Pigs, Pinot and More 2014

This was the second of these events we have attended with the first being last year 2013 and we really enjoyed it. This was the fourth one put on by the Rotary Club of Salinas. The facility is the old armory building that is in the process of being refurbished to be used for the Police Activities League.

With a dozen local chefs and over twenty Monterey County Wineries participating it was a taste and well taste sensation. With many wine and food events in the area this one stands out for a few reasons. The $85 ticket price gets you in the door at 5pm for 3 hours of wine and food. Then after 8pm the music is pumped up and there is a couple hours of dancing to keep everyone who wants entertained and engaged. There are non alcoholic drinks for those who stay and dance the last of the night away.

The food prepared by the chef's was fantastic. Not all about pork but pretty close. The food was a little foody but approachable by simple folks like us which is kind of must, we feel, and was really well done by all. 

With a larget number of local Monterey County wineries participating it was like being at a VIP event without the VIP price tag. Not only were there a great number of very nice Pinot Noir's to be had but there was more. Just like the name of the event said 'more'. There was Chardonnay and Pinot Gris as well as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon so no one was left out. The tastings were mostly quick and easy to get to even with the large crowd, due mostly to the large number of wineries pouring. With so many wineries and food stations to choose from it was a tasting wonderland that you could share with friends and college's.

The exterior of the building belies the classy setup inside as the event provided signs for all so finding your favorite winery of chef was relatively easy. A number of sit down tables and the ever so welcome stand-up tables were great to put your glass down while chowing down on the great food and to make some notes in your program. Would love to have seen a couple more stand-up tables but overall very nice.

This is a wonderful event that is a 'must do' for anyone who enjoys good food and wine  regardless of the fact that the money raised goes to worthy charities. The fact that this event is a fund raiser and yet provides a far superior experience than many others is such a wonderful bonus and we can hardly wait till next year.

If you went you know what we are talking about and if you didn't, don't be caught out again, we will see you next year.

Happy Tasting Adventures,

Cheers,

WineWalkabout

Kiwi & Koala

Thanks to the following for participating;

Participating Chefs include:
Aqua Terra & Pt Pinos Grill
Montrio & Baker’s Bacon
Fluff Cupcakery
Wild Thyme
Carmel Valley Ranch
Me and the Hound
Hahn Family Wines
Monterey Plaza Hotel
Growers Pub
Schoch Family Farmstead

Participating Wineries include:
Bernardus Vineyards & Winery
Blair Vineyards
Paraiso Vineyards
Manzoni Vineyards
Joyce Vineyards
Dawn’s Dream
Tequila Adlretti
Percheron-McFarland
Talbott Winery
Hahn Family Wines
Wrath Wines
Pessagno Winery
Estancia
Morgan Winery
Joullian Vineyards
Figge Cellars
Twisted Roots
Poppy Vineyards
Silvestri Vineyards
Ventana Vineyards
Shale Canyon Vineyards
Galante Vineyards

Scheid Vineyards