Magic and Wine Tasting with David Minkin On a magical evening, the worlds of illusion and wine converge in a mesmerizing experience with renowned magician David Minkin. This unique event combines the art of magic with the sophisticated palette of wine tasting, creating an unforgettable night of enchantment and indulgence. David Minkin, known for his mastery of the performing arts, takes guests on a journey through the realms of magic and mystery. With his captivating sleight of hand and mind-boggling illusions, he leaves audiences in awe and wonder, questioning the very nature of reality. His performances seamlessly integrate with the wine tasting experience, enhancing the sensory exploration of flavors and aromas. In this captivating collaboration, David Minkin meticulously selects wines that harmonize with each magical act, elevating the participants' sensory perception.
David Minkin's Evening of Magic and Wine
You know when you find that perfect card, the one that captures exactly what you're feeling? On my first Valentine's Day with Dan, I found the perfect card. It had a bunny coming out of a top hat and written inside was "Thank You for making my life so magical". It's how I felt (still do), as the first months of our relationship had been nothing short of magical. The card was doubly appropriate, because I had learned that Dan liked magic shows. So, for our first Valentine's Day together, I gave him the card and an IOU to take him to David Minkin's Evening of Magic and Wine. Dan likes wine too.
Due to scheduling conflicts, that included our epic Utah road trip, we didn't make it to Minkin's show until early June. The show was held at the Beau Rivage restaurant just off of PCH in Malibu.
View fullsizeBeau Rivage Malibu
The Beau Rivage is a beautiful location for the event, unfortunately it suffered a fire shortly after we visited. Minkin had to find an alternate location for his show, although I hope that he will return to this location, as it was perfect. We arrived early and we were greeted by Minkin's sister, who check us in and directed us to the bar for drinks.
As soon as the event was ready to start, we were directed up a set of stairs to a covered balcony. The balcony contained gorgeous ocean views and a delicious hors d'oeuvres spread in a buffet room. We found seats and made friends with two other couples from the valley. We were served four different local wines and given ample time to eat and enjoy. A sommelier gave a small introduction for each wine course. Naturally, we were enjoying ourselves too much to bother writing down the names of what we enjoyed. A common problem at wine tastings!
The second half of the evening was the magic. We were led down to the wine cellar, a very intimate space for close-up magic. The cellar only held about twenty-five people and the seats are arranged in a way that everyone had a fantastic view, including many people who were picked for volunteers.
I am not going to ruin any part of Minkin's show. He is amazing and I have zero idea of how he does any of it. Many years ago, I saw Minkin perform at the Magic Castle and was pulled on stage for his finale. Even sitting right next to him, with the trick being performed in my own hand, I have no idea how he pulled it off. He performed the same trick at this show and I watched like a hawk and was still blown away.
In addition to being a fantastic magician, Minkin is warm and welcoming to all attending the show, staying after for pictures and questions. I felt like a guest in his home, rather than a customer.
The entire event ran about three hours. I wish that the magic portion had been longer, because it was so entertaining. David Minkin's magic show is a must-see. Check out his website for upcoming shows and information. You will be dazzled.
A Night of Magic and Wine
There’s so much to do in Orange County that sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. We often fall into a tiresome routine—the same places and the same faces. You want something more than just another night on the town with friends. You need something different and exciting to add a little mystery to your life. You need something magical.
And David Minkin’s “Evening of Enchantment” is just that.
This unique combination of wine tasting and close-up “table magic” has critics raving and guests completely mystified . It’s the perfect double date night.
It also makes a wonderful evening out for small to medium groups of friends with open minds who want to be entertained. It really is the best combination of two of California’s most endearing exports: wine and show business.
The Wine Tasting
A select number of guests reserve their place each month and are treated to an hour-long hosted wine tasting. Here you will sample a flight of four of some of the most interesting wines you’ll ever come across. These vintages are expertly paired with small plate items designed to complement their exceptional flavors. Feel free to mingle or get cozy with each other as your taste buds are dazzled.
The Show
Next, everyone is escorted into a beautifully appointed intimate candle-lit theater where they get up close and personal with the magician. There David will get to know his guests and employ the mystical skills he has honed over the past decades to “make ordinary items do extraordinary things.” If you’ve never experienced close-up magic first-hand, you simply can’t imagine what you’re in for.
It’s one thing to see a magician on TV or on a stage, but when they make things happen right before your eyes–and within arm’s reach–there’s nothing quite like it!
The Man, The Myth, The Magician
David Minkin is an award-winning International Champion of Close-Up Magic. He has plied his unique brand of mystifying prestidigitation across the globe, competing in competitions and astounding guests from all walks of life. He has been featured on MTV and stars on the hit television series Magic Outlaws on The Travel Channel.
Indeed, his skills with sleight of hand and the natural charisma he exudes have propelled him to the upper echelons of the magic scene. He has performed for Hollywood Celebrities and Entertainment Icons like:
Johnny Depp
Lionel Richie
Sharon Osborne
Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez
And many more!
Make the Most of Your Magical Night Out
The rabbit is out of the hat. Minkin’s unique interpretation of this ages old art combined with the intimate atmosphere and excellent appetizers earned David’s “Evening of Enchantment” the title of “Best Magical Date Night” presented by LA Weekly.
But we can make your night out even more magical with one of our party buses. These flashy vehicles can take you and up to 40 of your closest friends, family, and coworkers out on the town in velvet curtain elegance. Make an astounding evening of wine and magic appear! Enjoy a cocktail party before you arrive. Mingle on the bus over a complimentary wet bar and get in the mood with music piped through the state-of-the-art sound system.
Arrive receptive and ready to enjoy the show—without having to worry about traffic or parking.
And after its over—when you’re too amazed by what you’ve witnessed to drive home—our professional chauffeurs will make sure you don’t disappear before you get to your door.
Plan you magical evening now. Contact us for special pricing and group rates today.
Magic & Wine
An enchanting evening of Magic & Wine in a charming French chateau in Malibu. Judit and Corina interview International Champion Magician David Minkin and taste four Rosenthal wines. David has appeared on the MTV magic related series “Room 401” and performs regularly at the Magic Castle. He has even impressed Johnny Depp and Rob Reiner. The event of Magic and Wine includes Wine, Hors D’oeuvres, & Magic.
The evening of magic was complimented with Rosenthal wines presented by assistant winemaker Shawn Leis. Award wining wine from the home to movie stars and Bay Watch! George Rosenthal, owner of movie studios, hotels, and other enterprises, first planted vineyards at his 250 acre estate in 1987. Rosenthal grapes are grown in the AVA Malibu Newton Canyon.
The Rosenthal wines include a special label that supports the Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to keeping our oceans and beaches clean.
“That’s the greatest thing I’ve ever seen! Really… that was staggering!”- Johnny Depp
Surfrider 2007 Pinot Gris
When do wine and surf come together? When you sip our first release of Surfrider Pinot Gris! This single-vineyard wine is from the Los Alamos Valley, in the cool region west of Highway 101. We are honored to partner with the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches. For each bottle purchased, a donation is made to this praiseworthy enterprise.
Characteristics: Floral aromas play with the fruit notes on the nose. Palette shows nuances of peach and Asian pear, followed by a racy mouth-watering crispness. Finishes with a burst of fresh citrus, mineral, and bright tropical fruit. Great as an apéritif, and when paired with light pastas, grilled salmon, chicken, and Asian cuisine. Fantastic with sushi!
Stainless steel fermented, Cases Produced: 800
Awards:
SILVER MEDAL, BEST OF CLASS CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINE COMPETITION
GOLD MEDAL — ORANGE COUNTY WINE COMPETITION
SILVER MEDAL — SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage Information:
The 2001 harvest gave us an outstanding crop, with a warm spring and a moderate summer allowing concentration of fruit flavors, and adding to the deep color, complexity, and balance.
Characteristics: Exhibits deep purple-red color, with aromas of sandalwood and toasty oak. Polished flavors of cassis, mocha, and minty-sage, with hints of black raspberry, dark cherry, and exotic spices on the long, rich finish.
Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Case Production: 1,900
Awards:
GOLD — Los Angeles County World of Wine Competition
DOUBLE GOLD — Florida State Fair International Wine Competition
92 POINTS, “EXCEPTIONAL” — Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago
GOLD — Tasters Guild Wine Competition, Michigan
GOLD, BEST OF CLASS — New World International Wine Competition
FOUR STAR RATING “EXCELLENT, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” — Restaurant Wine, Issue #107
“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” — California Grapevine, Vol. 31, No. 4
In this captivating collaboration, David Minkin meticulously selects wines that harmonize with each magical act, elevating the participants' sensory perception. The interplay between illusions and wine creates a heightened state of awareness, allowing guests to appreciate the intricacies of both art forms in a whole new light. Throughout the event, David Minkin engages the audience in interactive demonstrations, inviting them to participate in his illusions and become part of the enchantment.
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a Grassroots, community-base, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
Whether it's a mind-reading act or an astonishing card trick, he ensures that everyone feels an active connection and engagement with his performance. The wine tasting component adds a layer of sophistication and refinement to the evening. As guests savor a variety of exquisite wines, they are guided through a sensory experience that encompasses taste, smell, and texture. Each wine is carefully paired with David Minkin's illusions, further enhancing the magical experience. Magic and Wine Tasting with David Minkin offers a remarkable opportunity to appreciate the finer things in life. It provides an escape from the ordinary, as guests immerse themselves in an evening of illusions and wine discoveries. The fusion of magic and wine creates an atmosphere of enchantment, leaving a lasting impression on all those lucky enough to attend. In this extraordinary event, the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, and the complexities of wine intertwine with the mysteries of magic. It is a celebration of artistry and sophistication, where each sip of wine and every sleight of hand leaves audiences spellbound. Magic and Wine Tasting with David Minkin offers a captivating experience that transcends the ordinary, creating a lasting memory for all who take part. It is an invitation to explore the realms of magic and indulge in the delights of fine wine, an experience not to be missed..
Reviews for "Creating the Magic: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at David Minkin's Wine-Fueled Illusions"
- John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Magic and wine tasting with David Minkin" experience. While the magic tricks were impressive, the wine tasting part felt rushed and secondary. We barely had time to enjoy the wines because most of the focus was on the magic performance. The wines were mediocre at best, and I feel like I paid a premium price for a subpar experience. I would have preferred a dedicated wine tasting event or a pure magic show instead.
- Mary Johnson - 1 star - I regret attending the "Magic and wine tasting with David Minkin." The event lacked coherence and the combination of magic and wine felt forced. The magic tricks were underwhelming and the wine selection was nothing special. It seemed like a marketing ploy to attract audience members who might not have been interested in either magic or wine individually. I left the event feeling confused and disappointed.
- Robert Davis - 2 stars - While David Minkin is undoubtedly a talented magician, the concept of combining magic and wine tasting didn't work for me. The magic tricks were quite impressive, but I found it difficult to fully appreciate them while simultaneously trying to evaluate different wines. It was a distracting and disjointed experience. Additionally, the wine selection wasn't anything special, and I expected more from a wine tasting event. Overall, I would have preferred to enjoy Minkin's magic without the added element of wine tasting.