Last year's Food and Wine Challenge was my very first time attending, and it was an exciting event. The Ventura Wine Trail puts on this annual event showcasing the synergistic impact of wine pairings. Local wineries pair with local restaurants to show case their goods and take a spin at winning both the judges votes, as well as tickets holders for the People's Choice Award.

This is not your typical wine event as it is held on a Thursday night locally, and makes for an easy date night....well, that's what I am doing.

2014 Teams for the Food & Wine Challenge VCWT. We have 13 this year!!!

Tickets are going fast and can be purchased only on www.venturacountywinetrail.com

$55.00 includes all food & wine, cheese display, champagne reception, jazz band and parking!!

1.  Jolly Oyster & Labyrinth Winery

2.  Austen’s at The Pierpont Inn & Cantara Cellars

3.  The Waterside Restaurant & Rancho Ventavo Cellars

4.  La Dolce Vita & Vinemark Cellars

5.  Coastal Grill at the Embassy Suites & Sunland Vintage Winery

6.  The Kitchen & Alma Sol Winery

7.  Café Zack & Magnavino Cellars

8.  The Cave & Four Brix Winery

9.  The Aloha Steakhouse & Panaro Brothers Winery

10. Twenty 88 & Millesime Cellars

11. Scratch & Plan B Wine Cellars

12. Tierra Sur & Herzog Wine Cellars

13. The Rhumb Line Restaurant & Casa Barranca Winery

Live music and the event will be emceed by one of Ventura's favorite radio show (People Choice) hosts, Tom and Sandy, of the Tom and Sandy 805 on KVTA 1590 AM.

Four of these teams in particular have my sincere interest and attention to taste.....but I am not saying which ones. Come check out this different and fun approach to wine in our 805.