The fifth annual event is staying “true to its roots,” scaling down in size and open to all.
By Laura Tate / Associate Publisher/Editor
The fifth annual Malibu Wine Classic, scheduled for April 5, won’t take place ensconced in tents on the beach as it has in the past, but rather wine and food aficionados will be able to sample fare under the porticos at the Civic Center in Malibu.
The event will feature more than 60 wineries and more than 20 local area restaurants, and a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Childhelp, a nonprofit agency that helps abused, neglected and at-risk children through efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach.
Classic co-founder Michael Barnes said the logistics of having the event at the beach became too costly and time consuming, with all the permits from various governmental agencies needed.
“The success of the event at the beach had caused enough logistics and traffic jams,” Barnes said, “so we moved it to the Civic Center, which is the right size for this community.”
In addition to its departure from a beach setting, the event will feature one all-day wine and food tasting session. Past events featured two schedules, with typically the later session reserved for celebrity folk. Last year, locals such as Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber, Jane Seymour, Emilio Estevez, Merv Griffin, and Catherine Oxenberg and hubby Casper Van Dien showed up for the afternoon shindig. Barnes said while there will still be a celebrity quotient, the Wine Classic is for the public and the people of Malibu.
“We’re sticking with the basics of what people responded to well,” Barnes said, “a charity event open to the public, festival style, great restaurants and great wine.”
Some of the local wineries to be featured at the event include Herzog Hoyt Family Vineyard, Jim Palmer’s Malibu Vineyards, Malibu Family Wines, Republic of Malibu Vineyard (operated by Barnes, who is also a corporate attorney), Griffin Family Vineyards, Rosenthal Malibu Estate and The Malibu Vineyard. Restaurants such as All’Angelo Ristorante, Allegria, Barrel Malibu, Beachcomber Café, Blue Table, Casa Escobar Malibu, Geoffrey’s Malibu, Hampton’s at Four Seasons Hotel, Il Grano, Lino Savoia, Malibu Toffee, Michael’s Restaurant, Moonshadows, Terra and The Sunset will provide fare.
A silent auction will also take place.
Advance tickets are $79 and can be purchased online at www.malibuwineclassic.com