Taste, Sip and Enjoy | Food, Wine and Travel

Kudos to the Ojai Wine Festival 2012

 

Kudos to the Ojai Wine Festival 2012 and the Rotary Club of Ojai-West!  The calm day brought with it a perfect temperature to visit the tranquil setting on the shoreline of Lake Casitas.

As the VIP Patrons entered we were treated to refreshing “Barefoot Wine and Bubbly” from Barefoot Winery.  Our first choice was the more traditional Brut Cuvee with hints of kiwi and peach leading to a crisp finish.  The second selection was Pink Moscato Bubbly which brought us flavors of red tree fruit and fresh berries and left us with  a sweet creamy finish.

Glass in hand we were directed to the VIP Lounge where a wide array of wine, beer, whiskey and food was waiting.  La Piu Bella Tavola, catering, was busy with preparations.

The results were so pleasing to the eye we were eager to fill our plates and tastes the colorful treats.

A change of flavor came from Sakura Ojai Japanese Restaurant and, to our surprise, Spicebox Canadian Whisky.  This is a blend of whiskies, aged in bourbon barrels from three to six years.  Through cold infusion, the flavors of spices and vanilla are extracted making this unique rye blend smooth and inviting.

Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde Ale and Hoegaarden Belgian White Beer were icy cold and poured by the friendly beer maidens

  The VIP Lounge did not forget wine.  Represented were Hearthstone, Le Vigne Winery, Nicorra, and Silver.

Many merchants brought their wares for us to peruse as we walked off some calories after lunch.

From wooden roses……….

to hats…….

and hanging baubbles……

we had a myriad of choices.

One food vendor caught my eye with his pressed fruit and nuts made with no flour, added sugar or dairy.  They can be used on a cheese platter or as an alternative to dessert.  Check out Grace & I  for their many products including turshi and seasonal preserves, to name just a few.

Walking over the bumpy terrain I was frequently in awe of the young gals who were definetely not “Barefoot.”  I asked if  was difficult manuvering the ruts in the high wedge shoes.  The answer, “We had to wear them.  They go with the dress and a little wine makes walking easier.  At least we don’t feel the pain as much.”

As the afternoon wore on we wandered among approximately 50 wineries and the crowd increased.

Some danced to the sound of Sgt. Pepper……

……and others relaxed…..did they really drink all that wine?

And just in case the dancing had you yearning for yet another treat, a crepe oozing with Nutella might just fit the bill.

 Follow this progression and take note of your salivary glands……………..

Not having room to taste or sip one more speck of food or drink it was time to make our way to the car.  Just keep in mind the Festival will return again next year, the second Sunday of June.  Hope to see you there!

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One Comment

  1. Awesome write-up, you totally captured the day! Also enjoyed reading your other posts. Thanks for featuring Grace&i. We hope you enjoy every bite!

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