Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

December 2011 Food & Wine Events Calendar

Seasonal Tip:
It's black truffle month, and time to celebrate the holidays with CHAMPAGNE.

December 1-30
Christmas lights as seen on a California-style Sleigh Rides cruise in Ventura
Ventura, CA California Sleigh Rides
Sail the waters of the Ventura Keys and Ventura harbor on a "holiday sleigh ride" — California style. Every night in December, the ship Dreamer departs for a "sleigh ride" past shoreline homes lit up with twinkling holiday lights that cast picturesque reflections in the nighttime waters. Cruises take place nightly from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Each cruise offers a full bar, soft drinks and seasonal beverage concoctions such as "reindeer milk" and hot chocolate. Cruises cost — cash only — $20 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 years old. Private charters are available as well, with prices ranging from $395 to $895. For more information, call 805-642-7753 or visit www.venturaboatrentals.com.

December 2-4
Pomona, CA Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show
Whimsical hand painted character gourds from the Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show
Fairplex Park hosts this annual touring festival bringing in art-and-craft talent from all over the country, not to mention great eats from local restaurants, all presented with live musical accompaniment in an indoor environment. Check out the latest in hand-turned wood, clothing, original art, ceramics, jewelry and more. The hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Reservations must be made by November 1. For more information, call 415-447-3205 or visit www.harvestfestival.com.

December 2-4
Franschhoek, SOUTH AFRICAFranschhoek "Magic of Bubbles" Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Franschhoek Investec Private Bank Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Come celebrate the "Magic of Bubbles" in the country's gourmet capital. This year's festival will take place at the Huguenot Monument in the village of Franschhoek and will host several celebrated Cap Classique producers. Last year Graham Beck, Villiera and Simonsig participated, as well as Champagne Houses such as Verve, Tribaut and Billecart Salmon. In addition, take in the music and cuisine. Bubbly will be sold throughout the three-day revelry. Tickets cost R 180 per person. For more information, call 27-021-876-3603 or visit www.franschhoek.org.za.


December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
Fredericksburg, TX Holiday Wine Trail
Holiday Wine Trail in Fredericksburg, Texas
Begin your holiday festivities right, with a trip down the Holiday Wine Trail in the heart of Texas Hill Country. You can visit all of the 27 Texas Hill Country wineries decked for the season and stocked with wines perfect for gifts, parties and special dinners. Each guest receives a grapevine wreath and a custom holiday ornament from every winery visited and a discount on a three bottle purchase. To purchase the $60 tickets, call 866-621-9463, or for more www.texaswinetrail.com.


December 4
Holiday Spectacular in Carmel Valley, California
Carmel Valley, CA — Holiday Spectacular
For the holiday season, Chateau Julien Wine Estate presents its annual "Holiday Spectacular," featuring the musical entertainment of The Choral Project of San Jose amidst the near-ideal acoustics of the aging oak barrels in the Wine Estate's Chai. A gift reception and holiday wine tasting will follow in the festively decorated Great Hall. The event is held from 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. and tickets are $40 per person, $30 for club members. Chateau Julien Wine Estate is located at 8940 Carmel Valley Rd. Go to www.chateaujulien.com to make your reservations online.

December 13-25
Yosemite National Park, CA The Bracebridge Dinner
The Bracebridge Dinner
The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley is celebrating its 84th season. This famed holiday event transforms the hotel into a seventeenth-century English manor for a seven-course feast and a performance from more than 100 professional singers and court characters telling the story of a Christmas feast with Lord Merrick of Bracebridge and his household. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Dinner only tickets cost $425 per person, including tax and gratuity. One- and two-night lodging packages for two at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and the Wawona Hotel are also available. For more information, or to make reservations, visit www.yosemitepark.com/bracebridge or call 801-559-4949.

December 28-January 3
Hobart, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA The Taste Festival
Waterfront dining at The Taste Festival in Sullivans Cove
Come let your taste buds soar at the week-long taste festival in Tasmania's capital. Hundreds of thousands flock to Hobart's culinary and cultural event, which has been drawing locals and visitors alike for 23 years. Sights are filled with stalls of local Tasmanian produce and cuisine, while live performers and artists entertain. The traditional waterfront setting of Hobart brings together the highest quality food of Tasmania with culture and community. For more information, visit www.tastefestival.com.au.


Back to the Calendar

(Updated: 06/21/11 BH)

WINE EVENTS

There's always more to learn about wine. Take part in a class, a wine and cheese pairing or a fancy prix-fixe meal at these events across the country.

CULINARY EVENTS

Eat, drink and celebrate at these festivals, special dinners, happy hours, cooking classes and more from Los Angeles to New York to London.