Gastronomy Festivals Celebrating Mexico’s Cuisine

March 22, 2021 by evebushman

CANCUN, MEXICO (PRWEB) – In 2021, Sunset World Group will continue to grow and innovate to enrich its members’ and guests’ experiences. The hospitality company will hold two gastronomy festivals, “This is What Mexico Tastes Like” and “Flavors of Mexico”. These festivals will take place at Sunset Royal and Hacienda Tres Ríos hotels, respectively, and will celebrate Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.

These festivals will be held the last two weeks of each month throughout 2021. Each event will celebrate a different Mexican state. “This is What Mexico Tastes Like” in Sunset Royal will begin in February with Nuevo León, and continue with Baja California, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Michoacán, Hidalgo, Estado de México, San Luis Potosí, Durango, Tamaulipas and Querétaro. The festival will take place in the brand new “El Comal” restaurant.

On the other hand, Hacienda Tres Ríos will hold the “Flavors of Mexico” gastronomic festival, which began in February and will celebrate Yucatán, and then Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, Guerrero, Nayarit, Jalisco, Sinaloa and Sonora. The venue will be Alebrije restaurant.

“Sunset World resorts are ideal places to celebrate Mexico’s cultural diversity through its gastronomy since this is a 100% Mexican company,” commented Martha Richardson, Sunset World Group’s Corporate Director of Operations, “These festivals will be a delicious journey through different states in the Republic. Our members and guests will enjoy the traditions, influences and roots that make up Mexico’s culinary mosaic,” she concluded.

Sunset World Group is a family-owned Mexican company and a leader in the hospitality industry, offering authentic and unforgettable vacation experiences in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It was founded more than 30 years ago and has grown to offer six resorts, world-class travel services, amenities and a diverse network of operational and marketing solutions that focus on providing the best vacation experiences for its Members and guests. From cultural excursions to water sports, the Members of Sunset World are never far from their next great adventure.

What Wine or Spirit Events Have We Missed The Most in 2020?

November 2, 2020 by evebushman

A few weeks ago on this blog I wrote about many of the things we’ve been doing during our stay-at-home time with the virus, and many of the things we’ve missed. It seemed that my Facebook feed has been filled with lamentations regarding missed anniversary trips, important graduations, birthdays and other milestones. For me, and most of us in the wine and spirit industry, we rely on tastings/events/classes for continuing education, as well as fodder for our blogs. For the consumer it may be the same, for the non-profit leader the loss of these events have been devastating.

Eve as a wine judge in the first Global Wine Awards in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Ed Bushman.

In today’s article I will explore some of the events we didn’t have, and what we missed by not having them. (At press time these are the events that have either canceled for 2020 altogether, or have postponed further into 2020 with no possible way to know if their event will, indeed, actually take place.)

Wine on the Roof and Cocktails on the Roof are particularly devastating to me as I helped create both events to benefit our local middle schools and high schools in the Hart District. And while the rooftop format does allow for quite a bit of spacing, they still both attract a crowd, so not sure if the postponed dates for this year will happen.

The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience was poised to take place this past March 13. Cancelled the same week it was to occur, as many of the experiences allowed for many guests traveling from one spot to another.

The Paso Robles Cab Collective is an educational experience that is limited to some press and the public. The event focuses on the Cab and red Bordeaux varietals being grown in the area. I’ve learned a lot from past events and have come to respect the winemakers that are working very hard to get attention to their respective varietals in AVAs that have been more known for Rhônes and Zinfandel.

The Universal Whisky Experience was to have its 10^th annual event this past April in Las Vegas. There are classes with distillers and brand ambassadors as well as one of the best whisky tasting events I’ve covered. Missed rubbing elbows with all of the whisky aficionados and learning from the best in the field.

Also missing a milestone year was the 5^th Annual Masters of Taste that is the only event held on the field of the Pasadena Rose Bowl with top notch taste masters and beverage masters. “100% of event proceeds support Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping individuals and families rebuild their lives and end homelessness.”

Art Beyond the Glass, another cocktail event, was canceled but they were able to offer a virtual event. The live event is a special treat as dozens of bartenders dress up in themed costumes, there is live music, art displays and a bartending competition where each team tries to create the best cocktail. “Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit. To date, ABTG has raised more than $210,000 for cultural nonprofits in L.A. and across the country.”

The many Garagiste Festivals, voted best wine festivals in the U.S., were sorely missed. I enjoyed the educational seminars as well as tasting and talking with many small-producing winemakers. “The festivals are produced by Garagiste Events, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the education of future winemakers and those training for employment within the wine industry. Proceeds from the festivals support the Garagiste Festival Scholarship fund of the California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo Wine and Viticulture Department.”

Many lesser known wineries and distilleries benefit from entering their bottles in various wine and spirit competitions. As a wine judge myself I know that they not only want an expert opinion on their wine/spirits, they also use their awards in their various marketing materials. At press time I did see that at least one had taken place live with social distancing.

I’m sure there are dozens of events that aren’t on my radar, and have been equally missed, especially events at wineries that are important for bottle sales and gaining wine club members.

I will leave you with this thought: If you can afford it support it. I have hyperlinked many of the non-profits above so you can check out what they do, and maybe you can make a donation or two if you are able to. If you have favorite wineries or distilleries please consider bottles purchases to support them as well.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Westchester Magazine’s Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Popular Wine and Food Festival June 9-14

April 29, 2020 by evebushman

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. – Westchester Magazine celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the popular Wine & Food Festival with two new exciting events taking place this year at iconic Westchester locations – Party on the Pier at Rye Playland on June 10 and the Wine Collector’s Dinner on June 12.

“We are thrilled to add two new events at iconic Westchester landmarks to our 10th anniversary lineup of fantastic events,” said Sam Wender, publisher, Westchester Magazine. “What better way to celebrate all of Westchester than expanding our mark to offer residents of the Hudson Valley and Sound Shore something exciting right in their own backyard.”

Party on the Pier at Rye Playland

Wednesday, June 10 | 6-9 p.m.

The brand-new Party on the Pier at Rye Playland will feature the third annual Bartender Shake-Off in addition to top restaurants sampling summer/seafood favorites alongside beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. Price includes all food and drink at the event.

Location: Playland Park, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye

Price: $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

Wine Collector’s Dinner

Friday, June 12 | 6:30-11 p.m.

This special evening will be a celebration and tasting of truly unique wines provided by local wine aficionados. Each attendee is required to bring one magnum of their best and rarest from their cellar to be shared during the event. The evening kicks off with a special Champagne toast featuring a 10-year-old vintage in honor of 2020 being the 10th Anniversary of the Westchester Magazine Wine & Food Festival. A special four-course meal will be prepared by the top chefs of Westchester County—Peter X. Kelly of X20 Xaviars on the Hudson, Ron Gallo of The Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean-Georges, Glenn Vogt of RiverMarket Bar & Kitchen, Dave DiBari of The Cookery, and John Paidas of Apropos Restaurant & Bar at The Abbey Inn & Spa. Between each course guests will have the opportunity to sample wines from other table guests.

Location: The Abbey Inn & Spa, 900 Fort Hill Road, Peekskill

Tickets: Ticket price is $150 per guest. *Includes tax and gratuity

Returning fan favorite events include:

Italian Wine Experience with Kevin Zraly

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sip, swirl, and savor a variety of fine Italian wines and savory and sweet Italian delicacies at this walk-around tasting event. Renowned wine expert, author and founder of Windows on the World Wine School, Kevin Zraly, will lead wine seminars for those interested in learning more about the nuances of Italian wine.

Location: Gigante Restaurant & Bar, Eastchester, NY

Price: $95

Burger & Beer Blast

Thursday, June 11 | 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Burgers, beer, music, wine, spirits, food trucks and the best grilling on this side of the Hudson River come together at Westchester’s ultimate block party! Top local chefs present their unique take on the all-American burger as they compete for the Best Burger Award.

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $75

Grand Tasting Village

Saturday, June 13, 2020 | Noon- 4:00 p.m.

The signature event of the Wine & Food Festival, the Grand Tasting Village features tastings from 50+ local restaurants and 150+ wines, beers and spirits. Chef demonstrations and a variety of food trucks create a gastronomic delight for food and wine lovers.

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $85

Party Line Connoisseurs Tent at the Grand Tasting Village

Saturday, June 13, 2020 | Noon – 4:00 p.m.

Spend the day like a VIP in the Party Line Connoisseurs Tent! This private area features an exclusive lounge for relaxing while you sample the event’s highest quality wines along with dishes from the area’s top restaurants. Wine expert, author and educator Kevin Zraly will be leading Wine Seminars throughout the day focusing on the vintages being served in the Party Line Connoisseurs Tent. Entrance to this exclusive area and the wine seminars are only for guests purchasing Party Line Connoisseurs Tent tickets and includes access to all Grand Tasting Village events. *First come, first serve

Location: Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Price: $125

**No one under 21 will be admitted.

No Infants, Children, Strollers, or Pets allowed. **

For the complete lineup and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Westchester Magazine’s 10th Annual Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of gourmet food, exceptional wines, beer, spirits, mouth-watering burgers, and award-winning chefs. Guests will sip and savor, enjoy the county’s finest plates and pours and mingle with Westchester’s top chefs, sommeliers, and specialty food purveyors as they attend exclusive dinners, tastings, and demos. The festival is a not-to-be missed experience recognizing the culinary spirit of Westchester County with 100+ top local restaurants and a selection of world-class wines. The event draws more than 7,000 people from across the New York Metro area including New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit here.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in Wyoming this September

April 19, 2020 by evebushman

JACKSON, WYO. (PRWEB) – Each September visitors to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can take in a spectacular range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures during a time when the days are long, the air is cooler and the streets are filled with artful offerings to nourish the soul. Presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returns for its 36th year, September 9 – 20, 2020, creating 11 magnificent days of interactive visual, culinary and historical art-related functions with the magnificent Teton Mountain Range providing a captivating backdrop to an energetic and creative scene.

September is the perfect time to travel to the charming mountain resort town of Jackson, and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival presents more than 50 family-friendly events, many of them free, at a time when the summer crowds have dwindled and the scene has shifted to a cooler, calmer and more creative climate. As USA Today said touting Jackson as a fall weekend trip to plan, “Art lovers will enjoy September’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as great music and food.”

From a stay-open-late gallery walk called Palates & Palettes, featuring an international selection of art and complimentary wine and beer, to an open-air tasting fair known as the Taste of the Tetons where local chefs create innovative dishes for guests to sample on the picturesque Town Square, Jackson Hole arts cater to all the senses. Or explore the art of the cowboy on Historic Ranch Tours demonstrating how Old West meets New West in Teton Valley.

A signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the Western Design Exhibit + Sale showcases four days of contemporary and traditional Western-inspired functional art from furnishings to fashion by top artisans from across the U.S. Other festival favorites include the Showcase of Homes, perfect for architecture and design enthusiasts, with the opportunity to tour extraordinary Jackson houses and talk shop with the experts behind the designs. And at the amazing QuickDraw, visitors stroll among dozens of artists busily painting, sculpting and sketching their masterpieces in just 90 minutes, before the newly minted art is offered for sale in a live and lively auction.

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is an extraordinary event that unites admirers of artists, art and nature in a magical mountain town that may be small in size but is big in culture and heart. Each day of the festival offers a chance to see, hear, taste, touch and feel something special, something bespoke, something inspiring, while fall foliage blazes from the trees of the dramatic surrounding mountain landscape. This spirit of culturally rich Jackson is at its peak during the Fall Arts Festival, known as the Rocky Mountain West’s premier cultural event.

About the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival:
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming, is served by major airlines, including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels may be found at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com. The 36th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival will take place September 9 – 20, 2020. For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

Festival Napa Valley Announces Its 15th Anniversary Season

April 8, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Festival Napa Valley, recognized for transforming California Wine Country into a cultural destination, announces its 2020 summer season, July 17– 26. The Festival’s 15th anniversary will be commemorated with more than 40 concerts and events in an inspiring season of reflection, celebration and enthusiasm for the years to come.

Now in its 15th year, Festival Napa Valley offers a rich range of programs—from symphonic concerts, opera, film, and dance, to chamber music and jazz.

In addition to presenting the finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley is committed to supporting underserved members of the community by providing free tickets to students, veterans and seniors. The Festival’s extensive educational program includes master classes for local college students; Arts for All camps, which serve more than 1600 Boys & Girls Club youth ages 6-18; and a tuition-free music academy for 60 pre-professional musicians from around the world.

“This anniversary season is dedicated to recognizing and honoring all of the outstanding artists, chefs, vintners and partners that make this Festival so special,” says Richard Walker, President & CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “We are equal parts inspired and reflective, and both of these feelings have found expression in the programming for our 15th Anniversary Season. We are excited to create a little magic for our audience and supporters this summer.”

Festival Napa Valley 2020 Highlights:

International opera star Thomas Hampson kicks off the 15th season at Castello di Amorosa with his bountiful Song of America: Beyond Liberty. Hampson will be joined by acclaimed pianist Lara Downes, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and a chamber ensemble in this concert pairing music, poetry, rhetoric, and history.
Grammy and Academy-award winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson headlines Wine Country’s biggest arts charity event, the Arts for All Gala at HALL Napa Valley.
The Festival presents the world premiere of Goodbye, Mr. Chips, the highly anticipated opera by acclaimed composer Gordon Getty.
High-energy cover band Brickhouse headlines Taste of Napa, Festival Napa Valley’s signature celebration of food, wine and music, at Vista Collina.
Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell and radiant soprano Larisa Martínez perform music inspired by Bell’s chart-topping CD, Voice of the Violin at Charles Krug Winery. To commemorate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Bell and his two distinguished colleagues, pianist Jeremy Denk and cellist Steven Isserlis, perform Beethoven’s masterpiece “Triple Concerto” with Festival Orchestra Napa, under the baton of Joel Revzen.
Brilliant American violinist Chad Hoopes performs Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Blackburn Academy Orchestra under the baton of acclaimed conductor Carlo Ponti at Far Niente, accompanied by poetry written by Napa County high school students on the theme The Four Seasons of Napa Valley.
Renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs a private recital at Darioush.
Maestro Joel Revzen and Festival Orchestra Napa bring Disney’s seminal film, Fantasia, to life while the film plays on the big screen.
Opera Under the Stars at Meadowood Napa Valley features Festival favorites soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Michael Fabiano performing arias and duets with Festival Orchestra Napa, led by the eminent conductor James Conlon.
Ballet superstar Roberto Bolle brings his celebrated show, Roberto Bolle and Friends, to Napa for the annual Dance Gala.
Festival Live! Chamber Series returns with 12 free concerts at locations throughout Napa Valley.
The popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series showcases the next generation of classical music artists.
The Festival’s Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra shines in an admission-free Monday at the Symphony concert featuring works by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and Karen LeFrak at Lincoln Theater.

Single concert tickets starting at $39 are now on sale. For an elevated Festival Napa Valley experience, Patron Passes including access to exclusive lunches, dinners and lounges are also available. To view the full schedule and to purchase passes, visit http://www.FestivalNapaValley.org.

About Festival Napa Valley:
Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts, Festival Napa Valley offers programs that enrich the economic and cultural vitality of the region. The Festival’s central mission is to make the arts accessible to all. The Festival presents world-class performances staged in iconic Napa Valley venues and inspiring educational programs offered at Napa County public schools year-round. It is presented by Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization governed by a board of prominent vintners and local leaders. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs and vintners participate each year. Festival Napa Valley 2020 takes place July 17 – 26. To learn more, visit http://www.festivalnapavalley.org.

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.

Discover Lehigh Valley Releases 2020 Guide

February 13, 2020 by evebushman

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA. (PRWEB) – Discover Lehigh Valley®, the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, unveiled its annual visitors guide. The 2020 Guide to Lehigh Valley seeks to inspire travelers to discover the region’s unique tourism events and attractions, while showcasing profiles of local communities, the foodie scene, arts and culture, and more.

“We’re excited to share our latest guide with locals and travelers alike as it is packed with things to do and insider tips for making the most of your visit to Lehigh Valley,” says Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “From experiencing living history to exploring our great neighborhoods and family-friendly festivals, the region offers a varied mix of unforgettable events and attractions that appeal to everyone.”

Included in the 2020 Guide to Lehigh Valley are features on outdoor recreation, arts and culture, Lehigh Valley’s American Viticultural Area, world-class events, and more. Readers will learn firsthand from locals on why they love living, working, and playing in Lehigh Valley. The guide also helps travelers maximize their experience by finding the best places to stay, shop, and dine while offering exclusive special offers.

“This year’s guide is also the first in Discover Lehigh Valley’s history to be fully written, designed and developed in-house. The playful guide pairs inspiring content with a sleek design to highlight stories that are only made possible in Lehigh Valley,” added Quinn.

View, download or request a copy of the guide at DiscoverLehighValley.com/VisitorsGuide and stay tuned in to @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more insider tips and information.

About Discover Lehigh Valley
Discover Lehigh Valley®, the official destination marketing organization of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, is dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening local pride through tourism to the region. Just 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City, Lehigh Valley is home to must-see attractions and festivals, world-class sporting events, thrilling outdoor recreation, renowned colleges and universities, and historic sites including Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District and nominee on the U.S. Tentative List for World Heritage Designation. Many of America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars, Mack Trucks and Olympus reign from Lehigh Valley. Visit DiscoverLehighValley.com and follow @LehighValleyPa.

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country to Host 40th Annual “Day in the Country” Fall Festival

September 30, 2019 by evebushman

LOS OLIVOS, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Olivos (https://www.losolivosca.com/), the historical, wine-drenched Santa Ynez Valley wine country town in the heart of Santa Barbara County, will welcome guests to its 40th annual Day in the Country festival (https://www.losolivosca.com/day-in-the-country/) on Saturday, October 19, 2019. The largest of Los Olivos’ event productions, Day in the Country embodies the village’s history-laden atmosphere, featuring an entertaining mix of Victorian-era, Western-style and harvest season activities and experiences. A day-long fall event, Day in the Country will this year, be the family-friendliest part of the inaugural “Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley” (http://tastesyv.com/), a multi-day and multi-town, immersive foodie event running October 17-20.

Day in the Country begins with an early morning, Platinum Performance-sponsored 5K Fun Run and a 5K Walk (7:30 AM-9:30 AM) – which are dog-friendly, and include a one-mile Kids’ Run. Runners may sign up online in advance, or day-of, starting at 7:00 AM in downtown Los Olivos. Also starting at 7:00 AM, served until sold out, is a Burrito Breakfast produced by members of the Lucky Clover 4-H Club, at the Los Olivos Community Organization Hall (f.k.a., Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall).

At 10:00 AM, Los Olivos’ main thoroughfare of Grand Avenue transforms into a parade route displaying vintage tractors, antique autos, professional square dancers, musicians and animals. Presiding over the 2019 Day in the Country Parade is this year’s Grand Marshal, Eli Parker (https://www.fessparker.com/Family/Eli-Parker), who rides in celebration of the family-owned Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard’s 30th year in Santa Barbara County.

The parade is followed by a street fair (opens at 11:00 AM) with more than 100 local and regional vendors, crafters and food purveyors, where food trucks and pop-ups will mingle with shopping opportunities for original, local artisan goods. The Los Olivos outpost of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. will host a Beer Garden, and live music will entertain throughout town.

While overall admission to Day in the Country is free, activities in the event’s Kiddie Korral – where littles and grown-ups will find kiddie steer roping, giant yard games, face painting and more family fun – will carry a minimal fee. Los Olivos businesses will also be showcasing their entries in the 2019 Los Olivos Scarecrow Fest, inviting Day in the Country revelers to cast votes for their favorite scarecrows in the friendly competition.

Also on tap for this year’s event, is the 2019 Day in the Country Wine Roundup which provides tasters with a ticketed Roundup Pass good for both Saturday and Sunday ($25.00 per person; 21 and over), allowing them more than 18 tastes from over nine local wineries like Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates, Epiphany Cellars, Brewer-Clifton, Larner Vineyard & Winery, E11even Wines by Andrew Murray, Solminer Wine Company and others, to be announced. On Saturday, a tented VIP Lounge will also feature Los Olivos-area labels lacking in-town tasting rooms, and just “two-steps” away, gourmet nibbles from the First & Oak Kitchen food truck and a “Country Lounge” with live music, in front of Community Craft.

Day in the Country is produced by the Los Olivos Chamber of Commerce (https://www.losolivosca.com/about/lochamber/), a volunteer organization which funds town services such as maintenance for the village’s central flagpole, public restroom facilities and trash removal.

Current “Day in the Country” sponsors are as follows; additional sponsors will be announced as the event nears and will be listed on the event’s web page or on the Facebook Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/417814779042620/):

Visit Santa Ynez Valley; a santé Spa; The Bear and Star; The Bubble Shack; Fess Parker Wine Country Inn; Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard; Epiphany Cellars; Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation; KRAZy Country 105.9; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café; Mission Sanitation; Nielsen Building Materials; Platinum Performance; Saarloos + Sons; St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church; Revisit Wine Co.; Los Olivos General Store and Larner Vineyard & Winery.

Located just a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, the walkable – and Instagram-able – Santa Ynez Valley town of Los Olivos boasts an abundance of wine tasting options; wine, beer and craft cocktail bars; foodie havens in the town’s restaurants and gourmet culinary counters; art galleries and carefully-curated boutique shopping for clothing, accessories and home décor – both new and vintage; plus, luxury lodging and equally luxurious spas. Many of the town’s businesses are housed in 100-year-old buildings, which have been meticulously maintained.

Los Olivos also hosts a signature, family-friendly, holiday season event, Olde Fashioned Christmas (December 7, 2019;https://www.losolivosca.com/los-olivos-olde-fashioned-christmas/). Additional information about Los Olivos may be found at LosOlivosCA.com (https://www.losolivosca.com/), including a brief history of the Western town.

For further information about Los Olivos’ October 19 Day in the Country festival, please contact Anna Ferguson-Sparks, Stiletto Marketing, at 1.877.327.2656 or info [at] stilettomarketing [dot] com.

About Los Olivos, CA
Located in the vista-filled Santa Ynez Valley, the charming, historical town of Los Olivos is a rewarding and relaxing weekend getaway or fun-filled day. Founded in 1887 as a stop on the stagecoach route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, Los Olivos is noted for its support of the arts, wine tasting opportunities, unique shopping, epicurean restaurants, seasonal festivals, antiques, recreational landscapes, and friendly village residents. Boasting expansive views of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards and horse ranches, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail starts in Los Olivos and stretches north, winding its way through the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast.

This September Visit Temecula Valley Celebrates Autumnfest

September 5, 2019 by evebushman

TEMECULA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Plan a visit to Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country for food, wine, festivals, and unique harvest-themed activities during the changing colors on the vines. The season comes alive this harvest with a variety of must-see events including Temecula Valley Wine Month throughout September, as well as three entertaining festivals that round out the unique opportunities. Visitors to the region who book a 3-5-night, Sun-Thurs, stay will enjoy the season’s best with the bonus of smaller crowds and more intimate experiences. Temecula Valley is conveniently located in the center of Southern California, just 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs, and 90 minutes south of Los Angeles.

Wine Month & Wine Events
Throughout the month of September, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, wine tasting with the SIP Passport, tours through wine country, food and drink pairings at winery restaurants, and the annual CRUSH Wine & Culinary Showcase. CRUSH is a one-day event on September 28, 2019 featuring 30-plus wineries, live entertainment, and artisan food bites from local restaurants.

Sip Sip Stay is a great way to enjoy wine month. The promotion includes one complimentary SIP Passport with a two-night stay, or two complimentary SIP Passports with a three-night stay.

Entertainment in Temecula Valley Wine Country includes Symphony in the Vines and Lauren Alaina Country Concert at Wilson Creek Winery, Warrant Concert at Wiens Family Cellars, popular cover bands at several wineries, Shakespeare in the Vines at Baily Winery, and Movies in the Vines at Lorimar Winery and Vitagliano Winery.

Harvest Festivals & Events
Visitors young and old are invited to find their way through the largest corn maze in southern California at Big Horse Harvest Festival. The festival also includes hayrides, a corn cannon, pumpkin patch ripe for picking, kiddie rides, food vendors, a pie-eating contests, and so much more. Peltzer Farms invites families to their farm experience that includes a pumpkin patch, kiddie train ride, gem mining, pig races, tractor garden, games and more.

Ralph Love Plein Air Festival, named in honor of historical local artist Ralph Love, celebrates the artistic heritage of Temecula Valley with an outdoor painting and art competition. Visitors can stroll the streets of Old Town during the weeklong event held September 26 through October 4. Artists create their masterpieces “en plein air” (in open air) on the scenic streets of Old Town Temecula.

Gunfighter’s Show at The Hotel Temecula in Old Town is held every Saturday. Be ready for an Old West shoot out at high noon and 2:00 pm.

Headless Horseman Haunted Hayride is at the historic site of Vail Headquarters. The wagon is pulled by draft horses through a scenic path while riders hear the narrated legend of Vail Hallow. It’s appropriate for all ages but it gets scarier as the night gets later.

Ride in at the Ranch features more than 100 classic and custom motorcycles, a classic MX display, and classic cars. There will be bands, food, brews, vendors, live street art, and more.

Old Town Temecula Outdoor Quilt Show this October will feature quilters, exhibits, demonstrations, a quilt walk, and quilt auctions. Hundreds of quilts will be on display in shops and hanging from eaves, balconies, and porches.

Greek Festival of Temecula Valley invites visitors to “Experience the Treasures of Greece” with authentic food vendors and delicious Greek pastries, a Mediterranean marketplace, children’s game area, live Greek music and folk dancing, as well as a Greek Wine, Beer, and Liquor area.

Temecula Valley Bocce Ball Tournament is a day-long competition between wineries with a finale at Wilson Creek Winery where the winning team will compete against celebrity Mario Lopez and his team.

Battle of the Burgers has local restaurants competing for the Best Burger award at Pechanga Resort Casino. Culinary students also compete for the best loaded fries. There are more burgers and fries than attendees can consume.

Live entertainment at Pechanga through Autumnfest includes concerts with headliners like Deep Purple, Steely Dan, Air Supply, Steve Miller Band, and Peter Frampton. Also, ventriloquist Terry Fator will perform in November.

Thanksgiving Feasts at restaurants in Temecula Valley Wine Country and Old Town Temecula. Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving with friends and family, Temecula Valley makes for a stress-free holiday getaway.

For more information about all these Autumnfest events and more, see the events calendar at VisitTemeculaValley.com.

About Visit Temecula Valley
Laid back, picturesque Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country welcomes more than three million visitors each year. It is a year-round vacation destination, located 60 minutes from San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs; 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Temecula Valley Wine Country is widely recognized for its scenic vineyards, award-winning wines, and experiential wineries. The popular boutique destination includes the Temecula Valley A.V.A. (American Viticulture Area) as well as historic Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga Resort Casino. It also was named as a 2019 Wine Enthusiast 10 Best Wine Travel Destination.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com.

Artisan Cheese & Craft Beer in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Region This August

July 8, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Curd nerds and growler geeks can now find fulfillment as they travel with Cheese Journeys on its inaugural adventure to northwestern Vermont, August 8-13, 2019, to some of America’s favorite creameries and breweries, including award-winning Jasper Hill Farms & Cellars and the “Best Brewery in the World,” Hill Farmstead Brewery. The journey will aptly include an exclusive experience at the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival at historic Shelburne Farms on August 11, 2019.

Officially kicking off the tour in the city of Burlington, food trippers will enjoy a convivial signature cocktail featuring a local spirit and brew, followed by a short introduction to food photography before heading to a leisurely dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

The next day travelers head to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to visit renowned Jasper Hill Farm, one of America’s most innovative and successful artisan cheese businesses. An exclusive visit to the creamery with founders and brothers, Andy and Mateo Kehler, will not only include tasting some of the most prized cheeses in the US and abroad, but will also provide an opportunity to learn about their philosophy of cheesemaking, affinage, and sustainability. A stop at Jasper Hill’s Randi Albert Calderwood Cropping Center, the Farm’s state-of-the-art hay drying facility which allows the company to produce much of their herd’s own feed, contributing to the true taste of Jasper Hill’s products, underscores the meaning of “terroir.”

A behind-the-scenes tour of the Burlington Farmers Market will offer an overview of many of Vermont’s best artisan producers of cheese, meats, cider, and even veggie fermenters. Mad River Distillers and Lake Champlain Chocolates are just two of the several specialty food makers that will be visited. During an exclusive Vermont Cheesemakers Dinner, including cheesemakers (naturally) and the director of the Vermont Cheese Council, Tom Bivens, guests will learn about the Vermont cheese scene in more depth.

At the 11th annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, idyllically located on the shores of Lake Champlain, travelers will enjoy VIP admittance as they meet up with nearly fifty cheesmakers as well as local wine, craft beer, and numerous other food and beverage purveyors in attendance. Presentations about farmstead and artisan cheesemaking, cooking demos, workshops, and educational seminars are all awaiting at the festival.

A return to Shelburne Farms with a cheese-tasting and tour of the grounds, as well as a stop at Shelburne Vineyards to enjoy their award-wining wines will add to the appreciation of this region’s agricultural heritage and diversification.

Finally, no cheese venture to Vermont would be complete without a stop at Vermont Creamery, one of the country’s best-known goat dairies. Company president, Adeline Druart, will reveal how co-founders, Allison Hooper and Bob Reese, developed their highly-acclaimed fresh and aged goat cheeses, cultured butter, and other European-style dairy products 35 years ago.

Cheese Journeys founder, Anna Juhl, will lead this adventure throught the back country of Vermont, accompanied by two co-hosts: Tenaya Darlington, author and academian who goes by ‘Madame Fromage,’ and Jeff Roberts, author and one of Vermont’s food-scene experts. Believing in the importance of cheese education, Curds & Co (Brookline, MA), The Cheese Shop (Concord, MA), and Fairfield Cheese Company (Fairfield, CT) are collaborating with Cheese Journeys on this trip. FREE travel to and from Burlington, VT is available at each of these three locations.