North County, San Diego (Oceanside)

[drugchemist]

Does anyone know of any company that will come to your home (or a venue) and do a wine (and chocolate) tasting party and I am also looking for a chocolatier to come to my home (or venue) to cater the event. I am the president of a non-profit organization on Camp Pendleton looking to have a social event for the military spouses of my organization. Any leads would be very appreciated. The venue would be in Oceanside and held at the end of February.

[drugchemist]

Thanks for all the suggestions I have received so far. I will look into them.

[SDSarah]

For the chocolatier catering part, contact Mariella at guannichocolates.com. Guanni sells handmade chocolates through the farmers markets, and they are the best I've ever had. She also does special orders and will probably cater--I know she does weddings. And she's located in Fallbrook. I'll probably see her husband at the farmers market today and will ask for you.

[SDGourmand]

The Wine Loft in Carlsbad is offering a wine and chocolate pairing on January 15th I'm sure that you could go in and ask how you could do the same at your house. They are extremely helpful.

[mygulg]

sssssshhhhh.....dont give away my local stomping grounds. Wine Loft is a secret. No one go there please......

[The Old Man]

"No one go there please......"

Not to worry. I don't think enough people to make it last are going. Rent in the Forum shops is very expensive. Think off all the places that have closed in the five years it's been open.

[SDGourmand]

Really so we must know each other because I've been a patron consistently since they opened. I'm with the Thursday crowd. When do you usually go?

[The Old Man]

I don't. I've checked it out on a few occasions. Most of my wine purchases are made at Costco or online.

I would guess that they need to sell about $400 to $600 a day average (minimum) to make a successful run. I'm estimating their rent at $5,000+.

[mygulg]

I hit up Wine Loft maybe twice to three times a week. Bill Boyer is hands down the best boutique wine buyer in the business. I can't stand Wine Steals and Third Corner. That sommelier at Third Corner is a total jerk. Sorry, I just had to throw that out there.

[tundrah]

Some other options/thoughts:

Call one of Chuao's locations and ask them if they know of anyone to recommend--maybe they'll even do it. Also I would just call around to some local wine bars and ask if they are into going off site to do a tasting. Not familiar w any wine bars in O'side, but there are plenty in Carlsbad and Encinitas.

[daantaat]

I 2nd the Chuao rec. They have excellent chocolates and they suggest wines along w/ their bonbons.

Winesellar and Brasserie in Sorrento Valley may have some leads as well.

[The Old Man]

I am a wine expert and am qualified to give conduct a wine tasting event. I was trained by a master sommelier and can provide references from Qualcomm senor techs and other local bio-medical executives.

I have no access to chocolate or catering. I can bring the wine and tasting glasses. What would be the number of people?

I work by the base at We The People at Mission Ave. & El Camino Real.