Contact:  Betsy Slinkard Alexander                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(831) 655-2098



AIWF MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER PRESENTS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
 LA GRANDE NOTTE

MONTEREY, Calif., September 13, 2011- - -The American Institute of Wine & Food (A.I.W.F.) Monterey Bay Chapterannounces its annual fundraiser to be held Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, 3000 Club Road, Pebble Beach CA. The festivities begin at 6:00 in the evening.

This year’s gala, entitled La Grande Notte, has an Italian theme with informal Italian attire encouraged. Monterey Peninsula Country Club Executive Chef Colin Moody will prepare an Italian feast accompanied by fine wines.

The event begins with a Prosecco reception and includes silent and live auctions. Live music will feature Mike Marotta, accordion, David Dally, violin, Steve Hanson, bass and the operatic vocal stylings of Erasmo Aiello and Rachel Marotta.

A portion of the proceeds will go to A.I.W.F.’s scholarship fund and the Days of Taste educational program. Cost is $150.00 per person.  Please RSVP by October 3 to Mary Chamberlin at (831) 624-0830.

Founded in 1981 by the late Robert Mondavi and the late Julia Childs, among others, the American Institute of Wine & Food has worked to improve the understanding, appreciation and accessibility of food and drink.  AIWF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life through education about what we eat and drink. Today, AIWF has 24 chapters throughout the United States with more than 3,000 members including restaurateurs, food educations, nutritionists, chefs, wine professionals and dedicated food and wine enthusiasts.

Anyone can become a member of AIWF by going to the website www.aiwf.org. Or contact Rachel Mueller (831) 625-3425 or rmuellerbigsur@cs.com