Convergence Harvest 2019 to Benefit the Ecology Center—What the Fest!

It’s tough to get the word out for any first-time event, more so when it’s a potential day trip. But when an event such as Convergence Harvest comes online and benefits something as cool as our local Ecology Center, it’s definitely worth seeking out.

Put on by farmers, creameries, fishmongers, chefs, craft brewers and vintners, Convergence Harvest will take over the gorgeous Temecula Olive Oil Ranch in Aguanga, just east of Temecula. Each purveyor is bringing the bounty of their harvest to the festival.

“There’s not really any events that are fresh-pressing and celebrating olives and olive oil,” says Jack Ford, farmer, cheesemaker and event curator. “These are chefs and food artisans that we’ve all worked with over the years . . . they’re not only the best chefs in our region, but they’re also value-based chefs that match a sustainable template to their creativity.”

Among the chefs expected are Drew Deckman from El Mogor in Baja, with impeccable sustainable fish; Tim “TK” Kolanko from OC’s Cucina Enoteca; and MasterChef winner (and Telemundo’s MasterChef Latino) Claudia Sandoval. On the fun and boozy side, attendees will be offered samples from Rough Draft; SR76; Refuge Brewery; Babe Kombucha; local all-natural, eco-friendly wineries; and Raging Mead & Cider, which naturally ferments its beverages. “Dave Carr from Raging is a huge eco-warrior who has helped restore old stonefruit orchards . . . and his cider transports you to Normandy,” reports Ford. 

Potentially tax-deductible $125 tickets for the Nov. 2 event are available via convergenceharvest2019.splashthat.com.