Encinitas Rotary Club Wine and Food Festival

The Encinitas Rotary Club held its 12th annual Wine and Food Festival on the evening of June 6 at the San Diego Botanic Garden. The event featured food and desserts from more than 24 local restaurants and beverages from 16 wineries and five breweries.

With a large silent auction and a spirited raffle with items worth thousands of dollars donated by area businesses, the event generates proceeds for 19 different charities, divided between those that focus on children and others that meet a community need. Recipients include the Cardiff Soccer League; the Diegueño Middle School Band Boosters; Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA; Rancho Coastal Humane Society; the San Dieguito Heritage Museum and, among others, Military Musters, which provides life coaching and health care services that do not exist in veteran transition programs.

Last year’s festival generated more than $120,000 in proceeds. Since its start, close to $1 million has gone to beneficiaries.

The festival also features entertainment by top local musicians.

For information visit www.encinitaswinefestival.com.

Photos by McKenzie Images.