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November 14, 2008
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2007-08-10
Hot Tickets
The 22nd Annual “Sonoma Salute to the Arts,” Northern California’s ultra-premium showcase of the winemaking, culinary, visual, performing and literary arts will be held on the weekend of August 3rd, 4th and 5th. With harvest just around the corner, great food and wine, along with exciting art and music, this tribute celebrates the peak of perfection. Festivities kick off with a live auction and dinner on Friday. A showcase of gourmet cuisine, premier wine and fine art will take place on Historic Sonoma Plaza on Saturday and Sunday. Ticket packages start at $35. For additional details, call (707) 938-1133 or visit www.salutetothearts.com. FYI: A series of parties are tucked into “Sonoma’s Secret Spaces,” surrounding Sonoma Plaza on Saturday, August 4th beginning at 7 p.m. Discover hush-hush surprises along with tasty hors d’oeuvres, sumptuous wines and live music.
Chamber and Chardonnay
Experience world-class chamber music in the Napa Valley during the 13th Annual “Music in the Vineyards,” August 6th through the 29th. Music in the Vineyards is a nationally acclaimed chamber music festival held each August in the Napa Valley. The three-week festival showcases emerging artists-in-residence performing new and classic chamber music repertoire in stunning winery settings. With wine tastings at each intermission and breathtaking views of the Napa Valley, this unique combination of Wine Country ambiance and world-class talent allows artists and audiences alike to experience the intimacy of chamber music as it was intended to be performed. Tickets begin at $40. For more information, call (707) 258-5559 or go online to www.napavalleymusic.org.
Secret Sipping
Wine, dine, and play like a secret agent during “The Spy Who Loves Clos Du Val,” celebration. On Saturday, August 11th, from 6 to 10 p.m., join winemaker John Clews and Clos Du Val winery for a 007-themed party celebrating their 35th anniversary. Included in the festivities is the opportunity to taste the release of Clos Du Val’s “Reserve-tier” wines: the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay and 2004 Reserve Pinot Noir. Additional reserve vintages, coinciding with the years various Bond films were released, will also be sampled. Guests are encouraged to dress as a current or vintage Bond character (think Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever or Casino Royale) and have fun being a secret VIP. Cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple. Complimentary for Cellar and Dusty Bottle Club members. To participate, call (707) 261-5200 or visit www.closduval.com.
Summer Sounds
Breathtaking views, wine tasting, and sizzling jazz! Rodney Strong Vineyards presents its 17th Annual Summer Concert Series with an impressive array of musicians. Surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests at Rodney Strong Vineyards are treated to some of the top acts in contemporary jazz, as well as the occasional crossover artist. This is truly a unique entertainment venue in Sonoma County providing an intimate concert experience with picnicking on the winery’s luxurious lawn. On Saturday, August 5th, enjoy multi-instrumentalist jazz prodigy, Dave Kaz. Upcoming performance are Madeleine Peyroux on August 25th and Guitars & Saxes on September 29th. Tickets begin at $65 per person. For additional details, visit www.rodneystrong.com or call (707) 433-0919.
Best Bet
Experience Sonoma Wine Country without driving from winery to winery at the 10th Annual Petaluma Waterfront Jazz Festival and North of the Gate Wine Gala. On Saturday, August 11th, head over to Foundry Wharf, in downtown Petaluma, and sample more than 700 award-winning wines paired with gourmet appetizers from fine local restaurants. Tickets are a bargain at $20 per person which includes wine tasting, commemorative glass and appetizers. For details, visit www.sonoma-marinfair.org or call (707) 283-3247.
Going Downtown
“Taste of Downtown” is a premier food and wine event showcasing the wonderful restaurants of downtown Livermore along with many of their award-winning wineries. On the weekend of August 11th, take a leisurely stroll in the city’s vibrant new pedestrian corridor or relax on a romantic horse and buggy ride with stops to all the wineries. One of my favorites, John Christopher Cellars, will be open at their new tasting room in charming Blacksmith Square (be certain to try their Livermore Valley Chardonnay with intoxicating flavors of melon and honey). On August 12th, grab some provisions and take your sweetie to enjoy live entertainment by the Hummingbirdz in the Blacksmith Square courtyard. A passport is also available with prizes awarded to those who visit all the participating sponsors. A fun experience and the cost for the entire weekend is only $25 per person. For details, visit www.livermoredowntown.com.
Hip Sips
The 15th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration will be held Saturday, August 11th, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey. The Winemakers’ Celebration incorporates wine tasting with education, food, music, and fun! In addition to Monterey Peninsula wineries pouring their special labels, unique educational wine displays and seminars on blending techniques and organic wine growing will offer participants an opportunity to explore the process of creating fine wines. An extraordinary silent auction will accompany the day’s festivities, and fine local restaurants will tempt guests with their latest specialties – all to the rhythms of the Eldredge and Rossi Band. Tickets are $35 per person or $50 for a VIP Pass. For more information, visit www.montereywines.org or call (831) 375-9400. FYI: For overnight accommodations, I always stay at the legendary Hofsas House, in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most of the rooms have breathtaking views of the forest and Pacific Ocean. Guestrooms are spacious, comfortable, and well appointed. Ergonomic chaise lounges surrounding a heated pool and intimate dry saunas are provided to revitalize your body and soul. Reservations can be acquired by calling
1-800-221-2548 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.
Related Information
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