JAMUL WINE FESTIVAL BRINGS CHEERS THIS SATURDAY SUMMER'S EVE
By Miriam Raftery
July 26, 2019 (Jamul) – Beside a babbling brook under shady oak trees at D&S Farms, home to Granite Lion Cellars, the 2019 Jamul's Premier Wine Festival is set to be the best yet this Saturday, July 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition to speakers ranging from sommeliers to winemakers, guests can savor tastings from 10 area wineries plus beer and hard cider. Dining tastes will including offerings from the award-winning Crafted Greens restaurant, Valentine’s Bar and Grill, and chefs Desmond Fonesco and Joe Coppola serving up everything from linguini to luscious desserts.
“People love the ambience—the coolness of the place in a relaxed atmosphere, the sound, the music, the talks in the Grotto,” says Gary Gorton, marketing director at St. Pius X Church. All funds benefit the 50-year-old church’s building fund to add solar and fund classrooms to support youth programs and a retreat for young people coming up at the University of San Diego in August.
New this year, two golf carts with drivers donated by Imperial Beach Golf Club will ferry guests from the parking lot to the party under the oaks, illuminated by twinkling lights. A DJ from Brandon Watts Entertainment will provide music for guests to enjoy or dance beneath the stars.
Ever wonder why winemakers plant roses in their vineyards? Find out when Richard Westfall, owner of Westfall Vineyard in Campo, speaks on “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
Want to learn about jobs in the wine business locally? Linda McWilliams, director of the viticulture college at City College and the winemaker for San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa will speak on Vineyard Apprenticeships.
Curious what tales a sommelier can tell? David Whited, a sommelier for Trader Joe’s and Granite Lion Cellars, will share some stories.
There’s even a photo booth for guests to make some memories to take home.
Father Higinio Garcia will hold a blessing for the event.
Guests can wine prizes in an opportunity drawing and a silent auction including a wine table with 18 varieties of high-end wines and other items, artwork and more.
New entries this year include Jamul’s new Vecchieoso Winery and PRP International, as well as Utopia Hard Cider of Scripps Ranch.
Participating wineries and breweries include:
Campo Creek Vineyards
Casi Cielo Farms & Winery
Deerhorn Valley Vineyards
Dulzura Vineyard and Winery
Granite Lion Cellars
Javalinna Leap Winery
Novo Brazil Brewing Co.
PRP Wine International
San Pasqual Winery
Spanish Peacock Winery
Utopia Hard Cider
Vecchieoso Winery
Westfall Winery
“We had almost 200 last year and this year we’re expecting 300,” says Gorton.
D&S Farms, home to Granite Lion Cellars is continually upgrading their beautiful property. Their ambitious growth plan includes aspirations to “carve a cave into the mountain to store wines for fermentation like they do in Napa, with a tasting room there, and planting an orchard around the vineyard,” Gorton notes, adding that ultimately the owners hope to add luxury homes nestled in a vineyard orchard “like Rancho Santa Fe.”
If you haven’t headed out to Jamul before, or want to enjoy a relaxing summer’s evening in the countryside, Jamul's Premier Wine Festival is a delightful getaway experience.
All food and alcohol drinks are included for $65 per person or $120 per couple in advance, or $75 per person at the door. View flyer.
The ticket includes food, wine, beer and cider tasting plus coffee, water,soda and a souvenir wine glass, entertainment and more. Tickets can be purchased at stpiusxjamul.com or by calling St. Pius X, Jamul, at 619-669-0085. This event is limited to age 21 and up.