For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400
Calendar for Monterey Wine Country’s Ninth Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend is Announced
Wine and food enthusiasts invited to escape to Monterey County from November 10-13, 2005
Monterey County, CA -July 21, 2005 - The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) is pleased to announce the upcoming annual Great Wine Escape Weekend, November 10-13, 2005. As a celebration of harvest, the Great Wine Escape Weekend brings together winemakers, grape growers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and wine enthusiasts in this four-day extravaganza.
“Now in our ninth year of hosting the event, the Great Wine Escape Weekend has become both the local’s and tourist’s favorite way to spend a beautiful fall weekend in Monterey County,” commented Tamara Gunnerson, Events Director of MCVGA. “This cross-industry event promotes the diversity of the region and encourages guests to experience all that Monterey County has to offer. There is perhaps no other event in Monterey County that incorporates all of the wonderful wine, food, activities, and accommodations in such a comprehensive way.”
Thursday evening, November 10th, begins the festivities with the Vintner’s Reserve Opening Reception at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. To kick of the weekend in true California style, this gala is a must. Guests will be invited to take in the scenery from the penthouse level while sipping sparkling and other reserve and single vineyard Monterey County wines and enjoying a strolling reception of delectable foods prepared by their Executive Chef James Waller.
Friday afternoon, November 11th, continues the celebration with Pairings at the Plaza. Attendees can participate in three educational seminars on “perfect pairings” that will run throughout the day. Guests will also enjoy a fabulous lunch and hands-on dessert demonstration – all, of course, paired with the perfect wines and port to complement the meal.
Friday evening features the ultimate in food and wine pairing as Monterey County vintners and chefs plan their menus together for Winemaker Dinners throughout Monterey County. A winery representative will be present at each dinner to share and discuss their vintages with each course served.
Saturday, November 12th, is the day to capture the essence of Monterey’s Wine Country. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour or a bus tour of the many wineries that make up Monterey County’s unique wine region. The wineries will be treating their visitors to something special; from barrel samples and tasty appetizers to music, entertainment and games. Several new tasting rooms have been added to the 2005 calendar.
After a fun-filled day of touring, the Monterey Marriott will be the host for an additional wine tasting as wineries with Monterey County labels who do not have tasting rooms will be pouring their exclusive wines. A silent auction and classical music are also included in the afternoon. The fun continues on Saturday evening with winemaker dinners occurring throughout Monterey County.
Sunday, November 13th, is another wine-filled day at the Inn at Spanish Bay! Pebble Beach is the perfect setting for this event as Monterey County winemakers and grape growers get together to discuss their world-class wines at this showcase event, The Great Wine Escape Finalé. This grand tasting will feature barrel samples, new releases, and reserve wines from over 35 Monterey County wineries. Local restaurants will provide their latest delicacies to complement this wine and food extravaganza.
Guests are always eager to comment on their experience at Great Wine Escape Weekend. “It’s an experience we wouldn’t miss- great people, wonderful wine and I learn something useful about wine and food every year that I come,” stated Melinda Cain of Colorado. She adds, “Last year it was port with chocolate; this year it was swirling and sniffing. Who knows what will happen when I come back in 2005?”
Special Great Wine Escape Packages are available. Many events sell out and guests should order tickets early. For information and tickets, contact MCVGA at 831/375-9400 or order online at www.montereywines.org
About MCVGA
The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of members, partners and our community in order to promote and support our leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 75 vintners and growers in Monterey County. To find out additional information about the members of MCVGA please call 831-375-9400 or visit online at www.montereywines.org
