Back in September –  Newport Beach had their first food and wine festival.  Historically they had “taste of” like events but nothing of this caliber and for a city by the water it was time for a group to step up and create an amazing event. Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival was held at the beautiful Newport Beach Civic Center which allowed for indoor rooms for panels & demos as well as grand tasting pavilion for the high end wines and local restaurants.  I was able to attend the event through volunteering with Project Hope Alliance – one of two charities benefiting from this event.

Here are my highlights in photos from the two days when I wasn’t helping Project Hope Alliance (note – all photos are wine based, food allergies and preferences limited my food options):

Beautiful branding and signs at the festival – for all vendors outside the main pavilion, stand up signs were provided.

New Paso Robles find- Ascension Cellars from Cass Vineyards. Amazing wines, the Trinity was so great I arranged to buy two bottles! One for decanting now, and one for aging and enjoying later! Surprising – not a Pinot Noir!

A huge treat, Hundred Acre 2009 Shiraz prerelease test. Although out of my personal buying price point, I couldn’t help stopping by both days for a few samples. (or more!)

Cherry Pie – Pinot Noir, showing that Carneros is no joke for this fickle grape.

Day 2 opened with a Sommelier blind tasting of Old World vs New World Wines

Wines included : Sauvignon Blanc vs Sancerre, Pinot Noir vs Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon vs Bordeaux

The panel included – Moderator – Jörn “Joey” Kleinhans, CSW Panelists: Michael Jordan, MS; Dr. Dwight Furrow, CSW; Yeshua Goodman, CS – Jesse Rodriguez, AS; Margaux Kugelman, AS

My favorite varietal from by favorite US terrior… Clearly I am Pinot Noir FAN!

Nothing wrong with a little rosé on a Sunday!

Some of the beautiful flowers and a slight bit of rosé to enjoy!

I was also excited to taste at Arcadian – I don’t make it to their tasting room nearly enough as a member! Definitely looking forward to the event next year and more volunteering with Project Hope Alliance.