Pucker Up-the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is Just About Here
If there is only one wine event that you must experience, it’s the San Diego Bay 4th annual Wine and Food Festival, starting Wednesday, November 14 thru Sunday November 18, at several locations downtown. World of Wine Events, the producers, have five days of fun and education on wine and food, unmatched anywhere in Southern California.
I do hope my readers and viewers come to the Saturday Grand Tasting at the Embarcadero North Park next to Seaport Village from 12 noon to 4pm.
Just beyond the entrance, Mike Bragg, executive producer of Taste of Wine Tv.com and myself (shown in the photo) will be interviewing several wine and food personalities from noon to 2pm and would love to have you stop by and talk wine with us.Over 160 wines will be poured, with food service from 60 restaurants and food suppliers. The “chef of the fest” is a highlight competition that’s sure to attract. Olive oil tasting, fine wine auctions and entertainment put a bow on the whole scene.
Start-up was the Wednesday “Wine Rave 2007” from 7 to 10pm at the Little Italy Urban Bar and Restaurant. Thursday has 7 seminars on wine and cuisine at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center and Macy’s. Friday finds 8 seminars at the same venues, and a super Reserve and New Release Tasting from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on the good ship Inspiration, docked near Broadway and Harbor Drive. 150 wineries and spirits producers will wow the visitors, along with delicious cuisine from notable restaurants and caterers.
Sunday from a 10:30 am boarding to 1pm, the table is set on the Hornblower with a cruise around the bay that includes a lavish brunch, free-flowing Mumm Napa Brut and other fine champagnes from Mumm. The music’s on fire too with the David Patrone Band. Reservations are a must for this attraction.
Now to the most important part of this journey of wine and food, how to get tickets and get in on the action. Two ways to do it: Call 619-342-7337 for any date, or a package for all! You can also access ticket information on-line at www.worldofwineevents.com.
If it’s Beaujolais Being Served, We’re Close to the Holidays
About this time of the year, the easy-to-drink Beaujolais wines start to appear on the shelves. This red wine is literally from vine to wine in one season. They come from France’s villages near Lyon, southeast of Paris. I’ve always viewed it as a novelty wine, non-distinguished and easy on the budget, evoking simple pleasures.
A bottle of perfectly nice Beaujolais can be yours for about $6. It’s not a chore to sift through the reviews to find the “one” that will take you on the ultimate journey. Its style of fruity qualities are pleasant with both turkey and ham. The grape is the Gamay, with a soft, fruity quality… a perfect compliment to a Thanksgiving dinner.
Two Beaujolais wine events are on the schedule: The Westgate Hotel downtown San Diego has a “Beaujolais Nouveau” on Thursday, November 15 from 6 to 8pm. $45 per person. Call 619-557-3655.
The San Diego Wine and Culinary Center next to the San Diego Convention Center has one on Friday, November 30 from 6 to 9pm, along with cheese and pate platters and some really cool French style music. $12 per person. Call 619-231-6400.
The Local Sip
• Wine Loft in Carlsbad has 6 wines that they recommend for Thanksgiving and they are pouring on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18 from 2 to 5pm. Cost is $20 per person. Details, call 760-944-1412.
• The lovely Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe is presenting fine art, wine and cuisine on Sunday, November 18 from 6 to 9pm. Famous French artist Guy Buffet will appear and autograph paintings, starting with a champagne reception. $125 per person. RSVP at 858-756-3085.Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
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