It is hard to believe that Neil Diamond's great "Hot August Night" concert was 37 years ago . . . August, 1972 . . . at the famed GreekTheatre. Believe it or not, the DUKE started having wine tasting seminars a year earlier than that. Our first event was at the Calabasas Inn in 1971. Wow, 38 years and still going strong!

With that little bit of trivia as an introduction, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us on Friday, August 21, 2009, (yes, you readit correctly . . . our first Friday night event) for our special "HOT AUGUST NIGHT 2009!" wine "concert." What an event we have planned. . . a totally HOT combination of exciting wines and guests from four of California's most outstanding wineries.

PHIL ROSS, son of DIAMOND CREEK VINEYARDS founders Al & Boots Brounstein, will be here to guide us through our annual Diamond Creek futures tasting. Their gorgeous estate on Diamond Mountain in Calistoga is famous for its diverse soils and micro-climates where they have developed the descriptive vineyards of Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill and Gravelly Meadow. This year, we'll have their three "hot new beauties" from the 2007 Vintage, which is already being referred to as a "great Napa Valley vintage."

We are thrilled that K. R. ROMBAUER, son of ROMBAUER VINEYARDS founders Joan and Koerner Rombauer, will be joiningus for his first visit. Rombauer Vineyards, located in St. Helena, features caves that extend for over a mile into the hillside. The caves provide a constant temperature and humidity, which result in optimum conditions for aging their wines. Their highly sought-after Chardonnay andZinfandel receive consistently high ratings. Yes, we will be serving these "hot properties" along with three of their superb Bordeaux varietals.

Also appearing with us for the first time will be DAVID PHINNEY, founder and winemaker of one of Napa Valley's most successful newer wineries, ORIN SWIFT. His wines are getting a fabulous reception from fans everywhere. You'll know why when you taste them and see their unique and imaginative packaging. Happily, we will be serving all four of his very creative, big-time red wines - The Prisoner, Papillon, Saldo and Mercury Head - all of them are major "hot."

The final headliner for our "Hot August Night 2009" showing will be the famed SILVER OAK CELLARS with their "hot new release," the 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. For over 30 years, they have been producing outstanding and highly coveted Cabernet Sauvignons from both Napa Valley and Alexander Valley. "America's Winery" was founded by Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan in 1972, a great year for wine and outdoor concerts!

The cost for this " HOT AUGUST NIGHT 2009!" seminar is $48.00 per person. We encourage you to bring guests and, for this event only, they are welcome to attend for the member's price. Full payment must accompany your reservation. No tickets are issued; you will be notified if your reservation cannot be accepted. Cancellation deadline for full refund is August 20. While bread and cheese will be served, we recommend that you have dinner prior to the event. The Marriott's Breeze restaurant offers several early-bird dinner options. Please call the Marriott at 818-887-4800 for dinner reservations. Please call the DUKE OF BOURBON at 818-341-1234 for seminar information.