Special Events

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez” (Let the Good Times Roll)

And what a good time it was at Kuumbwa’s annual wine tasting, dinner and auction on November 19^th, 2011. As guests arrived to the sold-out event, they were greeted in the tented courtyard to the audacious sounds on accordion of The Great Morgani. Bill The Oysterman’s tasty offerings from the sea were in abundance in the courtyard as were two of the event’s four wine stations: Christopher Watkins poured the 2008 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Richard Alfaro offered tastes of Alfaro Family Vineyards 2009 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Entering the jazz center, the sights and sounds of New Orleans transformed the venue into a party atmosphere complete with Mardi Gras masks and beads. Two more wine stations included Steve Gage with tastes of Miner Family Vineyards’ 2007 “Oracle” and Erik and Judy Johnson pouring elegant and rare large format Sonoma and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from their private cellar.

Delicious New Orleans-inspired hors d’oeuvres were passed as guests enjoyed the California wines while viewing auction items in advance of the big event. Boogie-woogie pianist Macy Blackman entertained guests during the delicious meal of smoked duck, greens and New Orleans style grits.

While dessert and coffee were served, the party continued with the star attraction, the illustrious lively auction with all proceeds to support Kuumbwa Jazz. Auctioneer Terry Medina got the crowd cheering at the chance to bid on rare wines and packages like a deluxe Puerto Vallarta vacation getaway and a 2012 Montreal Jazz Festival vacation.

Thank you to all who participated in “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez.” Stay tuned for information on next years dinner and auction fundraiser in 2012!