By Kristin Suratt on Monday, May 16th, 2016 in Uncategorized.
May 16, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kira Wojack
Phone: 707.937.0171
Email: marketing@mendocinofilmfestival.org
Images available upon request
2016 Cinema in the Vineyards Offers a Seat at the Table with Leslie Sbrocco, Jason Wise
Prelude to Mendocino Film Festival Weekend features films, a wine and filmmaker dinner, wine tasting, a farm & table fair, and more, May 27-29, 2016.
MENDOCINO, CA – Tickets are now on sale for Cinema in the Vineyards, the annual wine and film weekend that has grown and taken root in its four short years. Taking place on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-29, this year’s program features special guests director Jason Wise of Somm: Into the Bottle, expert sommeliers, and Leslie Sbrocco (host of Check, Please! Bay Area), as well as Casey Beck, the filmmaker of eco-friendly documentary The Organic Life, and Austin Blair, the farmer and subject of the film.
Presented by the Mendocino Film Festival in partnership with the Philo Collective, this prelude to Festival Weekend sees filmmakers, winemakers, celebrity guests, and festival-goers descend upon Philo for a star-studded weekend of film, wine-tasting, a sumptuous Wine and Filmmaker Dinner, and other events. This celebration of community explores the future of food and the history of wine, featuring films from around the world paired with special events highlighting the best of Anderson Valley.
This year marks the biggest program yet for Cinema in the Vineyards, with an Elevated Tasting and opening reception on Friday, a Wine and Filmmaker Dinner on Saturday, and seven films screening at Balo’s “cellar cinema” — not to mention a Farm & Table Fair on Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and the Closing Reception on Sunday following the screening of For Grace at 5:00 pm.
“It’s the perfect weekend. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a quick day trip from the city or you’re a local looking for something new and exciting, you’ll enjoy this year’s program. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to local nonprofits, so our guests are indulging for a good cause,” notes Mendocino Film Festival Executive Director Michael Fox. “We have a lot of great events planned, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming top talent like Leslie Sbrocco and Jason Wise.”
Guests at Saturday’s Wine and Filmmaker Dinner will have the opportunity to meet Leslie and Jason at this evening under the stars at The Madrones.
Jason Wise and Leslie Sbrocco are both Mendocino Film Festival alums: Jason’s first feature film, SOMM, screened in 2013, and Leslie served as the celebrity program host in 2014. Jason has won widespread acclaim for both his films in the SOMM series. He is currently working on a new epicurean film project.
For her part, renowned Bay Area media personality, author, and wine expert Leslie Sbrocco continues to earn accolades for her insightful observations. In her role as host of Check, Please!, she has won a James Beard Award, three Taste Awards, and three Emmys. She is currently working on her third and fourth books.
Ticket sales have been brisk, and the organizers recommend that festival-goers buy in advance to secure their place at the festivities; as the smallest venue at the Mendocino Film Festival, Balo Vineyards does sell out. If attendees miss the opportunity to snag advance tickets, however, there’s always the option to try to get rush tickets the day of.
For those who would like to see the film Somm and secure a seat at the table for Saturday night’s dinner, tickets to the Wine & Filmmaker Dinners are sold separately from film tickets and are available through the Cinema in the Vineyards website.
CINEMA IN THE VINEYARDS SCHEDULE
Friday, May 27:
5:30 pm Opening Reception and Elevated Tasting, The Madrones
Saturday, May 28:
Film Screenings (all screenings at Balo Vineyards)
10:00 am Children’s Program
12:00 pm Art House
3:00 pm The Organic Life
5:00 pm Somm: Into the Bottle
Events
11:00 am – 3:00 pm Farm & Table Fair, The Madrones
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine by the Glass, Balo Vineyards Tasting Room
7:30 pm Wine & Filmmaker Dinner, The Madrones
Sunday, May 29:
Film Screenings (all screenings at Balo Vineyards)
12:00 pm Somm: Into the Bottle
3:00 pm Short Films Program: Only Human
5:00 pm For Grace
Events
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine by the Glass, Balo Vineyards Tasting Room
6:30 pm For Grace Closing Reception, Balo Vineyards
