Eat, drink, be merry at the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival

Whether the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival makes you think of fair food and funnel cakes or elegant food and wine pairings, this is the time to plan out your meals.

(Flickr: Isante Magazine)

?This year on Friday night ? instead of a food and wine pairing ? we are offering a food and beer pairing,? Melody Brunsting, Balloon & Wine Festival public relations coordinator said. ?The Riverside Culinary Arts are coming out to show folks what food and beer goes best together.?

A private event is planned where a brewmaster will describe the featured beer and will be on hand to answer questions about the beer and food pairing experience. Cost is $70 and includes entry to the event. Seating is limited. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 1. Photo ID is required.

The traditional food and wine pairing will take place on Saturday, June 2. This culinary event includes a four-course education ? ?each course is composed by a unique chef and paired with a complimentary wine. The chefs will each discuss the combinations they have selected, and why certain food and wine goes hand in hand.

Also, speakers from featured wineries will answer questions, and participate in discussion. Seating is limited.

Food and wine pairings start with an early event that runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. This event features: appetizer by Smokey Mountain catering, paired with Lorimar Winery and Vineyards; salad from Da Bayou, paired with Oak Mountain Winery; main course prepared by Texas Road House, paired with Fangipani Estate Winery; and dessert by Nice Ice Baby, paired with Attwood Estate Vineyard.

For the Saturday evening pairing from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will enjoy:? appetizers by Ravoilis Osteria, paired with Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery; salad by Rustico Restorante Pizzaria, paired with Robert Renzoni Vineyards; main course by Temecula Creek Inn, paired with Cougar Vineyards; and dessert by Flour Fusion Gourmet Bakery Caf? and Coffee House, paired with Bel Vino.

Sunday?s food and wine pairing runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. It includes appetizer by The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon, paired with Weins Family Cellars; salad by Monte De Oro Winery, paired with Monte De Oro Winery; main course by Lazy Dog Caf?, paired with Leoness Cellars; and dessert by D?Canters Wine Bar and Grill, paired with Boorman Vineyards.

Also available for tasting is the popular cheese sampling booth. Supplied by Dairy Fresh, DPI West, a host of cheeses will be available for sampling with your wine.

Brunsting said: ?These may include, as in the past, Brie, Dubliner, Swiss, and more, and is always a favorite.?

To learn more visit, www.tvbwf.com.

Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.

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