What is California Wine Month?
During the summer of 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown made it official, again. For the seventh consecutive year, our Golden State will honor its great wineries and grape growers with special consumer wine events in September for Discover California Wine month.
The month-wide eulogy to varietals and the Californian's who love them, was established and coordinated by Wine Institute of California and the California Association of Winegrape Growers.
State-wide hotels, restaurants and retailers from California Pizza Kitchen to Klimpton Hotels are also contributing their efforts to the festivities.
So, what does that mean for you, a Californian? Well, if you have a taste for vintages, you'll want to check out some of the California Wine Month events at Los Angeles restaurants.
And, if you didn't get to travel over the Labor Day holiday, then maybe this is your chance to take a short trip up to some of the closer wineries celebrating California Wine Month with events.
California Wine Month Events in Los Angeles
What: This seaside Marina del Rey favorite is celebrating California Wine Month by offering diners a wine tag sale on select bottles of signature California wines.
When: Throughout September
4451 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-823-6395
What: The Downtown locals' favorite wine bar and bistro is getting together with the Wine Institute to put together a rotating series of flights focusing on specific varietals, regions and styles of California winemaking.
When: Summer White (though September 10), Classic California Reds (September 11-17), Classic California Whites (September 18-24), Unusual Red (September 25-30).
Cost: $10-$15 for four 1.5-oz pours
403 W. 12th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-746-0050
What: This wine bar at the Marriott in Downtown's LA Live will present weekly winemaker-hosted tastings during California Wine Month.
When: Every Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. throughout California Wine Month. The evenings are as follows: Martian Ranch Winery of Santa Barbara County specializing in Mediterranean and Iberian grapes (September 7), Kachina Vineyards of Sonoma County on old world Tuscan influences (September 14), Leonesse Cellars of Temecula Valley on world-class wines from their region, and Collier Falls Winery of Sonoma County on award-winning Dry Creek Valley wines (September 28).
Cost: Free
900 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-764-8600
What: This lovely West Side restaurant specializes in Napa Valley cuisine (as the name implies) and California wines. They will continue to celebrate grapes of the region in partnership with the Wine Institute with Wine Month events, a wine tag sale all month long, and special menu items.
When: Free wine tastings at Westwood LIVE (September 15), Monthly Chef's Table Dinner with curated wine pairings from Napa Valley Vintners (September 23)
Cost: Chef's Table Dinner costs $70 and includes wine and meal, Westwood LIVE wine tastings are free
1100 Glendon Ave.
Westwood, CA 90024
310-824-3322
California Wine Month Events at Nearby Wineries
Although the restaurants above and other partner eateries in LA are celebrating California Wine Month, most of the fanfare and excitement is undoubtedly happening in wine country.
If you don't have time to drive all the way up to Sonoma, consider a short distance road trip from LA to one of the wineries in Santa Maria, hosting special events.
What: Winemaker Norman Beko hosts an afternoon of food and wine with a meal including lamb chops or steak and wines including Dessert Syrah.
When: September 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $24 per person for Wine Club Members, $30 per person for the general public
3940 Dominion Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-937-8463
Sierre Madre Vineyards and Trattoria Uliveto Winemaker
What: Chef Alfonso Curti prepares a five-course authentic Italian dinner paired with award-winning Sierra Madre wines. Reservations a must as seating is limited.
When: September 16, 6:30 p.m.
285 S. Broadway
Old Orcutt, CA 93455
805-934-4546
Central City Market and Chamisal Vineyards
What: Chamisal was the first vineyard planted in Edna Valley. The historic grape cultivator is hosting a five-course wine dinner in collaboration with Central City Market.
When: September 20, appetizers at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
345 Town Center East
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-925-7766
