For Immediate Release
Rhonda Motil
MCVGA
831-375-9400
Wine Lovers Celebrate the Wonder of Harvest at The 7th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend
Monterey Wine Country Showcases Their Region to the Delight of Wine and Culinary Enthusiasts
MONTEREY, CA. - November 23, 2003 - With so many harvest wine events in various wine regions, how does a consumer decide which one is best for them? Perhaps the best way to solve the dilemma is to attend a wine event that has it all! The Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) hosted the 7th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend November 6th through November 9th. Wine enthusiasts enjoyed the finest that Monterey has to offer. The highlights of the weekend featured an Opening Reception Gala at The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, wine and food pairing seminars, open houses at the wineries, narrated bus tours, winemaker dinners throughout Monterey County, a silent auction, and the Grand Finalé at the Inn at Spanish Bay. The event had the complete hospitality community involved, with approximately 40 restaurants, four hotels, and 20 tasting rooms participating as hosts to guests of this growing wine region.
"What a showcase event for Monterey County!" stated MCVGA's Events Director, Tamara Weinstein. "Attendance at each event was outstanding and this was truly an opportunity to feature all that the Monterey area has to offer as a premier travel destination. Guests repeatedly commented that they enjoyed the diversity of our activities and that there was something for everyone to enjoy! Our two new events, the Opening Reception Gala and the Pairings at The Plaza were both very well received and helped to set the stage for how unique this weekend really is."
Guests of The Great Wine Escape Weekend were also pleased to share their thoughts on the event. One first-time guest was amazed at the experience that he had so close to home. "After many years of living in Monterey and hearing so many wonderful things about The Great Wine Escape Weekend, I decided it was finally time to participate in the event for myself", stated John Chauvin, of Monterey, CA. "It is truly something you must experience for yourself. I decided to participate in all of the trademark activities of this event, starting with the bus tours that allowed me the opportunity to meet not only people from around the world, but people that live only minutes from my own home. The next event was a winemaker dinner at The Whaling Station, where the chef and winery representative from Lockwood educated us on the process of food and wine pairing and helped me to understand and appreciate the efforts of a chef and vintner all at the same time! My last experience of the weekend was the Grand Finale event, which was a combination of the finest food and wines I have ever had! I can't wait until next year."
The Great Wine Escape is an annual event held the second weekend in November. MCVGA sponsors three additional events throughout the year, including a Passport Weekend in February, a Golf Tournament and Wine Auction and Gala in June, and a Winemakers' Celebration in August. Details on all of the events can be obtained at www.montereywines.org or by calling 831-375-9400. Pictures for the event are also available by contacting MCVGA
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 65 five vintners and growers in Monterey County.
