A Day of Culinary Delights and Fine Wines in Palos Verdes By Wine Aficionado and Founder of California Corks John Krause
There are so many delightful food and wine events to please everyone in California. I know that there are so many this year alone that I would of loved to attend. Alas, time and circumstances just don’t allow us to do them all. I recently learned of an event that took place close to home for the many readers of Palos Verdes Pulse and I decided to see what I missed out on. Perhaps you were among those that were able to enjoy the gorgeous settings or this event at Terranea Resort.
On July 21, 2024, Terranea Resort hosted its inaugural Food and Wine Festival, a celebration that proved to be a feast for the senses. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Meadows, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this event invited food and wine enthusiasts to indulge in a day of gourmet cuisine, exceptional wines, and vibrant entertainment.
Event Overview
The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering attendees the chance to explore a diverse array of culinary delights prepared by Terranea's award-winning chefs. Guests also enjoyed specialties from prominent local and regional eateries, perfectly paired with fine wines and brews from some of California’s most esteemed producers, including DAOU Vineyards and Grgich Hills Estate.
Event Highlights
Gourmet Cuisine: Guests tasted seasonal dishes crafted by Terranea’s renowned restaurants, including:
Catalina Kitchen: Brown Butter Scallops paired with a refreshing California Citrus Salad.
Bashi: Chicken Karaage with Aioli and Togarashi.
Mar’sel: Corn and Crab Gazpacho with mint pistou.
Wine and Brews: Attendees savored wines from the celebrated DAOU Vineyards and Grgich Hills Estate Winery, alongside craft brews from Santa Monica Brew Works. For those who preferred spirits, selections from Bulleit, Hendrick’s, Herradura, Jack Daniels, Ketel One, and Tito’s were available.
Live Music: The event featured live performances by Upstream and Astro Yachts, providing the perfect soundtrack to a luxurious day by the ocean.
Scenic Views: Guests enjoyed panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, adding a breathtaking visual element to their culinary adventure.
Charity: A portion of the event's proceeds supported the James Beard Foundation, aiding the culinary community.
Wineries Spotlight
DAOU Vineyards
Daniel Daou’s passion for winemaking was evident in every bottle that bore the DAOU label. Situated on the calcareous slopes of DAOU Mountain in Paso Robles, Daou Vineyard's unique terroir served as the bedrock of Daniel’s mission to create world-class Cabernet and Bordeaux wines. His commitment to quality began in the vineyard, where he employed a meticulous approach to viticulture. Daniel's innovative planting structure and dedication to “total vine balance” ensured that each grape reached the winery in prime condition, ready to be transformed into wines that rival the best in the world.
One of DAOU’s standout offerings, Soul of a Lion, a Cabernet Sauvignon, embodied the spirit and dedication of the Daou family. Aged in rare French oak barrels and meticulously crafted, this wine was a true testament to Daniel’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Grgich Hills Estate Winery
Founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, a name synonymous with excellence in winemaking, Grgich Hills Estate had been a beacon of quality in Napa Valley since 1977. Mike first gained international fame when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the 1976 Paris Tasting, a victory that put Napa Valley on the global wine map.
Grgich Hills continued this legacy with a range of wines that reflected Mike’s commitment to natural farming and traditional winemaking techniques. Under the guidance of his nephew, Ivo Jeramaz, the winery maintained its dedication to producing wines that were not only distinctive but also deeply connected to the land.
Rodney Strong Vineyards
With a legacy rooted in Sonoma County, Rodney Strong is known for its commitment to sustainable winemaking. At the event, they presented a selection of their renowned Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering guests a taste of their dedication to quality and innovation. The winery was pleased to be among those serving the guests
Martin Ray Winery
This winery has a history with deep roots in the Russian River Valley, Martin Ray Winery brought its celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to the table. Their wines, crafted with traditional techniques and modern finesse, highlighted the rich terroir of the region. Their wine contributed to the variety of delightful California wines that were enjoyed for this festive occasion.
Join the Celebration
How delightful that such wineries came to the Palos Verdes to share their wines and experience. It is with much hope that other wineries will find their way to Palos Verdes soon. Until then I will focus on a few food and wine events that are coming up between now in the end of the year.
