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

2012 Pacific Orchid Exposition: A Salute to the Golden Gate

It isn’t every year that the largest orchid exhibition in the US shares an important anniversary with one of the most famous works of architecture; but, 2012 is one such year.

On February 23-26, 2012, the San Francisco Orchid Society’s 60th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition (POE) will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. The festivities will combine the worlds of horticulture and architecture to form a celebration that will not be forgotten.

Can you imagine a San Francisco without a Golden Gate Bridge? It’s hard to do, but believe it or not, before the year 1937 the only way to cross the strait known as the “Golden Gate” was by ferry. The enormous and controversial project for the Bridge was taken on by the brave soul and architect Joseph B. Strauss in 1933. He sought help from architect Irving Morrow, who was responsible for the famous suspension design of the bridge, and designer Leon Moisseiff, who we all have to thank for that unmistakable orange color that stretches across the bay.

The orange color of the Bridge was chosen for multiple reasons. Initially it was selected to help the bridge stand out from its dense bed of fog. Bay Area residents also urged Moisseiff to do something that would set the Bridge apart from other works of architecture around the world. Moisseiff chose “International Orange” which has become synonymous with San Francisco.

The bridge was finally finished in 1937, measuring an astounding 230 meters in height and 1,970 meters in length. The week-long bridge opening celebrations began on May 27, with 200,000 people crossing the bridge by foot before vehicles were even allowed to cross. Mayor Angelo Rossi was the first to cross the bridge by vehicle, and the following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signaled the opening of the bridge to public traffic by pushing a button from his office in Washington, D.C.

Today, the bridge has become a worldwide symbol for the great state of California. It is now instantly recognizable and is featured in everything from literature, to cinema, to music and works of art. The San Francisco Orchid Society is happy to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of this architectural masterpiece, and the event is sure to be a colorful one, as both the Bridge and the orchids have become known for their vibrant colors and beauty. The San Francisco Orchid Society salutes the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and encourages everyone to come out and take part in this celebration of two great San Francisco traditions.


For event details visit: http://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/poe.html

Northern California Renaissance Faire Brings a Celtic Spirit to Merry Old England

Take a moment to “Find Your Fantasy” this year at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. Enter the village gates and allow yourself to be immersed in a bustling country village in Merry Old England celebrating the arrival of Queen Elizabeth I. Colorful rustic booths line the village streets displaying one of a kind wares hand crafted by talented artisans. Hundreds of costumed performers fill the streets and stages with music and laughter.

Originating in Black Point in Novato, California, the Northern California Renaissance Faire can now be found nestled in the woodsy glen of Casa de Fruta in Hollister. Each day, the faire showcases a variety of traditional renaissance music and entertainment and at 6:00pm each Saturday the faire comes alive with the infusion of modern Celtic rock showcasing genre favorites like Tempest and the Wicked Tinkers. The arena that hosts the championship jousting by day is transformed into an open field for dancing and reveling to the live bands at twilight. It's a perfect way to end a day at faire for both children and adults.

Get the best of both worlds by imagining yourself in history as you laugh along with the bawdy characters of the time, shop for unique handcrafted wares, feast on decadent fare and then stay late for the modern sounds of today's Celtic musicians. The faire offers nonstop Entertainment and a variety of games and activities for children and adults. The Celtic Rock Concerts are an extra bonus on top of this value packed day!

SATURDAYS ONLY! CONCERTS FREE WITH TICKET PURCHASE

September 24
Theme: Baccanal-Masquerade
Band: Molly's Revenge

October 1
Theme: Pirates Invasion
Band: Culann's Hounds

October 8
Theme: Find Your Fantasy
Band: Brother

October 15
Last opporunity to FIND YOUR FANTASY!
Band: Wicked Tinkers

WHAT: Northern California Renaissance Faire Celtic Rock Series
WHEN: Saturdays Only! September 17th and ends October 15th
TIME: Faire opens at 10 am / Celtic Rock Series begins at 6pm
WHERE: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
COST: Free with Faire ticket
INFO: For more information and tickets, visit http://www.norcalrenfaire.com/ or call 408.847.FAIR