By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The 16th Annual Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting event held on Sept. 30 was not only a chance to taste some delicious food and sample some excellent wines from a variety of cellars but also an opportunity to learn about the art of winemaking.

The Tasting event is sponsored by the La Cañada Kiwanis which, for over 70 years, has supported local programs that benefit the lives of local children, according to Tasting coordinator Mary Gant.

“Presently, we support a pediatric trauma program where doctors are trained to treat young children in trauma. We provide scholarships to help enrich the educational opportunities for our excelling students. Kiwanis honors local teachers, Scouts, clergy and volunteers, including La Cañadan of the Year,” Gant explained, adding that the club also sponsors the Key Club at La Cañada High School as well as the Builder’s Club at La Cañada Middle School.

This year’s Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting saw about 400 people pass through the gates of Memorial Park, each ticketholder receiving a plate and wine glass with which to sample the day’s fare.

Preston Ahearn was pouring wines from Bonaccorsi Winery, located in the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County.

“Bonaccorsi is an old world style of winemaking,” Ahearn said, adding that Bonaccorsi has sourced its own grapes since opening in 1998.

Nearby, Leticia Velazquez, catering manager, and Philip Mack, executive chef of Maple at Descanso was serving up samples of their peach and tomato salad with farmer’s cheese. Part of the Patina Restaurant Group, Maple updates its menu four times a year to incorporate the foods of the season. In preparation for Descanso Gardens’ “Enchanted: Forest of Light,” Maple is creating a brand new menu specifically to support the Enchanted event. In addition, those who dine at Maple will receive a 10% discount on admission to the Gardens.

This was the first year that Stella Pizza offered tastes of its Italian fare at the Tasting. Owner Rob Ananian and Sheldon Katz handed out samples of the meatballs found at the La Cañada restaurant, which is named after Ananian’s mother.

“I’ve been in the food industry for 30 years,” Ananian said, adding about opening his restaurant, “I’ve received an amazing reception from La Cañada.”

Another new entry was Cocoa Noir. This family-owned café and caterer opened about six months ago in the 700 block of Foothill Boulevard. They had samples of their specialty strawberry cakes and pineapple cakes.

Gant said her board was happy with how well the annual event turned out.

“We are so pleased that for the 16th year the community came out and supported our fun afternoon of wine and gourmet food tasting,” said Gant. “It was presented this year by 18 local food vendors and Rosso Wine Shop in Montrose had 18 wine stations pouring tastes from multiple wines at every station.”

She added that Kiwanis Club member Chris Chirino entertained with soft jazz from his keyboard.

With a strong turnout, great weather and a lively crowd, Gant noted that it was “an afternoon to remember.”

  robin goldsworthy