Earth Day Event showcases sustainability and floral artistry
Sonoma, CA (March 6, 2017) —Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards will be a feast for the senses on Earth Day as it’s transformed with an irresistible array of colorful floral and green art showpieces as well as DIY sustainable gardening examples for the 2nd annual Bubbles & Blooms Festival sponsored by Flower Magazine. Scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the winery in Sonoma, this year’s event will provide Earth Day inspiration for sprucing up your home inside and out while putting you face-to-face with experts on sustainable gardening, floral arranging and nature photography. A portion of all ticket proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Garden for the Environment, a non-profit whose mission is to provide practical skills for all San Franciscan’s to personally contribute to sustainability through urban gardens, farms and foods.
General Admission tickets cost $65 and include food, wine tokens, speaker presentations on the main stage, tour options and floral displays. VIP tickets cost $90 and include all the general admission features plus VIP parking, a gift bag, an additional wine token, access to the VIP section with reserve wines, front row seating with guest speakers at the main stage and a DIY workshop of your choice. More information and tickets for 2017 Bubbles & Blooms Festival are available at www.gloriaferrer.com.
Activities details are as follows:
Lectures on the Main Stage
- Garden for the Environment – Sustainable Gardening and Composting with Maggie Marks
Growing your own garden is incredibly satisfying and fun for all ages. Maggie Marks, Executive Director at Garden for the Environment, San Francisco’s teaching garden for over 25 years, will teach you how to create a beautiful gardens that celebrate our California summer-dry climate. And, since the most important part of any garden is soil she’ll talk about the amazing benefits of compost! She’s bringing her indoor worm bin, to show you how you can create compost easily using these amazing critters that kids and adults love.
- Russian River Flower School’s Dundee Butcher “On Re-Arranging”
Join world class floral expert Dundee Butcher as she shares her story of starting in the flower business in London 10 years ago, the venues she designed for (including Kensington Palace!) and all the crazy stories that go along with it. She will discuss the need to constantly “re- arrange” both professionally and personally when regards to running a business, dealing with changing styles, trends and availability of materials while creating several floral demonstrations.
- Potting Sonoma Style with Sonoma Mission Gardens
Come delight and learn how to utilize the best uses of color and succulents in containers with the style that creates neighborhood envy. Deborah’s presentation will incorporate the ideas of simple Mediterranean elegance and Spanish flare.
Tours (Sign up required upon arrival; space is limited; appropriate footwear recommended)
- Photography Tour
Photographer Meredith Hayes takes you on a vineyard exploration for up close and scenic photos. Capture wildflowers, bud break, vineyard shots and panoramic views from picturesque hillside locations. Learn photography tips for capturing the moment and creating your own personalized memorabilia. All photography levels welcome.
- Sustainability in the Vineyard
Tour the vineyard with Gloria Ferrer Vice President of Production Mike Crumly to hear about our sustainable practices and conservation methods. Learn how the winery became Certified Sustainable for production and farming techniques that are good for the vines, wine, employees, and earth.
Wine, Food & Shopping
Once again the historic winery caves will be transformed into an indoor floral market where guests can browse and purchase unique arrangements and plants while enjoying Gloria Ferrer’s award-winning sparkling and still wines accompanied by delicious local cuisine from Chef Beth Sogaard. A myriad of pairings will be available such as Kaffir Lime & Lemongrass Shrimp Endive Boats with Gloria Ferrer Demi Sec; Lobster and Artichoke Polenta Rounds as well as a live Chef’s Curry Station with Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs; and grab and go items such as Crazy Good Truffle Potato Chips & Gorgonzola Dip with 2007 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée.
DIY Floral Workshops
For an additional cost, guest may also participate in hands-on floral workshops. Workshops are $25 each and cost includes all materials. Space is limited and advance purchase is recommended. VIP Bubble Passholders may participate in one complimentary workshop at no additional cost. Workshops include:
- Cup of Spring with Eothen Floral’s Katie Chirgotis
Bring the outside into your home by creating a petite arrangement in a recycled Gloria Ferrer bottle. Let your imagination and creativity flow into arrangements that are loose, lovely and gorgeously fleeting. Flowers may include spring harbingers such as Narcissus, Ranunculus, Anemone, Columbine, and blooming vines such as honeysuckle or jasmine.
- Crowning Glory with Russian River Flower School
One of the most popular workshops at last year’s Bubbles and Blooms, this workshop teaches you the art of making your own floral crown. It’s easy and fun to create a glorious halo of flowers for your head!
- Clematis Twisted Vine Vase with Russian River Flower School
Learn the technique of twisting and curling vines within a vase to support delicate flowers. You will create a beautiful arrangement that focuses on the beauty of the flowers and container.
