Blog: The Ultimate Event in Wine Tasting

The Ultimate Wine Festival was held at Shade Hotel Sunday afternoon, April 28, and yes, it truly was THE ULTIMATE WINE FESTIVAL! 

Fifty of California’s finest vineyards were represented at this very special, invitation-only event, featuring vineyard owners and wine makers exclusively.

The wineries brought two cases each of their favorite vintages and guests appreciated this rare opportunity to meet and converse with vintners one on one.

Among the “A list” of winemakers attending were: Michael Silacci of Opus One; Heidi Barrett of La Sirena; Amelia Morán Ceja of Ceja Vineyards; Violet Grgich of Grgich Hills Estates; Zeke Neeley of Trefethen; Dominic Chappellet of Chappellet Vineyards; Jean Hoefliger of Alpha Omega; Marcelo Freitas of Quintessa; Mario Monticelli of Trinchero and Sam Baxter of Terra Valentine.

Wine stations were located on all levels of the venue including the Courtyard, Green Room, Zinc Terrace and the popular rooftop Skydeck.

Shade Hotel owner Michael Zislis knows how important sustenance is at an event such as this - lavish food stations were located throughout and supplemented with a scrumptious array of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres whipped up by Chef Chris Garasic.

A silent auction featured a world-class selection of wines with the proceeds benefitting the Manhattan Beach Middle School.

The event sold out the 300 pre-sale tickets as well as a limited 50 tickets available for walk-ins.

There isn’t another wine event quite like this, so you’ll want to make a point to put this remarkable event on the calendar for next year. Wine aficionados will appreciate the quality and diversity of the wine and novices will get an outstanding lesson in all things pertaining to the vine.