Famed winemaker coming to Newport

Famed wine-crafter Brandon Sparks-Gillis will be at Wine Lab Newport at 5:30 p.m. Thursday for a special wine-tasting event.

In 2005, Sparks-Gillis joined with John and Steve Dragonette to establish Dragonette Cellars in Santa Ynez Valley.

Thursday’s wine tasting will feature four hand-crafted vintages from the Dragonette Cellar, including the Sauvignon Blanc 2008, the Rosé 2008, the Syrah 2007 and the Pinot Noir 2006. Admission is $15 for visitors and $10 for club members (the cost includes a flight of four wines).

Parking is free.

Reservations are recommended; RSVP at [email protected]. Wine Lab Newport is at 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Suite 100.

For more information, contact ChrisAnn Richards at (714) 608-2054 or [email protected].

— Paul Oginni