Eve's Wine 101

The Vail Wine Classic Returns August 11-13

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GOLDEN, Colo. – Team Player Productions, producers of world-class food and drink festivals across the country, announces the return of the Vail Wine Classic August 11-13, 2022. The three-day wine destination event of the summer showcases the best wines from around the world to provide an immersive tasting experience that is unparalleled. New to the Classic this year is Best of Fest, a Friday evening event that features exclusive portfolios with 90+ point ratings, reserve bottles, and high end wines. Tickets are via Eventbrite.
“The Vail Wine Classic is the perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking for an elevated wine tasting experience,” says Vail Wine Classic Event Director Kristen Slater. “Beyond the all-inclusive tastings, we’re providing a weekend filled with enticing events that include a sunset tasting featuring high-end wines from the most exclusive portfolios, paired dinners with local chefs, and educational seminars. This is a wine lover’s dream come true!”
Best of Fest (Friday, August 12)
Raise a glass at the Best of Fest as the sun sets over Vail Valley. New to the Classic this year is an intimate event from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Vail Nordic Club (1775 Sunburst Dr. Vail, CO. 81657) that includes carefully selected gems from exclusive portfolios for you to sip, swirl, and savor. Only 90+ point ratings, reserve bottles, and higher price points will make the cut in this unique tasting opportunity where chefs have prepared a menu of small plates with suggested pairings to perfectly compliment your wine collection.
The Best of Fest ($195) ticket allows you to enjoy a curated selection of reserve bottles at the Classic. This all-inclusive access features a tapas style pairing and incredible views of Vail Valley.
The Grand Tasting (Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13)
Located at Vail Athletic Field (646 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657), The Grand Tasting is the crown jewel of the Vail Wine Classic, featuring a diverse and distinctive showcase of wines from around the world. Saunter through an extravagant mountainside tasting while exploring everything from fruit-forward Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Grigios, to rich Cabernets and Zinfandels. In addition to an impressive, curated selection of domestic and international wines, the Grand Tasting has handcrafted cocktails and local beer. Your all-inclusive ticket includes a full size wine glass for you to take home, small bites, and live music at the event.
The Grand Tasting sessions and ticket types include:
  • Premier Access (starting at $169) from 2-5:30 p.m. Premier Access tickets allow you to be the first to enter the event and imbibe with a limited number of other enthusiasts. Enjoy the first sips of wine and an extra hour at the Classic. 
  • Early Access (starting at $139) from 2:30- 5:30 p.m. Early Access tickets allow you to get ahead of the tasting and enter the Classic before the crowd. Select the perfect table by the band with this limited capacity ticket. 
  • General Admission (starting at $119) from 3-5:30 p.m. This all-inclusive ticket allows you to imbibe in two and half hours of mountainside wine sampling during the Grand Tasting event. 
Wine dinner, paired lunches and seminars will be announced at a later time. For more information about the Vail Wine Classic, visit the website. 
About Vail Wine Classic
Vail Wine Classic brings together master winemakers and enthusiasts for a weekend of elevated sips, from Aug. 11-13, 2022, in stunning Vail, Colo. The weekend-long soiree showcases wine from around the world with a weekend of Grand Tastings, educational seminars, paired wine dinners and more. Vail Wine Classic is produced by Team Player Productions, the architects of Breckenridge Wine Classic, Vail Craft Beer Classic and Denver Burger Battle, among others. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit www.vailwineclassic.com, or follow @vailwineclassic on Instagram and Facebook.
About Team Player Productions
Founded more than 25 years ago in Denver, Team Player Productions (TPP) has produced and managed more than 400 events around the country, raising more than $2 million for its various nonprofit partners. TPP has created and continues to produce beloved annual events including Vail Wine Classic, Breckenridge Wine Classic and Vail Craft Beer Classic, and adopted others, such as Denver Burger Battle and the Boulder Creek Festival. The company was also the originator of events including Taste of Fort Collins, Steamboat Wine Festival and Park City Food & Wine Classic. TPP consults and produces events for a portfolio of clients as well, such as Goose Island Beer Co., Blue Point Brewing Co., Great Divide Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, Red Bull, City of Centennial, Anheuser-Busch, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and City of Littleton. For more information, visit TPPEvents.com, or follow @TPPEvents on Facebook and @TeamPlayerProductions on Instagram.

Las Vegas Food + Wine Festival Is Here for Its 12th Season to Feature The World’s Extraordinary Chefs

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LAS VEGAS/PRNewswire/ — The who’s who of culinary talent will converge at the 12th Annual Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival. Celebrity Chefs from over the world take part at this annual event from the Las Vegas strip to Downtown Las Vegas and Summerlin.

The event will be headlined by James Beard Foundation Award winning chefs including the likes of Chef Katsuya Uechi, Chef Todd English, Chef Francois Payard, just to name a few.

Some of these talented individuals will showcase their skills by bringing you deeper in the world of creations within the live culinary demonstrations.

Who is ready for spectacular desserts? There will be a plentiful number of mouthwatering treats you will getting seconds of as well as making your fellow foodies jealous. The desserts are almost too pretty to eat, but you won’t be able to resist so be sure to dig in.

Tickets are now on sale and range from $100-$150. Tickets include a special tasting of world-class wines, beers, spirits, and delicious food. Individuals interested in attending are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible due to popular demand.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit VegasFoodAndWine.com.

Social Media
Instagram: @VegasFoodWine
Facebook: VegasFoodAndWine
Twitter:  @VegasFoodWine

About Tivoli Village
From dancing in the streets to yoga on the Piazza, old-world elegance blends seamlessly with today’s active lifestyle at Tivoli Village. Anchored by Restoration Hardware’s RH Las Vegas, The Gallery at Tivoli Village, the outdoor center is complemented by a curated collection of retailers ranging from luxury brands to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Enticing restaurants range from local favorite, Echo & Rig Butcher and Steakhouse, to national standout, Brio Tuscan Grille, while David Barton Gym and Dance With Me serve as upscale experiential destinations beyond traditional retail and dining options.

Located in one of the most affluent sections of Southern Nevada, Tivoli Village is 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, conveniently situated near the Summerlin Parkway. The center proudly boasts 370,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and 300,000 square feet of Class A office space.

Complimentary valet and covered parking are provided. Restaurant and store hours vary. For more information on events at Tivoli Village visit www.tivolivillagelv.com follow Tivoli Village on Instagram and Twitter, or like Tivoli Village on Facebook. Get social with Tivoli Village by following them on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TivoliVillageLV.

Circle of Hope Announces In-Person Fundraising Event at The Wünderground Museum, Porsche Santa Clarita

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Santa Clarita, Ca – Local non-profit organization Circle of Hope has announced the return of one of Santa Clarita’s favorite in-person annual fundraising events, Vine 2 Wine. The community is invited to attend this exclusive interactive wine and beer tasting fundraiser that will be held at the new Porsche Santa Clarita Wünderground Museum on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Located underground below the Porsche Santa Clarita Dealership, The Wünderground brings together a significant collection of rare and special vehicles from across the United States to help tell the Porsche story in a spectacular display. Guests will immerse themselves in Porsche history and learn how the Porsche family and their team of designers and engineers developed their iconic style from 1948 to today. The star-studded display will feature significant firsts and best from throughout the brand’s history, but also iconic favorites driven by Porsche personalities and celebrities, alongside victorious racing vehicles that prove Porsche’s impressive competition successes. Explore this space, learn about the marque’s irrefutable history, drive one of its glorious machines, and fall in love with the life of a Porsche owner.

Guests attending Vine 2 Wine will enjoy a gourmet sit down dinner, unlimited wine and beer tasting from many of Southern California’s finest and favorite wineries and breweries and have an opportunity to speak with the vintners and brewers to learn about their wines, beers and spirits. The evening also includes a live and silent auction, music and entrance into the Wünderground museum. VIP tickets are available that also include a VIP cocktail hour with full bar, 1 included cocktail, assorted passed hors d’oeuvres and VIP parking. “We are so excited to be able to bring back in such a unique way this signature fundraising experience that has always been a Santa Clarita favorite”, stated Alex Hafizi, Chairman of the Board for Circle of Hope. “This year we have three wonderful chairs for the event, Alison Lindemann, Nola Aronson and Christy Grable who will be bringing in some exciting and unique features to make this year’s event a whole new experience for all to enjoy”.

The WineBrew List (At press time)

Breweries:
Firestone Walker
Brewery Draconum
Wineries:
Entourage Two Papas
Parhelion Cellars
Pagter Brothers Winery
Hoi Polloi Winery
Gagnon Cellars
Mystic Hills
Pulchella Winery
Onx Wines
PRP
Scout & Cellar
Ascension Cellars
Montemar Winery
Tobin James
Summer Somewhere Wines
Reyes Winery
Zaca Mesa
All proceeds from the evening support Circle of Hope a cancer support organization in Santa Clarita that offers emotional, financial, educational and supportive wellness therapies to those in our community affected by cancer. “We are so honored to have Porsche Santa Clarita offer the Wünderground Museum to Circle of Hope as the location of this year’s Vine 2 Wine”, commented Laura Kirchhoff, Executive Director, Circle of Hope. “The Wünderground is a very unique experience here in Santa Clarita and pairing that with a gourmet dinner, wine & beer tasting, and other interactive festivities, will surely  make for a fun, one of a kind evening and interactive experience all while supporting a great cause.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information on Vine 2 Wine, to purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, please visit www.circleofhopeinc.org .

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization offering financial assistance with cancer medical bills to qualified individuals. Circle of Hope also offers supportive services with wellness therapies designed as cancer support, along with educational resources and a support group for cancer patients, survivors, family and caregivers. All services, classes and programs are offered free of charge. For more information, 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.

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Announces the 2018 Lineup

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MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The 23rd Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, California is gearing up for its High Sierra summer party with four days of music and two days of craft beer tasting, August 2nd-5th, outdoors among the pines at The Woods at Mammoth Lakes.

27913186_10155007080881879_165364423613713934_oMore than 15 internationally known bands will perform on two stages. On the Bluesapalooza Main Stage, the Beyond Blues Thursday Night (5:30pm-9:30pm) kicks off with Harper and Midwest Kind with Lazer Lloyd. Friday Night Rock ‘N Blues (5:00pm-10:00pm) features headlining performances from TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and Alicia Michilli, and Saturday’s Bluesapalooza (12:15pm-9:30pm) features Ozomatli, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Eric Gales, Danielle Nicole and Wee Willie Walker and The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. Festivalgoers can unwind, kick back and relax on Soulful Sunday (12:15pm-5:15pm) with ZZ Ward, The Reverend Shawn Amos, and Vanessa Collier. On the Minaret Stage, Dennis Johnson and The Mississippi Ramblers, Dirty Cello, and The Bald Eagles will perform throughout the weekend, and during late night sets after the Main Stage performances.

“At 8,000 feet, we’re the highest elevation beer and music festival on the West Coast,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “In 23 years, we’ve built a solid reputation of mixing legendary blues performers, exciting new acts, and the best craft breweries from around the west so we’re the best festival to find your new favorite band and your new favorite beer and meet some of the brewers.”

And when it comes to craft beer, attendees have a mammoth supply to choose from and taste. The Mammoth Festival of Beers features two days of beer tasting, both Saturday (12pm-5:00pm) and Sunday (12pm-4:00pm), showcasing more than 60 plus breweries pouring over 200 craft beers, such as Mammoth Brewing Company, Bear Republic, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Firestone Walker, Pizza Port Brewing, Russian River Brewing, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many more. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, Infinite Music Foundation and many local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, plenty of tasty food from some of Mammoth’s best restaurants will be served in the Blues Food Court satisfying the heartiest of appetites. And for those that prefer grapes to hops, Paso Robles winery Castoro Cellars will offer their signature wines.

Multi-day tickets are the festival’s best buy and those that purchase the Blues/Brews Ultimate Pass receive early festival entry to the festival and beer tastings each day in addition to complimentary food vouchers.

Advance tickets are on sale now and this year’s event is again expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com/tickets; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For festival updates and additional information, visit the event’s responsive website, http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com which features music videos; links to bands, breweries and ticketing; a photo gallery; email signup; live social media updates; FAQ section; an informative blog on festival happenings; and more. According to the event producers, this is the best place to obtain up-to-the-minute information about the festival. Or, contact the event hotline, 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The event venue, The Woods at Mammoth Lakes, is located at 5701 Minaret Road between Main Street and Meridian Boulevard. Mammoth Lakes is a mountain resort located near Yosemite National Park in the Eastern High Sierra off Highway 395, offering world-class golf courses, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and resort facilities. For additional information about camping or local accommodations, call 800-GO MAMMOTH or visit http://www.visitmammoth.com or http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/lodging.

Aarón Sánchez and Marcela Valladolid Headline Latin Food Fest!

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¡Latin Food Fest! (www.latinfoodfest.com) celebrates its sixth annual festival March 23–24 at Santa Monica Beach. August 17-18 in San Diego, and November 9-10 in Irvine.

WEB_slidemasterrThe annual Hispanic culinary celebration includes a festival kick-off party “Mexico Mercado” — a high energy party, and “Gran Tasting” – the festival’s signature event featuring food, beverage, wine, beer, and spirits stations, Cooking Demos, Chef Awards, VIP Tent, and Live Music by Latin rock sensations, Sonsoles.

Gran Tasting also includes the most comprehensive tasting of Latin spirits in the U.S., which includes Agave Liquor, Bacanora, Cachaca, Mezcal, Pisco, Popo, Pulque, Raicilla, Rum, Sotol, and Tequila. Wines from Argentina, Chile, Napa, Portugal, and Spain alongside Venezuela Arepas, Salvadoran Pupusas, Cuban Ropa Vieja, Argentine Empanadas, Spanish Paella, Oaxacan Corn, Chilean Cebiche, Dominican Chicken Yora, Honduran Tapado Costeño, Brazilian Moqueca and other Hispanic cuisine. Beer includes Tona Cerveza from Nicaragua, Estrella Damm from Spain, Estrella Cerveza from Mexico, and SOL from Mexico — and a Michelada Bar.

Chefs Marcela Valladolid, Aarón Sánchez, and Enrique Olvera will conduct cooking demonstrations on the main stage, discuss culinary trends, and sign copies of their books.

Marcela Valladolid is the host the Food Network television series Mexican Made Easy and the co-host of the Food Network television series The Kitchen.
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Enrique Olvera is the world’s best-known chef from Mexico; his restaurant Pujol is widely considered the best restaurant in all of Mexico, and his New York eatery Cosme sets the standard for modern Mexican cuisine. Aarón Sánchez is an award-winning chef, TV personality, cookbook author, and philanthropist.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2014: Six out of 661 Questions for Wine 661

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To keep myself busy while caring for my injured-yet-again spouse, satisfied more by angry single malt Scotch than the doctor prescribed Vicodin, I called Tanya Green, the new owner of Wine 661 to find out what new things they are offering the SCV wine drinking public, myself copiously included.

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Okay Tanya, I have been to this location before, when it was Wine Savor and now as Wine 661. Jeff Jacobson, chair of the SCV Wine Classic, suggested that I talk to you as he holds you in high regard as the new owner. Want to tell West Ranch Beacon readers what your wine story is?

My “wine story” is pretty simple…I love wine so I bought a wine bar, but my passion for wine began by going tasting.  I love listening to the experts explain how the grapes were grown and fermented; why I’ll taste certain things because of the composition of the soil, that fruit grown on mountain tops develops thicker skins because of its proximity to the sun and therefore has more character than thin-skinned grapes.

I also have a strange fascination/respect for grapes that are difficult to grow, so those are the wines I’m most interested in.  Everything about wine fascinates me from the farming of the grapes to the finished product, which makes owning a wine bar, like being a kid in a candy shop!  I love it!

I understand you are serving beers as well as wine; what are some of your customer’s favorites from both?

To me, it was important to be able to carry something other than wine just in case a “beer guy” was dragged in by his wife.  That’s why I spent months tasting beer from all over the world to put together, what I think, is the best beer list in town.

I carry rare, hard-to-get beers and artisan ales from Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Oregon, Santa Barbara and Maine.  Each of my beers has won some sort of award from “Best Hefeweizen” to “Best Beer in the World.”

Schonramer Gold, for example, is a German Pilsner that won “Best Beer in the World” for 13 straight years and had to be removed from the contest to allow another beer the opportunity to win.  I’m proud to carry a beer that good, and, I personally have grown to love beer as much, if not more, than wine.

My personal favorite is a cork-finished 750ml bottle of Belgian Farmhouse Ale called Saison Dupont.  It’s gold and hoppy and has lots of personality.  I pride myself on carrying beers that no one else carries and in most cases, beers that no one’s even heard of. 

This may be off-putting to Coors Light lovers but I don’t mind.  I want adventurous drinkers in here.  Those that know what they like but can get excited to try something new.  Nothing excites me more than transforming a Coors Light drinker into a beer snob!

What’s new now that you’ve taken over?

Wine 661 was a great spot long before I took it over.  The ambience is comfortable and cozy and in my opinion, the best in the Valley, but I can’t take credit for that.

What I can take credit for, is a great appetizer list; including some amazing gourmet cheeses from all over the world (my fave is the five-year aged Gouda and the Spanish Blue cheese) as well as artisanal meats from near and far.

I’ve also changed the beer and wine lists and am proud of both.  I promise to always rotate my beer and wine inventory so that my regulars never get bored and to carry both inexpensive as well as high-end beer and wines.

Tell readers what’s on your menu and any specials:

The most popular items on my menu are my cheese and chocolate flights.  For the “Cheese Flight,” I’ve paired three red wines with gourmet cheeses that compliment them.  Cave-aged blue cheese is paired with a phenomenal Merlot.  The semi-hard, Manchego from Spain is paired with a complex and delicious Tempranillo and finally a 5 year aged Gouda is paired with a California Zinfandel. The “Chocolate Flight” is the same idea; three reds paired with three different E.Guittard chocolates with different cocoa contents.  I think of it as delicious and fun.

Your employee Kirsten is a delight. She poured us some very different water to go with our wine, what’s that about?

The water at Wine 661 has taken on a life of its own.  I’ve always loved spa water infused with various fruits (the combinations are endless) so I take filtered tap water and infuse it with cucumber and lemon.  It’s refreshing and different and people freak out over it.  I serve it chilled in a frosted 750 ml wine bottle over ice.  I recently had a customer visit a resort in Hawaii where similar water was served by the pool.  When she tried theirs, she told the pool-side waitress that ‘while it was good, it wasn’t as good as the water at Wine 661.’

Tell us what your customers can expect as far as service?

I don’t think anyone can possibly care about their guests as much as the owner so I try to be here six days per week to ensure that everyone who walks through the door has a good experience.  I like to have a good time and not take myself too seriously, and I think the service here reflects that.  We’re pretty down to earth so people will always feel comfortable and at ease.  We get to know our guests and over time we become like family with many of our regulars. I try to remember everyone’s name although I usually find it easier to remember their wine preference.  The service here is personal and nowhere near stuffy.  There is a certain sophistication that comes with serving and selling wine but this is a casual environment meant for a having a great time and good laugh!

Well, now that now that your palate is whetted by the wine, beer and water at Wine 661, in the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Now…go!

Wine in the Pines 2017: Leave Your Troubles Behind You (Look for Eve there too!)

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PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB, CA – Leave your troubles behind and travel to an oasis – only an hour or so north from Los Angeles. Pine Mountain Village, at the crest of the 5-freeway, has a unique venue that wine, beer, food and music lovers have enjoyed attending for more than a decade: Wine in the Pines. The event is on June 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a VIP entry at 12:00. Proceeds from Wine in the Pines benefit the American Cancer Society.

witp 2017 banner“It’s so exciting to see so many wineries, both big and boutique, returning for Wine in the Pines 2017,” Mark Bailey, owner of the local Madd Bailey’s Pub and the Wine Room Gallery said.

“Last year’s event was epic, and once again, the village gazebo area will be transformed into the fabulous Lompoc Wine Ghetto, alongside barbecue and live music.”

At press time winery participants include Ascension Cellars, Cass Winery, Cantara Cellars, Charles Wine, Enjoy Wine, Frolicking Frog Cellars, Flying Goat, Golden Star Vineyards, JFC International, La Montagne, Lapus Luna, Madd Bailey’s Wine, MM Organics, Mountain Ranch Winery, Opolo Vineyards, Pomar Junction, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, Sagebrush Annie’s, Silkwood Wines, Stephen Hemmert Wines, Tobin James, Turiya, Vinestead, Vista Del Rey Vineyards and Workman Ayer.

Wolf Creek Brewery, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company, Firestone and Stella Artois are the craft beer breweries also signed up so far, while food vendors include Big Mike’s Ragin BBQ, Brazil Hot Dogs, La Lena Mexican Restaurant and Wolf Creek Restaurant.

In addition to the wine, beer and food vendors there is always live music wafting through our woods – at least three bands!

The Wine Room Gallery Wine Bar in Pine Mountain will be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and guests will be able to purchase and take home some of the wines they tasted at the festival. Tickets and information: www.WineInThePines.com, 661-242-8810, thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com and Facebook.

Information on cabins available for rent is also on the website: www.WineInThePines.com and there is a Holiday Inn located nearby.

Visit Santa Barbara’s “Revive & Thrive” Winter Promotion Offers a Bonus Night

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Book two nights and get third night free at 20 participating Santa Barbara hotels; packages include “Miss Nothing” Experience Kits offering exclusive discounts

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From the “Visit Santa Barbara” Facebook page

Visit Santa Barbara invites visitors to experience The American Riviera® this winter with the “Revive & Thrive” hotel promotion. Guests who book two nights will receive a complimentary third night at 20 participating Santa Barbara South Coast hotels. “Revive & Thrive” packages are available for three-night stays between January 16 and March 31, 2017, and can be booked directly through participating hotels’ websites.

Participating hotels range in type from luxurious hideaways and grand oceanfront resorts to charming inns and boutique urban retreats. The “Revive & Thrive” lodging packages also include exclusive discounts and upgrades on a variety of experiences through “Miss Nothing” Experience Kits provided upon check-in. Go to SantaBarbaraCA.com/MissNothing/Revive-Thrive for full promotion details and links to participating hotel partners. See below for a complete list of hotel and experience partners.

“Winter is a wonderful time to escape to Santa Barbara, whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating escape or an invigorating adventure,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara. “The ‘Revive & Thrive’ hotel promotion encourages visitors to extend their stay and maximize every moment on The American Riviera® while delivering extraordinary value during our off-peak season.”

“Revive & Thrive” perks extend beyond bonus vacation time. At check-in, guests will receive a “Miss Nothing” Experience Kit to help make the most of every moment spent in Santa Barbara. Kits include a limited-edition Santa Barbara Field Guide and five “Miss Nothing” Experience Tokens. Guests can use the tokens to select exclusive two-for-one offers, discounts and upgrades from more than 30 participating Santa Barbara South Coast wineries, restaurants, retailers, tour providers and attractions.

Among the token offers are two-for-one wine tastings, beer-tasting flights, theater tickets, museum admissions, trolley tours, coastal cruises and rounds of golf, as well as bike, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals. Other offers include discounts on guided wine and food tours, expert-led outdoor adventures and sensational seasonal cuisine. Tokens can also be redeemed for retail rewards and value-adds like spa treatment enhancements, complimentary chocolate pairings and gifts.

“Revive & Thrive” hotel packages can be booked directly on the following partner websites beginning January 9, 2017 (blackout dates may apply):

Bacara Resort & Spa
Best Western Plus Encina Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
Best Western Plus South Coast Inn
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Cheshire Cat Inn
Courtyard Santa Barbara Goleta
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara
Inn by the Harbor
The Kimpton Goodland Hotel
Lavender Inn by the Sea
Pacifica Suites
Ramada Santa Barbara
San Ysidro Ranch
Secret Garden Inn and Cottages
The Eagle Inn
The Fess Parker – A Doubletree by Hilton Resort
West Beach Inn
The Wayfarer

“Miss Nothing” Experience Token offers:

Ampelos Cellars (two-for-one wine tasting)
Angel Oak at Bacara Resort & Spa (complimentary draught beer with dinner)
Belmond El Encanto Dining Room and Terrace (complimentary Bellinis with appetizer purchase)
Belmond El Encanto Spa (15 percent off 50-minute treatment, plus .5-ounce anti-aging cream)
Blush Restaurant + Lounge (buy one lunch entrée, get second entrée complimentary)
Carr Winery (two-for-one wine tasting)
Coastal Concierge (10 percent off classic or reserve wine tour)
Eat This, Shoot That! (buy one wine tour ticket, get second ticket 50 percent off)
Ensemble Theatre Company (buy one ticket, get second complimentary)
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company (two-for-one beer tasting)
Float Luxury Spa (complimentary service enhancement with any 80-minute treatment booked)
Gainey Vineyard (two complimentary barrel tastings)
Glen Annie Golf Club (buy one green fee, get second complimentary)
Global Gardens (complimentary gourmet food product tasting for two)
Grassini Family Vineyards (complimentary chocolate pairing with Estate Wine Flight purchase)
La Cumbre Plaza ($250 Visitor Savings booklet)
Lobero Theatre (complimentary beverage with any ticket purchase)
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara ( complimentary gift)
Paddle Sports Center (two-for-one kayak and SUP rentals)
Riverbench Santa Barbara (two-for-one wine tasting)
Sanford Vineyard & Winery (two-for-one wine tasting)
Santa Barbara Adventure Company (receive $30 off when booking either the Refugio Kayak or Wine Country Bike Tour for two)
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (50 percent off adult admission)
Santa Barbara Historical Museum (complimentary gift, plus 10 percent discount at gift shop)
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (two-for-one admission)
Santa Barbara Museum of Art (two-for-one admission)
Santa Barbara Sailing Center (two-for-one Harbor Sailing Cruise)
Santa Barbara Tasting Tours (20 percent Taste of Santa Barbara food tour)
Santa Barbara Trolley Company (two-for-one trolley tickets)
Santa Barbara Wine Collective (two-for-one Notary Public wine tasting)
Santa Barbara Winery (two-for-one wine tasting)
Santa Barbara Zoo (two-for-one admission)
Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (complimentary aebleskivers at Solvang Restaurant or 15 percent off purchases at Ingeborg’s Chocolates)
Wheel Fun Rentals (two-for-one beach cruiser rental)

ABOUT SANTA BARBARA

Voted “Best Beach Town” by Sunset magazine in its inaugural travel awards, Santa Barbara is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean along California’s Central Coast. Known as “The American Riviera,” it offers majestic natural beauty paired with Spanish-style architecture, just 92 miles north of Los Angeles. Visitors can arrive via scenic Highway 101, train, bus or by flying into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). And they’ll want to stay a few nights to experience the region’s sweeping ocean panoramas, world-renowned wine scene, enthralling cultural and outdoor activities, and welcoming spirit.

For travel and accommodation information and to request a free copy of the official Santa Barbara Visitors Magazine, contact Visit Santa Barbara at (800) 676-1266 or (805) 966-9222, email tourism(at)santabarbaraca(dot)com or visit http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.com. Visitor information is also available at the Visitor Center, 1 Garden St. at Cabrillo Boulevard.

Vintage Eve Circa 12/2011: My Scotch Explorers Club FIRST Sample

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A few weeks ago I teased Beacon readers about the new Scotch tasting club membership that I purchased for my husband, Eddie, for his birthday from ForScotchLovers.com. Well, five wax-sealed sample bottles arrived, along with the proper nosing glass, and we were off!

scotch lovers inside sampler

Our first allocation, as there would be several more in the upcoming year, also included an instruction sheet on how to “play the Whisky game”. So, first we followed this link:

http://www.forscotchlovers.com/distillery_row/whisky_explorers_club/my_whiskey_Iq_game, then I typed in a code to get started, and chose one of the uniquely numbered and labeled bottles below:

WESE 11A9 – Single malt, Scotland (tasted for this report)

WESE 11C6 – Single malt, Scotland

WESE 11Q6 – Grain whisky, Scotland

WESE 11V4 – Blended whisky, Scotland (tasted for this report)

There was also an extra bottle tucked into the center of the box, identified as Master of Malt Tyrconnell 10 year old, port finish, Single malt whisky, Ireland. But we haven’t had that one yet.

Once I removed the seal on one bottle I read these instructions:

Welcome to the The Whisky Explorers “My Whisk(e)y IQ” Home Page. When you’re ready to test your Whisk(e)y IQ, please make sure you have a glass of the whisky you received, and enter the code found on the label on the black bag…

I learned that depending on how well I scored I would be categorized under one of the following: Tasting IQ, People’s Choice IQ, Business IQ, Brand IQ, Bonus Booster IQ, Zen Master IQ

Next I took a short survey so that they know more about me that asked: Gender, age and how often you drink Scotch/Malt Whisky, Bourbon, Irish Whisky, Rye, Rum, Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Wine, Beer, Brandy/Cognac.

Then came simple multiple-choice questions, just like we use to evaluate wine, regarding aroma, body and taste. All of the descriptors were spelled out to guide you, points were given for right answers and points subtracted for wrong ones. Then, finally, we were guessing the retail price and, exactly which Scotch we thought we were drinking!

I added a little bit of water to the tasting glass, as that is the way to bring forward aroma and taste, and happily sipped away. I stared at those descriptors until I thought I had them as right as I could, and then clicked off my choices.

(In case you’re wondering, Eddie had given up at this point and just enjoyed his scotch.)

I was a wee bit concerned as to how I’d do because though I enjoy single malt at least once a week, and have had at least three guided tastings, I am a scotch 101er.

At the end of the quiz, I was asked to give a single comment – that would guarantee me more points so I wrote:

“It’s my first time, I hate blind tastings and games, but the Scotch was soooooo good I was willing to ‘play’ with you guys!”

Come to find out, OMG, we did guess the correct scotch – Eddie claims that he did – it was:

 

Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt
From Scotland’s Oldest, Continuously Privately Owned Distillery

MANAGING EDITOR IAN BUXTON’S

TASTING NOTES:
Colour: Full Gold
Nose: Sherry, Fruity, Mellow
Palate: Sherried, Toasted Wood, Cooked Fruit
Body: Big, Creamy
Finish: Warming, Full flavoured

SCORING BREAKDOWN FOR THIS WHISKEY

Q1: Color (10 pts)-

Q2: Nose (10 pts)

Q3: Body (10 pts)

Q4: Palate\Taste (10 pts)

Q5: Finish (10 pts)

Q6: People’s Choice (15 pts)

Q7: Business IQ (15 pts)

Q8: Brand IQ (20 pts)

Q9: Bonus Booster (5 pts)

 

TASTING IQ: 7
PEOPLE’S CHOICE IQ: 7
BUSINESS IQ: (we got the price right!) 12
BRAND IQ: (we got the scotch right!) 20
BONUS BOOSTER IQ: 5
ZEN MASTER IQ: 51
 

 

  

 

With the total number of points available being 105…Ed said that even though we got a couple of things right, we still got a D with only 51 points!

I tried the game a second time with the one blended whisky in my box – and I never drink blended whiskey unless in a cocktail – our score was even worse. It turned out to be Suntory’s Hibiki Japanese, 12 year old. I only did well on the business IQ, which is in regards to price, nose, palate and finish.

OMG guess I need to drink MORE.

Ojai Wine Festival Proceeds Continue to Support Ojai Parks & Music

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(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 30th Annual Ojai Wine Festival will be taking place Sunday, June 12, from noon-4 p.m. on the shores of picturesque Lake Casitas.

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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 30th Anniversary cake cutting ceremony sponsored by Barefoot Wines.

http://ojaiwinefestival.com/