Today, Dear Wine Friends, I have a special treat for you, a “behind the scenes” look at our first SCV Wine Fest with Andrea Pohlot (aka soon-to-be Mrs. Paul de la Cerda): Andrea, for those 10 people in Santa Clarita that don’t know your name from Facebook, Twitter, the SCV Moms and SCV Family websites…you are a marketing guru, and I know you have been brought in for our first SCV Wine Fest to make sure that everyone in Santa Clarita, that has ever – or will ever – drink wine, will know about the Fest.  So do tell us, without further ado, what we can expect by way of wines and other alcoholic beverages?  

Definitely! We will have a wide-variety of wines represented from Napa and Sonoma, to Temecula and even right here in Santa Clarita. Participants will have the chance to discover new favorite varietals and learn more about the process of winemaking. But if you don’t love wine, you still won’t want to miss the beer, sake and scotch options that you’ll find there also. We are super excited about the variety this year! 

Will there be a VIP area?  What happens there? 

Absolutely! The VIP event is a very important part of the SCV Wine Fest program. The Exclusive VIP Reception begins at 6:30pm and will directly benefit Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley.  

At  $125 per person, this special program will include a gourmet Yucatan menu created by the Executive Chef at The Grove at Embassy Suites, select wines from a number of the SCV Wine Fest participants and a special tequila cocktail created for the event by Pacific Edge Wine & Spirits. For those who are interested in a full list of the wines reserved for the VIP reception, they can visit our website at www.scvwinefest.com. A separate ticket is required for this event and seating is limited. So if your readers are interested, we ask them to PLEASE reserve early by calling 818-994-4661. 

Most of all, we are very proud of the charity we have chosen to benefit from this VIP reception at SCV Wine Fest. Family Promise of Santa Clarita is a relatively new non-profit in this valley that offers a valuable service to our homeless population by providing food, shelter and services to those who need it the most. Attendees will learn a lot more about Family Promise and have a chance to give back to a hard working non-profit in Santa Clarita. 

Which Santa Clarita businesses are supporting the first SCV Wine Fest? 

Embassy Suites Valencia; Burrtec Waste Industries; the City of Santa Clarita, Community Bank, and many more… 

Will there be any classes?  Specifically, single malt Scotch or Sake classes led by Master sommeliers? 

Yes! Definitely. We are very excited about the Tasting Classes that we are prepared to offer this year. Mark Newman will be there teaching a wine seminar called the “Million Dollar Palate.” This 45-minute seminar will discuss wines from Italy & Spain.  

We’ll also feature a Tasting Class on Scotch where participants will learn about the single malt-making process including what separates single malts from blends as well as a scotch from other whiskies. You will try 8 different malts from different regions around Scotland. This class will be hosted by Chris Uhde, Scotch Master for the USS Highland Games Costa Mesa and Brand Ambassador for Impex Beverages and Chieftain Single Cask Whiskies. Chris has over 12 years experience in the Spirits industry.  

But everyone who is interested in any of our workshops must reserve their space early. Limited seating is available. We are still adding more tasting classes, so I encourage anyone who is interested to check our website regularly for updates! 

The event is February 12th, 2-6pm, at “The Embassy” Suites. How do we get tickets?   Wait, I know that one: SCVWineFest.com  How about volunteers?  Who do they contact? 

We are always looking for volunteers to help and we really appreciate their commitment. Volunteers can email [email protected] with their name, contact info, experience, and availability.  

Highlights from the SCV Wine Calendar: 

Vino 100 Valencia: WOMEN ON WINE IS BACK. Come to their “White Elephant Party” with that pesky gift you can’t use that someone else will treasure.  Appetizers, wine, 7-9 pm on 1/26/11, $20 Reserve: 661-294-6886 

New Moon Valencia is doing a Piper-Heidsieck Champagne tasting on 1/28 at 7:30 pm. $25 for three.  Reserve: 661-257-4321 

The first SCV Wine Fest is coming up fast, 2/12, get all of the information, and tickets, on their website!  

Wine 661 is now open Sunday Nights 4-10pm, J Vineyards tasting on 2/24, and if you’re getting married, get wine at cost + 10% for your wedding! 

Yours, in wine and out,
Eve Bushman- Commentary

Eve Bushman is a local writer that specializes in writing about wine. You can find great articles by Eve on her blog at http://www.evewine101.blogspot.com or email her at [email protected]. Her commentaries represent her own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization she may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon. Eve also writes at http://scvelitemagazine.com and you can follow Eve’s Wine 101 on Facebook and Twitter!