9th Annual LAWineFest is back May 31st & June 1st

The Southland’s signature celebration of wine, beer, spirits and food will return May 31^st & June 1st to Raleigh Studios Hollywood. The event will be benefiting Make-a-Wish, Greater Los Angeles.

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund     Images are from LAWineFest 2013

 9th Annual LAWineFest is back to Hollywood’s Historic Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave. for two days; Saturday, May 31st, 2-6 p.m. and Sunday, June 1st, 12-5 p.m.

In 1915, the studio operated as “Famous Players Fiction Studio”s, with a Mary Pickford production as one of the first features to be filmed on the lot. This was during the silent era, and the owner had already vision to build one of the world's first soundstage, complete with a glass top, so light could enter without disrupting sound recording.

Ventura Limoncello

Among the 100 wineries, breweries & distilleries featured are Allied Importers, Rosenthal Estate Winery, Jada Vineyard, Ventura Country Winery, Wilson Creek, Vibrant Rioja, Cielo Malibu Estate, ZAP – Zinfandel, Karl Strauss, K & L Wines and Phantom Rivers Winery.

Leblon

LA Wine Fest was founded in 2005 by renowned wine personality Dr. Joel M. Fisher Founder. He writes has written for the Culinary Connection of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California, for the Beverly Hills Courier, and since 2010 for the Underground Wine Letter. From 2007-2009  he taught at Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. Prior to that, he was the wine instructor for the Culinary Arts Department of the Art Institute of California — Los Angeles for seven years and is a founding partner of the educational Wine Vine and Dine, which conducts programs throughout Southern California and Wine Discoveries.net. A Sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, he is also a member of The Tasting Panel (formerly the Bon Appetit Tasting Panel) and is a Wine Host for CRN’s What’s Cooking Show.

Founder Joel Fisher

 Dr. Fisher is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, The Circle of Wine Writers (UK), and the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Writers. Awarded a Wine Enthusiast Media Scholarship for 2005 at the Culinary Institute of America, he is the author of the Wine Work Book, now in its 6th edition.

The Main Stage schedule is ready at www.LAWineFest.com    It will feature:

-Get up close and personal with Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault of Church & State on Saturday.  

 -Learn how to chose the perfect wine for your home diner with Del Frisco’s Grille Sommelier Adem Sash.
On Sunday Vietnamese cuisine expert Chef Connie Tran present a signature dish, paired with a Vietnamese-inspired cocktail from noted mixologist, Andrei Kissin of Rivera. 

-Learn how to taste like a master in a relaxed session with Dr. Patrick Farrell – one of only 33 Masters of Wine in all of North America.

2014 Event Sponsors:
Southern California Acura Dealers, Los Angeles Magazine; Icelandic Glacial Water; UBER, DelGrosso Foods, Weaver’s Coffee & Tea, Tasting Panel Magazine; CRN Digital Talk, Vin Village Radio.

Music by SAZON

 Parking:

Street parking (metered on Saturday) and $10 paid parking available at Paramount Studios lots on Bronson and Van Ness.
                 

Crowd at LA Wine fest 2013 Raleigh Studios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAWineFest | Twitter: https://twitter.com/LAWineFest | 

Website: www.lawinefest.com.  

Recap of 5th Annual Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance

2014 Best of Show Awards announced at Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance.

Greystone Mansion is located at 905 Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills.

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund 

1902 Prescott Style Ten C w models in the background

Last Sunday May 4^th , Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the Porsche Speedster, the 50^th anniversary of the Ford Mustang and a Centennial Class in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the City of Beverly Hills.  Other world class automobiles were featured in categories for Cobra, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, British Sports, Italian Sports, Porsche, Corvette, Pre-War American and Mercedes-Benz.

1904 Schacht model K

 Guests of this premier Southern California concours event  enjoyed gourmet food, libations, expert-led lectures on the history of Beverly Hills and received a commemorative program and poster, along with viewing the estate’s grounds, the mansion’s interior, a fashion show sponsored by Revamp Vintage, as well as access to a discerning vendor marketplace, all included with admission to the concours.  

The Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance is an annual fundraiser for the Friends of Greystone, a non-profit organization that sponsors the ongoing preservation of the estate, which is one of a handful of nationally registered historic landmarks in Southern California.

1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

Over 145 automobiles were on display in this year's concours field, a 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was named Best of Show Concours d'Elegance,  and a 1965 Alfa Romeo TZ2 was named Best of Show Concours de Sport.

1965 Alfa Romeo TZ2

A sold out crowd of thousands of auto aficionados and urban explorers gathered at Greystone Mansion for this elegant event where these exceptional automobiles and more than 30 unique motorcycles graced the historic 18-acre estate in Beverly Hills.“The Greystone Mansion Concours is unlike most any other automotive event because it offers something for everyone. Each year the show highlights a variety of remarkable cars that are rarely seen by the public. It features a completely new field of entries annually,” commented Concours Director Cindy Brynan.

Catering served, Chicken, ribs,beef, fruit/veg salad, w bread-pudding

 “Whether you’re a vintage car fan or interested in architecture, historical landmarks, fashion, or luxury items, the Greystone Mansion Concours provides a variety of elements for an unparalleled experience for a wide-range of people.”

 Tiffany & Co. crystal awards were given in thirty categories at the event where entries are assessed per the "French" method of judging which emphasizes the overall impression of the given vehicle, taking into account such factors as originality, authenticity, design, styling, and elegance. 

1963 Shelby Cobra

 In addition to the Best of Show awards, other concours winners included a 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce, which received the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) Preservation Award; a 1932 Packard 903 Sport Phaeton received the HVA "Cars that Matter" Award; a 1957 Porsche Speedster was the Mayor's Choice recipient; and, the Spirit of Greystone Award was presented to a 1937 Cord 812 SC Cabriolet.

Mayors choice 1957 Porsche Speedster

The concours was once again honored to be selected by the Lee Iacocca Foundation to present its award for achievement in advancing the automobile collector hobby, with that award presented to Mr. David Gooding.        Lee Iacocca’s contribution to the automotive industry spans 50 years. The prestigious Lee Iacocca Award was established to recognize outstanding classic car enthusiasts and is given for Dedication To Excellence In Perpetuating An American Automotive Tradition. This award celebrates auto enthusiasts on multiple levels, including character, community involvement, integrity and a level of excellent presentation of their vehicle.

Lee Iacocca Award to Mr. David Gooding

The event's founding sponsors were Gooding & Company and the Petersen Automotive Museum. They were joined this year by Auto Gallery, Brooks Brothers, B.R.M. Watches, Chubb Personal Insurance, Infiniti of Beverly Hills, Meguiar’s, Sotheby’s International Realty, Hornburg Jaguar, Ferrari Financial Services and the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau.

Tonight's show Jay Leno came early in the morning

 The 6^th annual Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2015 and occurs annually on the first Sunday of May.

 Complete list of Winners:

Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance 2014 Awards:

WINDHAM VASE

Best of Show Concours d’Elegance ............. (Meguiars Kit) ........1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

Josh Resnick (Sugarfina Tower) David S. Morrison, M.D.

Best of Show Concours de Sport ................. (Meguiars Kit).........1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

Josh Resnick (Sugarfina Tower) The William Lyon Family

Spirit of Greystone ......................................................................1937 Cord 812

Christopher & Katrina Cord

Mayor’s Choice ............................................................................1957 Porsche Speedster

Mayor Bosse Rick Principe

People’s Choice ...........................................................................1935 Bugatti Type 575C

Jim Hull

Director’s Choice .........................................................................1920 Stutz Bearcat

Stanley Bauer

FOG Outstanding Restoration .....................................................1965 Jensen CV-8

Susan Rosen, President Friends of Greystone Chris Ribbe

Petersen Automotive Museum Perfection ..................................1940 Packard 180

Leslie Kendall Martin & Michelle Cousineau

Mequiars Outstanding Paint ........................ (Meguiars Kit).........1957 Dual Ghia Convertible

Tony Damato Irwin Thaler

Brooks Bros. Heritage Classic ......................................................1941 Lincoln Zephyr

Jim Jahant Jack Jones 

Garden of the Greystone Mansion during the Concours d'Elegance

 SPECIAL AWARDS

BRM Outstanding Speedster ......... (Gulf Union Oil Watch).........1958 Porsche Speedster

Frederic Gasser Jay Patrick

FIVA Preservation Award ............................ (Silver Trophy).........1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider

David Brynan Brandon Adrian

HVA Award ................................................ (Crystal Trophy).........1932 Packard 903 Sport Phaeton

Lauren Hurtz Joyce & Clifford Gooding

Jesse Alexander Outstanding Sports Car ..... (Photograph).........1955 Porsche Speedster

Jesse Alexander Ben Reiling

Lee Iacocca Award ................................................ (Plaque).........David Gooding

Norma Saken & Molly Hentz 

1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL

 HARMONY BOWL - BEST OF CAR CLASSES

Centennial ...................................................................................1904 Schacht Model K

Automobile Driving Museum

Classics ........................................................................................1934 Auburn V12 Phaeton Salon

Frederick Lax

Cobra ...........................................................................................1963 Shelby Cobra

William Heinecke

Corvette .......................................................................................1967 Chevrolet Corvette

Mark Berns

Ferrari ..........................................................................................1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB

Ron Hein

Italian Sports ...............................................................................1957 Abarth Zagato 750 GT Corsa

Carl Gustav Magnusson

Mercedes Benz ............................................................................1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Michael Harling

Mustang ............................ (“50 Years of Mustang” Book).........1964 Ford Mustang

Robin Grove 

ReVampVintage Fashion show from time-era 1910 to 1957

 HARMONY BOWL - BEST OF CAR CLASSES

Porsche ........................................................................................1964 Porsche 356C

Victor Preisler

Post-War American .....................................................................1964 Buick Riviera

Dan Gregg

Post-War British ..........................................................................1954 Jaguar XK120

James Gianopulos

Post-War European Touring ........................................................1951 Talbot Type 26

Peter & Merle Mullin

Pre-War American ........................................................................1939 Buick Roadmaster 81C

John & Leslie Milliken

Rolls-Royce ...................................................................................1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

Dick & Norma Stevenson

Special Interest.............................................................................1963 VW Beetle

Phil Nathans

Speedster ................... (“Jimmy and Me” Author: Lew Bracker) .1956 Porsche Speedster

Tony Principe 

Best Antique  Motorcycle 1938 Brough Superior SS 100

HARMONY BOWL - MOTORCYCLE AWARDS

Best of Show ................................................................................1969 BMW R60/2 w/Sidecar

Dan Reichel & Theresa Worsch

Best Antique: Bob Mitchell .......................................................................1938 Brough Superior SS 100

 For more info visit www.greystoneconcours.org

1912 De Dion Bouton DE2

McLaren 650S and 12C Spider