What can be more relaxing than strolling through a European garden, swirling a deep red glass of merlot, enjoying a cool, fruity Sauvignon Blanc or tasting a rich buttery chardonnay? How about adding the tempting foods of the region to compliment each glass of wine. Add all of that to the knowledge that with each sip of the flavorful grape you are helping to support our valley's seniors.

You'll get that feeling and more when you "Uncork Your Senses" this summer on August 19 at the Saugus Speedway.

Sponsored by All Corked Up, a full-service wine merchant featuring exquisite tapas, tastings, storage and a cigar bar located at Center Pointe Business Park, this one-day, all-encompassing Wine Festival will take you around the globe as your passport to fabulous grapes from various regions. Hailing from sunny California to the Australian coast, vintners will present some of their finest wine for tasting. On hand will be experts in the field who will provide plenty of wine knowledge. Each section of the Wine Festival will be centered on the region of the wines and will be complimented by mouth-watering foods provided by local restaurants and caterers.

All profits from the festival will benefit the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center.

"This is an event that has never been done in California," said Kathy Crone, spokesperson for ACU. "Typically you never have these high-end vintners coming out to festivals. It's going to be pretty phenomenal."

Crone said paring foods with beautiful wines will make festival goers experience the same feeling as if they were in Italy, Napa or Washington State. "It's a great opportunity to get people out and enjoy their wines," she said. "Whether you are a novice or a wine connoisseur, you will enjoy this festival."

"This is an event that has never been done in California," said Kathy Crone, spokesperson for ACU. "Typically you never have these high-end vintners coming out to festivals. It's going to be pretty phenomenal."

Passports will be given to each festival participant along with a buffet plate and wine glass. Ten tickets are included to be used for the wine and food at each station. Upon completion of the trip around the globe, those passports can be presented for a t-shirt that reads "I Went Around the World with All Corked Up."

Several high-end retailers and art dealers will be on hand to whet your shopping appetite and throughout the evening the air will be alive with the calming rhythm of live Blues bands. Raffles will be held during the event giving festival goers an opportunity to win magnums of wine and other goodies.

Entrance into the Wine Festival is $55, but if you are a member of the All Corked Up Wine Club you will receive a $10 discount and VIP parking. As an added treat, a Gaja master Sommelier from Italy is flying in to pour in the VIP wine tent, Crone said.

Santa Clarita Valley senior citizens not only benefit from this festival, but many have signed on to assist with the event. "We have many senior volunteers working throughout the day of the event," Crone said.

Yoon Lee, co-owner of All Corked Up, says, "We want to do all we can for our seniors. They are such an important part of the community, and our goal is to put on an amazing event so that we can continue to contribute to the people of Santa Clarita."


The Wine Festival will take place from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. For more information regarding the festival, visit the All Corked Up webpage at www.allcorkedup.com. Sponsorship packages for the festival are still available. Contact All Corked Up at 799-7979 for further information.

"Uncork your Senses" Participating Wineries
Californian Wineries Ferrari Carano Niebaum Coppola Herzog Icon Ironstone Rutherford Wente Norma Jean Merlot Marilyn Merlot Bonnie Doon Merryvale Caymus Groth Lancaster Midnight Cellars Topanga Mason Cellars Poppy Stephen Ross Raymond Stacked Stone Ravenswood Turner Road Kenneth Volke Pine Ridge Taz Stags Leap Bell Far Niente Chimney Rock Cuvaison	Washington Wineries Covey Run Australian Wineries Houghton Monkey Bay Annies Lane Italian Wineries Proemio Mezzacorona Castello di Querceto Gaja Spanish Wineries Codorniu Vincente Gandia Marquis de Goulaine Chilean Wineries Vina Requingua French Wineries Chateau La Barthe Chateau Bel Air de l'orne Chateau Le Bourdieu Grandial Marquis de Goulaine Bollinger