Meet me here: Discover A Heavenly Oasis Just Outside of Downtown Los Angeles of Decadent Wine+Food+Music at the 2nd Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Wine & Jazz Festival

April 11, 2014 by evebushman

The Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association 2nd Annual Vintners Festival & Jazz In the Vineyard Event on Saturday, April 26, from 11am-4pm, at Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce, just 45 minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, features an unparalleled mix of great locally-produced wine and food, paired with illustrious live jazz music performed in a breathtakingly beautiful vineyard setting.

“You might say we’ve created a kind of ‘holy trinity’ for voluptuaries of decadent wine+food+music in a heavenly oasis right outside of Downtown Los Angeles,” says Cyndee Donato of Donato Family Vineyard and Antelope Valley Winery, a Winemaker and member of the Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association. “And, the beauty of it is, almost no one knows we’re here, so our guests get to be the first to discover this burgeoning, wine frontier.”

Local Wine, Breweries, & Spirits Tastings will be from, among others, San Antonio Winery, — Alonso Family Vineyards — Bobcat –Chavez Vineyards– Du Nasi — Golden Star Vineyards –Donato Family Vineyard—Antelope Valley Winery– Harris Wine Biz — High Desert Cellars — Coruce Vineyards — Oasis Vineyards — Six Foulkes — Magellan Gin — Agua Dulce Winery — Absenthe — Pulchella Winery — Rhum Barbancourt — Reyes Winery — Anhueser-Busch and other SPVVA Members.

Gourmet Bites will be supplied by delicious artisan food producers such as Le Chene French Cuisine — Portos Bakery — Truffles n Toffee — California Bakery — Gourmet Blends and more to be announced.

The 2014 Festival’s Jazz-In-the-Vineyard Musical Lineup includes:

Quattro, the 2013 Latin Jazz Grammy Nominee for Best New Artist, a fresh, new innovative ensemble blending Latin + Pop + Jazz + Classical creating their unique sound. Their debut album is “POPZZICAL”. Read more…

Lauren Koval, jazz vocalist & Paul McDonald, keyboardist and arranger, performing Latin Jazz & Standards from the Great American Songbook.

Jon Stephen, Tropical Brazilian Guitarist, performing his own genre of all original music of magical compositions ranging from smoky jazz to breezy bossa nova to serrano-like flamenco. Read more…

Still Moving Project, a group of dedicated, fun-loving musicians, making beautiful original music with a unique brand of melodic rock, country, folk, and jazz.

The Arts & Crafts Exhibit will feature local artists including the find woodworks of Carlos Bacelar, Isidora Designs, DeSigns by Sandra Lane, and Prussmeier Pens. Also, MCigar returns with his highly coveted, hand-rolled fine smokes.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit College of the Canyons, the Institute for the Culinary Arts, scheduled to open fall 2014. Sponsors for the event include Union Bank of California, Galpin Motors, Rec Solar, TeeItUp, and All-American Containers. For more information on the 2014 Festival, and a up-to-date list of participants including wineries and other vendors, artists’ biographies and photographs, please visit the SPVVA website.

Reyes Winery is located at 10262 Sierra Highway in Agua Dulce, CA 91390.

About Sierra Pelona Valley AVA and SPVVA Vintners Association:
The Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association is an organization that brings together the talents and resources of its members, partners and community in order to promote the production and appreciation of fine wines grown or produced within the Sierra Pelona Valley AVA. Nestled in the Sierra Pelona Mountains of Southern California, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Sierra Pelona Valley’s untouched natural beauty provides the perfect environment for burgeoning vineyards, boutique wineries and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a day of discovery and relaxation exploring the area’s fine wineries, tasting rooms, events and hiking trails. For information on how to make the most of your time in Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Country, join the Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners on Facebook and follow along on Twitter.

A Delicious Way to Support Cal Poly Pomona

March 30, 2014 by evebushman

Supporting higher education and student scholarships will take on a delicious flair at Cal Poly Pomona’s Southern California Tasting & Auction. The seventh annual event will be held Sunday, May 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the scenic W.K. Kellogg Rose Garden and Aratani Japanese Garden.

During the fundraising event, guests will have the opportunity to sample food and beverages from a wide variety of restaurants, wineries and breweries. They will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorites with the return of the “People’s Choice” award to recognize the best of show, best vino and best brew.

This year’s auction boasts exclusive items and opportunities, including an autographed Denver Broncos 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII football, as well as tickets to the premiere and after-party for the film “Tammy,” starring Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd and Kathy Bates.

All proceeds from the event benefit student scholarships and enhancement of educational opportunities at Cal Poly Pomona.

Each year the Tasting & Auction continues to grow, and this year is no different.

“With more than a month until the event, guest ticket sales have surpassed all previous years’ numbers,” says Rachiel Lucero, director of special projects and events. “The event will be sold out soon with a record number of 1,200 guests. In addition, there are over a dozen new partners, including restaurants, wineries, and breweries.”

Partners include Some Crust Bakery in Claremont, Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine, Lazy Dog Restaurant, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Buca di Beppo, Dale Bros Brewery, Alosta Brewing Co., the Historic Galleano Winery, Southern Wine & Spirits, and many others. Bringing Cal Poly Pomona’s unique taste to the event will be The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, Horsehill Vineyards, the Farm Store, the Poly Trolley and Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel.

This year’s event will also feature a photo booth to celebrate the university’s 75^th anniversary. The photos can be directly uploaded to social media sites for easy sharing. In addition, Arabian horses from the campus’ W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center will make an appearance for photos.

“We are very excited that the event has become one of the region’s most popular tastings,” Lucero says. “We look forward to its continued growth and tradition in coming years.”

For more information on the event, visit www.polytaste.com.

Event video: http://youtu.be/R_lUgG0ljD8

Corkage Fees Updated for 2014

February 15, 2014 by evebushman

One of our most popular stories for 2013 was our list of corkage fees for Santa Clarita Valley restaurants. I didn’t want to do the article as it takes a lot of work contacting restaurateurs and confirming prices, but I must meet your demands!

a few corks Chateau Talbot

Anyway, I find it interesting as most restaurants don’t list corkage fees on their websites, or even on their online menus. I personally think this is because they prefer you to drink their wine, beer, cocktails, whatever. They make more money that way, so, in my opinion don’t bring in wine if they have a substantial wine list of their own.

Two other observations: Some little dining spots, say a sandwich shop, may not know what a corkage fee is. One owner said he had no fee, on the bottles he served. So I explained what it is: The restaurant may open (or allow you to open) your wine and provide glassware (or let you bring it in). If they are providing this service a nominal fee can be charged. The lesson for you, dear reader, is to ask. If you drink a nice bottle of red with your Mexican food at home, ask at your favorite restaurant about bringing your bottle there. You might be surprised to learn that most restaurants, that are interested in pleasing their regular customers and staying in business, will accommodate you.

From Contributing Editor Michael Perlis:

Please remember that BYOB is a privilege, not a right. Restaurants often base their overall pricing formulas to include expected profits from alcohol sales, so allowing outside wine can really hurt their margins and should be greatly appreciated. Offering a taste of your wine to the owner, manager or your server is a nice courtesy. And speaking of your server, you should tip as if you had purchased your wine at the restaurant — the server shouldn’t be punished because you brought your own bottle. And please note that all these corkage prices are subject to change, so it is a good idea to check with the restaurant in advance.

Our List

Bier Academy: Corkage fees for wine brought in varies from $10 to $20 depending on the size of the group and if they are purchasing other products.

Bj’s Brewhouse: Wine corkage fee is first bottle per table free, $7 / bottle thereafter.

Lazy Dog Café: No corkage fee on wine brought in as long as its not currently listed on their menu, and any leftover can be taken home.

Le Chene: $15.

Margarita’s Mexican Grill: $15

Marstons: None.

Newhall Refinery and Egg Plantation: $12 at both restaurants.

Oaks Grille Valencia (Inside TPC): Non-member price is $20 per bottle (plus tax) and members are $12 per bottle. The charge is $12 per bottle for special events as well.

Persia Restaurant (Saugus) and Persia Lounge (Newhall): $15 at both restaurants.

Piccola Trattoria: $15, additionally, if the party purchases another bottle of wine from our wine list on their visit, we waive the corkage fee!

Rattlers Bar B Que: $5.

Route 66 Classic Grill: $10.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana: $15.

Salt Creek Grille: $10.

Vines (in Hyatt): $15.

Wine 661: No corkage on in-store purchases; $20 corkage fee for outside bottles.

(In August I visited Backwood’s Inn and was charged $9 for corkage.)

Hospital to raise funds while guests raise glasses. Guild presents “Clink! A Unique Beer Tasting Experience”

October 13, 2013 by evebushman

The Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Guild invites the community to “Clink! A Unique Beer Tasting Experience” on Thursday, October 24, 2013. The mid-week fundraiser will be held at Wolf Creek Brewery’s new tasting room and brewing facility in the Mann Biomedical Park in the Valencia Industrial Center. Held from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, the event will immerse its guests in a journey of tastes including hand crafted local brews paired with culinary creations by Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery. An opportunity drawing and silent auction will provide guests an avenue to contribute to their local hospital in exchange for goods and services at local restaurants, spas, golf clubs, and more. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased at www.ClinkSCV.com.

The event is being generously sponsored by local companies including Jen Gerard’s Whitening Lightning, Melissa Pietrosanti – Graphic Design and Product Photography, A-1 Event Rentals, Western Airparts, Union Bank, Tower Imaging, L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., Remo, Inc., and Lockton Insurance.

Clink! is being produced by the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Guild, a volunteer organization established in 1975 to promote and advance the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community through compassion and excellence in healthcare services. The Hospital Guild raises funds for the hospital, promotes the Hospital’s positive image, and cultivates future volunteer leadership. To date, the Hospital Guild has raised over $1.1 million dollars helping countless patients by providing needed medical equipment, technology and services. For more information about the Guild please visit www.henrymayogiving.com/about-us/volunteer-groups/guild

Soroptimist Int’l. of Greater SCV Announces The 6th Annual Wine Affair!

September 22, 2013 by evebushman

Join Soroptimist of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, and returning Title Sponsor Comfort Keepers In-Home-Care, to sip wine, enjoy the sounds of live music, and savor tastings of delicious food, as you stroll many venues on Town Center Drive, in support of health programs for women and girls… Sunday, October 20^th 2 to 6 p.m. In additional to general admission, fabulous VIP and sponsorship opportunities are available, such as “Vintner” sponsors The Magazine of Santa Clarita, Pinot’s Palette and Quest Diagnostics, as well as “Barrel” sponsors Valencia Acura, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, Mission View Public Schools, J. David’s Clothiers, Old Republic Title, A-1 Party and Global Protective Services! Media supporters include KHTS am-1220, SCVTV, the Signal, Valley Publications, Joie de Vivre Photographie and QM Design Group.

Many Town Center venues are opening their doors to our revelry: Salt Creek Grille, Ro Ma, Larsen’s Steak House, Pottery Barn, Valencia Wine Company, Blo-Out Lounge, Ivy Day Spa, the Hyatt-Valencia, and Thelma & Luis… along with restaurant and wine participants such as Wolf Creek Brewing Co., Piccola Trattoria, Nuggucciet Cellars, Signal Wine Club, All Corked Up, Fireman’s Brew, Magnavino Cellars, Persia Restaurant, Pinot’s Palette, and Truffles’N’Toffee… with more to be announced… Mmmm!

Contact Chair Rebecca Johnston at rebecca@rjohnstoninteriordesign.com for event information.

Soroptimist International is an international volunteer service organization founded in 1921 for business and professional women of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups. The mission of this organization is to improve the lives of women and girls in Santa Clarita Valley and throughout the world.

If you wish to learn more about Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, visit www.sigscv.org or contact President Vanessa Wilk at 661.313.7093 / contact@sigscv.org.

Rusty Sly: Wolf Creek Brewery, the First Commerical Brewery in Santa Clarita Valley

May 20, 2013 by evebushman

This is the first of two articles I will be writing over the next few weeks on Wolf Creek and their success. This article is going to cover the grand opening of the first commercial brewery in the Santa Clarita Valley and I can’t think of better way to start. I was accompanied on this visit by my son, Sean, and my wife, Tracy. Sean has been a Wolf Creek follower, as far as the beer goes, for five years since the day he turned 21. Tracy and I took him there for his 21st birthday so he’s been spoiled from the beginning. (As most of you know, microbrewed beers are commonly higher in alcohol so remember to be careful and drive responsibly. Since Tracy does not care for beer she was our designated driver.)

L-R: Darren Utley (Co Owner), Laina and Rob McFerren

The new brewery is a joint venture by Rob and Laina McFerren and Darren Utley. It is a large investment to step up this level of brewery. The benefit of having the new brewery, however, is that Wolf Creek Brewery will be able to produce larger quantities and more varieties not just for both of their restaurants but commercially. Rob slaved as a one man show when brewing at Wolf Creek in Valencia for their two restaurants. Now he has taken on an Assistant Brewer, Joseph Isaac, to help him tend to the production of his beers as well as a crew. Joseph is very energetic and is fortunate to be mentored by such a great brewer as Rob. Needless to say I am quite envious.

Guests at this grand opening were provided fantastic foods and cheeses to go with the selection of beers on tap listed below:

· Golden Eagle Ale – ABV is 4.5%. A light beer that uses Northern and cascade hops.

· Howlin Hefeweizen – ABV 6.2%. German style beer with characteristic banana and clove flavors. Hops used are German Hallertauer. One of my favorite beers and Rob has won many awards with this beer.

· Midnight Howl – ABV 8.5%. An India black ale. Hops are Columbus, Chinook and Falconeers Flight.

· Wolf Pack India Pale ale – ABV 6.5%. Falconeers hops.

· Yellowstone Wolf Strong Pale Ale – ABV 6.0%. Chinook and Cascade hops.

· Triple IPA – 9.5% Zythos hops

· Dunkleweizen – ABV 6.3%. German Hallertauer hops.

· Wild Angels Dubbel Trubbel – ABV 9.2%. German Hallertauer hops.

Guests were also given a tour by Rob, Joseph or Darren describing the brewing process. Our tour was led by Darren Utely who informed the guests that there are only four ingredients used in beer production: barley (wheat is used in German style beers), water, hops and yeast. Barley is responsible for providing the food for the yeast. Yeast by products are alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. He also showed that barley, based on the amount of toasting, can add color and flavor variations. Samples were offered for everyone to taste but it wasn’t until a few of us tried it to convince people it was a good thing did they follow. As a home brewer, it is not uncommon to taste grains when putting together recipes. Each grain is unique in flavor and will help increase the complexity of a beer.

Darren made a statement about brewing that is right on the money. Making really great beers involves good sanitation and ability to repeat a recipe. These things are easy to accomplish my most everyone with the proper equipment. However, he continued by adding the comment it goes beyond following a recipe and being consistent with your brewing process it involves an artistic instinct that comes from within that not everyone possesses. Lucky for us Rob McFerren possesses this artistic instinct. He pushes the envelope on some beer styles but they are always great and enjoyed by customers and judges alike. In the competitive beer world Rob has won many awards for his beers over the years.

Joseph Isaac

If you have never been to a brewery, tried microbrews or been to Wolf Creek Restaurant, I highly recommend that you do. If you are a first timer, go for the flight. This will allow you the opportunity to see the unique artistry that Rob uses in creating his beers. He is a fabulous brewer and with the Wolf Creek Pack (two restaurants and now a brewery) I see a huge success. They opened their first restaurant April 1, 1997 in Valencia. They opened a second restaurant in Calabasas and now the brewery in Santa Clarita. To survive in this tough economy and continue to grow is nothing short of amazing. Need I say more?

Cheers,

Rusty Sly