July 2011 Food & Wine Events Calendar
Seasonal
Corn, tomatoes, basil, avocados
and garlic are at their peaks; look for these ingredients
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July
7-10
San Luis Obispo, CA — Central Coast Wine
Classic
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A hallmark of the 27th annual four-day event on California's Central Coast is the popular Dinner at Hearst Castle in San Simeon during which guests are seated at a terrace in view of La Casa Grande, the Greco-Roman swimming pool and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Paired with matching wine, the cuisine at this dinner and others will be prepared by Hawaii chefs Roy Yamaguchi and D.K. Kodama, with Michael Hutchings of Santa Barbara presenting the hors d'oeuvres. Other events will include winery dinners and tastings, a cheese tasting symposium, live and silent auctions, cooking demonstrations and a concert featuring stellar percussionists. Alpha Omega Winery, Au Bon Climat and Brewer-Clifton Winery are a few of the 50 California wineries that will be providing their finest Chardonnay. The Classic kicks off on Thursday with the Barrel Tasting, which takes place from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For reservations, call 805-544-1285 or visit www.centralcoastwineclassic.org for more information.
July 7-12
Park City, UT — Park City Food & Wine Classic
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Park City's seventh annual event, which has been expanded this year to include two more days, will feature haute cuisine, seminars, cooking demonstrations and locally made products from more than 100 local restaurants, artisans and epicurean purveyors. An estimated 3,000 people will be able to sample more than 500 wines, beers and spirits paired with bite-sized samples of the Westgate Grill's jumbo coconut prawns, Bangkok Thai on Main's Tom Yum Goong and Mercer's wine-flavored ice cream, just to name a few delicacies, during the Stroll and Grand Tasting events. Monday and Tuesday features Sommelier Certification classes. A percentage of all ticket sales and auction proceeds will benefit the People's Health Clinic. The event begins with a kickoff celebration on Thursday at 6 p.m. Ticket prices vary. The $265 Meritage Pass includes the Thursday Kickoff Celebration, the Friday Stroll of Park City and the Saturday Toast of Park City Grand Tasting. For tickets and information, call 877-328-2783 or visit www.parkcityfoodandwineclassic.com.
July
8-10
Hermann, MO — Cajun Concert on the Hill
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Stone Hill Winery Pavilion is hosting this three-day concert event, which in previous years has drawn more than 3,000 visitors from across the country. Recording artist Ed Gary and the Louisiana Cajun Aces will perform Bayou music alongside Louisiana couples who will perform authentic Cajun dances during each concert and at the Mardi Gras Parade. Zesty, mouthwatering Cajun food such as catfish, andouille sausage, homemade jambalaya, red beans and rice will be offered to the crowd. Tastings might feature all the winery's selections, such as Vidal Blanc, Chardonel and Hermannsberger, with Cross J Vineyard Norton and Late Harvest Vignoles being the only exceptions. Concerts will take place on Friday from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and on the weekend from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. The Mardi Gras Parade is on Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door two hours before each concert, with two-and-three-day passes available. Adult pavilion tickets are $12 per person, $5 per person for grounds tickets and $2.50 per person for a tour and tasting. For more information, call 800-909-9463 or visit www.stonehillwinery.com.
July
14-16
Santa Barbara, CA — California Wine
Festival
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This three-day festival kicks off at the historic De La Guerra Adobe Courtyard with the Old Spanish Nights Tapas and Wine Tasting on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., showcasing some of the finest wines from Spain and Santa Barbara along with traditional live music by Luna Gitana, spicy tapas appetizers and flamenco dancing. Then, on Friday from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., the Sunset Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting takes place at the charming old-world carousel at Chase Palm Park Plaza, where there will be samplings of extremely limited reserve level wines matched with gourmet appetizers, artisan cheeses and fresh strawberries dipped in a chocolate fountain. The event closes on Saturday from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. with samplings of more than 350 fine wines from every region of California during the Beachside Food & Wine Fest. More than 40 wineries will offer their best selections paired with gourmet appetizers. Regional breweries and distilleries will also offer craft beer and spirits. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Ticket prices vary for each event. For tickets and information, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.californiawinefestival.com.
July
15-17
Watkins
Glen, NY — Finger Lakes Wine Festival
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Yancey's Fancy presents this year's three-day wine event, which will showcase 600 wines from the state's best 80 wineries, in addition to many ales and lagers from local and regional microbreweries. Those in attendance at the historic Watkins Glen International auto racetrack, home of the United States Grand Prix, will have the opportunity to wear togas, eat chef Paul Mach's regional dishes paired with Champagne and mimosas, learn how to cook from culinary professionals, enjoy upbeat blues and jazz from more than 25 bands on four major stages, chuckle at the Geva Comedy Improv group, wander through a beer garden, or ride in a pace car. Yancey's Fancy will provide guests with free samples of its artisan cheese. The Launch of the Lakes event, which takes place on Friday from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., will kick off the festival. Tickets can be purchased online. The Riedel Experience, which costs $175 per person, is a two-day pass that includes most of the festival's events, in addition to several VIP meals, tastings and a souvenir glass. For tickets and information, call 866-461-7223 or visit www.FLWineFest.com.
July
15-24
Napa Valley, CA — Festival del Sole
This ten-day festival brings together the best in music, dance, wine and cuisine. Musical highlights include the return of festival favorite Sarah Chang; a dance gala starring principal dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre; an expanded vocal series with sopranos Nino Machaidze, Aleksandra Kurzak and Marnie Breckenridge, baritone Guido Loconsolo and tenor Francesco Demuro; and the premiere of a multidisciplinary program dedicated to the world of Shakespeare. Vintner's luncheons, gala dinners and live auctions take place most days, hosted by Darioush, Robert Mondavi Winery, Meadowood Napa Valley, Grgich Hills Estate, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Cardinale, Black Coyote Chateau Winery, Chimney Rock, Solage Calistoga and Tamber Bey Vineyards. For tickets and information, visit www.festivaldelsole.org.
July 16
Nashville, TN — L'Eté du Vin
Summer welcomes the return of America's oldest wine charity event, which traditionally entails bidding and imbibing, with wine and dinner complementing the live auctions. For its 32nd year, the charity at the luxury Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in midtown Nashville is scheduled to feature "a new and exciting format." This year, wine will be paired with six courses prepared by Loews restaurant executive chef Elaine Taubin. More than 100 live and silent auctions open up for bidding wines that are impossible to find anywhere else in the world, grand-format tastings, jewelry, famously exclusive travel experiences, luxury vehicles, unique dining experiences, fine art made exclusively for the event and much more. Proceeds and donations generated from the fundraiser benefit organizations that specialize in the treatment, patient care and eradication of cancer. For tickets and information, call 615-329-1760 or visit www.nashvillewineauction.com.
July
16
Milan, OH — Veggie U Food & Wine Celebration
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Thirty-two world-class chefs will pair gourmet food utilizing the one-of-a-kind micro greens, miniature vegetables and special ambrosia grown in the soil of Farmer Lee Jones' family garden, with fine wine from Gruppo Mezzacorona and Trinchero Wines, underneath a tasting tent as part of Veggie U's ninth annual summer fundraiser on the beautiful grounds of The Culinary Vegetable Institute. This year will include an exclusive VIP party, live and silent auctions, the Grand Tasting event, Champagne, artisan food vendors, a wine class and chef demonstrations. Guests will be able to enjoy Mackenzie Creamery's artisan goat cheese and Cana Junction's farmstead cheese. The Grand Tasting event takes place from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The exclusive VIP party begins at 4 p.m. and is limited to 50 guests. Ticket proceeds support Veggie U's hands-on educational program, which emphasizes sustainable agriculture and teaches fourth graders healthy eating habits. For more information, call 419-499-7500 or visit www.veggieufoodandwine.com.
July 16-17
Menlo
Park, CA — 25th Annual Connoisseur's
Marketplace
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Stroll down the charming tree line on Santa Cruz Avenue to sample a glass of 2007 Kings Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and watch chef Jorge Cortes from Carpaccio cook up a classic veal Milanese. Spanakopita, German-style bratwurst, seafood gumbo and other tasty international food items can be found along this path of seemingly endless sensory delight. Let the fine wine and good eating enhance the overall experience by admiring works of contemporary fine art, the beauty of collector cars and the sounds of contemporary jazz and romantic Italian mandolin ballads. Bring along the kids so that they can join in the fun or make their own, with a Froghopper, Kids' Copters rides, a 24-foot climbing wall and several arts and crafts activities. Woodside Vineyards will be showcasing Santa Cruz Mountain estate wines, three of which can be sampled for $10 per person. Five samples of the best beers from ten participating microbreweries can be sampled for $10 per person. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. A free concert featuring Pride & Joy will take place on Saturday from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. in Fremont Park. Admission is free. For more information, call 650-325-2818 or visit www.miramarevents.com.
July
16-17
Santa
Barbara, CA—24th Annual Santa
Barbara French Festival
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Bastille Day weekend will kick off with couples toasting one another at intimate sidewalk cafés while sitting at tables covered with checkered cloths and savoring Brittany crêpes or baguette sandwiches in Oak Park. A huge replica of The Eiffel Tower in the background will make the occasion feel all the more authentic. Join an expected 20,000 attendees in absorbing not just Parisian culture, but that of other areas of the world by enjoying the antics of juggling mimes, Blue Star Café's savory quiche, eye-catching Moroccan belly dancing, tasty gumbo from Southern Delite Cajun Cuisine and classical grand opera. More than 40 acts will be performing on three stages while twelve local restaurants provide a tasty array of their signature dishes. French and domestic beers, wines, Champagne, Kir and mimosas will be paired with these delicacies such as escargot, gumbo, jambalaya, mussels and fries, Alsatian sausages and choucroute. Bouncers, wading pool and playground will be available for kids to enjoy. The event takes place each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 805-564-7274 or visit www.frenchfestival.com.
July
17
Los Angeles, CA — Bastille Day
Celebrate the French national holiday at Elysian Park's Monticello Leo
Politi Lodge next to Dodger Stadium with French delicacies and wine,
French bread and desserts, crêpes, merguez, couscous,
pâtés and charcuterie vendors, cheese, and much more. To mark the
event's 10th anniversary, producer Passions Productions plans to
invite officials from France to be in attendance. The festivities take
place on Sunday from noon-9 p.m. Tickets cost $5 per person. For
tickets and information, call 323-656-6083 or visit www.bastilledaylosangeles.com.
Celebrate Bastille Day at LA Restaurants
July
22-24
Killington, VT — Killington Wine Festival
This weekend festival, which takes place against the majestic backdrop of the Green Mountains, kicks off Friday night with a sampling of estate and reserve wine, hosted by the vintners who made them. On Saturday, at The Grand Tasting, attendees will be able to taste from 400 world-class wines, paired with light hors d'oeuvres, at the top of Killington Peak. A golf outing takes place on Sunday at the Green Mountain National Golf Course. These activities, a welcome party, a Champagne brunch, several gourmet wine dinners and samplings hosted by local restaurants, live music and giveaways, will define the tenth year of Rutland County's signature summer event. Tickets for the Estate and Grand tastings cost $50 per person. For more information, call 800-337-1928 or visit www.killingtonchamber.com.
July 23-25
McMinnville, OR — International Pinot Noir Celebration
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Pinot Noir devotees will have the opportunity to taste the best selections from 70 international producers, and more than 250 wines, at the 25th anniversary of the annual event at Linfield College. During the weekend, participate in a guided stroll through vineyards, two grand tastings, a traditional Northwest Salmon Bake, multi-course meals, Champagne brunch, jazz music, horseshoes, beer and much more. Wine will be paired with food that will range from brined pork belly with haricots verts to bourride en gelée barrigoule des chanterelles. Locally baked breads and pastries, Oregon's legendary berries and cured meats will be available every day. The event kicks off on Friday with breakfast on the Riley Hall Patio from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. Admission to the full weekend's events, except The Passport to Pinot tasting, is $975 per person, with individual events ranging from $100-$150 per person. For tickets and information, call 800-755-4762 or visit www.ipnc.org.
July 28-31
Portland, OR — 24th Annual Oregon Brewers
Festival
Celebrate craft beer by tasting or drinking a full mug of any of the many brews on offer, in addition to those made by local breweries specifically for the four-day festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Teetotalers and minors can also enjoy the festival with live music, exotic dishes such as Sambusa or Hasenpfeffer, and The Crater Lake Root Beer Garden, which offers handcrafted root beer. The live music lineup has yet to be announced. Horn of Africa, The Rheinlander and Gustav's are just a few of the six onsite restaurants that will be participating. Admission is free. Taps will be open from Thursday to Saturday from noon-9 p.m. and on Sunday from noon-7 p.m. For more information, call 503-778-5917 or visit www.oregonbrewfest.com.
July 30
Philo, CA — California Wine Tasting Championships
Against the beautiful backdrop of the Anderson Valley, attendees will have the chance to sample eight California wines from the vineyard's cellar, then try to guess the name of each selection from a list of ten common varietals. Amateur drinkers can gain enough wine savvy to enter the fray by participating in a complimentary Wine Tasting Boot Camp or seminars on wine tasting techniques. Winners will receive personalized certificates and prizes. Chocolate and cheese tasting contests, a tour of the vineyard and a gourmet dinner party prepared by chef Francois de Melogue will also be a part of the evening's festivities. The event kicks off with the Wine Tasting Boot Camp from noon-1 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 707-895-2002 or visit www.greenwoodridge.com.
July 30-31
Mundaring, Western Australia — Mundaring Truffle Festival
Come celebrate the tuber melanosporum black truffle, an expensive edible commodity priced at $3,000 per kilogram, in one of the few regions in the world in which it grows. Celebrated national and regional chefs will participate in The Truffle Master Class, The World's Longest Truffle Lunch, Gala Truffle Dinners each at The Loose Box and The Darlington Estate, all of which will be held this year on both days of the festival. Truffle-themed dishes will be served with premium matching wines. Also included in the festivities is The Perth Hills Wine Show, Gourmet Produce Market, European foods tasting courses, truffle dog demonstrations, author signings, music and entertainment. Those who present the Companion Card will be offered free entry to the festival. For tickets and information, call 08-9290-6655 or visit www.mundaringtrufflefestival.com.
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(Updated:
04/06/11 BH)
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