Oenophiles and Foodies Converge in Monterey

Monterey Vintners & Growers Association Hosts World-Class Wine and Food Event

(Monterey, CA) October 14, 2008-More than fifty award-winning wineries, accompanied by prestigious chefs from around the country, will gather to celebrate the world-class wines of Monterey County during the 2008 Great Wine Escape, November 7th-9th, 2008. Now in its second decade, the 2008 celebration is beckoning oenophiles and foodies from around the country. "We expect this to be the most amazing Great Wine Escape yet," said Rhonda Motil, Executive Director, Monterey County Vintners Association. "Our burgeoning wine region offers several new producers, most of whom are boutique wineries offering limited quantities of superlative wines. The annual event provides a spectacular opportunity for new wine discoveries and unmatched food and wine pairings.

"The Intercontinental - The Clement Monterey Hotel, on historic Cannery Row, will kick off of this year's events with "Palate Pleasers," November 7th, which will include: "Healthy Cooking," hosted by Chef Robert Bleifer, Executive Chef, Food Network, who will pair recipes with select wines of the region. Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, a sponsor of this year's event, will moderate the "Pinot Noir Terroirs of Monterey County" seminar. Winemakers will lead guests through a tasting of the unique terroirs of Monterey County, including: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Monterey, and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs. A show-stopping "Around the World" lunch will be prepared by Chef Rick Moonen, Chef/Owner, RM Seafood, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and joined by Chef Jerry Register, The Clement Monterey. This four-course meal, focused on sustainable food and wine, will be paired with an extensive sampling of Monterey County producers. The afternoon session, "Riedel Comparative Tasting Seminar," led by event sponsor Riedel Crystal, invites guests to a heightened sensory wine experience with the use of their trademark glassware.

The weekend will also offer over twenty winemaker dinners hosted by the passionate winemakers, iconic regional chefs and esteemed restaurateurs, November 7th & 8th. In the Carmel Valley, Chef Cal Stamenov of Marinus Restaurant, Bernardus Lodge, will craft a culinary extravaganza for the "2008 Wine Enthusiast Signature Dinner," November 8th. The parade of five courses, paired with wines from boutique producers in Monterey, will showcase ingredients that are expressive of the Monterey experience-rich in flavor, yet refined. Finally, perfect for those who are as passionate about cooking as they are about dining, the Culinary Center of Monterey, overlooking the Monterey Bay, will combine instruction in both wine pairing and culinary creations during its three-hour interactive dinner, "Cooking with the Experts," November 7th.

Wineries throughout Monterey County's nine AVAs will host open houses on Saturday, November 8th, featuring special tastings, food, and entertainment. Guests can be escorted via a luxury mini or motor coach, or explore the region on their own schedule. All while in Monterey, the playful yet educational "The Price is Right!" seminar will grant wine enthusiast an opportunity to make educated guesses as they attemptto accurately price ten various wines during a double-blind tasting. Later that afternoon upcoming vintners, not yet sizable enough to have their own facility or who simply grow their grapes from the illustrious vineyards within Monterey County , can be found at the "Boutique and Hidden Gems" tasting at the Monterey Marriott, where over 20 of Monterey's hidden mavericks will be pouring their best.

The memorable weekend will culminate as vintners and culinary talents converge during the "2008 Grand Finale" at the Intercontinental - The Clement Monterey Hotel, November 9th, where Executive Sous Chefs Jef H. Foster and Kevin Boyle, The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, prepare dishes inspired by the splendors of Polynesia paired with the passions of Monterey winemakers. The "Taste of the Pacific Rim" demonstration will be accompanied by thirty-five Monterey's vintners and ten regional chefs for a crescendo wine and food experience.

The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) brings together the talents and resources of its members, partners and the community in order to promote and support leadership in the art, the science and the business of wine. Founded in 1974, MCVGA is a non-profit organization representing over 85 vintners and growers in Monterey, California. For additional information, please visit www.montereywines.org, or call (831) 375-9400.