First Bel Air Wine Festival Celebrates a Day of Wines, Music and Eight Charities

BEL AIR, Calif., Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SoCal Gives, Inc. is hosting the first annual Bel Air Wine Festival, at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Jazz Club on February 28, 2015. The star studded event and auction will feature an afternoon gala and an evening gala offering attendees flexible times to participate. The first event starts at 1 p.m. and finishes at 5 p.m. The evening portion of the day is 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. and will include a delectable dinner. The wine festival features wines from all corners of the globe, food prepared by some of LA's top chefs and world class live entertainment.

The Bel Air Wine Festival will benefit eight charities: Chrysalis, The Art of Elysium, The Kitchen Community, Make a Wish LA, Rotarians for Family Health & Aids Prevention, Bresse, First Star and LEAP.  All donations from the auctions will be used throughout the year to make grants to support several charities and one cause in Africa.

Event highlights include a wine lover's haven of over 100 wines poured by 5 master sommeliers including Master Sommelier Ian Cauble and co-founder of SommSelect, Master Sommelier Sur Lurcero, the National Director of Wine Education for Jackson Family Wines, Master Sommelier Lindsey Geddes, a consultant for the Charlie Palmer Group and Steven Poe, Master Sommelier at Big Canyon Country Club. Local celebrity chefs will prepare food pairings for the wines at the popular Vibrato Jazz Club in Bel Air. While sipping and enjoying delectable bites, attendees will also be entertained with renowned 23 piece Ron Jones Influence Jazz Band with solo artists such as Amy Keys, Billy Valentine, Branden James, Maria Elena Infantino, Lynda Kay and Shawn Amos.

The live auction will take place during the evening gala and the highest bidder wins. Items will range from destination experiences, wine, vintner's dinners, art and additional items from generous sponsors and donors. The online silent auction begins on February 15, 2015 and will close on March 1, 2015. This will feature wines, art and photography.

"Los Angeles is known worldwide as a center for the film industry, hospitality, entrepreneurship and great weather, but it is also a mecca for wine collectors and philanthropy. What is missing, until now, is a nonprofit charity wine auction event that truly combines all these aspects while supporting multiple local and international causes," said Paul Drake, founder of the wine festival and SoCal Gives, Inc. "That is why we are bringing all of the stars of the wine, music, art and culinary scene together for a big day celebration of eight charities. We are excited to highlight the eight charities this festival is supporting and it is our pleasure to create an interactive event here in Los Angeles."

Tickets are $500.00 for the afternoon gala, $1000 for the evening gala or $1,300 for an all-day VIP pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: http://www.belairwinefestival.com

About the Bel Air Wine Festival and SoCal Gives, Inc:
The Bel Air Wine Festival is a fundraising arm for SoCal Gives Inc., a nonprofit public benefit corporation recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, which means, your donations are tax deductible. SoCal Gives Inc. only makes grants to other 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Our granting strategies for 2015 are focused on child and young adult initiatives such as: medical and emotional well-being, mentoring and education. Programs that relate to supporting the family unit in a hands-up, rather than a hand-out, approach are also of great interest. All of the grants must provide a measurable impact. Visit us on Facebook.

SOURCE Bel Air Wine Festival