35th Annual Monterey Wine Festival & West Coast Chowder Competition

The Monterey Wine Festival Celebrates 35 years with historical highlights!
June 10th 4 – 8 p.m. and June 11th Noon – 4 p.m. 2011

Now in its 35th year The Monterey Wine Festival continues to evolve into a platform for the regional wine industry and the community of wine lovers. After 35 years the festival will take a historical turn and bring guests along for the sips and scenery. On Friday the festival will kick at The Monterey Hyatt Regency where bites and sips from the wineries will be enjoyed. During this evening's guests can take a quick hop on the Champagne Shuttle sponsored by Sam Linder Auto Group and continue the party at The Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada.

This museum is known for its historic architecture and the former celebrities that resided there. Guests can enjoy the views from the hilltop and the art inside the gallery, but perhaps the most ardent competition for attention will be found in the sips of champagne and bites of chocolate dipped strawberries. What fun to hob-knob in the same location as old Hollywood!

On Saturday the celebration continues at another historic destination The Custom House Plaza and The Maritime Museum, which boasts a snazzy newly appointed foyer.

These historical edifices are on designations that many consider hallowed ground. Guests will continue this day of celebration with a completely mouth watering experience from both the wineries and purveyors of food. Along with these two ingredients live music is the final sensation that further ensures a winning combination. Wine, Food, Music! Aaa hhh!
It’s a Chowdah Throw Down!

A sweet addition to the festival this year is the 2nd Annual West Coast Chowder Competition. Professional chefs from the Western Coast will come to compete and chowder lovers will pay homage to their special creations.

This year chefs from Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and other chowder known destinations will be landing in Monterey to compete against the local titans of chowder. All competitors will be trying to slay the judge’s tongues with their creations, take home the prize money and boast of their achievement in what is expected to be one of the most impressive competitions around.

Clam, Seafood and Creative Chowders are the categories that make up the contest and the big copper pot award goes to the people’s choice along with a cash prize. Guests can sample or buy a cup of chowder of their entries and pick their own personal favorites and compare their palettes to the judges. Wines that pair with chowders will also be available to sample.

Tickets online at www.montereywine.com
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