Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Joins with Local Vintners and Growers Association to Host
Grand Gala to Kick Off 7th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend
Gala Event Will Pair Special Wines with Award-winning Cuisine from Local Chefs; Plaza to Also Host 'Pairings' Seminars on November 7th
MONTEREY, CA. - September 3, 2003 - The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa has joined with the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA) to host the Gala Dinner to kick off the 7th Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend. The Gala, open to the public, will be held on Thursday, November 6, and will feature signature entrees by several local chefs paired with specially selected wines from Monterey County. Wineries that will be participating in the event include Hahn Estates / Smith & Hook Winery, Heller Estates, J. Lohr Winery, Lockwood Vineyard, Mer Soleil Winery, Morgan Winery, Pavona Wines, Paraiso Vineyards, Pelerin Wines, Scheid Vineyards, Tudor Wines, and Ventana Vineyards / Meador Estate. The evening will also feature live music. Ticket cost is $125 per person.
The Great Wine Escape Weekend was created to attract visitors during the off-season, and educate them about Monterey Wine County featuring local wineries, vineyards, hotels, inns and restaurants. In 2002, over 2500 guests participated in various events throughout the weekend.
The Wine Escape Weekend will also include several related events including:
November 7 - Pairings at the Plaza: Participate in three educational seminars of "perfect pairings" that will run concurrently throughout the day at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Also, enjoy a fabulous lunch and hands-on dessert demonstration - all of, course, paired with the perfect wines and ports to complement your meal. Cost is $65.
November 7 & 8 - Winemaker Dinners: Monterey County wineries will collaborate with local restaurants to provide exquisite Winemaker Dinners. Celebrity chefs of Monterey prepare meals to highlight the ultimate in food and wine pairing. Cost is $85.
November 8 - Winery Open Houses: Monterey County wineries will host open houses with special tastings, hors d'oeuvres, tours and music. Open houses can be visited by a self-guided tour. Cost is $30
November 8 - Bus Tours: Three different narrated bus tours will be offered. All tours include an expert guide. Bus tours depart and return to the Hyatt Regency Monterey. Cost is $55.
November 8 - Wine Tasting at the Hyatt Regency: Sample wines from local wineries at one location and enjoy live music. Cost is $30 (or complimentary with purchase of a bus tour or self-guided tour ticket).
November 9 - The Great Wine Escape Grand Finalé : Taste reserve wines, specialty wines or barrel samples from over 35 Monterey County wineries, along with the latest delicacies from local restaurants at this showcase event held at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. Cost is $75.
Enjoy all events by booking the Great Wine Escape Package at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. For $1,395* enjoy three nights accommodations for two in an ocean-view room, tickets to all events including the opening reception, Pairings at the Plaza, Winemaker Dinner, a Bus Tour for Two with tastings and the Great Wine Escape Finalé. Or enjoy a special room-only rate of $249 for an ocean-view room.
For ticket information, special hotel rates and package rates, call MCVGA at (831) 375-9400 or online at www.montereywines.org.
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 vintners and growers in Monterey County. MCVGA can be reached at (831) 375-9400 or by visiting www.montereywines.org.
Having recently completed a $5 million renovation of its 285 guestrooms and five suites, the hotel now offers a completely new look and remains the only luxury resort on Monterey Bay. With breathtaking views of the Bay, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa has long been recognized for its excellent service - having been awarded the AAA Four Diamond rating for the 17th consecutive year as well as earning an "excellent" rating from Zagat - as well as its luxury accommodations.
Situated on Monterey's famed Cannery Row, the hotel is within walking distance of the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, historical Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf and the Maritime Museum at Stanton Center. Even closer, the hotel's Five-Star Diamond, European-style spa, rooftop whirlpool tubs and state-of-the-art fitness center provide for a day's worth of relaxation.
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is located at 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940. For reservations or information call (800) 368-2468 or (831) 646-1700, or visit www.montereyplazahotel.com.
*Based on double occupancy. Does not include all hotel taxes and parking charges.
