Saturday, March 3, 2012 • The Island Hotel, Newport Beach

"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing."
—Ernest Hemingway in Death in the Afternoon.

Pacific Coast Wine Festival Raises the Roof and $160,000 for Pacific Symphony during evening packed with coveted wines, fine dining, music and silent and live auctions.

The wine flowed and the guests flocked to the fifth Pacific Coast Wine Festival (PCWF) held at the chic five-diamond Island Hotel in Newport Beach—raising not only glasses but also more than $160,000 (net) in support of Pacific Symphony’s artistic and education programs. Attracting nearly 300 attendees—both wine enthusiasts and collectors, as well as Symphony supporters—this unique celebration of wine took place on Saturday, March 3, and included vintages from 30 of the finest wineries from around the world, chosen by Advanced Sommelier Jim Houston from Charlie Palmer. A lavish, multicourse gourmet feast was prepared by the Island’s chef David Man; and live and silent auctions offered some of the world’s most coveted wines, as well as luxury items and exclusive dining and destination experiences.

Participating wines for 2012 included:
Chappellet, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, Chateau Haut-Brion, Chateau Leoville Barton, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Montelena, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel, Crocker & Starr, Hudson Vineyards, Kamen Estate Wines, Miner Family, Patz & Hall, Paul Hobbs Imports, Ramey Wine Cellars, Rudius Wines, Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Three Sticks, Vega-Sicilia

Co-chaired by DeDe and Alex McKinnon (Symphony board member), the elegant evening got underway at 5 p.m., when cocktail-attired guests began to arrive, passing a line of sleek Aston Martins on their way into the hotel. For the next two hours, guests were free to roam the multiple rooms featuring delectable appetizers, a wide-array of wine-tasting opportunities and an extensive silent auction. Assisted by winemakers and roaming sommeliers, guests explored the different personalities of the many featured wines, which ranged from newer cult boutiques in California to the old-world wines of Rhone and Burgundy.

"My wife DeDe and I are both passionate about Pacific Symphony, as well as wine,” says McKinnon, “and this event uniquely married these interests and, more importantly, helped support an even stronger community in the areas of culture and the arts. By attending the PCWF, patrons not only were able to experience world-class wines through both sampling and auction venues, but also knew that all revenues were focused on ensuring the next generation benefits equally from the world’s greatest music."

Shortly after 7 p.m., guests were ushered into the elegant surroundings of the hotel’s ballroom, where a sumptuous wine-paired dinner was served. While dining on generously proportioned mixed filets of beef, guests were treated to a special solo performance by Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra’s young and inspiring cellist Philip Sheegog, who performed a moving rendition of “Julie-O” by Mark Summer. The evening culminated with a particularly exciting live auction led by auctioneer Jim Nye that sent paddles flying. Good natured battles ensued with guests bidding for some of the finest wines and auction lots in the United States, as well as VIP wine tours and tastings and exclusive stays in vineyard guesthouses.

The festivities concluded with guests enjoying decadent gourmet chocolates and vintage port. PCWF sponsors included BNY Mellon; American Airlines; Aston Martin, Mary and Phil Lyons and U.S Bank, plus additional support from Southern Wine and Spirits, Golden State Wine and Learn About Wine, among many others.