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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Six Seasons Down Under

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Observing Dolphins at Crystal Cove State Park

Visitors to Crystal Cove State Park, located in Newport Beach, CA, can enjoy 3.2 miles of beachand 2,400 acres of inland open space. Beach-goers can take a stroll along the sandy shores, explore the tide pools, build sandcastles, wander through the historic district, rent a beach cottage or hop in the ocean to swim, surf or scuba dive. A popular natural attraction in the area are the dolphins.

Guests staying in the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are allowed to check out a Dolphin Observation Citizen Science Kit to study and learn and more about the dolphins that frequent the shoreline. The free kits are provided by the Crystal Cove Alliance (CCA), the non-profit Cooperating Association partner with Crystal Cove State Park dedicated to education, conservation, and restoration.

The Kit includes the following:
•   Binoculars
•   Learning about dolphins sticker book
•   Guide to marine mammals of the world
•   Whales and dolphins coloring book
•   Newsletter of the American Crustacean Society
•   Orange County cetacean behavior notebook
•   Coastaldolphinsurveyproject.org
•   Exploring Southern California tidepools booklet

The objectives of the science kit are to collect data for a survey about bottlenose dolphins being conducted by the Marine Science Department of Orange Coast College, in Costa Mesa, CA.Guests are asked to record information such as the weather, date, time of dolphin sighting and for how long, dolphin behavior, number of dolphins, direction of travel, etc.

Not only do guests get to marvel at these marvelous sea creatures, but may also help provide research about the ecology of the dolphins off Orange County's coast. It's a fun and educational activity to do especially with children. Kits can be checked out at the Crystal Cove Beach Cottage registration office. Learn more about the citizen science programs at Crystal Cove offered through the Crystal Cove Alliance.

Five-Star Luxury at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego

Marble, crystal and gold are a common theme that can be found throughout The Grand Del Mar resort located in San Diego, CA. The opulent decor is trumped only by the stunning landscape that surrounds the property. Situated adjacent to the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and only a few miles from the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve that hugs the California coastline, The Grand Del Mar is a luxurious retreat.


Whether it's a family vacation that includes hanging poolside, hiking and eating pasta, or a romantic getaway with a fine dining experience, relaxing day at the spa and private golf lesson, you'll find that The Grand Del Mar offers a custom experience that is sure to fit your wants and needs.


Lavish Guest Rooms and Suites at The Grand Del Mar
The resort has 249 rooms and suites that feature lavish Mediterranean decor such as marble counters, showers and floors, crystal chandelier lighting, gold accents, and balconies with impressive views of the scenery.

Most rooms offer the following complimentary amenities:

•   In-room wired and wireless Internet access

•   Local and 800 number calls

•   In-room bottled waters and espresso machines

•   Twice-daily housekeeping service

•   Bathrobes

•   Daily newspaper delivery – choice at check-in

•   Iron

•   Hairdryer

•   Safe

•   Mini Bar (prices vary)

•   Self parking

Some suites include a gas fireplace, kitchenette, dining room, living room, or outdoor terrace.

From Five-Star Dining to Poolside Fare at The Grand Del Mar

For a five-star dinner experience, Addison offers award-winning contemporary French cuisine paired with private label wines (bottled exclusively for The Grand Del Mar) in an elegant setting.

For an American cuisine menu with a European influence, try breakfast, lunch or dinner atAmaya. With the look, feel, and taste of the Mediterranean, guests can indulge in menu items such Seared Diver Scallop with Duck Confit and Golden Chanterelle Ragout ($15), Center Cut Rotisserie Pork Chop with Mushroom and Potato Hash and Blue Cheese ($32), or Roasted Duck Breast with Spiced Carrot Puree, Smokey Red Cabbage, and Honey-Roasted Turnips ($32). For $55, guests can try the Chef's Tasting Menu that includes a first course, main course and dessert.

A vegetarian menu is also available and includes items such as Tomato Pappardelle with Tarragon, Tomatoes, and Parmigiano-Reggiano ($16) or Goat Cheese-Stuffed Artichoke Hearts with Pistachio-Sweet Pepper Romesco with Crispy Capers and Arugula ($27).

The resort also features the Club M nightclub, afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge, gourmet coffee and artisan cheese at Cent' Anni, and causal dining poolside.

For a private dining event, The Grand Del Mar offers a variety of options, including the Wine Cellar that seats up to twelve guests in an extravagant 3,450-bottle cellar. One-hour private wine tastings are also available for $95 per person and include up to six wines.

Five-Star Spa at The Grand Del Mar

The award-winning spa at The Grand Del Mar provides a relaxing and peaceful environment with custom treatments that embody their theme of "Renaissance" and incorporate resources from the natural surroundings, such as mineral muds, native herbs and healing botanicals.

The menu of treatments includes Wraps, Facial Therapies, Manual Lymph Drainage, Tried Treatments, and Touch Therapies such as a salt scrub, reflexology or Vichy shower.

The signature 90-minute Renaissance Touch Therapy ($325) includes a mineral-rich mud wrap, Swiss shower with multiple shower heads, and relaxing full body massage, but the most unique part of this therapy is the free-floating bed. Guests sink down into this warm waterbed and are then covered with additional warm water flaps on top to provide them with an experience of being enveloped in a fluid yet snug environment. It allows for twenty minutes of deep relaxation and release of tension.

The spa offers the following complimentary amenities:

•   Access to the adults-only Relaxation Pool

•   Fitness Center use

•   Fitness classes

•   2 hours of Explorer’s Club use for one

•   (ages 5—12)

•   Valet parking

•   Wet and dry saunas

•   Indoor whirlpools

•   Separate men’s and women’s Relaxation Lounges with fireplaces

•   Plush bathrobes and slippers

•   Signature hot teas, seasonal muffins and handcrafted chocolates

•   All-natural spa products

Outdoor Activities at The Grand Del Mar

With an abundance of open space near the resort, The Grand Del Mar offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

The Tom Fazio-designed par-72 golf course is situated on 380 acres of manicured fairways and greens with rolling hills, bunkers, and water features. There is also a 5,000-square-foot driving range and 50,000-square foot Clubhouse. Fees range from $215-$250. Private lessons range from one hour to a full day and start at $175.

With 37 miles of canyon preserve trails nearby, guests can enjoy a complimentary Saturday morning four-mile canyon to waterfall guided hike, or book a private hike ($75) for a longer trek or to explore a different area. Another way to see the scenery is by horse or mountain bike. Bike rentals and guided rides are available.

With the coast located only five miles from the resort, guest can take advantage of the courtesy transportation (within 1 14-mile radius), or the complimentary Grand Beach service that includes transportation to/from Del Mar's 18th Street beach; set-up of beach chairs and umbrellas; beach towels and bottled waters. Sailing, surfing and kayaking excursions are also available.

If you'd rather enjoy the amenities of the resort, guests can lounge by the pool or reserve a tennis court.

Green Initiatives at The Grand Del Mar

Located in a such a beautiful natural setting, it's no wonder that The Grand Del Mar has taken steps to preserve the environment. Beyond the elementary green initiatives such as recycling, using energy-efficient lighting and allowing guests to re-use towels and lines, the resort goes above and beyond by using glass, China, and cutlery instead of paper or plastic service ware, strives to serve organic, local and in-season produce on their menu, and offers chemical-free dry cleaning.

To protect their natural setting, the resort utilizes a three-acre lake to contain the water runoff, uses organic fertilizer for landscaping and moisture sensors on the golf course to prevent over watering. These are just a few of the steps that the resort is taking to protect and preserve the local environment and the planet as a whole.

Contact Information

5300 Grand Del Mar Court

San Diego, CA 92130 USA

858-314-2000

http://www.thegranddelmar.com

Earth Hour at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

By Deanne French, Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Guests and local residents are invited to celebrate Earth Hour through Stories of the Cosmos at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Held on the Eco-Adventure Center’s Connect the Dots outdoor game board, Stories of the Cosmos is presented complimentary from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013.

The night sky is filled with stars, far off galaxies and endless mysteries. During Stories of the Cosmos, Eco-Adventure Center naturalists will guide guests in discovering the Big and Little Dipper, Hercules, Orion, Pleiades, Taurus and Scorpio, all constellations that can be seen in the night sky from Dana Point in March.

“By holding Stories of the Cosmos outside by candlelight, we are supporting the Earth Hour mission, as well as offering a fun, educational experience for guests of all ages,” said Eco-Adventure Center Director Lyn Evins.

Earth Hour is a worldwide event that encourages households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Eco-Adventure Center offers unique excursions that inspire participants with Southern California’s unique ecosystems and connect their spirit to their larger global systems.  Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern California’s natural wonders. Through the activities, the local surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory. Adults, families and kids learn through experience, which instills them with deep appreciation and respect for nature. As well, they discover how to live more environmentally responsible in their own homes.

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel sits on a 150-foot bluff with panoramic white-water views of the Pacific Ocean and two-miles of sandy beach.  The resort is a re-imagined surfside retreat that awakens guests’ senses with its unique ocean-front setting and remarkable service heritage.  As the premiere destination for travelers who desire a playful approach to Southern California luxury, the resort has been the recipient of many awards over the years, but is proud to boast earning AAA Five Diamond status for the 28^th year, the longest in California. For more information or reservations call 800-241-3333, the resort directly at 949-240-2000, a travel professional or visit the web site atwww.ritzcarlton.com/LagunaEcoAdventure.