San Diego Bay Wine & Food Fest Takes Command Nov. 15th to 22nd

Tickets are on sale now for the biggest and best wine and food festival in Southern California, the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival, 5 days of fun, sipping, tasting, learning and cheering on your favorite chef at the Saturday Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero, next to Seaport Village .

Co-founder Michelle Metter said that “food, wine and local enthusiasts can expect to see  exciting new additions throughout the week as well as a return of the classics such as the Grand Tasting and signature Taco TKO Fish Taco Competition. Each year we showcase our city’s best talent and allow over 10,000 guests from around the world to indulge in an epicurean experience of a lifetime.”

The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival holds its Grand Tasting Sat. Nov. 21st
at the Embarcadero next to Seaport Village.

Celebrated chefs from everywhere in the country include: Rick Bayless, Gail Gand, Suzette Gresham, and hometown hero from the Marine Room, Bernard Guillas.  Last year’s Chef of the Fest winner, Duvinh Ta from Jake’s is returning for this year’s competition.

A new and exciting educational opportunity for wine industry professionals, sommeliers and enthusiasts has been unveiled for the first time called SommCon, with over 50 educational seminars, certifications, tasting events and more, created by industry experts.  The main conference is being held Thursday, November 19th and Friday November 20th that peaks with a trade tasting featuring over 100 wines, breweries and spirit purveyors.

Sommcon will open the doors to a wealth of knowledge from some of the best known wine personalities in the business. There are many levels of registration for the attendee to choose.  For more information and a list of classes go to SommConUSA.com.

Discounted accommodations at SommCom headquarters at the Manchester Grand Hyatt are available by calling 877-385-9595. For all other information about the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, visit sandiegowineclassic.com. Call: 619-312-1212.

Vittorio’s Presents Starmont Wines
 It was a festive full house recently at Vittoroio’s in Carmel Valley as Starmont Napa Valley wines took the stage to compliment a 4  course dinner, capped by a lovely grilled hanger steak with a Starmont Cabernet, 2011.

 It was ladies night at a recent Vittorio’s wine dinner with Mindy Hewitson of Estates Group and Cindy Bock of Merryvale/Starmont Wines of Napa Valley .

What made it even more attractive was Vittoro’s 1/2 priced bottles of wine. Victor is one of the few restaurateurs that sells wine direct to the consumer. Starmont a certified Napa organically grown wineryand leaders in value wines like:  Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. See more at starmontwinery.com.

Wine Bytes
Firefly Grill & Wine Bar in Encinitas presents a Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner, Wed, Oct. 21st at 6:30pm.  A 4 course dinner will be highlighted with Smoked Pork Tenderloin with a Cakebread Merlot 2012.  Cost is $125 pp.  Call 760-635-1066.

Harry’s Bar & American Grill in La Jolla , across from UTC, has a Pahlmeyer wine dinner, Wed. Oct. 21st at 6:30pm.  Final entrée will be a Beef Bourguignon paired with a 2013 Pahlmeyer Red Bordeaux Blend.  For cost and an RSVP, call 858-373-1252.

Il Forniao in Del Mar and Coronado are in the middle of their Festa  Regionale with cuisine from Italy’s Lazio district, the location for Rome. This special menu goes to Oct. 25th.

Monte De Oro Winery in Temecula has a Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting of 90  point wines, Fri. Oct. 23rd.  Reception 6:30pm and tasting begins at 7pm.  12 wines from California will be offered blind.  Price is $65. Available on line at montedeoro.com.

The 2nd annual San Diego Beer and Music Festival will be at Liberty Station in Pt. Loma, Sat. Oct. 24th from 7 to 10pm, a benefit for the San Diego Music Foundation. It will showcase over 100 craft beers from more than 50 local breweries.  $35. in advance, $40. at the door.  VIP slightly more.  Visit sandiegobeerfestival.com.

A Reflection of Wines past, a Re-Birthing For the Future

by Frank Mangio

On Saturday September 10, Napa Valley and a lot of the rest of the wine world, will celebrate a significant milestone – the 150th anniversary of Napa Valley’s first winery.

Charles Krug Winery was founded in 1861. Of the more than 3,000 wineries in California, Charles Krug laid the blueprint for new world wines, their fruit-rich consistency and character, but with a European style and sophistication. I have been on the hallowed grounds with its heritage oaks and vast expanse of lawn and realized that Charles Krug is a remarkable piece of America. And so does the governor, who has proclaimed “Charles Krug Winery Charles Krug Day" on September 10, 2011.

Winery in the Napa Valley, owned by The Peter Mondavi Family, is celebrating 150 years.

There is another component of this celebration and a primary page in the history of Napa Valley winemaking. This was the first winery purchased by the Mondavi Family, when Peter Sr. and Robert Mondavi built a brand that would be forever hailed as some of the greatest wines in the world. Later, Peter Sr. and sons Peter Jr. and Marc would carry on the tradition but with a new direction: stewardship of the land and the move to sustainable farming practices for next-generation preservation.

I recently had the opportunity to taste the Mondavi Family’s Reserve 2008 “ Generations,” a tribute to the family’s banner year of celebration.

This showstopper is a blend of 56% Cabernet, 31% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Distinctive roasted chestnut, brown sugar qualities hold together black cherry and some mineral notes. ( $51. at the winery. )

Make a date for September 10th, 2 to 5pm at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena for a significant milestone, the 150th Anniversary of Charles Krug and salute 96 year old Peter Mondavi Sr. with a “well done.” A host of other wine and food tastings will top the afternoon’s activities. See more at www.charleskrug.com.

Plans in Place for the 8th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival

The Grand Tasting Event is Saturday November 19 at the Embarcadero, San Diego. Here’s a wine and food event you absolutely, positively must experience.

The 8th annual edition of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is set for Wednesday November 16 through Sunday November 20. Check out the over-the-top lineup: 170 wine and spirit brands, 70 of San Diego’s top chefs, cooking and wine tasting classes, big bottle auction, continuous food and wine tastings, over 800 wines and a $50,000. “Chef of the Fest” competition.

Festival co-producer Michelle Metter asserted that “for eight years we have created an experience in Southern California that puts wine and food enthusiasts face-to-face with true culinary legends, rockstars in fact to many of us. Throughout the year, we follow the trends, the winemakers and chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, who are trailblazing a path filled with innovation and creativity, bringing many of them to San Diego for this event,” she added.

Throughout the week, visitors can choose from a number of events and packages to match their schedule. Be sure to include: the Reserve & New Release Tasting and Silent Auction , Friday November 18, 6:30 to 9:30pm on board the Hornblower Inspiration; and the Grand Tasting Event Saturday November 19 from Noon to 3pm ( VIP passes for 11am to 3pm) at the Embarcadero behind Seaport Village. Complete ticket and schedule details online at www.worldofwineevents.com or call 619-342-7337.

Wine Bytes

Every Tuesday, RELM Wine Bistro in Carlsbad has Keith offering an exploration of 4 different varietals for $10., from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Details at 760-434-9463.

Bernardo Winery presents its Grape Stomp Festa Sun. Sept. 11 starting at 5pm. $35. A ticket, includes grape stomping, buffet dinner, wine tasting and live music. Get more info at 858-487-1866.

A special Ken Forrester Wine Dinner is planned for PAON Restaurant and Wine Bar in Carlsbad, Tues. Sept. 13. Reception at 6:15pm. Meet Ken Forrester and Jessie Casanova from the winery. $85. pp. Call for an RSVP at 760-729-7377.

Firefly Grill and Bar in Encinitas has a Baker & Olive Wine Dinner Wed. Sept. 14 at 6:30pm with Smokescreen and Fifty Row Wines. Cost is $60. Call 760-635-1066.

Cougar Vineyards and Winery in Temecula is celebrating Mexican Independence Day with a Salsa and Guacamole Competition Fri. Sept. 16, 6:30 to 9:30pm. Visitors pay $30. pp; $25. for club members. Details at 951-491-0825.

Michelle Metter and Ken Loyst Kick-off SD Bay Wine & Food Week

San Diego Bay Warms Up to the Wine/Food Festival

by Frank Mangio
The Thanksgiving holiday is nearly here, an opportune time to gather friends for food, wine and good times. The same can be said for another tradition in San Diego, a week earlier.

From Wednesday November 17 through Sunday November 21, the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival consumes the hearts and minds of all involved with an international showcase of premier wines and spirits, chefs and gourmet foods.

Over 800 wines and spirits, 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and 30 gourmet food companies will participate in this 7th annual extravaganza, with venues like Macy’s, the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, the Hornblower Inspiration Super Yacht, Embarcadero Park North next to Seaport Village and Roy’s San Diego Waterfront.

New this year is the Tastemaker Dinner Series at various venues Wednesday and Thursday November 17 and 18 with a 6pm start. Restaurants chosen include: Addison at the Grand Del Mar, the Westgate’s Fountainbleau, Island Prime, Kitchen 1540 and Specialty Produce Warehouse. Over 9,000 are expected to attend the 5 day festival which is considered by experts to be in the top 5 of the top 100 events in Southern California for the past three years.

The Celebrity Chef’s Luncheon on Sunday November 21 is a select lineup of the best of… presented by Wine Spectator Magazine including 7 big names to help create a six course meal paired with some first class wines. A big bottle auction will raise funds for the American Institute of Wine and Food, dedicated to raising funds for their scholarship program.

A favorite of mine is the Friday November 19 Master Sommelier Blind Tasting, with host and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman of Justin Winery in Paso Robles. He will lead a panel as they blind-taste a number of international wines. They will break identify varietal, vintage, location, smell and taste to identify each of several wine challenges. All are local sommeliers in San Diego restaurants. The audience tastes along with the panel. This event is held from 4 to 5:30pm at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center.

Well, after all that you’ve got to ready to roll into all the festival has to offer. Learn more about times, events and pricing at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, visiting the web site at www.worldofwineevents.com. Or call 858-578-9463. We’ll see you there!

Wine Bytes
South Coast Winery Restaurant in Costa Mesa Orange County is having a winemaker’s 5 course dinner Sat. Nov. 13 beginning at 6pm. $95. pp. Call 714-957-1857 to RSVP.

Tues. Nov. 16, 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro in Encinitas has a 5 course winery dinner with Hall Winery of Napa Valley. Start time is 6pm. Cost is $70. RSVP’s at 760-942-2104

Firefly Restaurant in Encinitas is planning a Spring Mountain Wine Dinner Wed. Nov. 17 at 6:30pm. 4 course dinner plus reception. Cost is $89. ea. Call 760-635-1066.

San Pasqual Winery with locations in San Diego and La Mesa now has weekday “Happy Hour” specials from 4 to 6pm. Check out details at 619-462-1797.

Orfila Winery in Escondido presents their 11th annual Futures Dinner, including 4 course dinner, live music and dancing. Merlot and Syrah Futures will be served. $125. ea. Reserve at 760-738-6500.

The Elegant Pleasure of Dinner & Wine

by Frank Mangio
The weight of the world can put a dent on the shoulders of the best of us. Every once in while, all of us need to pause and place pleasure first on our to-do list. Not just any every-day pleasure but one steeped in history, wine and food. Did I see a few agreeable nods from the column’s faithful? Of course now I have to come up with a place that can deliver the goods, and I can. It’s the Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano.

At the Capistrano Train Depot, built in 1894 in the busiest part of downtown, a fully restored 1927 Pullman train car sits in regal elegance, transforming the diner back in time.
All aboard for this restored Pullman train car now means reserve an elegant table at The Vintage Steak House in the train depot at San Juan Capistrano.

The owners, Byron Gemmell who is the Executive Chef, and Mathew Timmes who handles administration and bookings, put together this authentic, historic landmark that serves 240 inside. A caboose will extend the length of the restaurant and will be a private enclave of up to 15 diners. There is patio dining and live smooth Jazz Thursday through Saturday nights.
The real test of pleasure is the specialty steaks and carefully selected wines. From Filet Mignon to Rib Eye, the beef is open fire mesquite grilled, dry aged to perfection and hand-cut, enhanced with locally grown vegetables. A wide variety of chops and fish complete the entrees.

The wine list is superior. All the major world varietals are represented with names that will satisfy all palates. From champagnes to hillside Italian legends like Brunellos, Barbarescos and Amarones, they are all there…some 300 selections to fit all budgets. On this occasion we opened a 1995 Pendroncelli Cabernet from Sonoma. Its striking aged taste blended beautifully with the steak selections presented.

The romance of The Vintage Steak House takes the diner to another time and place, with an intimate ambience showcasing hand-crafted cuisine. The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily from 8am. Sunday Brunch from 10am to 3pm. Call 949-661-3400. Learn more at www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

“Bling” Events on Tap from Fast Forward
Oh baby is the bar going to be raised for unparalleled events in San Diego by the fast-moving Fast Forward Event Productions. They are the people that have given us the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival for the past six years, easily the ultimate event experience for 10,000+ wine and food enthusiasts.
Over 170 wine and spirits producers will be pouring nearly 1,000 different wines at this year’s San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

The announcement just came in that the new dates will be November 17 through 21 and tickets are on sale June 15. Superstars from the world of winemaking and foodie-favorite chefs will compile an unforgettable series of events, capped by a Grand Tasting Saturday November 20. It’s expected that 70 of San Diego’s top restaurants and just over 30 gourmet food companies will be there. The smart people will buy their tickets right after the 15th at www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 619-342-7337.

Fast Forward also announced the launching of The Gourmet Experience, a food, luxury and lifestyle showcase that features the best in gourmet products and services according to Michelle Metter, partner in Fast Forward Event Productions. The date is set for October 9 and 10 of this year in San Diego. Guests will experience: tasting the newest gourmet foods, home entertainment products, kitchen equipment, plannng dinner parties, new trendy casual and fine dining products, culinary tips, new destinations, resorts and hotels, sipping luxury wines, spirits and craft beer and large appliance packages, to name a few.

For the latest news on The Gourmet Experience, go to www.thegourmetexpo.com.

Wine Bytes
§ A Day In Tuscany is the theme for the San Antonio Winery downtown Los Angeles Sat. June 12 from 1 to 4pm. The wines and cuisine, including a 4 course lunch will be served for $64. pp. Contact number is 323-221-7261.

§ The San Diego County Vintners will hold their annual Barrel Tasting Sat. June 12 from 12 Noon to 5pm at the Menghini Winery in Julian. Entertainment included for $45. Details at 760-765-2072.

§ Another Drink Yourself Blind competition is being staged at Bacchus Wine Market Sat. June 12 from 2 to 9pm. 8 wines will be “brown-bagged for your educated guess. $15. fee. More at 619-236-0005.

§ A Kiame Wine Dinner will be held at Baci Restaurant in San Diego Mon. June 14 from 6:45 to 9pm. 5 course dinner served with paired Kiame wines. RSVP at Baci’s 619-275-2094.