Closet winemakers and garage-bound bottlers are in for a rare treat at the upcoming Hidden Gems of California Tasting and Competition. This gala benefit and wine judging proves that even amateur vintners can garner attention for their liquid labors of love.
Presented by Santa Ynez Valley’s People Helping People (PHP), the Hidden Gems of California Tasting and Competition takes place June 12 at the beautiful Clover Creek Ranch and Vineyard in Santa Ynez. Proceeds from the event—which features music, food, wine tasting (of course), and a judging of home winemakers’ wares—benefit PHP programs aimed at helping disadvantaged children succeed in school.
Event chairs Mike Gordon and Michael and Carolyn Balaban count themselves among the Santa Ynez Valley’s many home winemaking enthusiasts. They cordially invite fellow amateur vintners, as well as everyone with a penchant for tasty wine, to join the fun.
“This event allows us to share our ‘hidden gems’ with the public, conduct a good-hearted, professionally judged competition, and raise some much needed funds to help those less fortunate,” Gordon said.
“Many of these winemakers,” he continued, “have been making wine from some of the best grapes available for many years. And many have won numerous awards at county fairs and other venues.”
Competitors in the third annual Hidden Gems Tasting include winners from previous years, such as David Bradley, who took Best of Show for his 2007 Syrah/Grenache blend. Also returning is Noel Johnson, who won an award in 2008 for her outstanding rosé.
Mike Gordon, Carolyn Balaban, Steve Arrowood, and Bill and Carolyn Hurst are also coming back for another try at a prize. Newcomers include Rick Benton and Dick Shaikewitz, who hopes to deck the competition with his Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
For the first time, organizers have established a category for Boutique Professional winemakers, bonded vintners who produce 1,000 cases or fewer each year. Brave competitors at this year’s competition include Ken Plam and Baehner Fournier Vineyards.
“We added the boutique category to give these winemakers more exposure,” said Mary Welsh, executive assistant at PHP. “And we thought it was a good way to expand the event.”
Competition judges will evaluate the wines in a blind tasting format. Judges Iris Rideau, owner of Rideau Vineyards, and John Martino, executive director of hospitality, Chumash Casino, will then use a 20-point system to determine Best of Show, Best of Class, and first place winners for each variety.
Each lucky winner will receive a shiny ribbon and lots of praise from the happy crowd. Perhaps best of all, the triumphant vintners can bask in the glow of the respect and hard-won recognition of their peers.
For those in attendance, the competition is just part of the fun, for live music by Kat Devlin will undoubtedly set toes tapping. Also on hand, Jeff and Jane Olsson of New West Catering will provide scrumptious appetizers they’ve generously donated to further the work of PHP.
Following the competition, the winning wines, as well as the vintage receiving the Peoples’ Choice award, will be available at auction for a donation to PHP. Collectors of Santa Barbara County wines won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to pick up a few hidden gems for the cellar.
Additional auction lots include travel packages, such as luxury condominium stays on the big island of Hawaii and the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, a Santa Barbara “getaway” package, and a Santa Ynez Valley wine country package with rooms at the Marriott Hotel.
Bid on a private dinner for eight at the fabulous Toscana in Brentwood, private wine tastings, a picnic lunch prepared by New West Catering, or memorable meals at A-RU, Buellton’s favorite Japanese restaurant.
This year, the Chumash Casino and Resort has signed on as the newest underwriting sponsor for the Hidden Gems gala.
“I am extremely pleased that the Chumash have stepped in to help,” said Dean Palius, chief executive at SYVPHP. “With the Tribe’s financial assistance, we believe that we can build on our previous financial successes at Hidden Gems to help more children in the Valley.”
The programs funded by Hidden Gems will help at-risk children to succeed in school by ensuring that they’re healthy and ready to learn, and that they have academic and social support at home and at school. Services include medical and dental care, after-school programs for teens, drug and personal counseling, and basic-needs assistance for families that includes securing food, shelter, and utilities.
“Hidden Gems is always enjoyed by everyone who attends,” Welsh declared. “It is held at a beautiful location, and it’s for a wonderful cause, People Helping People.”
K. Reka Badger is a diamond in the rough. Contact her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 3-10, 2010.