Berserkerfest II

Southern California food blogging sensation clayfu invited me this past weekend to Berserkerfest II, an epic no-holds-barred "What Happens in Lompoc Stays in Lompoc" wine party with the fabulous folks over at Wine Berserkers.

The trip took us from LA to SLO, then back south to Lompoc for an early afternoon tasting at Arcadian Winery to kick things into gear before heading over to the host of Berserkerfest II, Brian Loring's Loring Wine Company.

Barrel-stand, anyone?

The Hitching Post catered the event, which was very neat. But the fact that 'Zerkers each brought a motherload of jizzerific wines to share and enjoy with friends totally kicks HP to the curb. Ain't nothin' able to top fine wine and good company.

Oh right. I do apologize if I get any names wrong in this post. Too many 'Zerkers to meet! While good n buzzed, no less...


Let's begin!

'Zerkers trickling in and setting up

HP preparing to feed us. Keep the meat comin', gramps!

Grilled Quesadillas - duck, corn, cheese.

BEER!

No silly macrobrews here. Only craft, micro, and hella rare vintage bottles. Most of the good stuff aren't pictured, but do give you an idea of what was available, some dude popped open a spicy Anchor Brewing Co. Christmas Ale...from 1995. Holy frijoles.

Actually, it was this dude (in purple tie-dye):

Gathering of my fellow beer advocates

Seeing such prime-o booze being opened, I naturally had to toss in my 1.5 y/o Alesmith Grand Cru and year-old Stone RIS for a good measure. But really, I was way out of my league here. And a special thanks to Brian who lugged in some very well aged Belgians. Delicious, matey! Except for the Sour.

Berserkerfest II underway!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza

Food was solid for the most part. Could not stop munching on the quesadillas, smokey bbq pizza, and BLT pizzas in between mouthfuls of grilled meat. Speaking of meat...

Beef skewers were whatevers, so let's pretend this is beef is the impeccable grilled lamb.

Thanks Humberto! Loved it.

As a very interested newbie to the scene, I had just about a bazillion questions to ask and like any enthusiastic hobbyist, several 'Zerkers were more than happy to share their tastes in wine, walk me through tastings, and show me the ropes. Big shout-out to my man Humberto, Fu, Prof. Lin, and Mr. & Mrs. Gonzalles!

Grilled Gulf Shrimp w/ Cajun 'Slaw

50% Prof. Lin and too much Fu

Ribs and shrooms.

So Paul, remind me again what happened here at the end of the evening?

Yoni's tag placed up high to compensate for a certain inadequacy. ;D

MAH Gs! Dan, Paul, D-Unit (thanks Walsh), and cutie-pie Chris, you guys rock!

And with a few drinks down the hatch, silliness, hilarity, and violence ensued!

Checking for a puncture wound

Yeah that's right, Lauren. Don't tolerate crap from Fu! Show him who's boss. Work those sexy heels!

Taking a breather from Burgs

Yes, not all the grub and social cliqs are pictured. A real comprehensive shoot would require sobriety and declining offerings of grilled meats held up by cute little blondie servers. Ain't gonna happen!

Berserkerfest II was a blast and I am very happy to have had the chance to come out and meet this wonderful online community. What a great bunch of fun-loving folks. You guys really tickle my funnybone. Thanks for the good times and wine education. And of course, a big thanks to Brian for having us!