Aaah... the romance of wine. There's something seemingly magical about one's love fest with wine and the pleasurable enjoyment associated with discovering new labels. Whether a novice in the complex world of wine or someone with a passionate interest in the fermented grape, it's hard not to be caught up in experiencing new wines and discovering what subtle characteristics suit our individual tastes.

Prepare to engage the senses for an adventure of tastes, sights and sounds when the Loose Goose Wine Festival returns to the Santa Clarita Valley October 4 to October 7. Touted as the largest wine event in Southern California, this premier offering of wine, food and entertainment is sure to please every wine lover.

Last year, nearly 6,000 guests gathered amidst the beauty of Bridgeport Park in Valencia for this regional event. This year promises to exceed all expectations featuring up to 100 vineyards, as many as 50 luxury-related vendors and a talented lineup of award-winning headline entertainment.

So what makes the Loose Goose Wine Festival so special? If you ask Peter Goossens, founder and namesake of the Loose Goose, he would likely say, "It's all about the wine and the people who enjoy it." That's because with a genuine love for wine as his inspiration, Goossens wants festivalgoers to discover new wines that excite the palate, while reacquainting themselves with familiar favorites.

From hip and trendy vineyards just entering the marketplace to established growers and family vineyards well known for their world-acclaimed wines, the mix of vineyards at the festival is nothing short of spectacular. Sampling wines from a preferred mix of large, medium and smaller up-and-coming vineyards - all exclusively hand-selected to participate by Goossens himself - festivalgoers have an opportunity to taste wines from California, domestic and international vineyards.

Preceding the festival on Wednesday, October 3, chic wine pairing dinners hosted by preferred restaurant partners expertly pair signature chef selections with wines from select vineyards or growing regions.

The festival officially tees-off on the greens of Robinson Ranch in the Loose Goose Golf Classic on Thursday, October 4. Themed around golf, cigars and wine, this scramble format tournament offers players a few surprises along the course to enhance their game experience, including wine tasting at every par-three hole, birdie packages and an amazing hole-in-one competition. All proceeds from the golf classic benefit the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund.

For those who enjoy dressing to the nines and sipping exquisite wines, the swanky Golden Goose Gala offers the finest in gourmet cuisine, "best of the best" wine selections and live entertainment. This VIP reserve-tasting, black-tie dinner event lights up the sky on Friday, October 5.

Turning up the heat, some of Santa Clarita's hottest chefs prepare culinary creations to complement the main event - acclaimed vintners pouring hand-selected bottles - as the Loose Goose Wine Festival After Dark extravaganza kicks off under the stars on Saturday, October 6 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Set amidst rows of vineyards, vendor tents with luxury-related wares entice the casual passerby. As the night progresses, the sights and sounds of a high-energy dance band beckon guests to the main stage for a spin on the dance floor. KLSX 97.1 FREE FM will broadcast the Merrill Schindler show live from the festival, along with special appearances by radio personalities Frosty, Heidi and Frank.

Grammy-nominated and award-winning Latin jazz artist Pete Escovedo takes center stage on Sunday, October 7, with the Pete Escovedo Family Orchestra featuring Sheila E. Talent runs in the Escovedo family. Not only has the patriarch of the family performed and toured with legendary jazz icons such as Herbie Hancock, Woodie Herman, Anita Baker and Tito Puente (just to name a few), but daughter Sheila E. can name-drop a few of her own: Babyface, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Ringo Starr and Stevie Wonder among others. Sheila E. broke out on her own when she began touring as the opening act for Prince's sold out Purple Rain Tour.

In a rare family performance, the Escovedo family reunites at the Loose Goose Wine Festival for what promises to be a memorable concert event. Wine tasting begins at 1 p.m. ending at 5 p.m. as the sun sets on the 2007 festival.

Festival admission includes five wine tasting tickets, four food tickets, one "golden" ticket, program, commemorative festival wine glass and a chance to win a one-week stay at The Sanctuary Resort & Spa in Playa Azul, Costa Rica. Portions of the festival proceeds benefit the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation and the SCV Jaycees.


For more information on events, featured vineyards, participating vendors and to purchase tickets, visit www.loosegoosewinefestival.com or phone 661-799-WINE. The event is for guests 21 and older only.