Southern California Spring Wine Festivals

Ring in Spring By Tasting Exceptional Wine and Food in Irvine, Newport Beach and Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend at Bacara


By Anne Stephany

With miles of rolling vineyards, dozens of farmers and fishermen, nationally-acclaimed artisans and trendy new restaurants, Santa Barbara County is growing into one of the nation’s top up-and-coming culinary destinations. But much about what makes this region so unique remains a well-kept secret; until now.

In partnership with Edible Santa Barbara and The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, Bacara Resort & Spa is pleased to introduce the Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend at Bacara from June 6-8, 2014. Set within the luxurious surroundings of Bacara Resort, the three-day event will take guests on a culinary tour of Santa Barbara County from sea to Santa Ynez.

At the heart of the weekend is a special tribute to Julia Child who spent her final years in Santa Barbara, a city she described as a “bit of heaven.” The weekend is inspired by Julia’s lifelong passion for learning, love of eating well and mission to further gastronomy. A portion of event proceeds will benefit The Julia Child Foundation.

“The Foundation is very proud of Julia’s and our connection to Santa Barbara. We can’t think of a better way to honor Julia’s legacy than a weekend celebrating the food and wine bounty around Santa Barbara. We are so pleased that Bacara has partnered with the Foundation to produce this most appetizing event.” – Todd Schulkin, Executive Director, The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.

Santa Barbara Food & Wine Weekend ticket prices range from zero to $250. Bacara Resort is offering an overnight package that includes: two-night stay at Bacara Resort & Spa on June 6 and 7; two tickets to the opening night wine reception on June 6; two tickets to the Sunday neighborhood tasting on June 8, and valet parking. Prices start at $515 a night (normally $657 if purchased separately). Advanced reservations are recommended.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.BacaraCulinaryWeekend.com.

Celebrity Cruises First Land-Based Wine and Food Festival

By Karen Gee-McAuley

Celebrity Cruises, which introduced the cruise industry’s first gourmet food truck in 2013, and on the heels of 10 of its restaurants receiving Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence,” has made yet another culinary footprint on land with the industry’s first-ever wine and food festival.The Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival takes place May 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Great Park in Irvine, Calif.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit LegalAid of Orange County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost legal services to individuals of Southern California who might otherwise be denied access to justice. Since its founding in 1958, LASOC has assisted over 500,000 people.

Early bird tickets are $75 per person if purchased by April 30, 2014, then go up to $100 per person. Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club members are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets ($60) if purchased by April 30, 2014. Discounted tickets are also available for government and non-profit workers, as well as sitting judges. Tickets and can be purchased online at Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival.

A sampling of food and beverage participants slated to delight attendees include Cakebread, Kendall Jackson, Samuel Adams, Slapfish, Clay Oven (recipient of the 2013 Golden Foodie Awards for Best Indian Restaurant in Orange County), Maro Wood Grill, Bluewater Grill, Riptide, James Republic (Chef Dean James Max) and more.

Celebrity’s Sommelier Chanelle Duarte and its VP of F&B operations / Executive Chef John Suley, will be in attendance at Celebrity Cruises’ booth, where tastes of Celebrity’s cuisine will be presented.

Scott Clifton, director of sales, states, “Celebrity’s love affair with the culinary arts continues to flourish. We saw this opportunity to introduce food and wine aficionados to culinary experiences they can enjoy while on a Celebrity ship, as well as restaurants and beverages they have yet to try.”

Newport Beach Wine Festival® at Balboa Bay Resort

By Lauren Crowley

This celebration will showcase Balboa Bay Resort and its exceptional food and beverage offerings through creative wine tasting experiences, seminars, a cooking class, a wine maker dinner, a seafood festival and more. Join Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef, Vincent Lesage, along with his exceptional culinary team, and some of the best and most well-known wine makers and chefs in the region for this annual event.

“We are looking forward to this eleventh annual event and welcoming resort guests, Balboa Bay Club members and our local community, to the resort to experience an extraordinary wine and food experience,” said Sam El-Rabaa, general manager of Balboa Bay Resort. “This is a truly unique weekend filled with exceptional wines and culinary talent.”

Newport Beach Wine Festival® begins Friday, May 23 with the intimate Master Sommelier Coasting Through California Wine Dinner. Kick the holiday weekend off in style and embark on an evening of exceptional wine and extraordinaire culinary creations. Guests will enjoy an exquisite six-course dinner that will take them on a food and wine journey throughout California. Each course will represent a specific area in California and will incorporate locally grown ingredients from that region. Fine wines will be selected for each course by Master Sommeliers Ira Harmon M.S. and Ron Mumford M.S.

On Saturday, May 24, guests are invited to attend a cooking class and two wine seminars during the day and the Grand Tasting in the evening.

The majestic Grand Tasting on Saturday evening will transform The Grand Ballroom at Balboa Bay Resort into a beautiful tasting room with over 90 wineries from around the world. Alongside the wines will be endless culinary creations from the chefs at Balboa Bay Resort, including a selection of seafood, caviars, cheeses, meats and decadent desserts. Live music will be played to set the relaxed atmosphere for the evening.

Newport Beach Wine Festival® will close on Sunday, May 25, with a farewell Beer for Breakfast, an afternoon All-American Seafood Festival and Cigar “On the Rocks” to end the evening.

Start the day in European style with scrumptious breakfast faire and renowned beers from around the world at Beer for Breakfast.

Next, take in the gorgeous Southern California outdoors amidst the yachts at the All-American Seafood Festival. Delight in great wine, beer and magnificent cuisine from the sea. Sample and savor wines from over 30 wineries, including winery partner Trinitas Cellars, as you stroll through the waterfront lawn filled with rows of interactive culinary stations.

Finish off the evening with Cigar “On the Rocks”, where you will delight in specialty cocktails, top flight cognacs, scotches, ports, decadent desserts and of course, cigars.

To purchase tickets, please call Balboa Bay Resort at 949.630.4145. For additional information on the Newport Beach Wine Festival®, please visit http://balboabayresort.com/newport-beach-vacations/newport-beach-wine-festival/. 

Family Fun at The Fess Parker, Santa Barbara, CA

Photo Courtesy of The Fess Parker, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort

Situated on 24 sprawling acres across from the Pacific Ocean and within walking distance to lively State Street, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Harbor and the Santa Barbara Zoo, The Fess Parker, a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, is the perfect place for families to explore all that Santa Barbara, California has to offer...and the whole family will love the warm chocolate cookies upon arrival.

The newly renovated 360-room property includes kid-friendly amenities such as shuffleboard, a putting green, a pool, tennis courts, and bike rentals. Guests can also stroll to Chase Palm Park where there is a play structure and antique carousel. 

Whether your family wants to relax and enjoy the property or get out and do some active sightseeing, the Fess Parker provides the amenities and location for whatever your family has planned.

Renovated Rooms at The Fess Parker

The AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort recently underwent an interior renovation by Los Angeles-based Design Group Carl Ross, Inc. that combined the traditional Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial design with a modern twist that included Spanish tile patterns and textured materials in a fresh earth-tone palette, custom made upholstered furniture, carpet, wall coverings and fixtures. 

Most rooms offer the following complimentary amenities:

•   Furnished patio or balcony

•   High-speed internet access

•   Mini bar

•   Personal coffee maker

•   Mini-bar

•   Safe

•   In-room movies

•   Shampoo and bar soap (no hair conditioner)

Pets Welcome at The Fess Parker

As a pet-frienly hotel, the family can bring their favorite furry friend along too. Upon check-in, guests with pets receive a "doggie bag" that can include treats, a ball, Fido Friendly magazine, poop bags, pet service menu and a “Paw”- and “Purr”-riffic room service menu sporting Howlin’ Ground Sirloin and Albacore Tuna, cooked to order; pet-friendly dining is also available on the ocean view patio of The Set. The concierge can also provide a list of pet-friendly restaurants, hikes and beach in Santa Barbara so that you can take your pet with you.

On-Property Dining at The Fess Parker

Families will love the expansive breakfast buffet offered daily from 6:30-11:30 a.m. at The Roundhouse, located in the main lobby. The buffet includes things such as pancakes, sausages, omelets, cereal, muffins, fruit, yogurt, juice, and much more. The cost is $25 per adult, $12 for ages 5-12, complimentary up to age 5. It’s a great way to start the day. For a grab-and-go breakfast, snacks, treats, or Starbucks coffee, visit the Java del Mar.

Looking to lounge by the pool? Poolside meal service is available through the Terazza del Mar, which features burgers, fries, sandwiches and other lunch menu items.

Want to bring your pooch along? Lunch, diner and snacks can be served on the patio at The Set. There is an ocean view and two outdoor fire pits, which make it a casual and scenic place to wind down a busy day.

For a more elegant dining experience, head to Rodney’s Grill for items such as the Beefsteak Tomato Melt with provolone and Danish blue cheese, balsamic reduction, and chive oil, the Natural Filet Mignon with chive butter, roasted garlic and yukon gold mashed potatoes with bordelaise, or the Channel Island Almond Crusted Halibut with saffron couscous, wild mushrooms, and
tomato fennel broth. 

Guest Services at The Fess Parker

The resort also offers the following amenities:

•         Complimentary airport (SBA) and Amtrak shuttle service from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

•         Fitness center

•         Relaxing day spa and salon

•         Hertz Rental Car Desk located in Main Lobby

Outdoor Activities Near The Fess Parker

There are numerous family-friendly activities nearby The Fess Parker. Here are some possible itineraries:

Day One:

Catch the Santa Barbara Trolley ($19 adult ticket) in front of The Fess Parker and spend the walking along Stearn’s Wharf, grabbing lunch Downtown, and touring the Old Mission.

Day Two:

Walk to the Santa Barbara Zoo, grab lunch on the patio at The Set, rent a Surrey (4-person bike) and take a ride to the Santa Barbara Harbour for an hour of standup paddle boarding.

Day Three:

Relax on-property with breakfast at The Roundhouse and a morning of putting and shuffleboard followed by a dip in the pool and lunch poolside at Terazza del Mar. End the day with a game of tennis and dinner at Rodney’s Grill.

Contact Information

The Fess Parker

A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort

633 East Cabrillo Blvd.

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

1-800-879-2929

http://www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com/

Newport Beach Wine Festival at Balboa Bay Resort

Newport Beach Waterfront Resort Offers the Ultimate Wine and Food Experience

By Lauren Crowley

Balboa Bay Resort will host the eleventh annual Newport Beach Wine Festival® May 23 to May 25, 2014. This celebration will showcase Balboa Bay Resort and its exceptional food and beverage offerings through creative wine tasting experiences, seminars, a cooking class, a wine maker dinner, a seafood festival and more. Join Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef, Vincent Lesage, along with his exceptional culinary team, and some of the best and most well-known wine makers and chefs in the region for this annual event.

“We are looking forward to this eleventh annual event and welcoming resort guests, Balboa Bay Club members and our local community, to the resort to experience an extraordinary wine and food experience,” said Sam El-Rabaa, general manager of Balboa Bay Resort. “This is a truly unique weekend filled with exceptional wines and culinary talent.”

Newport Beach Wine Festival® begins Friday, May 23 with the intimate Master Sommelier Coasting Through California Wine Dinner. Kick the holiday weekend off in style and embark on an evening of exceptional wine and extraordinaire culinary creations. Guests will enjoy an exquisite six-course dinner that will take them on a food and wine journey throughout California. Each course will represent a specific area in California and will incorporate locally grown ingredients from that region. Fine wines will be selected for each course by Master Sommeliers Ira Harmon M.S. and Ron Mumford M.S.

On Saturday, May 24, guests are invited to attend a cooking class and two wine seminars during the day and the Grand Tasting in the evening.

The majestic Grand Tasting on Saturday evening will transform The Grand Ballroom at Balboa Bay Resort into a beautiful tasting room with over 90 wineries from around the world. Alongside the wines will be endless culinary creations from the chefs at Balboa Bay Resort, including a selection of seafood, caviars, cheeses, meats and decadent desserts. Live music will be played to set the relaxed atmosphere for the evening.

Newport Beach Wine Festival® will close on Sunday, May 25, with a farewell Beer for Breakfast, an afternoon All-American Seafood Festival and Cigar “On the Rocks” to end the evening.

Start the day in European style with scrumptious breakfast faire and renowned beers from around the world at Beer for Breakfast.

Next, take in the gorgeous Southern California outdoors amidst the yachts at the All-American Seafood Festival. Delight in great wine, beer and magnificent cuisine from the sea. Sample and savor wines from over 30 wineries, including winery partner Trinitas Cellars, as you stroll through the waterfront lawn filled with rows of interactive culinary stations.

Finish off the evening with Cigar “On the Rocks”, where you will delight in specialty cocktails, top flight cognacs, scotches, ports, decadent desserts and of course, cigars.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, May 23

Master Sommelier Coasting Through California Wine Dinner, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Intimate six-course dinner with wine pairings selected by guest sommeliers Ira Harmon M.S. and Ron Mumford M.S.

This intimate event is limited to 70 seats. $195 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Saturday, May 24

Cook to This! Cooking Class and Wine Pairing, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Chef Vincent Lesage will lead guests in creating their own three-course lunch using wine as the central ingredient. Sip wine as you help create each course. 

$90 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Seminar #1, 3:00 p.m.

Quintessa Wine Tasting

Napa Valley vertical wine tasting consisting of eight wines.

$75 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Seminar #2, 5:00 p.m.

Coastal California Appellation Experience

California wine tasting and engagement with guest sommeliers that will educate guests on a variety of great wines from the different regions of California.

$65 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Grand Tasting, 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Experience tastings from over 90 wineries from around the world with delectable food pairings from the resort’s culinary team.

$135 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Sunday, May 25

Beer for Breakfast, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Take part in a European tradition and enjoy beer for breakfast. Join the resort’s very own brewer, JC Converse, CSW and Certified Cicerone, as you delight in a variety of JC’s favorite brews from renowned beer capitals of the world − all perfectly accompanied with delicious and hearty rustic breakfast faire.

$45 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

All-American Seafood Festival, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Delight in great wine, beer and magnificent cuisine from the sea at this outdoor seafood festival. Sample and savor wines from over 30 wineries, including our winery partner Trinitas Cellars, as you enjoy an incredible selection of the finest seafood.

$99 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

Cigar “On the Rocks”, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

An evening of top flight cognacs, scotches, ports, tequilas, specialty cocktails, fine artisan cheeses, decadent desserts and of course, cigars.

$60 per person, includes taxes and gratuities.

To purchase tickets, please call Balboa Bay Resort at 949.630.4145.

For additional information on the Newport Beach Wine Festival®, please visit http://balboabayresort.com/newport-beach-vacations/newport-beach-wine-festival/.

About Balboa Bay Resort

Balboa Bay Resort, the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach, offers stunning bay views and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The resort’s newest restaurant, Waterline, a refined waterfront spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, will open in March. The cuisine will be nautical in theme, emphasizing local seafood. The property also has a waterfront bar and lounge feature a wide variety of cocktails, beverages and casual fare. Other resort amenities include a full-service 10,000-square-foot spa; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including a year-round heated swimming pool and whirlpool, water activities, and for guests to rent from the private dock: electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks; and more than 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Balboa Bay Resort at 949.645.5000; or visit the website at www.balboabayresort.com.

About Meritage Collection

Meritage Collection is a new life and style collection from Pacific Hospitality Group, which includes independent hotels, resorts, wineries, and golf courses. Meritage Collection offers exceptional travel and one-of-a-kind experiences in four of California’s most spectacular locations—La Jolla, Napa Valley, Newport Beach, and Santa Barbara. Blending the best in leisure and group travel, Meritage Collection débuted in 2013 and includes The Meritage Resort and Spa, Bacara Resort & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort, and Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. For more information about Meritage Collection, please visit www.meritagecollection.com.

The Grand Del Mar Resort to Host Trail Restoration for Earth Day

 Resort Guests and Area Residents Invited to Hands-on Events at Carmel Valley Preserve

 By Marguarite Clark

In anticipation of Earth Day on April 22, The Grand Del Mar – known for its sweeping canyon vistas as well as its Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond status – will host a series of events to restore trails at the adjacent Carmel Valley Preserve.

In the spirit of sustainability, the resort is inviting guests and locals to roll up their sleeves and participate in the restoration of the rugged trails and pathways within the expansive preserve – a tranquil oasis in the beautiful Shaw Valley – from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays, April 6, April 13 and April 27.

Participants will join resort naturalist Dylan Jones on a two-mile hike into the preserve, a natural wonderland characterized by fragile vernal pools and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from the Carmel Mountain mesa. Upon arrival at the mesa, guests will be provided tools and supplies to trim the abundant native plants and shrubs. Participants will learn about the region’s delicate ecosystem with its wildlife and indigenous plant species.

Availability for the events is limited. Participants are advised to wear hats and comfortable hiking shoes and must be aged eight and up; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For reservations, please call 858.314.1996.

About The Grand Del Mar

Situated amid a spectacular private reserve in Coastal North County San Diego, The Grand Del Mar is a luxurious retreat that combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxuries of a world-class resort. The AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five-Star property features: 249 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites; San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course; a Forbes Five-Star Renaissance-inspired spa; regional dining, including the award-winning Addison with Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley; four swimming pools; two outdoor tennis courts; an enclave of residential Villas; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space. For reservations, please call, toll-free, 1-877-814-8472; or book online at www.TheGrandDelMar.com.

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