Local Microbreweries to Participate in the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience on March 1st, 2014 at the Empire Polo Club
Local craft beer market is growing in the greater Palm Springs Region
This year, the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience will feature a larger offering of beer to taste at their event on March 1st, 2014, including handcrafted beer from three local breweries. Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse, La Quinta Brewing Co. and Coachella Valley Brewing Co. will each pour samples of a variety of craft beers representing flavors unique to the desert region.
Beer tasting was added to the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience last year, and was a very popular addition to the tasting menu. This year event goers will enjoy savoring a broader selection of beer and wine.
“We tapped into a new market of customers for the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience by adding craft beer tasting to the menu last year,” said Alex Haagen, IV, producer of the event. “The craft beer market is booming, and we have a craft beer market developing here. We’re excited to be part of it by showcasing these local microbreweries.”
The greater Palm Springs region’s craft beer market is most definitely brewing. Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse has created award-winning beers since 2002. La Quinta Brewing Co. and Coachella Valley Brewing Co. opened up shop in town in the last year, and have since poured a selection of new premium beers into the local marketplace. The area’s lively craft brew market is a reflection of the national market that has shown strong growth over the past five years.
The 3rd Annual Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience takes place on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 at the Empire Polo Club. Live music will set the tone as guests enjoy an extraordinary afternoon of wine and beer tasting at one of the most beautiful venues in Coachella Valley, the Empire Polo Club. Attendees will enjoy wine and beer tasting from 2:00 – 6:00 PM. As the tasting winds down, the music heats up with an evening of rhythm and blues followed by the upbeat sounds of big band swing from 6:00 – 11:30 PM.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will headline the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience along with American blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy and R&B singer Aaron Neville. Other bands that will play during the wine and beer tasting include Strangers You Know, Caxton, Petty Cash and Penny Unniversity.
This year the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience has grown and boasts a longer line-up of bands. A themed art installation is one of several additions this year that will enhance the unique ambiance associated with this annual event.
The upscale theme of the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience will attract attendees looking for a uniquely entertaining event.
“Our vision and goal is to create an extraordinary experience,” said Haagen. “From the moment people walk through the main gate we want them to enjoy every detail of their day. Fine wine and craft beer will be poured alongside an offering of mouthwatering cuisine. Add in colorful art pieces, hip décor and the rhythmic sound of live music, and it all comes together to create a complete sensory and auditory event.”
Fine food is a much bigger part of the RWB experience this year. Participating restaurants are offering a selection of appetizing options complimenting the beer and wine being poured. From small tastes to full menu selections, attendees will relish every bite served.
Along with a huge selection of craft beer to taste, there is also an expanded list of wineries participating this year. Visit www.rwbexp.com for a list of participating wineries and breweries.
Rhythm, Wine & Brews Schedule
1:30 PM Gates Open
2:00-6:00 PM Beer & Wine Tasting
6:00-11:30 PM Headline Bands Perform
Tickets to the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience can be purchased online at www.RWBexp.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate the day of the festival. Children 14 and under are free. Ticket holders must show ID at the event and be 21 years of age or older to taste beer and wine.
General Admission $75
7 total tastings
General admission access to the show
Free parking
Souvenir tasting glass
VIP Admission $150.00
Unlimited tastings
Reserved seating rows 11 and back
Complimentary custom logo captain’s chair to take home
VIP parking
VIP entrance to event
Souvenir tasting glass
Ultra VIP Admission $200.00
Unlimited tastings
Reserved seating rows 1-10
Complimentary custom logo captain’s chair to take home
VIP parking
VIP entrance to event
Souvenir tasting glass
VIP admission includes access to the VIP tasting area with specialty wines and beers not available in the general tasting area, and complementary food. It also includes access to a second VIP lounge with a full bar that is adjacent to main stage.
Additional tasting tickets can be purchased at the event. There will be food and beverage service onsite throughout the event.
A portion of the proceeds from the Rhythm, Wine and Brews Experience will benefit the Casey Lee Ball Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports pediatric kidney research.
Directions to The Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience at Empire Polo Club
From I-10 take the Monroe St. exit and head south on Monroe St. Follow the parking signs between Avenues 50 and 51 to find the parking lots along Monroe St.
Empire Polo Club
81-800 Ave. 51
Indio, CA 92201
info@RWBExp.com
Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience Contact Information
Website: www.RWBExp.com
Email: info@RWBExp.com
THE BREWERIES
About Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse
Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage is the Coachella Valley’s oldest craft micro-brewhouse. Opening in 2002, the brewery quickly won three medals at the Australian International Beer Awards and five medals at the Los Angeles County Fair. Babe’s won five medals at the 2009 L.A. International Commercial Beer Competition as well, taking home a gold medal in the Black Lager category. Their Honey Blonde Ale won bronze, silver and gold in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in the L.A. International Commercial Beer Competition, but it’s their Blackfin Lager, a dark German style beer, that has the most accolades. Since 2009 Babe’s has racked up 16 brewing medals. Their slogan is “Drink Local With Pride Coachella Valley!” and their beers can be found thr
oughout the Valley. Brewery tours are available from 11a.m. to 4p.m. most of the year, but it’s a good idea to call before you go and get confirmation of the hours. For more information visit www.Babesbrewhouse.com
About Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
With its grand opening on August 30, 2013, Coachella Valley Brewing Co. went from a small, lofty notion into a full-fleshed reality. Focusing on the uniqueness of the Southern California desert, Coachella Valley Brewing Co. strives to connect both ends of the Coachella Valley through quality locally grown ingredients and expertly crafted beer.
Locally owned and operated in Thousand Palms, California, the brewery is committed to crafting beer that showcases the agriculture and the attitudes of the desert.
Coachella Valley Brewing Co master brewer Chris is a graduate of The University of Alaska Anchorage Culinary Arts program and holds an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, Certified Dietary Manager with over twenty years of management experience. Chris currently holds the rank of National Level Judge and is working towards Master. Chris was formerly a brewer at Midnight Sun Brewing Co. and The Moose’s Tooth Brewing Co., both in Anchorage, AK. He assisted the head brewer in every aspect of brewhouse operations. Chris won 1st place at The Great Alaskan Beer and Barleywine festival in 2000 and gold at the Toronado Barley Wine Festival the same year while he was brewing at Midnight Sun. In 2001, M.S.B.C. was awarded a 1st place in the Alpha King Challenge, a competition of the most balanced, hoppiest beers in the world.
Locally Crafted – With an emphasis on farm-to-table brewing, they use the vast diversity of the Coachella Valley as inspiration. They combine the
luxury of the Palm Springs’ west valley with the agricultural excellence of the east valley to produce truly unique and flavorful beer. Using local citrus, herbs, honey, and spices, they support local farms and flavors. The brewery believes sustainability, creativity, and passion are the key ingredients in the best craft beer.
About La Quinta Brewing Co.
La Quinta Brewing Co. opened their brewery in 2013. The 4,500 square foot facility is home to a 15 barrel brewhouse capable of producing over 5,000 barrels annually (equivalent to 10,000 full sized kegs).
Though they have just opened their doors, their beer can already be found in over 40 local bars and restaurants. The brewery is located at 77917 Wildcat Drive in Palm Desert, just north of Interstate 10, and west of Washington Street. For more information, as well as taproom hours, visit their website (www.laquintabrewing.com) or follow them on Facebook (Facebook.com/LaQuintaBrewing).
About The Casey Lee Ball Foundation
A portion of the proceeds from the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience benefits the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. The Casey Lee Ball Foundation is a nonprofit organization where 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to pediatric kidney research. Casey Lee Ball, the third son of Sterling Ball, President of Ernie Ball, Inc., was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at age two. When Casey was five, while he and Sterling were recuperating from kidney transplant surgery at UCLA, they decided to create the Casey Lee Ball Foundation. For more information visit www.rwbexp.com.
About Empire Music Ventures
Empire Music Ventures is located in Indio, CA at the Empire Polo Club. Empire Music Ventures produces concerts and festivals. Their ev
ents include the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience and numerous concerts held at the Date Shed, a live music venue located onsite at the Empire Polo Club.
About The Empire Polo Club
The Empire Polo Club is a world-class special event and sports facility. Empire’s event services range from luxury weddings, corporate meetings and private parties to festivals, concerts and sports-related events. A few of the larger events held at the Empire Polo Club include: Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, The Southwest Arts Festival, KCPS Dog Show, Sandstorm Lacrosse Tournament and the USA Field Hockey National Hockey Festival.
