San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition’s Public Tasting, February 16, 2013

Don’t miss your chance to get those you love the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer gift! There are only two weeks left to get discount tickets to the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition’s Public Tasting, February 16, 2013 in San Francisco. This is the largest competition of American Wines in the World and the Public Tasting will feature wines from over 800 wineries, gourmet food and an exceptional view. Buy now and save $30 off the door admission price!

Click Here to Buy Now

WHEN: Saturday, February 16, 2013 (SAVE THE DATE)

WHERE: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

TIME: 2pm – 5pm

PRICE: Stocking Stuffer (before Dec 31, 2012) $55.00

Advance Ticket (after Jan 1, 2013) $70.00

Tickets at the door $85.00 (if available, this event is usually a sellout)

www.winejudging.com

2012 Northern California Renaissance Faire

WE INVITE YOU TO FIND YOUR FANTASY

AT THE 2012 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE!

(Hollister, Calif., April 2012) --- Experience the fantasy that comes to life this fall as the Northern California Renaissance Faire travels back to the realistic Renaissance village of the late 14^th through 16^th century settled in the woodsy vale of Casa de Fruta in Hollister.  Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 15 through October 14, one can journey through the Medieval times of humanistic rebirth when classical art, architecture, literature, plays, and traditional music become one of the most notable time periods in history.

The Renaissance scene promises to have new and exciting additions this year for Faire-goers to join the villagers of Willington.  Many of the traditional themes will still take place, such as the lively drunken festival of Bacchanal and the delicious feasts of Saint Michael. Beware of the unwelcomed invasion of savage pirates, catch a glimpse of the majestic Queen Elizabeth I, and interact with mystical creatures of the land.

Under a leafy tree branch, one can see an original form of Renaissance theatre in the form of the Italian comedy, Commedia Dell Arte, on the Royal Garden stage or laugh out loud to the mischievous antics of Moonie the Magnificent and BrooN at the Fools stage. Seven stages boast nonstop entertainment such as William Shakespeare acts, noble social dances, magnificent swordplay, and the return of veteran jousters at The World Tournament of Champions, performed twice daily at the Tournament of Horses Arena, to demonstrate heroic acts of declared homeland victory.

As the sun sets, the Celtic Rock Concert Series rises in showcasing genre favorites!  The exclusive concert is free with admission every Saturday at 6pm.

During the festivities, meet and greet happy peasants, crooked constables, men in tights, and merry maidens as they fill the streets with revelry. Practice your archery, axe throwing and fencing skills, and don yourself with an elaborate garland or mask. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a gigantic turkey leg roasted to perfection and wear a classic Renaissance costume from a saucy pirate gear to gypsy tribal garb.

Last but not least, shop through the exceptional Market Faire of master artisans of latest designs and finest hand work… blown glass, keen blades, armor and chain mail, romantic clothing, leather-work, woodwork, hand wrought jewelry, sculpture and much, much more.

Advance tickets will be available in August!  Purchase online before September 13^th and receive $5 off admission!  Children 12 and under will be admitted FREE entrance for all five weekends, and during Opening Weekend, general ticket pricing is “Two-For-One”. Tickets will go on sale in August, 2012.

WHAT:        Northern California Renaissance Faire - A Play Faire Production

WHEN:       “Find Your Fantasy” every Saturday and Sunday from September 15^th - October 14^th, 2012

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission
TIME:          10am – 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6P on Sat.)
WHERE:     Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
COST:         $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of Faire. 
A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35
A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $15
Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of fifteen or more with promotional code “group”.
INFO:          For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

 

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is run by Play Faire Productions, a group of self-appointed actors and artisans who took ownership as a collective in 2004.  Many Faire participants have been exciting crowds with their performances for over 35 years, never failing to entertain the masses with their pranks and mischievous behavior.  They are proud to be the only Faire of its kind that is managed by their own performers, presenting an incomparable way to experience the magic of the time period.  Whether you attend for an all encompassing history lesson, or wish to play in the original adult playground, there is no doubt that everyone will have the chance to stretch their imagination…and Find Your Fantasy!   

 

Pleasanton Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show Celebrates Forty Years  

 

(San Francisco, Calif., May 14, 2012) --- The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show is returning to the Alameda County Fairgrounds, September 14-16,  ready to celebrate its 40^TH Anniversary Tour in style with new vendors, exciting entertainment and important community service efforts.  

 

“Forty years ago, we never imagined how much this event would grow,” said Nancy Glenn, Harvest Festival Show Manager. “We started as a small community marketplace in San Francisco where artists could congregate to create and sell their products. Now, we hold eight shows in California, one show in Arizona and one show in Nevada. We’re so proud to have such a wonderful group of talented craftspeople and loyal attendees year after year.”

 

The Harvest Festivals boast over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, woodturnings, art and photography, specialty foods, clothing, décor and more. Attendees come to shop the handcrafted wares but stay for the entertainment, live music, prize drawings, artist demonstrations, and delicious foods.

 

Cash Tribute Band featuring James Garner will headline this year’s outdoor stage with musical hits of the legendary 'Man in Black'—Johnny Cash. With strong conviction and stunning accuracy, the band will perform Cash's songs, combining their sets with historical accounts and personal anecdotes.

 

Also appearing at the main stage is comedian and entertainer John Park. Watch his comedy waiter act with a spectacular plate spinning finish at “The Funny Waiter Show”. Using original and unique comedy routines involving food, drink, music, and more, Park has been known to bring the crowd to laughter and, quite possibly, tears.

 

For the 4th year, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival is proud to support the Alameda County Community Food Bank by offering $2 off admission to anyone who brings a monetary donation or non-perishable food items to the show. The Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 6 residents living throughout Alameda County, including the Tri-Valley.

 

The event is also partnering with the Oakley Raiders as the official show charity and will offer the youth sports organization half of the proceeds from every shopping bag sold.

 

The mission of the Oakley Raiders is to provide a premier sports organization in which youth athletes can excel in the fundamentals of football and cheerleading, regardless of participants' size, gender, creed, race or national origin. The organization strives to fostering the ideals of integrity, sportsmanship and commitment in order to empower all association members to strive for excellence in a safe and fun competitive environment

 

The Oakley Raiders will also host the interactive KidZone, which is an area set aside for children to participate in hands-on arts and crafts. Located right next to the KidZone will be a special Child ID feature, sponsored by New York Life. Parents can bring their child to be photographed, fingerprinted and get essential contact information stored on a CD if needed in an emergency.

 

All artisans featured at the Harvest Festivals are vetted by the Harvest Festival management team to ensure products are all handmade and made in the United States.

 

Don’t miss the chance to start the fall off with a bang and shop thousands of unique and affordable gifts at the Pleasanton Harvest Festival®.

 

 

 

What:                       The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®

When:                      September 14-16, 2012

Where:                     Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566)

 Hours:                    Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Tickets:                   Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Kids 12 and Under: Free                         (Tickets valid for re-entry all weekend)            

Info:                          Call or visit www.harvestfestival.com or 415-447-3205

Press:                        Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lrosinski@prmagic.com   

                  

ABOUT THE HARVEST FESTIVAL ORIGINAL ART AND CRAFT SHOW®:

The Harvest Festivals began 40 years ago in San Francisco as a destination for artists and craftspeople to gather and have a forum to sell their handmade products. Today, the show has grown to encompass ten shows in the state of California, Nevada and Arizona and still continues its tradition by only featuring handmade arts and crafts made in the United States.  Each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as a featured artisan, ensuring a rich diversity and high quality of all products sold. Attendees are able to directly interact with the artists, watch crafting demonstrations, and can get many gifts personalized. The Harvest Festivals, owned and managed by Western Exhibitors, are the largest indoor arts and crafts show of its kind on the West Coast.

                                                                                        # # #

Fine Wine Auctions Offer Unique Investment Opportunities

On June 15^th, WineGavel will open its anticipated monthly auction with new lots of rare and fine wines that will tickle the taste buds of collectors everywhere.  

Investments in wine are becoming more popular because the investment can net high returns in the future. The cost for the best vintages rise as the supply gets more scarce.

The most common wines for investors are the "Big Five"; the premier cru from Bordeaux, Haut BrionLafite Rothschild, Latour, Mouton Rothschild, and Margaux.

Prices for first growths have also skyrocketed recently in the Chinese market, partly due to regulation. Hong Kong scrapped all duties on wine and beer, instantly making it the new global hot spot for wine companies. Now, nearly all the major industry players have an office there. 

WineGavel's June auction will feature several vintages from the "Big Five as well as other highly collectable wines from different regions.  Every bottle offered is thoroughly inspected to be of sound provenance and wines can ship within 5 days of invoice close.

WHO: WineGavel Fine Wine Auctions

WHAT: June Online Auction

WHEN: Open for bidding Friday, June 15^th through Saturday, June 30, 2012 (bidding will close at 7pm)

INFO: Visit www.winegavel.com, call 800-774-2130 or email customerservice@winegavel.com

PRESS: Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or via email at lrosinski@prmagic.com

About WineGavel Fine Wine Auctions

WineGavel is a specialty auction house based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2009, the company has conducted more than 150 live and online auctions with a focus on fine and rare wines. In March 2012, WineGavel implemented new ownership and management in order to better serve its valued customers. With the wine department and staff having over 100 years of combined experience in fine and rare wines, WineGavel’s goal is to establish an experience as seamless and fun as possible in ultimately tasting delectable and savory vintages. Every single bottle offered through its dynamic auction format is thoroughly inspected and of sound provenance.

SOURCE:

http://www.campdenfb.com/article/wine-returns

WineGavel Hosts Upcoming Rare and Fine Wine Auction

On Saturday, April 28, specialty auction house WineGavel will host an upscale wine auction, both online and live in San Francisco, that will feature a plethora of exquisite rare and fine wines. The auction is the sale of mostly one cellar from an extremely well-regarded and established collector. All the wines offered are in bonded storage and many of them have been in the collection since procuring them direct from the producers upon release.

Among the collection is a Methuselah (6-liter bottle) of Romanée-Conti, Domaine Romanée-Conti, so sought after and uncommon that the value is estimated to be anywhere between $85,000 to $105,000. 

Domaine Romanée-Conti is one of the most prestigious and collected burgundy producers in the world and the bottle offered at the auction is one of just a handful ever produced. Aubert de Villaine, proprietor of Domaine Romanée-Conti, has indicated that 2008 will have been the last vintage this format is produced. The last 6-liter example sold worldwide was in 2005, and a 3-liter recently sold at a previous auction for over $41,500.

“This is a unique auction that offers many rare and fine wines, including very uncommon bottle formats. It’s an exceptional opportunity for buyers given a collector with this degree of “first-person" provenance,” said WineGavel president Matt Carson. “Our consignor’s taste and relationships derived over many years present a chance for the extremely ambitious collector to instantly have a turn-key, world class cellar.”

The online auction is currently open to bids at www.winegavel.com and the live auction will take place Saturday, April 28^th at 3pm at the San Francisco Wine Center with a pre-auction tasting at 2pm. Admission is free with advance RSVP and attendees are encouraged to bring bottles from their collection they wish to enjoy or share at the event.

WHO:             WineGavel.com

WHAT:           Simultaneous Live and Online Auction

WHERE:         San Francisco Wine Center (757 Bryant Street, San Francisco CA, 94107)

WHEN:           Saturday, April 28^th at 3pm PDT, Pre-Auction Tasting at 2pm

COST:            Free; Guests must RSVP to customerservice@winegavel.com to reserve space

INFO:             For more info, visit www.winegavel.com or call 800-774-2130

PRESS:          Contact 650-548-6700 or via email at lrosinski@prmagic.com

Burlingame ArtzFest Returns for Weekend of Free Summer Fun

The Burlingame ArtzFest, held August 11-12 on Burlingame Avenue, celebrates 20 years as it brings together art and music through a full line-up of exciting live performers and over 150 artisans showcasing original works of arts and crafts.

Award winning musicians will cover a wide range of musical genres on the main stage and local artists will display their musical talent on the community stage. Dancers and performers will get audience members on their feet with elaborate and stylistic routines.

In addition to live entertainment, a variety of creative vendors from around the country will showcase and sell their handcrafted works of art, jewelry, photography, vintage prints, clothing, sculptures, home décor, and more.

Attendees can learn gardening tips from the Home, Garden & Green section, enjoy fine wines at the Wine Pavilion, and indulge in delicious traditional gourmet food and beverages. Families with children can also enjoy the special kids area featuring rides, games, activities and entertainment.

“This is the perfect way to spend the weekend,” said Georgette Naylor, CEO of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. “Whether it’s hanging out with friends or bringing together the family for a fun outing, the ArtzFest always provides an enjoyable experience for any age.”

The Burlingame Artzfest serves as a fundraiser for The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public.

WHO: The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce
WHAT: Burlingame ArtzFest: A free weekend long event that offers a full day of live music, art, festival foods, kids entertainment, shopping, home accents, and more.
WHERE: Burlingame Avenue, located 15 minutes south of San Francisco in San Mateo County. Take Caltrain to the Burlingame Train Station, or take advantage of convenient
public parking.
WHEN: Saturday, August 11 - Sunday, August 12, 2012 from 10am-6pm
INFO: For more information, visit http://www.burlingamechamber.org/ or contact Georgette Naylor at 650-344-1735.

Find Your Fantasy at the 2012 Northern California Renaissance Faire

Experience fantasy that comes to life this fall as the Northern California Renaissance Faire travels back to the realistic Renaissance village of the late 14th through 16th century settled in the woodsy vale of Casa de Fruta in Hollister. Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 15 through October 14, one can journey through the Medieval times of humanistic rebirth when classical art, architecture, literature, plays, and traditional music become one of the most notable time periods in history.

The Renaissance scene promises to have new and exciting additions this year for Faire-goers to join the villagers of Willington. Beware of the invasion of savage pirates, catch a glimpse of the majestic Queen Elizabeth, and interact with mystical creatures of the land.

Take in the original form of Renaissance theatre in the form of the Italian comedy, Commedia Dell Arte, on the Royal Garden stage or laugh out loud to the mischievous antics of Moonie the Magnificent and BrooN at the Fools stage. Seven stages boast nonstop entertainment, noble social dances, magnificent swordplay, and the return of veteran jousters at The World Tournament of Champions, performed twice daily at the Tournament of Horses Arena.

Returning again every Saturday night is the popular Celtic Rock Concert Series showcasing the best Celtic bands of the Bay Area and beyond. The exclusive concert is free with admission every Saturday beginning at 6pm.

During the festivities, meet and greet happy peasants, crooked constables, men in tights, and merry maidens as they fill the streets with revelry. Practice your archery, axe throwing and fencing skills, and don yourself with an elaborate garland or mask. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a gigantic turkey leg roasted to perfection and don a classic Renaissance costume ranging from a saucy pirate gear to gypsy tribal garb.

Last but not least, shop through the exceptional Market Faire of master artisans of latest designs and finest hand work… blown glass, keen blades, armor and chain mail, romantic clothing, leather-work, woodwork, hand wrought jewelry, sculpture and much, much more.

Advance tickets will be available in August at www.norcalrenfaire.com.

WHAT: Northern California Renaissance Faire - A Play Faire Production
WHEN: “Find Your Fantasy” every Saturday and Sunday from September 15th - October 14th, 2012
Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission
TIME: 10am – 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6P on Sat.)
WHERE: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister CA
COST: $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of Faire.
A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35
A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150
INFO: For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

Gimbal's Fine Candies Gives Away 100 Pounds of Jelly Beans!

Gimbal's Fine Candies is excited to announce their brand new Facebook sweepstakes which will give one lucky person the chance to win 100 pounds of Jelly Beans!

Gimbal's Gourmet Jelly Bean Giveaway kicks off February 15th and runs through March 31, 2012. In addition to the grand prize opportunity, everyone who enters through the company's Facebook page will receive 10% off their next online store purchase.

"We're so exicted to offer 100 pounds of our Gourmet Jelly Beans as the Grand Prize, and we had fun imagining all the wonderful ways to celebrate Easter with so many pounds of delicious candy," said Karin Vollrath, sales and marketing manager for Gimbal's Fine Candies. "Our Gourmet Jelly Beans are an excellent value, have an incredible flavor and are free of the Major 8 food allergens that make up over 90% of food allergies. They are the perfect Easter treat."

Gimbal's Fine Candies are one of the only major confectionary manufactureres in the country free of the Major 8 Food Allergens. In order to eliminate risk of cross contamination, these foods are not included in Gimbal's recipies nor are they permitted in their production and packaging facilities.

In addition to the bestselling Gourmet Jelly Beans, Gimbal's also offers numerous other candy products including Sour Lovers Candies, Honey Lovers Candies, Cherry Lovers Candies, All Natural Licorice Scotties and chewy cinnamon LavaBalls. All of the candies are certified kosher pareve by the Orthodox Union and are made with pride in the USA.

Gimbal's Fine Candies are availible at many major national retailers, including Walmart, Rite Aid, CVS, Kmart and now online at http://shop.gimbalscandy.com/

To enter the Gourmet Jelly Bean Giveaway, visit http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/194310

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show Sets Sail for Santa Clara

With so many vacation destinations around the world, it may be difficult trying to even just pinpoint the best places to go, but now, it doesn’t have to be.

The Bay Area Travel & Adventure show is coming to the Santa Clara Convention Center, February 18-19, 2012, to make it easier for aspiring travelers to plan their perfect getaway. The show features a multitude of travel resources and information, seminars with celebrity guest speakers, hands-on activities, a Global Beats dance stage and more – all under one roof.

Over 150 destination experts and tour operators will present the thousands of options available in traveling. In addition, a number of the exhibitors are doing giveaways, ranging from gift certificates to trips, as well as providing show-exclusive discounts.

Celebrity guest speakers, such as Patricia Schultz and Rick Steves, will lead informative seminars on the Travel & Adventure Stage. Schultz, bestselling author of the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die series, and Rick Steves, TV personality and author, will share their travel tips and experiences and sign copies of their books following the seminars. Rick Steves is known for his bestselling guidebook series and will discuss practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel. Other speakers include travel photographer Ralph Velasco and celebrity travel expert Mark DeCarlo.

DeCarlo will hold an interactive cooking class and competition on the Fiery Foods Stage, as food plays a big part in traveling. Three audience members will be chosen from a drawing to recreate a dish right on the spot based on DeCarlo’s decision. The winner, determined by the audience, wins an exhilarating, all-inclusive vacation.

On the same stage, unique flavors from around the world will be showcased as well. Local chefs will cook traditional “hot” dishes as part of the Fiery Foods Challenge in hopes of the audience choosing theirs as the favorite.

Travel & Adventure Show attendees can take part in hands-on activities that may be found at some travel destinations as well, including rock-climbing and zip-lining. All activities, included in admission fee, are available for any skill level or age.

Don’t miss the chance to learn insider travel tips from the biggest experts in the business, all while experiencing a day of fun and excitement at the Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show.

Show Details:
What: Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show
Where: Santa Clara Convention Center
When: February 18: 10am- 5pm / February 19: 11am-4pm
Tickets: $9 Online with Promo Code: SCPR or $15 At the Door/ Children 16 and under are free
Parking: Free
Info: www.adventureexpo.com/santaclara
Press: Contact The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email Liz Rosinski at Lrosinski@prmagic.com