A Fav Event is Coming…

One of my fav food and wine events is coming up: 17th San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: November 11-14. After missing a year due to Covid, it’s back and obviously scaled back. A few of this year’s highlights include The Grand Decant wine tasting event on November 12, Friday night starting at 6 PM at Juleep Venue in Mission Hills. But it’s the Grand Tasting down on the waterfront on the Sat, November 13 that always knocks my socks off. Admission starts at 11 AM at Embarcadero Marina Park North in San Diego. Taco fan? Taco Tko starts at noon on Sun, November 14 at Liberty Station in San Diego to close out festival.

Over 125 wineries offering generous pours, a ton of other booze to sip and sample, live entertainment, an incredible array of food including unique lunches and dinners as well restaurant offerings to match with the liquid libations. It’s just such a great atmosphere of sun, fun, and frolic when combined with all the live entertainment, food and drink. Believe me, you will be having tons of fun and to quote the Festival “get ready to Arrive at Awesome.”

Napa’s own Mike Beatty, the grape grower of Howell Mountain Vineyards will be representing the winery at the Grand Decant and Grand Tasting and the Insider thought he’d be perfect to do the NSI quiz and why he loves attending the SD Classic.

What was last night’s dinner? Carnetigo’s. Just frozen Mexican bites from the freezer. Late getting home as it’s harvest time right now and that fit the bill.

Favorite music? I call it roadhouse music.. something that sounds good on a jukebox with groups like Asleep at the Wheel.

Favorite drink? I like a variety of red wine, with something that shows its terroir, usually a Zinfandel.

Favorite place to dine in Napa? I like the Goose & Gander. Nice selection of food with reasonable prices.

What makes a great winery? I may be a little prejudiced here, but it all starts with the grapes. If you don’t have great grapes you’re not going to have a great wine. I don’t care what the winemaker does to them, you need great grapes.

Favorite thing about living and working in Napa? Being a grape grower, best job in the universe.

Any brush with celebrity? I poured for Oprah and she loved our Zin.

Anything on your bucket list in terms of restaurant, wine or trip? Not so much the first two, but I’m really looking forward to travelling again. Doesn’t matter where, did a great road trip to Montana last year, but I just love to road trip.

Final thoughts? Just really looking forward to returning to the San Diego fest again. Such a great interactive experience. Love talking to the trades people and the consumers. Just a great, fun event.