2007-05-18
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves Catalán Festival
by Charles Neave
Perhaps no other event in the Wine Country so seamlessly blends the celebration of fine wine, food, music, dance and art as does the annual Catalan Festival at the Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves in Sonoma.
The winery, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, will host the eagerly anticipated celebration of all things Catalan, July 21 and 22. And, tickets are bound to be in great demand if past events are any indication.
One of Spain’s most diverse regions, Catalonia is well represented at this Sonoma County winery, one world famous for its sparkling wine. And in addition to sampling their finest wines, those in attendance will have a chance to try authentic Catalonian food from some of Northern California’s finest restaurants. In years past the roster of North Bay restaurants has included such luminaries as B-44, Ramblas Tapas Bar, Destino, Thirsty Bear and the Avance Tapas Bar, as well as caterers and specialty food purveyors. In addition, cooking demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the weekend.
The festival also features the Gegants de Mataro – 15-foot-tall puppets of the King and Queen of Spain – a tradition at Catalonian festivals since the 16th century.
Returning this year is classical guitarist Eric Symons, and the popular troupe of vibrant dancers known as the Flamenco Society of San Jose. And if you do take in a seat in the tent to watch their artistry, then don’t be too surprised if you find yourself on-stage, as part of an impromptu one-on-one lesson in the dizzying art of flamenco.
That is symbolic of the spirit of this annual event; of the spirit of Catalonia, of that region’s hub, Barcelona, one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. Perhaps you can’t make it to the south of Spain this summer, but plan ahead just a bit and you can easily find yourself rejoicing in all things Catalan in the hills of Sonoma, and that is cause enough for celebration in itself.
For more information or for tickets call Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves at (707) 933-1999 or go to their website, www.gloriaferrer.com. The winery is located at 23555 Carneros Highway (Route 121) about an hour from San Francisco. Throughout the year their tasting room is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event is likely to sell out. Advance purchase is highly recommended!
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