Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
The tasteful Celebration of Food & Wine event series returns to Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel, in Rancho Palos Verdes for its fifth installment September 7-9. Each year the weekend-long fête features a variety of palate-pleasing gatherings, such as demonstrations, tastings, lavish picnics and unforgettable dinners – and this year promises to be no different. Here we provide a primer of 5 highlights of where to be to ensure you have your choice of the most coveted toasts of the entire affair.
Seaside Yoga & Breakfast At The Beach Cove
Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
Begin your day with one of Terranea’s optional seaside yoga sessions on the picturesque Ocean Lawn. As you take in serene views from the property’s bluffs overlooking the Pacific, center yourself ahead of all you’re about to experience. Whether you choose to namaste or not, the Breakfast at the Beach Cove awaits with a decadent al fresco picnic to be enjoyed among picnic tables and blankets on the beach, against the sounds of live calypso music.
Enjoy fare from the gourmet culinary stations including a grain bar and hot breakfast skewers, smoothies developed by Terranea’s nutritionist, coffee, mimosas and Bloody Marys. At the close of breakfast, the resort’s falconer will thrill guests with an interactive experience featuring various birds of prey.
Saturday, Sept. 8., Yoga 7:30-8:30 a.m. (optional); Breakfast 8:30-10:30 a.m., $99/person; Falconer demonstration 10:30-11 a.m. (optional)
Coastal Picnic With Jackson Family Wines
Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
California vintner Jackson Family Wines hosts a very special lunch during the course of the celebration. Master sommelier Michael Jordan, chef Jonathan De La Cruz and chef Elie Chow will delights guests’ senses at a lunch served seaside at picnic table seating located on the grand Palos Verdes Terrace. Bites will be paired with Jackson Family wines, naturally, making this event a must if you’re a gourmand who also fancies yourself an oenophile.
And you’re in good hands — Jordan holds a master sommelier diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers and a certified wine educator diploma from the Society of Wine Educators, making him one of only 15 people in the world to hold both.
Saturday, Sept. 8., 12:30-2 p.m., $110/person
Interactive Wine Sessions
Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
Celebration of Food & Wine offers two exciting interactive sessions this year: “Taste Like a Master Sommelier” and “Experimental Wine Blending.” In the first, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade from master sommelier Michael Jordan himself. Let the pro guide you through his approach to experience wine tasting before you get to test your acquired knowledge in a blind tasting challenge. You can also expect games and prizes during what’s sure to be a fun and casual atmosphere for wine tasting with one of the world’s foremost experts.
Next, push the envelope with some experimental wine blending, led by Scheid Family Wines’ Andrew Powell. Since you’ve just honed in on your own preferences, the industry veteran will guide you in developing a personal blend that reflects your ideal wine before sending you off with a fun take-home gift in addition to a new skill.
Saturday, Sept. 8., Tasting 2:30-4 p.m.; Blending 4:15-5:30 p.m.; $65/person for 1 interactive session or $120/person for both sessions
Taste Of Terranea
Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
The most decadent offering of the weekend, the grand Taste of Terranea, is a signature event of the Celebration of Food & Wine. Mix and mingle on the resort’s lush grounds overlooking the ocean with a champagne reception from Piper-Heidsieck. When it’s time for dinner, continue the conversation among your party at communal tables while nibbling on locally grown, crafted and foraged kelp, honey, olives and cheese.
Shortly thereafter, Terranea’s Executive chef Bernard Ibarra and his award-winning kitchen will hold nothing back in delivering a dining experience that promises to be farm-to-table perfection. But oh, how could one forget the vino? Among the wineries to be featured are Silver Oak, Jackson Family Wines, Justin, Sonoma-Curter, Cakebread Cellars, Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, J. Lohr, Stag’s Leap, Flowers Winery, ONEHOPE, and Villa Oneiro.
Saturday, Sept. 8, 6:30-9 p.m., $225/person with inclusion of Cielo After Dark
Cielo After Dark
Photo Credit: Terranea Resort
As the indulgent Taste of Terranea winds down, the evening rolls into the Cielo After Dark after-party, an ideal cap to an already incredible day. Beckoning revelers with a dessert station by Executive Pastry chef Pierino Jermonti in addition to coffee, tea and cocktails, the final nighttime hurrah features dancing to a DJ’s beats around Cielo Point, Terranea’s more secluded, adults-only pool. Plan ahead by reserving a VIP cabana with bottle service to really end the evening right.
Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Admission included for Taste of Terranea ticket holders and full weekend package guests
For the full itinerary of Celebration of Food & Wine events and to purchase tickets, visit Terranea.com/store. Weekend passes are $650/person. Special room rates are available to attendees.
