The inaugural Wine & Dine Pour Fest 2024, a celebration of gourmet food, fine wines, and community spirit, took place on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at the Estrella Warbird Museum. This event was more than just a festival; it was a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. The Wine & Dine Pour Fest showcased the best of the Central Coast’s culinary and beverage offerings. Attendees enjoyed an array of gourmet food, fine wines, and craft beers; all included with the purchase of a ticket, which also included a keepsake wine glass for sampling of the multitude of winieries in the area.

Laurie Zanol- Smoot (wife of the late Sherm Smoot), board member of Estrella Warbirds Museum and owner of Bella Luna Winery, wanted to do something more to honor local veterans. Working with Honor Flight Central Coast California, and local wineries, organized not just the event but also funded a special flight for 16 lucky veterans on the WWII veteran C-47B, Betsy's Biscuit Bomber. Her late husband was a former pilot and part owner of Betsy's Biscuit Bomber.

The Honor Flight Centeral Coast, CA mission is to honor all of America’s veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor” as Honor FLight guests. Once there, they can visit and reflect at their memorials which have been built to honor their service. Funds raised from sale of tickets were donated to the work of Honor Flight CCC.

Betsy's Biscuit Bomber Flight

Sixteen lucky winners whom purchased their tickets prior to November 1st, were selected to take a flight on the 1943 Douglas C-47B, Betsy's Biscuit Bomber, for a scenic and very memoriable flight above San Luis Obispo County, prior to dinner.

Special thanks to Roy Coffman for the pictures of passengers and crew. Click on thumbnail image to see full sized.

Wine and Dine Pour Fest

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