2nd Annual Wine Country Invitational

Last year, event planners at Skydive Elsinore put together a skydiving event that would offer something unique and intrinsic to Southern California. The idea was born, combining an invitational skydiving event with a California flare of wining and dining that would attract jumpers to Skydive Elsinore - The Wine Country Invitational. Tammi Retting began by exploring her contacts with the locally famed Wilson Creek Winery, and with John Hamilton and Mike Inabinet coordinating the skydiving aspects, a new event was off to a great start. Participation in the skydives is by invitation to attract talent from around the country to experience the So Cal skydiving experience, but the event as a whole is open to everyone. Last years’ event had great reviews, and this year the event staff worked to add something new and exciting.

The 2nd annual event was held over Memorial Day weekend. Our friends from Oregon began their infiltration of the DZ on Friday to get things rolling. Saturday was a designated warm up with most of the participants coming out for some exceptional skydives. Over the two official days (Sunday and Monday), the 32 skydivers completed nine challenging and intricate 16 way skydives to prepare for the final jump – a demo into Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. On this jump, the two eager groups led by John Hamilton and Mike Inabinet built renditions of the Wilson Creek logo over the vineyard. The evening was capped of with a great dinner and party at the winery. Pat Newman and Dave Szkaradek (Skizzy) provided video coverage throughout the event and were joined by Chris Fiala and Joel Kiesel who took outstanding digital photos.

But that’s just the skydiving – it’s an Elsinore event, what about the parties? Saturday night Tony Rogers and Skizzy cooked a great BBQ dinner for the DZ and Wilson Creek donated two cases of their renowned Almond champagne for everyone to enjoy. A dinner at Vincenzo’s Olive Tree finished off Sunday’s activities. And of course, there was the Survivor’s Party after the dinner at the winery. Witnesses claim they saw some nekkid bus surfing, but this rumor has not been confirmed.

All in all, it was another great event at Elsinore…. good skydives, good times, and great memories.