More than 125 wines from around the world, award-winning gourmet food trucks, and live jazz and salsa will be just a few of the attractions at the second annual Pasadena Wine Festival from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, 301 North Baldwin Ave.
(Update: 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8 — we have reached our limit of 10 winners for the contest, as you can see in comments below. Thank you for your participation.) You can win a pair of tickets courtesy of Arcadia’s Best — valued at a total of $56 – $70 — by submitting a correct answer in comments section below to either of the following questions (only limited number of tickets available — include correct e-mail with submission — not visible to others — and you will be contacted by e-mail if you won and instructed how to collect tickets):
1. Which of Arcadia’s pioneers operated a winery with 700 acres of grape vines on land that is now Santa Anita Park and Westfield Santa Anita? A.) Lucky Baldwin B.) Vince Foley c.) Hugo Reid D.) Paul and Sandra Kalemkiarian
2. How many gallons of wine and brandy were produced each year at Rancho Santa Anita around the turn of the 20th century? A.) 10,000 wine, 2,000 brandy B.) 50,000 wine, 10,000 brandy C.) 100,000 wine, 30,000 brandy D.) 200,000 wine, 80,000 brandy
Tickets may also be purchased in advance for $28 each at PasadenaWineFestival.com, or $35 at the gate. Proceeds benefit the California Philharmonic and L.A. County Arboretum Foundation.
Other activities will include viewing a hot air balloon at night; tram tours of the 127-acre Arboretum; Bocci Ball; horseshoes; ultimate golf challenge; hula hoop; and Frisbee toss.
Wines available for sampling at the festival come from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Spain, Chile, Argentina, France, Italy, New Zealand and Australia.
Among L.A.’s top gourmet food trucks at the festival will be Border Grill, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Worldfare Bustaurant, Dosa, Crepe’n Around, and the infamous Grilled Cheese Truck.
Pala Casino’s executive chef team will showcase their restaurants.
Attendees may sample fine cheeses from Somerdale of England and Champignon from Germany, as well as an array of local cheeses from Real California Cheese.
Live music will be performed by Byron Miller, José Espinosa and the Umbalaye Band, and the Ryan Cross Experience.
Bring blankets, beach chairs, sunscreen.
No one under 21 admitted, and no food or alcohol may be brought to this event.
— By Scott Hettrick