Ticket Pricing
Early bird pricing available
| Ticket Type | Early Bird | Oct 15 | Nov 15 | Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30PM VIP |
$150
|
$175
+$25
|
$200
+$25
|
$250
+$50
|
| 7PM General Admission |
$75
|
$95
+$20
|
$125
+$30
|
$150
+$25
|
HALL OF FAME: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
READ MORE ABOUT JOHN ALBAN
John S. Alban
Winemaker, Owner, and Head Groundskeeper of Alban Vineyards
In 1986, John started Alban Vineyards- the first American winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhone varieties. Widely recognized as the leading patriarch of the American ‘rhone renaissance’, Robert Parker dubbed John “…the spiritual and qualitative leader of the movement.” Alban Vineyards is also one of only 170 wineries worldwide and one of only 22 in the U.S. to be featured in Robert Parker’s book, “The World’s Greatest Wine Estates”. Jim Laube wrote in the Wine Spectator, “Leading the pack is John Alban…His [Syrahs] are stunning, among the most distinct and compelling I’ve had in more than 30 years of drinking wine.”
Besides introducing Roussanne, and Grenache Noir to California, John Alban is the Founding Director of Hospice du Rhone- the world’s largest international celebration of Rhone varieties. In 2021 Alban Vineyards became generational with the Alban’s eldest son- Jared, joining his father full time in the winery and vineyard.
- 1985 — May 14, 1985 was my first blind taste of Viognier in the guise of Condrieu
- 1986 — May 1986 I headed to Condrieu for a crush job and apprenticed up and down the Rhone
- 1987 — 1987 Grafted two seminal vineyards in Paso to Rhones including two blocks of the James Berry Vineyard: these would be the 'seeds' of both Alban Vineyards and the subsequent proliferation of Rhones in Paso and S.L.O.
- 1989 — 1989 we purchased the Edna Valley ranch that is home to Alban Vineyards—the first American winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhone varieties.
- 1991 — 1991 Our first commercial release and the first American bottling of Roussanne
- 1993 — 1993 Hosted the first Raisin' Rhones in California. This event evolved into Hospice du Rhone: the world's largest international celebration of Rhone variety based wines.
- 1999 — 1999 Jim Laube of the Wine Spectator put us on the map: a map of the most renowned wineries in Santa Barbara County. Yep, we're in SLO County but we were, and remain, truly happy to be put on ANY map!
- 2001 — 2001 Robert Parker wrote:
“California is awash in interesting wines made from Rhone Valley Varietals, but John Alban is the spiritual and qualitative leader of the movement, turning out sumptuous, majestic, potentially long-lived offerings.” - 2003 — 2003 Jim Laube wrote,* “…Syrah is the most exciting new wine going. Leading the pack is John Alban, who was the first vintner in California to devote his vineyard exclusively to Rhone-style grapes. His 2000s are stunning, among the most distinct and compelling I’ve had in more than 30 years of drinking wine.”*
- 2005 — 2005 Alban Vineyards was named one of only 22 U.S. wineries in Robert Parker's "The World's Greatest Wine Estates".
- 2005 — 2005 John Alban was made the first American Winemaker recognized as a Decurion of the Cote Rotie and Condrieu
- 2017 — 2017 Alban named Wine Spectator's California Wine Star
- 2026 — 2026 Alban named Winemaker of the Year for the 49th annual Guardsmen of San Francisco
- 2026 — 2026 Alban is the first inductee into the Learnaboutwine HALL OF FAME!
A walk around tasting of Rhône varietals and blends with 20+ wineries from around the globe and over 200 guests.
How It Works:
Each attendee has a golden token to award to their favorite winery! The winery with the most GOLD wins!!!!
About the Food: (TBA)
Stay tuned for food updates! Tacos will be available and more food to be announced.
About the Rhône Varietals
Some of the world's most iconic grape varieties, producing wines celebrated for their richness, balance, and remarkable food-pairing versatility. From bold reds to aromatic whites, Rhône varietals have inspired winemakers across the globe and are now planted in many of the world's finest wine regions. There are 27 officially cultivated grape varieties in the broader Rhône Valley region (with 22 core varietals commonly cited).
About the Rhône Grapes
Red: Syrah dominates the Northern Rhône, offering flavors of blackberry, black pepper, olive, and violet, while the Southern Rhône is famous for Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, often blended to create wines of depth, spice, and complexity.
White: The region's signature white grapes include Viognier, known for its lush stone fruit and floral aromas, along with Marsanne and Roussanne, which contribute richness, texture, and notes of honey, citrus, and herbs. Together, these varieties produce some of the world's most expressive and age-worthy white wines.
FEATURED WINERIES SO FAR:
VENUE
Nestled in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, The East Angel combines modern style with artistic creativity, offering a unique venue experience.
Conveniently situated amidst the city's finest new and historic hotels, eclectic restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and two renowned breweries, The East Angel offers a captivating space you'll fall in love with.
SPONSORED BY
AS FEATURED IN
About
IAN BLACKBURN
Ian Blackburn, CSW, Event Producer
Ian discovered the wine industry while visiting the Napa Valley as a Culinary Student. Ian moved his focus to the front of the house, while working with Thomas Keller and Joachim Splichal in Los Angeles. Now in his 30th year hosting events; leading trips around the wine world; Ian has published a wine education book and is working on a new one; Ian has his own wine brand called Beekeeper Cellars and has sat for the difficult Master of Wine Exam! Today, Ian is considered one of the region’s best wine educators and works for his 120,000 followers (follow me), visiting vineyards and wine regions and produce over 100 wine classes and events per year for Learnaboutwine.com
