“As in the past, we are expecting a quick run on sales,” Rowland-Jones explains. “We always sell out the Hiking With Stemware™ pretty quickly, which features walking with wine on private properties. How could one not wish to join in on an event like that! This year we’ve added a Magical Mystery Tour that takes only 25 or so fortunate guests in shuttles along the coast to visit some amazing properties for extremely different views of the coast, with wine and delicious food at each stop.”

The BSFWF also plans on a quick sell-out of Gateway to Big Sur – the opening night extravaganza to be held at the Highlands Inn – A Hyatt Hotel. This will feature 20 favorite wineries and 9 chefs, in one of the loveliest settings on the coast, with eye-opening views to the headlands of Pebble Beach and the Carmel Bay. “This is one of the loveliest hotels in all of California, and has a great history of food and wine celebrations, most notably the Masters of Food and Wine.” Rowland-Jones continues, “Last year was the first of many for our opening festivities, and was exceptionally well-received. We are so indebted to the Hyatt for their remarkable generosity in creating this wonderful evening.”

Other events that the festival expects early ticket sales on are the Dinner With Friends to be held at the Restaurant at Ventana, and the newly added Swine and Wine. The latter event will be held Friday evening under the tent at the Henry Miller Library, featuring spit and pit-roasted pig prepared by local chefs and matched with robust reds.

Rowland-Jones is also expecting a larger turn-out this year for the Festival Auction. “This year, we are holding the Silent and Live Auctions at the end of the Grand Public tasting, which will be at the Henry Miller Library. With more auction items, we need more time, and this will allow those who wish to attend the Dinner With Friends and various wine maker dinners to spend some time at the Auction, enjoy the atmosphere, and then go to their respective dinners.”

For more information and a list of participating wineries and guest chefs for the 2011 Big Sur Food and Wine Festival, visit www.bigsurfoodandwine.com or call Toby Rowland-Jones directly at 831-869-1341.

The event is sponsored by Highlands Inn and Hyatt Hotels, Mercedes-Benz of Monterey, J & L Wines, Ventana Inn and Spa, Monterey County Bank, Farmer Family Fund, www.HobnobMonterey.com, among others.

The Big Sur Food and Wine Festival raises funds for the Big Sur community to promote Health, Safety and Education. The 2010 Festival raised almost $16,500 for various nonprofit organizations in the area including the the Health Center, the Henry Miller Library and the five separate schools throughout the Big Sur area.

The 2011 Big Sur Food and Wine Festival takes place Thursday November 3rd through the 5th along the mighty coast of Big Sur. Tickets go on sale September 1st. For more information, contact Toby Rowland-Jones at 831-869-1341 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.bigsurfoodandwine.com