Grapelive Latest: Big Sur Food and Wine Festival
Nov. 6th & 7th 2009
Right now there is a great wine festival going on in the amazingly beautiful and cool Big Sur, this event is debuting this year and I think it will continue for many years to come and hope it succeeds out of the gate. I am going to sit in on a panel on Rhone style wine this Saturday and I’m am so looking forward to tasting some wonderful wines and learning from some of the masters of these fine wines, including John Alban of Alban Vineyards. Plus other fantastic Rhone style wineries are presenting wines and are included in this seminar, with Linne Calodo, Beckmen, Tablas Creek, Antiqvs2 (Miura) and one of my favorites L’Aventure Winery of Paso Robles. I am somewhat disappointed to be missing Friday’s big Pinot Noir panel with Calera, Pisoni, Au Bon Climat, Talbott, Miura and Gary Franscioni of Roar, because it is sold out.
Big Sur is going all out and all the great resorts and restaurants there are putting on wine events and wine dinners, including the famed Esalen Institute is doing a wine dinner and soak in their mineral & sulfur hot baths that overlook the cliffs of Big Sur. So if you are not going this year, plan on it for next year for sure. Great nights are happening at: Big Sur River Inn, Post Ranch, Big Sur Roadhouse, Fernwood, The Lodge at Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur Bakery, Deetjen’s and the fabled Nepenthe that are hosting the big party with our local “Rock Star’s” Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni who’ll pour their fantastic Pinot Noir from the great vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands; Rosella’s, Garys’ and the Pisoni Vineyard. Did I mention that Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards is pouring? Well, he is! And he is doing a lot more, giving his time, and donating a special 6-liter of his Monte Bello, one of the greatest wines in the world, to the auction to support the event. Draper will pour selected vintages of Monte Bello at star tasting with Bernardus, Justin, Chappellet and of course his Ridge Vineyards, as well as doing a special dinner at the Ventana Inn along with another local hero Robb Talbott of Talbott Vineyards and others.
The man behind this special event is Toby Rowland-Jones, a local legend, a sommelier, investor in green industries and lovable Brit ex-pat that loves Big Sur like it flows in his blood, which I’m sure it does. Toby wants to raise the profile of wine, food and the environment by showcasing sustainable produce, wine growing, and the benefits of a low carbon-footprint. All with the idea that we need to change our ways and look forward, to protect nature’s gifts to all mankind, and especial this place, Big Sur, which is a national and local treasure that should be cherished for all time. Toby will give some of the proceeds to local causes and non-profits that will help youth in the area and also help the community recover from the scarring left behind from last summer’s massive “Basin Complex” fire. His staff, that have worked their tails off are all wonderful people that have volunteered their time to make this a great event and have tirelessly done a professional job of putting on a show to remember with energy and love, they all should be proud.
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
Call them at: 831-667-0800
www.bigsurfoodandwine.org