California’s most recently established AVA’s Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners Association will hold its 1^st Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce. In the Sierra Pelona Mountains of the Southern California, just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, lies California’s most recently established American Viticultural Area, the Sierra Pelona Valley AVA. Recently, I hiked the area around Reyes Vineyard and up into the foothills to take a look at this new grape growing region. The untouched natural beauty provides the perfect environment for burgeoning vineyards, boutique wineries and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the wines being produced here by Robert Reyes, Steve Hemmert and Donna Harris are exceptionally good. Reyes’ makes a beautiful Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon; Donna Harris’ Petit Verdot is close to perfection; and Steve Hemmert’s Syrah can compete with anything coming out of Santa Barbara County. The wines being produced from this area are nothing to be ignored — it’s LA’s best kept secret and I didn’t believe it until I tasted these wines for myself.

For their festival, the day will begin with an early Morning Vineyard Hike, an optional activity with the purchase of the Hike & Wine Festival Pass. The hike will begin at Reyes Winery; from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Winemaker Robert Reyes will lead the ascent into the Sierra Pelona Foothills to nearly 4,000 feet and across the scenic ridge overlooking the valley and vineyards. Hikers will learn about the vineyards and terroir on the 2-hour advanced level trail or they can take the 1.5-hour intermediate level route and afterwards enjoy breakfast at the Sweetwater Café. I took this hike with my sister and our friend Kevin and it was so much fun. Once you reach the top of the foothills the view is truly awesome.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. Guests will receive a complimentary commemorative tasting glass and plate, a specialty gift bag, and free parking. They will also enjoy a “ticketless” wine tasting and gourmet fancy food samplings — all paired perfectly with a day full of live entertainment, art, and activities including:

Wine, Beer and Spirits Tastings will include Agua Dulce Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Antelope Valley Winery, Bacelar Wines, Coruce Vineyards, Chavez Vineyards, Diosa Tequila, Donna Harris Wine Biz, Golden Star Vineyards, High Desert Cellars, Mike Rinn Wines, Mascari Vineyard in Bouquet Canyon, Montalvo Tequila, Naked Rebel Winery, Oreana Winery, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Soaring Hawk Vineyard, Steve Hemmert Vineyards, Two Hearts Vineyards, Vampire Winery, Vindeos Malagon Vineyard, Winehouse Vineyards, 88 Tequila

Some of the food samplings will be provided by California Bakery, Cheers At All Corked Up, Gourmet Blends, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Gourmet Tamale Factory, Le Chene French Cuisine, Naked Juice, Natcheryl Organic Café, Porto’s Bakery, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Sweetwater Café, Thelma’s Gourmet Café , Truffles n Toffee, The Whole Wheatery.

If you want a real treat, sign up for the VIP Treatment, an exclusive opportunity with purchase of a VIP Pass, for a private Winemaker’s tour and barrel tasting including early entrance at 11 a.m.; V.I.P. lounge reserve wine tasting paired with gourmet lunch; plus all general admission ticket benefits.

One of the most exciting features will be the Art Exhibit featuring Lalo Garcia, Rosa Alvarez, Luis Villanueva, and Ricardo Ortega. Guests will experience a new expression for sacred spaces representing ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity as expressed by some of LA’s most esteemed Latin American artists. The artwork from these artists is as breathtaking as it is important and a must see for Angelenos that seek out this particular genre and appreciate Angeleno culture. Also, a classical art exhibit will feature the paintings of Virginia Miranda and her art students, and the paintings of Winemaker Robert Reyes.

There will be live music from the bands; Sierra Highway and Still Moving Project, a personal favorite of mine. Silent auction items will include Wine & Dine gift certificates; a variety of other wines, gift packages, artwork, certificates; and many more exciting items from the event’s sponsors.

To purchase tickets for the First Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival, please visit reyeswinery.com/spv-winefestival. Reyes Winery is located at 10262 Sierra Highway in Agua Dulce, CA 91390. For directions, visit http://goo.gl/maps/nZG97 For information on how to make the most of your time in Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Country, join the Sierra Pelona Valley Vintner’s on Facebook. And follow on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/ReyesWinery.

I hope you decide to come and see for yourself the impressive Wine Country that truly is in the City of Los Angeles’ backyard.