Sixth Annual Taste of Scotts Valley Melds Food, Wine and Art

The Forest Room at the Scotts Valley Hilton was overflowing with the best things in life on Thursday evening: art, wine, and finger food.

It was the sixth Annual "Taste of Scotts Valley" event, which raises funds for Scotts Valley's upcoming 13th Annual Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival, which is Aug. 11 and 12. The event gives people a preview of the artists signed up to participate, and allows the abundant local food scene to seduce the community with tastes of their favorite dishes.

"Everybody gets to come showcase themselves, and it's just fun, that's the real point," said Sharolynn Ullestad, director of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the festival.

The official festival poster from Scotts Valley artist Sharon Medler was also unveiled at the event and Medler was on hand to sign copies. The poster, titled "High Season," is a colorful depiction of blooming tulips, a wine bottle and two glasses and fruit.

"I've done thousands and thousands of sunflowers, so it's always nice to do something different. I love red. It's a good strong color and I think that it ties well into the painting. The tulips are very french," Medler said.

Medler, who has been participating in the festival since two years after it started and is now on its committee, has done the posters for several events around the county, including Wharf to Wharf, the Capitola Art and Wine Festival and the Capitola Begonia Festival.

"This poster that I just won is my 11th winning," she said. "This is my second poster for Scotts Valley Art and Wine." 

The night was also about the food, and among the caterers and restaurants showcasing their food last night, was the brand new , which opened on June 4 of this year.

"We make our pico de gallo from scratch every day," said Luis Barrientos, who was serving chips and salsa, salad, and turkey, tomato, basil wraps at the event.

Nine restaurants participated, including the Hilton's Stonehouse Bar and Grill. Executive chef Bryan Showaltel modestly blushed as people raved about his very unique hors d'oeuvre choice—a crostini topped with lime zest infused goat cheese and caramelized onions marinated in cherry juice.

"It was unofficially voted the best appetizer at the Pinot Paradise," joked
Eva McClure, Food and Beverage manager at the hotel.

Although the restaurants won't be participating in the Art and Wine Festival, 13 wineries and over 100 artists will, and their art includes everything from unique birdhouses and origami creations to classic photography and paintings.

Among the vineyards participating in the Art and Wine Festival is 37th Parallel, a brand new winery in Scotts Valley.

The Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival takes place in Skypark, 361 Kings Village Road, Aug. 11 & 12. For more information, visit www.svchamber.org.