Upcoming Food & Wine Events in Central California

 
(L) Asian cooking class at Edna Valley Winery   (C) Grapes at Arroyo Robles Tasting Room        (R) Atascadero Wine Festival

Please note that while we make every effort to  keep this informtion updated, it's always a good idea to  visit the Web site for the event to confirm dates, times, etc. 

2008

Nov. 8: New Cal Poly Vintages released
Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture students will pour samples of the new Cal Poly wines Nov. 8, in conjunction with Homecoming festivities on campus. Among the wines are a pinot noir and a chardonnay made by student winemakers, as well as "Mustang Red," a blend of Paso Robles zinfandel and Edna Valley syrah made by students from grapes grown off campus.

The wines will be available for sampling at the Cal Poly Alumni Association Wine Tasting, set for 1 to 3:30 p.m. at O'Neill Green, in front of the Business Building along California Boulevard. There are 25 wineries participating in the event. Buy tickets or obtain more information online at www.homecoming.calpoly.edu/. Or call 888-CAL-POLY (225-7659) for more details.

 The Cal Poly wines will not be for sale at the event but are available for purchase at Cal Poly Downtown.  Internet orders will be taken at www.calpolywine.com starting mid-November. They also can be sampled and purchased at "TASTE," a wine-tasting room operated by the San Luis Obispo Vintners Association in downtown San Luis Obispo. The wines are in limited quantity, with total production of about 800 cases. Proceeds will benefit Cal Poly's Wine and Viticulture program. With nearly 300 students, it is the largest university program of its kind in the state.  

Paso Robles Holiday Festivities

Dec. 6: Black Tie Holiday Dinner in the Eberle Winery Caves
Enjoy a black tie holiday dinner at Eberle Winery with renowned chef Holly Peterson of Napa Valley, who made news in Europe when she was chosen as the first female chef at a Michelin three-star restaurant. $150/pp; $120/Cellar Club members. For reservations, visit www.eberlewinery.com or contact Sheri Kennedy at 805.238.9607.

Dec. 6: Holiday Open House at.Donati Family Vineyard
What better way to shop than with a glass of wine in hand? Avoid the mall crowds and join the Donati Family as we celebrate the holidays with seasonal baked goods and wine pairings. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m browse their unique selection of gourmet food items and olive oils, and admire hand-selected international gift items. Donati Family Vineyard, Corner of Highway 46 West and Vineyard Drive, Templeton, CA 93465, 877.511.9463

Dec. 7: Sylvester Winery reading of "The Polar Express"
Sylvester Winery invites parents and children to get into the holiday spirit  by visiting our Pullman train cars to enjoy a reading of the modern holiday classic “The Polar Express.” The winery will host the reading in the train cars to benefit the Family Care Network. Proceeds will go directly to this non-profit organization whose mission is to provide child and family services to the community. The reading will be held every half hour beginning at 6:30 p.m. by a staff member dressed in an authentic conductor’s uniform. Snacks and hot cocoa will be served and wines will be available. For more information, call 805.227.4000 or email info@sylvesterwinery.com.
 
 Dec. 11 – Dec. 15: Holiday Open House at Maloy O'Neill Vineyards
Join MOV at their annual Ho! Ho! Ho! holiday open house for Christmas carols and family traditions. Sip wine and stroll the tasting room to pick out the perfect gift for a family member, friend, co-worker or client. For more information go to www.maloyoneill.com.
 Dec. 13: Barrel Tasting at Harmony Cellars WineryJoin winemaker Chuck for a fun and educational evening. Sample wines straight from the barrel and nibble on gourmet hors d'oeuvres. 5:30 - 7 p.m. $22/pp; $17.60/Club member. Reservations are required. Reserve by phone 805.927.1625 or online www.harmonycellars.com.
 
 Dec. 13:  Meridian Holiday Open House & Club Pick-Up Party
Meridian Vineyards will be celebrating the season with a complimentary Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sample exclusive “Limited Release” wines and delicious French petit-fours from Panolivo Gourmet Bistro & Bakery. Make your holiday wreath with vines cut from our very own vineyards.

Dec. 31:  New Year Celebration at Robert Hall Winery
Celebrate the memories of 2008 and welcome 2009 as you enjoy a very elegant evening of award-winning wine, gourmet cuisine and dancing to live music. For reservations and more information, please telephone 805.239.1616 ext. 24 or e-mail events@roberthallwinery.com.

 2009

Jan. 23: Bakersfield Wine Society Dinner by Playboy Mansion Executive Chef
Sterling Silver: an extraordinary evening with Playboy Mansion executive chef William Carter and Silver Oak Winery. A fundraiser for the Bakersfield College culinary arts and agriculture programs, the ag department will grow all the vegetables for the dinner (except the asparagus) in its hydroponics plant. A gala evening with limited seating, so put it on your calendar now. Details soon. Questions? Call Mike at (661) 395-4840.

Feb. 21-28: Sail with Eberle Winery in Costa Rica
Join Eberle Winery on a WindStar Cruise Line to beautiful Costa Rica. Explore the warm waters of the beaches, snorkle, hike or just relax and appreciate the wildlife of this pristine land. Enjoy an onboard winemaker seminar by Gary Eberle. Cabin rates from $2,422/pp. For more information, contact Marcy DeGarimore at Eberle Winery 805.238.9607 or marcy@eberlewinery.com. Or contact Aimee Presto of Rich Worldwide Travel 1.800.431.1130 ext. 145 or aimee@richtravel.com.

March: Bakersfield Wine Society 35th anniversary celebration
Would you like to bring back a favorite winery for a winemaker dinner? Want a wine-and-cheese pairing with a jazz combo? A winemaker potluck? Dinner in Eberle’s wine caves? BWS hasdone all these in the past. Send Mike your ideas, and he’ll put a celebration together. Email him at mstepanovich@bak.rr.com.

April 17: Second annual Red & White Wine & Food Festival/tasting at Bakersfield College
Details to be announced.

April 18: Earth Day Food & Wine Festival
Santa Margarita de Cortona Asistencia, Santa Margarita, CA, 1 - 5 p.m.
The Earth Day Food & Wine Festival is an intimate celebration featuring earth friendly cuisine, sustainably produced wines, live entertainment and educational exhibits highlighting innovative products. The award-winning food and wine featured are grown on local Central Coast farms committed to innovative practices that protect both our natural resources and communities. Enjoy unlimited tastings in a historic and festive setting. Tickets are limited to preserve the intimate nature of the event. Proceeds support sustainable agriculture research and farmworker outreach programs conducted by the Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT), a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization.Visit www.earthdayfoodandwine.com or call 805.369.2288. Tickets: $100/Premiere; $75/General; $25/Designated Driver; $500/VIP Table of 8.
 
 June 25-July 4: Cruise with Eberle Winery on Silversea
Join Gary Eberle of Eberle Winery on the ultra-luxurious Silversea Cruise Line for a Baltic cruise in 2009! The Stockholm to Stockholm itinerary includes ports in Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Estonia; Poland and Sweden. Silversea features an all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious and all-suite experience. Cabin rates from $7,356/pp. For more information, contact Marcy DeGarimore at 805.238.9607 or email marcy@eberlewinery.com. Or contact Lee Mackey of Worldview Travel 1.800.627.8726 or lee@worldviewtravel.com.