Cerro Coso Foundation Bringing Back Its Tastiest Event

The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation’s upcoming event is perfect for those with discerning taste.

The Foundation’s Wine and Dine fundraiser Nov. 16 will feature an unforgettable evening of epicurean dining and fine wine. Each course of the gourmet dinner will be paired with an exceptional wine. Savor the culinary combinations while learning about the art of wine and food pairing from wine specialist Eric Le Barbé.

The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Community Room at Cerro Coso’s beautiful Ridgecrest campus.

Expect a sensory experience including a gourmet meal catered by Rose Fusco and a series of discussions and exercises ranging from identifying basic wine characteristics, including visual, aroma, taste, and texture (acidity, sweetness, oak, tannin, body, etc.), to basic food characteristics and anchors of each (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, fattiness, body, etc.).

Learn how these characteristics contrast and complement each other from Le Barbé drawing on his restaurant experience in France and the UK and working 18 years in Sensory Research for E. & J. Gallo Winery.

Everyone 21 and over is welcome to attend. Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or new to the world of wine the emphasis is on a fun event with a strong culinary emphasis – including hands-on exercises in pairing food and wine.

“This is meant to learn more about wine while having fun. We will be tasting a range of different wines and hopefully everyone will find their favorite food and wine pairing combination,” Le Barbé said. “We want to encourage people to learn more about wines without being afraid to ask questions.”

This event is a fundraiser for the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation, which supports the financial needs of the students and college.

Tickets are $150 per person and include a donation to the CCCC Foundation. Purchase online at Wine and Dine (ticketspice.com).

Seating is limited so get your tickets early and join us for an intimate, informative, engaging, and memorable wine and food pairing experience.

The Cerro Coso Community College Foundation relies on partnerships with community and corporate leaders who share a commitment to ensuring that students have access to an affordable, quality college education.

Contact Kim Metcalf for more information at kimberly.metcalf@cerrocoso.edu.

Caption: Attendees enjoy learning from Eric Le Barbé at a previous event in 2021. Wine specialist Eric Le Barbé.