2024 Cal Poly Winemaker Showcase

Join us for an evening of celebration, innovation, and community at the 2024 Winemaker Showcase!

We are excited to announce that the 2024 Winemaker Showcase presented by Serial Wines and supported by our generous donors listed below will be held Friday, March 8, at 4 p.m. at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture.

A dedicated group of wine and viticulture students is working diligently to present the annual event, while gaining practical experience in event coordination, networking, marketing, and financial management. As many are aware, the Winemaker Showcase stands as the preeminent student-led fundraising initiative for the department.

This year, we are excited to feature some of our best alumni winemakers, host a grand-tasting style cocktail reception, honor special guest John Couch, and announce the launch of the Cal Poly Wine Research Initiative during our four-course seated dinner event & auction.

Program Agenda:

4:00 - 5:45 PM Registration, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres, and Silent Auction in the Lohr Family Winery Building

5:45 - 6:00 PM Transition to the E.J. Gallo Winery and Family Building

6:00 - 10:00 PM Dinner, Program, and Live Auction in the Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall

Featured Wineries at the Cocktail Reception

Archery Summit

Cal Poly Students

Chamisal

Center of Effort Wines

Copain Wines

Couch Family Wines

Crux Winery

El Viñero

Field Recordings

Gallo

J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines

JUSTIN

Lady of Sunshine

Linne Calodo

Norris Wines

Scar of the Sea

Sculpterra

Serial Wines

The Wine Group

Torch Cellars

Villa San-Juliette

Our dinner menu is as follows:

COCKTAIL HOUR TRAY PASSED HORS D' OEUVRES

TARTE

French Onion Soup Puff Pastry Bite, Gruyere, Caramelized Onion, Thyme Dust

MEATBALL

Hearst Beef Meatballs, Roasted Tomato Emulsion, Gremolata, Mini Fork

AVOCADO TOAST

Avocado Toast, Black Sesame, Ninja Radish, Cherry Tomato, Local Hot Sauce

SHRIMP

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Jalapeno, Charred Pineapple Salsa

PLATED DINNER

I.

BABE FARMS LITTLE GEM WEDGE

Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Manzanilla Olives, Watermelon Radish, Persian Cucumber,

Toasted Breadcrumbs, Black Sesame Tahini Green Goddess Vinaigrette

Mini Individual Baguettes, Whipped Herbed Butter Rounds

Paired With 2021 Presqu'ile Reserve Chardonnay

Winemaker: Mike Chase

II.

THYME & GOAT CHEESE ARANCINI

Spiced Tomato Emulsion, Gremolata, Pistachio Crumble, Herb Sprouts

Paired With 2021 Pahlemeyer Merlot

Winemaker: Katie Vogt

III.

RED WINE & GARDEN HERB BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB

Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Roquefort Potatoes, Agrodolce, Herb Bouquet

VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:

THYME & LEMON CAULIFLOWER STEAK

Cumin Roasted Carrots & Baby Red Potatoes, Crispy Chickpeas,

Balsamic, Agrodolce

Paired With 2019 Daou Reserve Eye of the Falcon Magnums

Winemaker: Mikee Mott

IV.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE

Brushed Berry Coulis, Toffee Crumble

Paired With 2020 Sextant Astrolabe

Winemaker: Alex Frost

We hope you will consider supporting the program through a charitable cash donation, sponsorship and/or in-kind gift of item(s) for our live or silent auction. Donations are managed by the Cal Poly Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, tax ID #20-4927897. All, or a portion of your gift may be tax deductible. If you are interested in showing your support, please contact CPwinemakershowcase@calpoly.edu for our sponsorship forms and information.

*Please note that all credit card fees will be covered by purchaser*

2025 Winemaker Showcase Table

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