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.