From Hollywood to Vine with Vineyard {511}
Adventures in Wine, Food, Film and Travel
American Fine Wine Awards
The 12th annual American Fine Awards Competition (AFWC) celebration of this year's award-winning wines was held in late June at Sonoma's Buena Vista Winery. There we were presented with a double-gold medal for the third consecutive year for our Vineyard {511} Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon--this year for our 2015.
The AFWC, which began in 2007, has become the most influential wine invitational in the country. The competition takes place each January, and is followed by a series of SIP Social events that feature the award-winning wines and help to raise money for a variety of non-profits and continues to promote the wines throughout the year. Since its inception, AFWC has raised more than $1,000,000 for local charities.
The event was hosted by Buena Vistas's proprietor and international vintner, Jean-Charles Boisset, who handed out the awards.
Notice his studded shoes. I've seen him in animal-skin shoes, but not that day.
Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by self-proclaimed count Agoston Haraszthy, who emigrated from Europe in 1840 as part of the California Gold Rush. Now, with Jean-Charles at its helm, the winery has much of the pizzaz as Raymond Vineyards in Napa's Rutherford. One room, especially, has the same flamboyant style in both facilities. Somewhat bordello-like.
We're looking forward to next year's Double Gold!
Jun 30, 2019 at 11:18 AM
Permalink
Manhattan Wine Auction
The 25th annual Manhattan Wine Auction was held on a picture-perfect day--and raised almost $1.2 million to benefit schools in Manhattan Beach, California. The event was hosted by the Manhattan Beach Country Club and featured food and wine tastings, a silent and live auction.
The food and wine tastings and silent auction items were held on four tennis courts-- where Ed and I poured our 2015 Vineyard {511} Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon.
The whole country club had been transformed for the event. The live auction was held on center court.
Chevron Corporation kicked off the live auction by announcing a contribution of $300,000 to the school district and another $100,000 to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. Music and dancing followed a delicious dinner. Everyone had a great time.
Jun 16, 2019 at 1:00 PM
Permalink
Napa Valley Wine Auction 2019
This year's Napa Valley Wine Auction was a testament to the Napa Vintners Association's commitment to supporting Napa Valley's health and children's education non-profits. The event raised nearly $12 million! Over the auction's 39 years, it has raised more than $185 million. This was a special year, as the Napa Valley Vintners was celebrating its 75th anniversary, with superstar Katy Perry entertaining.
On Friday afternoon, a barrel auction and food and wine tasting were held at the newly renovated Louis Martini winery, which was recently acquired by E. & J. Gallo.. The Gallo's did an amazing job of remodeling the facility. The barrel auction was held inside.
The food and wine tastings were held in two large tented pavillions outside.This year wines were separated by varietal, which was very helpful when choosing among so many options.
The wine areas were interspersed with stations of delicious food tastings supplied by Napa's finest restaurants and food purveyors.
Ed and I provided an eAuction item of Vineyard {511} Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon wine and a vineyard lunch with the two of us. We are looking forward to welcoming the winning bidder and her guests to Diamond Mountain.
Jun 7, 2019 at 9:01 AM
Permalink