Encinitas Rotary Wine Event Benefits Charities

Recently, I observed that the wine consumer was getting washed with wine shows. This was not meant to be a complaint. Wine shows give the visitor an opportunity to sample some superior wines, upwards of 200 choices, along with food pairings, for one nominal admission fee. The realization that big wine shows equal big profits has resonated, especially in Southern California where most days are perfect for outdoor events.

There is one wine/food event I want you to keep your eyes and palates on: the Encinitas Rotary and its Wine and Food Festival.

Set for Saturday June 6 from 5 to 8pm at the pristine San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, this event has quickly won the support of the public, like no other of its size.

Encinitas Rotarian Rich Houk  and Sandy Houk are Co-chairs of the 12th annual
Wine & Food Festival at the San Diego Botanic Garden  in Encinitas.

Guests will taste from over 20 wineries, breweries and other beverages. Area restaurants are pitching in with their best menu offerings and all will be serenaded by live music while they bid up auction items.  All this makes for a pleasant wine event  like most others, however Rich and Sandy Houk, co-chairs of the Encinitas Rotary, want you to know that 19 charities benefit  from your attendance at this event.  “Last year was the 7th year of a sellout,” Rich declared.  “Our festival raised over $120,000. for both children’s and community charities. It was a team effort with all 90 Rotary members volunteering to make it a success. Tickets start at $90. and when people buy their tickets, they can choose their favorite charities from our list.  The beneficiary charities need to attend all our meetings and they agree to sell a designated number of tickets.  They also help with raffle items to raise additional dollars.  It’s a total team effort.”

The wines offered are a great fit. Most are from the Southern California region.  Be sure to pay special attention to a favorite of mine this year, Coomber Family Ranch wines.  Skip Coomber has made a high-end style of wine, with Pinor Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  These wines compete with any I’ve tasted.

To purchase tickets for the Encinitas festival, go to encinitaswinefestival.com. Enjoy the festival and help a charity.

Red & White Wines-More than just Color
It’s always red versus white. Whites always start out, and reds finish.  That’s because reds are more robust and more complex than whites. Reds are made from dark red, even black grapes.  Whites are made from green grapes.

During fermentation for whites, the stems, seeds and skins are gently removed from the grape juice after being squeezed from the pressing machine.  For reds, stems, seeds and skins are left in the grape juice during this process.  Tannins and pigments are produced, resulting in this complexity that wine lovers strive for.