Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival

The Inaugural Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival is a world-class food and wine event in Orange County, CA that was held September 19-21, 2014. Guests were invited to enjoy a VIP Launch Party at RED O Restaurant on Friday, September 19 hosted by Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” winner and RED O Concept Creator Master Chef Rick Bayless. The evening began with a cocktail party serving hand-passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks from Casamigos, Duke Spirits, Hundred Acre Wine Group and Stella Artois. A three-course meal hand-selected by Chef Bayless followed and was paired with a selection of fine wines from Hundred Acre. Proceeds from the live and silent auction portion of the evening benefitted charity partners, Project Hope Alliance and HoagHospital Foundation’s Circle 1000.

The following two days featured a culinary extravaganza at the Daytime Festival on Saturday and Sunday, set amongst the beautiful sloping green grounds of the newly constructed Newport Beach Civic Center. Guests experienced an epicurean journey through live cooking demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs, a Grand Tasting Pavilion featuring cuisine served by executive chefs from 24 acclaimed OC
restaurants, Grand Tasting Tiers where passed hors d’oeuvres, spirits and beer tastings were served, world-class wineries lining City Hall, elite sommelier panels, master mixology courses and live jazz from internationally-renowned musicians. The grounds were adorned with taupe, sea foam green and white rustic colors and seascape grass floral giving the Festival a “California Coastal” look. Luxury imported
fabric and pergola lined Raj tents, French vintage-covered Archive lounge furniture and chandeliers caught guests’ eyes, while high-grade La Tavola linens were draped across every table.

The Festival came to a close with an evening under the stars for the Grand Finale Party at Cafe Jardin in Sherman Library & Gardens on Sunday evening. Sponsors included Roca Patrón, Vin Goat, San Luis Sourdough, Nothing Bundt Cakes and West Coast Prime Meats. Celebrity and local chefs were in attendance with guests, Festival participants and the event committee, to raise their glasses and toast to
a groundbreaking first year.

CHARITIES
100% of net proceeds from the Festival and donations from the live and silent auction at the VIP launch party benefitted the following OC charities:
Project Hope Alliance: Orange County organization that strives to end homelessness for over 28,000 children.2
HOAG Hospital Foundation’s Circle 1000: The family cancer institute at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

EVENT LEADERSHIP
Stefanie Salem, President of NewBe Productions LLC, Founder of Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival
Kelly Jawor, Senior Vice President of Business Development, NewBe Productions LLC and Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival
Katy Higgins, Event Director, President of Bespoke by Katy Higgins
Lindsey Henn, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, President of Lindsey Henn Public Relations

Posted By Nicholas Gonzales

9/29/14