Edge of LA Wine Fest

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Made the drive to San Pedro today to attend the Edge of LA Wine Fest.  It has been a venue for the last few years but this was the first time for me. I had heard stories about the lack of parking and they advertised to park in a downtown lot and take a shuttle to the venue. So I started out early. This event was held at Michaels Tuscany Room on 7th St. There was a metered parking lot next to the building so I did secure a all day parking spot for $2.50 which was not bad at all.

This was a smaller "wine & food " events  than the ones I usually go to. There were numerous wine reps there that I knew and I ran into countless people that I had not seen in a long time. A big reunion for me.

Most of the wines were are on the ok side. I did find some really interesting ones but on the whole it was not "high end" These reps are the ones selling wines to Off The Vine Wine Store in San Pedro, They are one of the sponsors of the event, along with 7th Street Chop House and Whale &  Ale.

When the opened the doors for the public I headed upstairs before it got crowded. I came across a winery "Cuatro Dias". The owner/winemaker is a fireman for the City of Redondo Beach. Nice wines and he sources from some really good vineyards. No tasting room. I did get his card and will check him out. I would not mind buying a few bottles from him.

Food was good. They had two stations set up. Meatballs, Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, Bruschetta along with cheese and fruit. They did keep the trays refilled which is more than I can say for the "high end" tasting I did in Newport a few months back. Those "dollies" could learn from this venue.

My biggest gripe was the fact that the temperature was very warm inside the building. They finally got the a/c unit kicked it but for an hour it was not pleasant. It also had an effect on the red wines. I heard several wine reps complain about the lack of ice.

I was told that the turn out  today was much smaller than last year. I would not have liked too may more people. My suggestion to them is to have a set amount of tickets that would accommodate the room size and only sell that many. I know they want to make money but if you are not enjoying the scene you will not come back. I will try this again next year.