Spring 2024 Beach Culinary and Wine Excellence Series
This educational and exclusive event will take place each semester and feature a prominent winery or wine region. An elevated food and wine pairing menu will be created by students in the Hospitality Management Program in collaboration with Zen Garden Events for guests to enjoy. Learn more about how wine and food can heighten your senses and increase your understanding of flavor profiles while the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden provides a serene backdrop for this experience. TICKET SALES ARE CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT
Spring 2024
Wine and Culinary Event Featuring Opus One Winery, The Prisoner Wine Company, & My Favorite Neighbor
Event Date and Time: Thursday April 11, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Event Details: Step into the enchanting realm of the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, where the serene beauty of nature intertwines with the sophisticated world of wine. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, you'll find yourself immersed in a captivating wine class led by the esteemed sommelier, Dr. Anna Ortiz. With passion and expertise, Dr. Ortiz will delve into the intricacies of wine appreciation, sharing insights into varietals, regions, and winemaking techniques. But this is more than just a lecture – it's an immersive sensory experience. The ponds and lush foliage of the Japanese Garden provides the perfect backdrop for this sensory journey. It's a moment of harmony between nature and culture, where the pleasures of wine and the serenity of the outdoors come together in perfect balance.
Tickets $150 per person. TICKET SALES ARE CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT
*Tickets available to guests 21 years old and up.
Can't attend but still want to support? Donate here.
Lead Presenter:
Anna Ortiz
Dr. Anna Ortiz is a Certified Sommelier and owner of My Wine Advisor. She has over 30 years of professional wine experience from retail sales and promotion, wine travel, restaurant/bar consulting, to teaching wine classes on almost any topic. On the side she serves as the Dean of the College of Education at CSULB.
Featured Wines:
Students from the CHHS Hospitality Management Program will be your guide on a Spring Break trip up the coast by tasting wines from premium producers Opus One Winery, The Prisoner Wine Company, and My Favorite Neighbor.
Opus One Winery
Opus One 2018 – The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate.
Opus One Overture - The classic blackberry and cassis character of Cabernet Sauvignon melds seamlessly with the black cherry, red currant and violet from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The blending of wine-lots across vintages and extended barrel aging give Overture a supple structure and silky texture.
The Prisoner Wine Company
2022 Blindfold Sauvignon Blanc - Like walking into a floral conservatory in full bloom of white citrus and jasmine. Full of locally farmed ripe honeydew melon, white nectarine, warmed pink grapefruit, and Meyer lemon aromas and flavors.
2021 Blindfold Blanc De Noir - Born from the dark and provocative world of The Prisoner Wine Company enters a new white wine expression that explores light, vibrance and elegance. Blindfold was crafted to awaken your senses. Experience our still Blanc de Noir with a heightened sense of sight, taste, and touch as what you see and what you taste may not be what you expected.
My Favorite Neighbor
Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2021 My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon fills the glass with a seamless culmination of black cherry, cassis and warm spice. On the palate, you are rewarded with a full body displaying blackberry and plum with underlying notes of tobacco. An additional layer of red fruit and a pop of acid, combined with well-integrated tannins and a beautifully crafted structure, leave nothing to be desired. This is a serious wine that can be enjoyed and respected by all.
Harvey & Harriet White Blend - Hints of tangerine, pineapple, and honeydew exude from your glass in this aromatically driven delight. A subtle saltiness with nutmeg undertones lead you into this lighter in body wine that still manages to possess a unique, restrained creaminess that can be appreciated by all.
