Schedule
Wine Festival Events
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
GATEWAY TO BIG SUR – At the Highlands Inn, Carmel
6pm - 9pm - SOLD OUT!
Join us for a stunning evening as we open the weekend of the Festival with eleven remarkable chefs (Domingo Santamaria, Kent Torrey, Cal Stamenov, Matt Bolton, Craig von Foerster, Kurt Grasing etc) twenty of our favorite winemakers including Alban, Epoch, Wind Gap, Beckman, L'Aventure, Pisoni, Roar, Calera, and Linne Calodo, and a silent auction with Big Sur flare all in the lounge at the famed Highlands Inn - A Hyatt Hotel. Last year was a wonderful evening, with a distinctly Big Sur Meets Carmel feeling!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
HIKING WITH STEMWARE™ - A Walk on the Wild Side
10am - 2pm - SOLD OUT!
Hike through a remarkable private property in the heart of Big Sur, featuring a magical cathedral of redwoods, unique vistas of the coast from a prominent viewpoint and the wines of Byron Kosuge and River Ranch, and edibles from the ever lovely Janet Melac. Last year, guests had the choice of two hikes - Strenuous or Easy, which will be offered again this year!
PANEL #1 - RED IN THE WOODS! -Big Sur Lodge
10:30am - Noon - $45.00
Our intention to bring extraordinary talent and intriguing ideas, continues. This panel on the grape Grenache, the worlds second most planted wine grape, is a chance taste the wines some of California's most respected producers. With the charismatic Sara Flyod, MS., moderating; John Alban, Steve Beckmen, Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo, Pax Mahle of Windgap and Bradley Brown of Big Basin will discuss why this underrated yet seductive grape is so alluring. As history suggests from previous panels, there will be some surprises.
Please join us for the chance to understand the passion that runs deep for this delicious grape.
PINOT WALKABOUT - Henry Miller Library
Noon - 3pm - $60.00
Thirty producers, and a bunch of our favorite cheese makers! Last year's Pinot Walkabout was a great success, and this fun gathering will feature some of the very finest Pinot producers one could imagine. Point Reyes Farmstead, Cowgirl Creamery, Schock Family cheeses, and wines from, among others, Kristi Lynn, Morgan, Pisoni, Talbott, Siduri, Perception, Calera, Fogarty, Hitching Post and a divine sparkling brut rose of pinot from Carraccioli!
HIKING WITH STEMWARE™ - THE RANCHO RICO EXPERIENCE!
2pm - 9pm - $175 (ONLY 2 TICKETS LEFT!)
A sell-out event each year, this wonderful property hike will feature wines of the Chappellet Vineyards, followed with a wonderful intimate dinner in Lygia Chappellet's Barn.
WINE & SWINE Henry Miller Library
6 - 9pm - $58.00
Enjoy preparations of swine from our chef friends Frank Ostini, Rob Baker, Brian Overhauser, Michael Jones, and Jamie Jarrard along with the accompanying wines of Wind Gap, Hitching Post, Kunin, Birichino, Qupe, Verdad, and Pisoni. Includes a demonstration by The PigWizard, music, and Music and Dancing to follow, starting at 9pm.
MUSIC & DANCING Henry Miller Library
9pm - 11:30pm - $20.00
Come join us under the big top as we dance into the evening and make merry. Featuring the mesmerizing femme fantastic fire dancers of BiG SuRCuS and live Americana tunes of local group Songs Hot Box Harry Taught Us.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
PANEL #2 - L'AVENTURE RETROSPECTIVE - Big Sur Lodge
10:30am - Noon - $45.00
A "killer" panel according to Aengus Wagner, our Mastermind of Most Things! Stephan Asseo will generously share his wines, a unique ten-year retrospective of his Estate Cuvée, a Syrah and Cabernet blend. This is the first time Stephan has ever offered a vertical tasting like this, and we are grateful to him for helping us enhance the educational nature of the Festival's wine panels.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
10am - 3pm - SOLD OUT!
Get on board the Magic Bus! Join 25 lucky fellow travelers as we take you down this beautiful Big Sur coast to visit three very private and different properties! Taste some great wines and enjoy nibbles along the way.
GRAND PUBLIC TASTING - Henry Miller Library
Noon - 3:30pm - $55.00
40 wineries! 12 chefs! Silent Auction! Join us as we celebrate great things food-and wine-wise under the Big Top at the Henry Miller Library. Justin, Chappellet, Ridge, Konsgaard, ROAR, Bodegas M, kunin, Galante, the list goes on! And the chefs for this amazing afternoon include Tim Hrusa of TreeBones, Domingo Santamaria of Deetjens, Levi Mezick of the brand new and highly acclaimed 1833, Jason Balestrieri of Cantinetta Lucca and Gina Scalla of Montrio. Includes admission to the Lifestyle Auction right after the tasting!
LIFESTYLE AUCTION -Henry Miller Library
3:45pm - 5:30pm - $15.00
Stick around after the Grand Public tasting as we present a wonderful Live Lifestyle Auction. Featuring overnight stays, wine collections, dinners at private homes, and other extraordinary items you can only find here in Big Sur, this auction benefits Health, Safety and Education programs throughout Big Sur. Visit our Auction page for a sneak peek! Attendees will be treated to the new releases from Scharffenberger cellars and successful bidders will be poured Champagne from the house of Delamotte!
DINNER WITH FRIENDS — A BENEFIT FOR BIG SUR — GALA DINNER AT VENTANA INN AND SPA
6:30pm - $220 (Only 8 Spaces Left!)
Following our Auction, we'll celebrate with Ventana's Chef Truman Jones and his guest chefs, including Cal Stamenov and Ben Spungin of Bernardus, Cy Yontz of the Rio Grill, Matt Bolton of the Highland Inn's Pacific's Edge and a plethora of glorious wines from Kongsgaard, Calera, L'Aventure, Tablas Creek, and Cold Heaven as we come together at the world-class Ventana Inn and Spa. Proceeds benefit Big Sur schools, Health Center, and Henry Miller Library. An event not to be missed! With good friends such as this in the kitchen, and pouring their wines, once again, the culinary arts shine brightly in Big Sur.
WINEMAKER DINNERS AND RESORT EVENTS
Throughout Big Sur, restaurants and resorts will feature guest Winemakers and both visiting and local outstanding Chefs. Please check back here for news on these unique food and wine events.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH
DEETJENS BIG SUR INN– 7:30PM — Pride Mountain Wines - SOLD OUT!
Deetjens is delighted to host Pride Mountain Wines of Sonoma, which produces a magnificent portfolio of wines, from Viognier to world-class Cabernet. National Sales Director Stuart Bryan leads this evening of wine and food prepared by Chef Domingo Santamaria in the intimate setting of the much-loved Deetjens Inn restaurant. For reservations please go to Eventbrite or call Deetjens Inn at 831 667 2377.
ESALEN INSTITUTE WEEKEND RETREAT & WINEMAKER DINNER
Join Esalen chefs and Idle Cellars as they come together to create a five course from-farm-to-table dinner featuring Big Sur and Esalen farm produce paired with fantastic wines in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Pacific Coast. Your weekend stay at Esalen includes mineral baths, daily movement classes, and meals from Friday dinner to Sunday brunch. Please contact Esalen reservations for special rates for this event and to reserve a space 831 667-3005 or visit www.esalen.org for more information.
SIERRA MAR — "Cal-Italia Grigliata"
Cal-Italia Grigliata is a casual but elegant barbecue inspired by California and Italy. Complementing the cuisine are wines from Palmina Winery in Santa Barbara and Ryme Cellars in Sonoma, featuring Italian varietals both traditional and distinctive. For more information, contact Sierra Mar at (831) 667-2800.
TAPAS NIGHT WITH CHEF MARCONI & FIRESTONE WALKER –
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Big Sur Lodge Patio Bar, Big Sur Lodge
The craft beer industry has seen a surge in popularity over the
last decade, and with their diverse offering, many are calling
beer the new wine. Big Sur Lodge welcomes Paso Robles'
Firestone Walker Brewery, for a relaxed gathering among the
Redwoods. The brewery's award-winning beers will be paired
with Chef Marconi's savory selection of tapas.
Price per guest is $30
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
BIG SUR BAKERY– 6PM - The Hitching Post
Join the Bakery’s own chefs Phil & Michelle as they prepare a bill of fare matched to the pinot noirs of
legendary Santa Maria chef, grillmaster and winemaker Frank Ostini of The Hitching Post. From veal, quail and braised beef to Big Sur apple tart, it’s a meal to be shared and remembered. For reservations, contact the Big Sur Bakery at 831 667 0520.
DEETJENS BIG SUR INN–7:30PM — Ridge Vineyards - SOLD OUT!
Deetjens Inn is honored to have Paul and Maureen Draper of Ridge Vineyards share their wisdom in another magical Winemaker Dinner in the Inn's fabled Family and Fireplace dining rooms. Paul has been at the helm of the iconic Ridge since 1969, consistently creating legendary estate-made wines such as Montebello, Lytton Springs and Geyserville. Chef Domingo Santamaria and the Deetjens family will make your evening sparkle! For reservations please go to Eventbrite or call Deetjens Inn at 831 667 2377.
ESALEN WINEMAKER DINNER without Accommodations — Idle Cellars
Enjoy a private dinner with a small group on Saturday evening with winemakers from Idle Cellars, Esalen chef Phillip Burrus and Esalen Farm Supervisor Christopher Larose. The five-course farm-to-table dinner will feature Big Sur and Esalen farm produce paired with fantastic wines in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Pacific Coast. For reservations please go to Eventbrite.
POST RANCH INN– 12 Noon -4PM — "Youngbloods" Afternoon Wine Tasting
Stroll around the ranch on Saturday afternoon and savor selections on young winemakers just getting started -both vignerons and entrepreneurs, Paired with delicious appetizers, our tasting includes Chanin Wine Company, La Fenètre Winery and Tyler Winery from Santa Barbara County; Clos Solène from Paso Robles; Ghostwriter Winery from Santa Cruz; and Leojami Wines from Monterey. For more information, contact Sierra Mar at (831) 667-2800.
SIERRA MAR - "A View from the Top"
Enjoy A View from the Top featuring a classic, five-course dinner prepared by Chef Craig and guest chef, Douglas Keane, Executive Chef/Owner of Cyrus Restaurant. Together they are matched with celebrated producers Delamotte Champagne with importer Vineyard Brands who will start the night, followed by Salon Champagne and very special winery guest, Araujo Estate. For more information, contact Sierra Mar at (831) 667-2800.
WINEMAKER DINNER WITH HELLER ESTATES – 6:30pm -9:30 p.m.
Big Sur Lodge Dining Room, Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur Lodge welcomes Rich Tanquay, winemaker from Carmel Valley's Heller Estate Winery and their 100% organically grown "magical wines that dance on your palate." These award-winning wines will be merged with a pre-fixed three-course dinner and other special selections by Chef Giacomo Marconi. Price per guest is $60. Regular menu will also be available.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
TREEBONES RESORT– 6:30PM - Heller Estates Winery
Tucked away high on a Big Sur ridge with incredible oceanic and celestial views, Treebones Resort is renowned for its eco-friendliness. Chef Tim Hrusa of Treebone’s Wild Coast Restaurant offers global flavors crafted from fresh locally-grown ingredients matched with the organic wines of Heller Estate. Arrive on your bicycle and receive a free bottle of wine! For reservations, call 805 927 2390.