Need a safe ride to Winemasters?

May 17, 2012

Call The Private Chauffeur at (818) 348-3115 or email info@yourdriver.com. They'll provide a chauffeur to drive you in the comfort of YOUR own car!

Sea Launch: Release your Inner Rocket Scientist

April 27, 2012

Sea Launch, a leading global aerospace company that provides commercial launch services from the only ocean-based launch complex in the world, is offering a truly unique experience that cannot be purchased and will not be available anywhere else. Your party of TEN will enjoy comprehensive tours of the facility and ships, appetizers and champagne, a multi course lunch or dinner in the VIP dining room and more...all hosted by the program executives and the Commander Captain! Come bid on this exciting, once in a life time opportunity!

Like us on Facebook!

April 11, 2012

Don't forget to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/californiawinemasters for more updates!

Bordeaux's Finest Wine Concierge Service

March 28, 2012

Experience a unique and rare level of access to the world's largest area of fine wine vineyards at the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa! With the launch of their brand new Wine Concierge Service, connoisseurs and amateurs alike can enjoy tailor-made, luxury wine experiences. Be one of the first to enjoy the Grand Hotel's enviable wine connections by bidding in the Winemasters Live Auction!

This lot, titled 'Both Sides of the Channel - Eight days in Britain and Bordeaux,' will take you to the venerable Connaught in London, Great Fosters in the Windsor Forest and finishes at the
5-star Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa where you'll enjoy private VIP tours and tastings. Come ready to bid!

ATTENTION: GOLFERS

March 6, 2012

What better reason to come to the Winemasters than to bid on a PELICAN HILL Golf & Spa Experience for three couples?!?! The six of you will enjoy an overnight stay in a luxurious three bedroom, 2,573 square foot Villa, complete with private terrace, gourmet kitchen and around the clock butler service, as well as the choice of two 50-minute Amber Gold Massages or a round of golf for two players. Don't miss your chance to experience this Five-Diamond destination set by the Pacific Ocean in Southern California's chic Newport Coast!

Mediterranean Wine Cruisin'

February 21, 2012

California Winemasters and Celebrity Cruises invite you to come along on a very special twelve-night Mediterranean sailing! Join our host Allen Balik on this truly unique journey to the coasts of Southern France and Northern Italy (among others) and enjoy the renowned wines of these areas, good friends and events designed especially for you!

Sign up now and receive a $300 on-board credit to use anywhere on the ship!! Just 60 Verana Concierge Class staterooms have been set aside for our group...so book now!

www.winemasterswinecruise.com (800) 544-2469

GameFish and Vivier to Appear at WM!

February 8, 2012

Chef Steve Murphy from GameFish Restaurant at the Snake River Lodge & Spa makes his Winemasters debut this May. Chef Steve showcases a creative menu of American Cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable and organic alternatives. Come get a taste of his mouth-watering regional cuisine at WM 23!

Returning to Winemasters is Stephane Vivier and Dana Sexton Vivier of Vivier Wines. This husband and wife team blends ancient traditions of French winegrowing with American vineyards, producing what we think is a fantastic Pinot Noir. Join us in May and you can see what you think!

WANT TO GO TO SUPER BOWL XLVII? BAM!

January 30, 2012

This year, Winemasters 23 will proudly auction off a trip for two to New Orleans for a private dinner with Emeril Lagasse PLUS tickets to Super Bowl XLVII! Don't forget to buy your tickets to Winemasters so you can place your bid! Go to the 'Reservations' section of our site or simply call us at (323) 939-0758!

A NEW DYNAMIC

January 25, 2012

We are delighted that Littorai Wines Estate Winery will be joining the Winemasters in 2012! This Western Sonoma County Winery is farmed biodynamically and uses only organically certified ingredients. The result? Wonderful eco-friendly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

We also extend a warm welcome to Executive Pastry Chef Raymond Lammers, who will be joining us from the beautiful Montage Deer Valley. With more than 25 years of international expertise, Chef Raymond is known as one of the best Pastry Chefs in America. We hear he might be bringing some of his award-winning chocolates to WM23!

NEW CHEF, NEW WINE

January 11, 2012

We are thrilled to welcome Executive Chef Jason Balestrieri and Hyde de Villaine Winery to the California Winemasters!

Chef Jason presides over two of Carmel's best Italian eateries: Cantinetta Luca and the deli next door, Salumeria Luca. What makes these two stand out is the authentic Italian flavors (Cantinetta Luca even has a glassed-in meat aging room where its housemade salumis are dried and cured. Ah, prosciutto that melts in your mouth!) with a thoroughly modern attitude.

Hyde de Villaine Winery produces superb wines using strict philosophies of French viticulture. Hyde Vineyards are so highly thought of that its wine was honored in the Obama White
House - the first time several different wines from a single vineyard were featured over the course of a dinner!

And you can taste both at Winemasters 23!

Happy New Year!

January 6, 2012

Happy New Year from all of us here at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Winemasters 23 is just around the corner, and we hope you are as excited for it as we are! Don't forget to buy your tickets - they can be ordered from our website or over the phone at (323) 939-0758. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ohayou gozaimasu!

November 14, 2011

We're delighted to welcome Chaya Beverly Hills and Chaya San Francisco to Winemasters 23! The legacy of Chaya dates back about a quarter of a century, when it emerged as one of the first Asian fusion restaurants in town. Others came and went - Chaya stayed and grew. Today, you'll enjoy the same Japanese hospitality, French savoir-faire and the delicious fusion of both cuisines. Chaya doesn't get older -- it just gets better. It's a treat to have Chaya joining us in 2012!

AHOY, MATEY!

September 8, 2011

You only have until September 13, 2011 to get this great offer! Join Justin Baldwin, founder of Justin Vineyards & Winery cruising through the Caribbean December 3-10, 2011, on the Celebrity Solstice. Plenty of exclusive wine events -- tastings, seminars, luncheons, tours and so much more! Aqua Class staterooms JUST became available for $1,699 per person, based on double occupancy. And the best part? $200 goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! So you get this fab wine cruise -- and we get a great donation!! Don't wait -- you don't have much time! Book now by calling Cruise Specialists at 800-544-2469 or go to www.cruisespecialists.com.

Welcome to the world, Christian!

August 29, 2011

Congrats to all our friends at Realm Cellars on the newest addition to the family -- Christian Myles Laidley. And perfect timing! We understand that just this past Saturday, the blending process for Realm's 2010 vintage wines got started under the strict supervision and guidance of Benoit Touquette and Michel Rolland. It's gonna be a very tasty blend indeed!

PICTURE THIS 2!

August 2, 2011

If a picture captures 1,000 words, then your photos from Winemasters speak volumes! Email your favorite shots from WM22 to jsonderling@cff.org -- and we'll post 'em on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaWinemasters. Food, fun, friends -- share it with us!

PICTURE THIS!

July 26, 2011

For more than 2 decades, Bradford Rowley and Bradford Renaissance Portraits have been huge supporters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It'd be very tough to find a Winemasters silent auction without several generous donations from Bradford! Now, though, the family finds itself with a very personal connection to CF. Two years ago, Bradford's son married a beautiful young woman who has CF. To help raise money to find a cure, Bradford Renaissance Portraits is making this incredibly generous offer: you can buy what would normally be a $3000 14" portrait for just $250 -- or a 10" portrait for just $75 -- and Bradford will donate 100% of the proceeds to CFF! All you need to do is go to http://www.bradfordportrait.com/CF/Portrait_Fundraiser.html and put on your best face -- because you're helping to end CF. Makes you kinda wanna smile!

HERE'S CHEERS!

July 19, 2011

A warm, sunny July afternoon, a few wispy clouds high overhead. Sipping our Sauvignon Blanc, we wandered up and down a few rows of the Schweiger Vineyards, carefully checking out the small green clumps of pearls that were on their way to becoming luscious grapes. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the vineyard, great conversation with Diana and Andy - ah! The perfect way to spend the afternoon! We're delighted to welcome back Schweiger Vineyards as co-chairs for the 23rd Annual A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters. But don't just take our word for how wonderful their wines are! Check 'em out at http://www.schweigervineyards.com/.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

It's never too early to start planning for Winemasters 23!! So circle it in red, program it into your PDA, set an alarm -- just make sure you're there! May 19, 2012, Mid-West Street on the backlot of Warner Bros. Studios! We'll see you there. And stay tuned to this blog for the 4-1-1 on all the exciting news! Cheers!! July 5, 2011

SMOOTH SAILING!

May 16, 2011

Yes, it certainly was smooth sailing on Saturday at the 22nd annual A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters! Many thanks to our friends and supporters for making it one of the best events ever! Now, you can continue the fun on board the Celebrity Eclipse! JUSTIN Wine Cruise benefitting Cystic Fibrosis! Join Justin & Deborah Baldwin of JUSTIN Vineyards on Celebrity Eclipse sailing tranquil waters of the Eastern Caribbean Dec 3-10, 2011. Visit the white sand beaches of St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and San Juan, including three luxurious days at sea where you'll enjoy a private JUSTIN wine reception, two private tasting events (including a JUSTIN ISOSCELES vertical tasting), and a magnificent four-course wine pairing luncheon. A generous portion of the proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis. Balcony staterooms from only $1,109 per person. Must deposit by 5/23/11. 1-800-544-2469. www.cruisespecialists.com/cruises/justin.aspx

A TASTE OF WASHINGTON!

April 28, 2011

There's still time to get your tickets for our annual celebration of Washington wines and winemakers! This year, we're changing up the format-- turning it into a casual evening around the pool (and the weather promises to be as perfect as a ripe grape, brimming with juicy flavor.) Renowned LA Chef David Slatkin will create a menu featuring a diverse selection of heavy appetizers to pair with the wines. As a special treat, Chef Celestino Drago will provide desserts from his highly touted Dolce Forno Bakery. And yes -- the wines! We'll feature several outstanding producers: Va Piano, Dunham, Walla Faces, and Cote Bonneville. As if that wasn't enough -- a mini auction of coveted wines from Washington State! Tickets are $100 each. Space is limited and time is running out! So please call 323.939.0758 or email mmendoza@cff.org to reserve now.

Great Things Come in Small Packages!

March 11, 2011

2011 is a milestone year for Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary. Comprising over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries, the diversity of the individual hotels, and the experiences that they offer, is exceptional. From cutting-edge design hotels to palatial 17th century mansions, city centre sanctuaries to remote private islands, historic country houses to idyllic resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers only the very best. Reservations can be made at any Small Luxury Hotels of the World property online at www.slh.com, by calling 1-800-525-4800, via the SLH iPhone app or by calling your favorite travel planner. Stay tuned for news on competitions and special offers in celebration of the brand's big 2-0! We're delighted to be welcoming SLH back to California Winemasters for this very special year! Cheers!!

Washington State Whooppee!

March 11, 2011

This year, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is excited to announce a new format for our ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON WINES AND WINEMAKERS. The event will feature wines from several outstanding producers: Va Piano, Dunham, Walla Faces, and Cote Bonneville. Each of the winemakers will be in attendance, pouring an extraordinary selection of their acclaimed wines. Renowned LA Chef David Slatkin will create a menu featuring a diverse selection of heavy appetizers to pair with the wines. As a special treat, Chef Celestino Drago will provide desserts from his highly touted Dolce Forno Bakery. The dinner will be held at the Sherman Oaks estate of Event Co-chairs Sharon and Hal Lampert. We look forward to a casual evening around the pool with these talented winemakers, along with the opportunity to showcase outstanding food from Chefs Slatkin and Drago. And as a bonus -- a mini auction of coveted wines from Washington State! Tickets for $100 each are limited so please call 323.939.0758 or email mmendoza@cff.org to reserve your places now.

Hasta la Vista, Baby!

February 1, 2011

Treat yourself to a spectacular vacation in a beachfront Villa in Punta de Mita, just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican Riviera - and at the same time, help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Our dear friend, Paul Motenko, has an incredible offer for this very special vacation spot. He'll reduce your rental rate dollar for dollar by the amount of any donation you make to CFF. Now, "breathtaking" and "magnificent" don't even begin to describe the villa and its setting! Punta de Mita is one of the most luxurious, private and exclusive areas of Mexico. Five spacious bedrooms. Five and a half sumptuous baths. A full gourmet kitchen. And oh -- did we mention the pool that runs through the living room? Casa Las Palmas West comes with a full staff, including houseman, housekeeper and chef. The house sleeps up to 12, so it's perfect for family gatherings or groups of couples. Get your inspiration on - and take a look at the villa at www.casalaspalmaswest.com. Then call Paul, and get ready to pamper yourself!

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily...

January 6, 2011

We're pleased extend this exclusive offer to our California Winemasters friends and family! Join Justin and Deborah Baldwin from Justin Vineyards & Winery as we cruise aboard the award-winning Celebrity Eclipse through the tranquil waters of the Eastern Caribbean for a 7-night Wine Cruise from December 3-10, 2011! Lots of exclusive goodies for our private Winemsters group! And -- a portion of the proceeds from this group will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. But you benefit, too! Guests who book and deposit into the Celebrity Eclipse 12/3/11 California Winemasters Group between January 10-16, 2011 will receive a $100 Onboard Spending Credit (per stateroom) to be spent on spa treatments, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, casino, and much more! For more info or to book -- just go to www.cruisespecialists.com/Cruises/Justin.aspx. Ahoy, Matey!

Artfully Yours

November 15, 2010

We wanted to let you know about an exciting event from a brand new Winemasters sponsor: James Gray Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica. From November 20 through December 20, the Gallery will feature work from Robert Reagan, Chris White, Sheila Newmark, Katia Karloff, and Ron Zheng. Also available is art by Patrick Hughes, Robert Silvers, Shag, and Andy Warhol. Since a picture's worth 1,000 words, we urge you to check out the details at http://www.jamesgraygallery.com/. Cheers!

And now... a word from our patrons. Bellissima!

November 15, 2010

Steve and Emma, two of our nearest and dearest supporters, had this to say about their purchase of Lot 1 from the Silent Auction: "My wife and I bought Lot 1 the first time we attended Winemasters. The expression: "Priceless. For everything else, there is MasterCard" is almost adequate to describe it. Lot 1 is much more than a trip to Italy. It is a trip to the incredible adventure which is Antinori - and Antinori is Italy. The trip was beyond great. We visited three of Antinori's wineries, stayed at wonderful places and had meals which were beyond memorable. Both Emma and I would tell you that lunch at Tiganello was one of the greatest meals in history. We talked so much about the trip that good friends purchased it the following year. They, too, had a fabulous trip. We talked so much with our friends about the great adventures, Emma and I purchased the trip again in 2010. Once again I can only tell you Lot 1 is "incredible." Thanks, Steve and Emma, for sharing. Ah, che bello amore!

THE TOUGHEST RESERVATION IN TOWN JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER!

November 8, 2010

It can take weeks to score a table at Bouchon Beverly Hills. But at the upcoming California Winemasters, you'll be able to sample what others merely dream about! This charming bistro is, of course, the creation of Thomas Keller. But it's Chef de Cuisine Rory Herrmann who ensures perfection in Beverly Hills and will join us at Winemasters. And just what are people saying about the BH Bistro? Only that it's a delectable bite of Paris in our midst. If you're having trouble choosing from the menu, close your eyes and point. It's all delish! Simply the best seafood around, especially those oysters. There's the roasted leg of lamb or maybe the roasted chicken. And for dessert -- how 'bout the signature bouchons -- two-bite cork-shaped chocolate cakes with a nudge of vanilla ice cream and a pool of oh-so-luscious chocolate sauce. Mais oui! Simplement, le meilleur.

WAITER... MY WHITE LOOKS A LITTLE GREEN!

October 27, 2010

We all know what great wines come from the Schweiger Vineyards. That's just one reason we're proud the Schweiger Family are our Honorary Wine Chairmen for the 22nd Annual California Winemasters. But did you know the Schweigers have been earth friendly and organic for nearly three decades? One of their eco-conscious efforts we think is very cool (no pun intended!) is that the barrel cavern is completely underground - which means no need for refrigeration. And with newly installed solar panels, they're not paying for electricity, either - and that means the extra juice goes back into the grid for the rest of us to use. Truly wine that's a gift from Mother Nature! Check it out at http://www.schweigervineyards.com/index.html.

STUDIO TIME!

October 21, 2010

We always strive to bring you the best of the best for California Winemasters. So we were thrilled when we learned that Riviera Magazine heaped major honors on our 2011 honorary co-chair, Executive Chef Craig Strong. The OC mag called Studio Restaurant at the Montage Laguna Beach the Best Restaurant of the Year! Included in the accolades -- the best view around, superb service and -- oh yes!-- did we mention the food? Chef Strong's modern French cuisine with a California twist makes liberal use of the best seasonal and artisanal ingredients from the area's ranches, orchards, farms and ocean waters. The Studio's ever-changing menus reflect the finest and freshest available! Check it out for yourself at http://www.studiolagunabeach.com.

HOT WHEELS!

October 11, 2010

You don't have to wait until May 14 to enter for your chance to win a 2011 Toyota Prius! You can purchase your tickets NOW! Once again, Toyota Motor Sales USA will donate a beautiful new hybrid Prius to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. And you can purchase a chance for just $50 -- or three chances for $100! Whoopee!! And even though we know you want to be at A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters of May 14, 2011, you won't need to be present to win. But you WILL need to buy a ticket to try! So get your tickets now. To buy tickets and get all the details this incredible opportunity, call 323-939-0758. Happy motoring!

A Special Offer for our Winemasters Friends!

October 6, 2010

L'Opera Ristorante, a longtime sponsor of our Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters, as generously extended an exclusive offer to help raise even more funds in support of CFF's vital research and care programs. Every Friday throughout October, just mention the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and 20% of the proceeds from your meal - lunch or dinner - will be donated to CFF. This is part of L'Opera's 20th anniversary celebration. To whet your appetite, check out L'Opera Restaurant at http://www.lopera.com/.

A Little Corner of Paradise!

October 4, 2010

"A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters" is proud to welcome another terrific hotel sponsor, Tom Beach Hotel in St. Barth's. Cheerful and warm, in Caribbean colors, this small luxury hotel of 12 rooms breathes the St. Barth style: chic relaxation, parties or lazying around, the idea that anything is possible. And indisputably, the best people-watching in all of St. Barth. Directly located on the magnificent white beach of Saint Jean, Tom Beach hotel will seduce you with its charm and its luxury. At about 1km from the airport and 2.5km from the village of St Jean, this 4-start hotel will welcome you in French elegance and simplicity. Why not plan to slip away for a romantic holiday for two and see for yourself why Tom Beach Hotel has legions of devoted followers. Reserve your hideaway now by emailing TomBeach@stbarth.com.

From our Fans!

October 4, 2010

"Rare to have access to this quality of wine makers and fine chefs. Great experience not to be missed." -- Joseph Arias

Cheers!!

October 4, 2010

Terrific news for our 2011 Winemasters! We've confirmed some very exciting wineries, including Kosta Browne Winery and Pahlmeyer! 2011 promises to be the tastiest year yet!

Taste Treats!

October 4, 2010

We're pleased to announce that Mustards Grill will again be a part of California Winemasters. It's a pleasure to welcome back such good friends -- not to mention great food!