Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/856465
Salinas Food and Wine Festival Salutes the Valley's Har vest B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D J ust a couple of decades ago, the Salinas Valley was better known for producing chard than chardonnay. That's certainly not the case today, and the Salinas Valley Food and Wine Festival celebrates the fact that the area has taken its rightful place among the world's great growing regions. Two winemaker's dinners take place before the festival itself; the first on Friday, August 4th at the Steinbeck House Restaurant, featuring Blair Wines. Due Regazze Vineyards is featured at the second on Thursday, August 10th at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch. The Festival itself begins with a kickoff party Friday, August 11 at CSUMB @ Salinas City Center at One Main Street. It features food, beer and wine tastings, accompanied by live entertainment. The star attraction begins at noon the next day. Main Street is cordoned off to accommodate dozens of wineries showing off their products, plus craft beers and all manner of delicious cui- sine from local chefs. CSUMB @ Salinas City Center hosts a Grand Tasting, a VIP experience that includes food pairings, reserve wines, spirits and more. Admission to the Festival itself is free; tickets are sold for tastings and the Grand Tasting. Full event and more information is available at www.salinasvalleyfoodandwine.com. SHORTCUTS EVENT Attendees at the Salinas Valley Food and Wine Festival enjoy wine, craft beers, food tastings and spirits, plus the option to attend two winemaker's dinners. 74 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7 Photo: Cook's Photography