TOP CALIFORNIA WINEMAKERS CONFIRMED TO PARTICIATE
IN ULTIMATE WINE FESTIVAL AT SHADE HOTEL IN MANHATTAN BEACH
A Percentage of Proceeds To Benefit The Manhattan Beach Middle School
Manhattan Beach, Calif. (February 9, 2012) – Los Angeles wine enthusiasts rejoice! On Monday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., more than 20 of California’s top winemakers will join together for the seventh Ultimate Wine Festival at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, recently named one of the top 25 “trendiest hotels” in the United States by Trip Advisor. Wineries participating in the event include Opus One, Silver Oak, Ceja Vineyards, Grgich Hills, Terra Valentine, Far Niente, Dolce, Nickel & Nickel, Quintessa, Faust, Twomey, Plumpjack, Villa Creek, CADE, Rombauer, Pisoni/Lucia, Bridlewood, Mac Murray, Freemark Abbey, Arrowood, Cambria Estates, Murphy Goode, and La Sirena. Each winery will be represented by the winemaker or a senior representative from the winery.
In addition to the crème de la crème of wine tasting, the event will feature elegantly presented tray passed hors d’ouevres. Tickets are $100 per person, with a percentage of proceeds benefitting the Manhattan Beach Middle School. This special event is limited to 200 guests and is expected to sell out quickly.
“We enjoy a unique relationship with winemakers and have worked for many months to plan this event,” said Michael Zislis, owner of Shade Hotel. “After a short hiatus, we are bringing this popular event back to Shade at the request of our loyal friends and neighbors, and we look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in wine to our hotel.”
Among the participating winemakers are industry icons Heidi Barrett of La Sirena; Amelia Morán Ceja of Ceja Vineyards and Michael Silacci of Opus One.
Heidi Barrett, La Sirena
Known to many as “The First Lady of Wine”, she is responsible for the creation of Screaming Eagle (from 1992-2006), Dalla Valle Maya and the Calla Valle Cabernets in the late 80s and early 90s. Perhaps best known for her perfectly balanced, elegant, and age worthy Cab, she gained an international following for her winemaking skill and artistry across many different varietals. Among a lengthy list of past and present clients, her personal hall of fame includes her own La Sirena wines, Amuse Bouche, Au Sommet, Vin Perdu, Fantesca, Kenzo Estate, Paradigm, Lamborn, and her new joint venture with winemaker husband bo Barrett called Barrett & Barrett. Wine after wine, year after year, Heidi has established herself as a true artist of winemaking who excels in shaping her wines into something truly special.
Amelia Morán Ceja, Ceja Vineyards
In 1999, Ceja Vineyards, Inc. was founded and Amelia Morán Ceja became the first Mexican-American woman to be president of a wine production company. Under her leadership, Inc. Magazine selected Ceja Vineyards “Entrepreneur of the Year 2004” (one of seven) in the January 2005 issue. In addition, Ceja Vineyards was named “Best New Winery” in 2002 by more than 90 of the world’s most prestigious wine writers, case production has increased from 750 cases to 10,000 cases per year and Ceja wines have received numerous awards and extensive media coverage. Her contributions to the wine industry were recognized on March 15, 2005, when she was named “Woman of the Year” by the California Legislature.
Michael Silacci, Opus One
Silacci joined Opus One in March 2001 as director of viticulture and enology and became the winemaker in January of 2004, taking on responsibility for all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking. Prior to his appointment at Opus One, he spent 6 years as winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, one year as winemaker at King Estate in Oregon, and 6 years at Beaulieu Vineyard. He also made wine in France and Chile. Silacci combines intuition and technical acumen with the dual perspective of viticulturist and winemaker.
About Shade Hotel
Shade, Manhattan Beach’s premiere luxury boutique hotel, intertwines California beach culture and contemporary sophistication just 15 minutes south of LAX. Merely two blocks from the beach, it is surrounded by thriving upscale dining and shopping destinations in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. The hotel’s energized yet refined interior was designed by Christopher Lowell, and boasts stainless-steel and natural touches that include river rock, running water and exotic bamboo to encourage an environment of balance, harmony and spiritual well-being. Guests will enjoy accommodations that will allow them to host their dream beach wedding, host a business meeting or enjoy a refreshing California coastal living experience at the hotel’s spa, incredible indoor and outdoor dining at zinc@shade, and relaxation poolside at the rooftop Skydeck bar and pool.
To purchase tickets or for more information about the Ultimate Wine Festival, call 310-546-4995. Visit Shade Hotel at www.shadehotel.com.
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