Napanook, Frank Family Vineyards, Teachworth Napa, J. Bookwalter Wines, Palmaz Vineyards, Ehlers Estate Winery, Prime Solum, Seven Stones Winery, Relic, Duhig Wines, Hertelendy Vineyards, Marciano Estate, Davis Estates, Barnett Vineyards, Chateau Montelena, Yount Ridge Cellars, Freemark Abbey, and a special wine made for Gelson’s by Winemaker Julien Fayard. **A special pouring older vintages and from Dominus Estate, and Dana Estate are limited to the 6pm VIP ticket**

A robust and automated silent auction of collectables and large format wines will benefit The T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest entity funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS, as well as sourcing/supporting early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise cannot afford a panacea. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

Tickets will sell out and prices do increase as the event date approaches – buy your tickets now!

For information and ticket purchasing, please visit STARSofcabernet.com

About TJ MARTELL FOUNDATION:

The T.J. Martell Foundation is the music industry’s largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for cancer. The Foundation sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients which otherwise might not be funded. WineLA has raised over $550,000 in the past 10 years for TJ MARTELL and this is our largest effort of the year.

About wineLA:

wineLA has focused on improving Los Angeles wine culture through ongoing educational tastings, classes and experiences. Educating and edu-taining with precision, we invite and welcome the best of the wine world to Los Angeles to partake. Established in 1995, wineLA was the first of its kind and continues to innovate, fortifying a quality wine audience one class, one tasting, one experience at a time. We are a part of the Los Angeles lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people and the place with passion.

For more information visit www.wineLA.com or call 310-451-7600

Fifth Annual Crush Challenge Food, Wine & Cycling Experience Comes to North Yountville Community Park on Saturday, October 12

September 23, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Crush Challenge announced today the lineup and partners for their fifth annual fundraising event to be held on Saturday, October 12. Hosted by ZD Wines, Crush Challenge is the ultimate food, wine, and cycling event benefiting selected nonprofits. The community is welcome to participate in each of the distinctive experiences, pedaling out on the 27-, 38- or 50-mile bike ride, exploring the extensive culinary and wine pairings at the Food & Wine Marketplace, enjoying the private barrel tasting while others are cycling, or celebrating at the lavish chef-driven wine dinner.

“Crush Challenge is personal for all of us at ZD Wines. Having lost my father and ZD’s founder to cancer, we are proud to continue the efforts he began to find a non-toxic cure for lymphoma. We also want to support those living with Parkinson’s and help the next generation to succeed by providing funds for the Teen Center at Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley – causes we’re passionate about championing,” said ZD Wines President, Brett deLeuze. “Whether by hopping on a bike or sampling the incredible food and wine, we invite everyone to join us for this distinctly Napa Valley day of giving back.”

Hosted at a new location this year, the Food & Wine Marketplace will be held from 12 – 3 p.m. in the beautiful North Yountville Community Park, conveniently situated between Lincoln Avenue and Washington Street. Sample bites from renowned area restaurants and discover new favorite wines in vintner-hosted tastings. Culinary partners include Angèle, Bouchon Bistro, Celadon, Heritage Eats, Il Posto Trattoria, Market St. Helena, NapaSport, and Sam’s Social Club. Featured wineries include Baldacci Family Vineyards, Clos Du Val, Monticello Vineyards, Hudson Ranch, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Silver Oak & Twomey, St. Supéry, Truchard and ZD Wines.

One hundred percent of the net profits from Crush Challenge will go directly to funding programs for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley.

ZD Wines Crush Challenge offers a full roster of experiences, including:

The Ride // 9AM-12PM – Explore the beauty of Napa Valley via world-class cycling routes. Three different course lengths – 27 miles, 38 miles or a new 50-mile route – offer something for riders of all levels. Pass through vineyard-lined avenues, sharing the road with cycling pros and friends during this fully supported ride. Ride as an individual or create a team of peers. Cost: $125, with a fundraising option starting at $25. Price includes access to Food & Wine Marketplace. http://www.bikereg.com/crush2019.
Private Barrel Tasting // 10AM-12PM – ZD Wines’ barrel tasting is hosted by ZD Senior Winemaker, Chris Pisani, and Chef Matt Gennuso of Chez Pascal in Providence, Rhode Island, at the newly renovated ZD Wines Rutherford Estate. A wide selection of ZD’s award-winning wines will be available to taste, including library and large format bottles, along with artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and light food pairings. The barrel tasting also includes access to the Food & Wine Marketplace. Transportation is provided between ZD Wines and North Yountville Community Park. Cost: $195 per person.
Food & Wine Marketplace // 12PM-3PM – Vintners and chefs join together in an unrivaled, all-inclusive tasting experience at the North Yountville Community Park. Sample local wines and dishes from favorite area restaurants while enjoying live music, as well as a silent auction and raffle. Cost: $95 per person for Marketplace access only.
Exclusive Wine Dinner // 6PM-10PM – Hosted at the luxurious Las Alcobas, and featuring a star-studded lineup of chefs, including Celebrity Chef Chris Cosentino of Acacia House, Top Chef alum Casey Thompson, Rogelio Garcia of Spruce, and Chris Kollar of Kollar Chocolates, this celebratory dinner recognizes the achievements and impact of the cyclists, the community, and the three beneficiary agencies. Limited to only 60 guests. Cost: $295 per person; limited tickets remain.
The Auction – The silent and live auction includes rare wines, private dinners, VIP getaways and more. Bidders can register athttps://events.handbid.com/auctions/crush-challenge-2019.

Key partners for the event include, Bob McClenahan, Bright Event Rentals, Breakthru Beverage of Arizona, Brotemarkle, Davis & Co. LLP, Chatham Inn, the Clarke Family, CMS Wine Marketing, DeFeet, Demptos Cooperage, Heritage Wine Cellars LTD., Hincapie Sportswear, Las Alcobas Napa Valley, Mechanics Bank, Medalist Sports, Monterey Bay Wine Company, MS Walker, Napa River Velo, National Distributing Company, Inc., The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic, Porsche Walnut Creek, Pure Luxury Transportation, RCI Builders, Reich & Walner, Seattle Genetics, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Sport Beans, SRAM, T Edward Wines, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, ZD Wines, Zipp.

About Crush Challenge
This year marks the fifth annual Crush Challenge food, wine and cycling experience. Hosted by ZD Wines with the goal of bringing awareness and funding to a select group of worthy charity efforts, the event is open to anyone 21 years and older. Cyclists can learn more at crushchallenge.net. Tickets are available for purchase online here. The Crush Challenge is also looking for enthusiastic and giving people to volunteer at the event. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up here. Those not able to attend the event but who would like to donate can learn more about the charities involved by visiting crushchallenge.net/the-cause.

About UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center serving the Central Valley and inland Northern California, a region of more than 6 million people. Its specialists provide compassionate, comprehensive care for more than 10,000 adults and children every year, and access to more than 150 clinical trials at any given time. Its innovative research program engages more than 280 scientists at UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Jackson Laboratory (JAX West), whose scientific partnerships advance discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat cancer. Through the Cancer Care Network, UC Davis collaborates with a number of hospitals and clinical centers throughout the Central Valley and Northern California regions to offer the latest cancer care. Its community-based outreach and education programs address disparities in cancer outcomes across diverse populations. For more information, visit https://health.ucdavis.edu/cancer/

About the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
The Davis Phinney Foundation was created in 2004 by Olympic medalist and retired professional cyclist, Davis Phinney, to help people with Parkinson’s live well today. The organization’s singular focus is to provide programs and resources that offer inspiration, information and tools that enable people living with Parkinson’s to take action that can immediately improve their quality of life. Through The Victory Summit® event series, Every Victory Counts® manual, Ambassador program, Sidekicks™ intergenerational program, extensive online content and the funding of quality of life research, the organization impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals each year.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley
The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our Clubs serve 1,330 Napa and American Canyon youth every day after school at our Napa Clubhouse, American Canyon Clubhouse, Club 1515 Teen Center, and 8 additional school-based locations. We provide youth ages 6-18 with a safe, positive place after school, during most holiday breaks, and throughout summer. Key programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley can be found online at thepositiveplace.com.

About ZD Wines
ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family, who is dedicated to producing world-class wines, farming organically and giving back to the community. Located in the Rutherford region of the Napa Valley, the winery and hospitality center offer sweeping valley views of premium Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Mayacamas mountain range to the west. The deLeuze family produces wines from their certified organic vineyards in the Rutherford and Carneros regions, as well as organic vineyards in Napa, Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma. With innovative winemaking practices, they produce wines of quality, consistency, and style. ZD Wines is currently celebrating 50 years of winemaking and can be found online at ZDWines.com and @ZDWines on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.