2025 Cal Poly Winemaker Showcase

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Cal Poly Winemaker Showcase and will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, at the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture. We are throwing the biggest party in our history to celebrate how far the program has come and where we are going! We hope anyone who has been a part of the journey over the years can join us for the 30th anniversary celebration! We will be featuring an alumni grand-tasting style cocktail reception and expanding our dinner seating options under an event tent to better accommodate our sell-out crowds all under one roof! With an incredible four-course dinner, lively auction activities, programming from our incredible students, and a not-so-secret speakeasy after-party, this will be a night to remember!

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

Program Agenda:

4:00 - 5:45 PM Registration, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres and Silent Auction in the Swanson Center of Effort Conference Hall and the E.J. Gallo Winery and Family Building

During Cocktail Hour, experience Cal Poly’s renowned Learn by Doing philosophy firsthand with engaging, student-led demonstrations in our sensory, viticulture and enology labs and tour our incredible production facilities. Interact with Cal Poly alumni at our second annual walk-around grand tasting style cocktail hour while you bid on silent auction items generously donated by our supporters.

5:45 - 6:00 PM Transition into the event tent

6:00 - ~9:30 PM Dinner, Program, and Live Auction in the event tent (adjacent to the Lohr Family Winery Building)

~9:30 PM - 11:00 PM Not-so-secret speakeasy afterparty in the Lohr Family Winery Building.

Featured Wineries at the Cocktail Reception - New Wineries Being Added Daily

Please contact cpwinemakershowcase@calpoly.edu to be featured in our grand tasting cocktail reception!

Adelaida Vineyard and Winery

Cal Poly Student Wines

Calera Wine Company

Cass Winery

Chamisal Vineyards

Claiborne & Churchill Winery

Copian Wines

Cutruzzola Vineyards

Field Recordings Winery

Hubba Wines

Jada Vineyard & Winery

Kinero Cellars

Lopai Cellars

Paris Valley Road Estate Winery

Peloton Cellars

Rhonedonnee Wines

Stephen Ross Wine Cellars

Vigo Cellars

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Torch Cellars

Special thank you to the award-winning Field to Table Catering for the incredible dinner menu.

COCKTAIL HOUR TRAY PASSED HORS D' OEUVRES

Peking Duck Spring Roll

Cherry Pinot Sauce, Scallion, Five Spice

Roasted Chicken Piccata Skewer

Lemon Caper Sauce, Sauce Verte

Garbanzo & Sundried Tomato Bruschetta

Whipped Hummus, Black Sesame,

Persian Cucumber Cup

Lobster Toast

Lobster Salad, Lemon Remoulade, Chive, Brioche Toast

PLATED DINNER

I.

Wild Arugula & Spinach Salad

Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Shaved Manchego, Crispy Shallot, Roasted Golden Beets,

Golden State Citrus, Balsamic Vinaigrette

Mini Individual Baguettes, Whipped Herbed Butter Rounds

Citrus Marinated Olives & Marcona Almonds

II.

Shrimp Cocktail

Poached Bay Shrimp, House Cocktail Sauce, Celery, Parsley

III.

Your Pre-Selected Choice of:

Red Oak Grilled Aged Petit Filet

Truffle Au Gratin Potato, Bacon Roasted Haricot Verts,

Maître D’ Butter, Herb Sprouts

OR

Stuffed Eggplant Roulade

(Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Farmers Market Grilled Vegetables & Cashew Ricotta

Bed of Cracked Black Pepper & Corn Risotto,

Tomato Garlic Confit, Pea Tendrils

IV.

Chocolate Mousse Filled Tart

Cherry Amaretto Compote, Vanilla Whipped Cream, Gold Flake

Dark Chocolate Shavings

LATE NIGHT SNACKS

Join us in the speak easy for late night flatbread pizzas and more!

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*