College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education (I-CuE) is inviting community members to fill their glasses and raise their cups in search of an answer to the age-old question – beer or wine?

Guests can cast their vote over six flavor-filled rounds of wine/beer tasting and food pairing competitions.  The college’s culinary arts students will prepare a menu of exotic cuisines designed to accentuate each selection.

The ‘Beer vs. Wine: A Culinary Contention’ will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, March 28, at the College of the Canyons I-CuE, located at 23400 Town Center Drive at the Westfield Valencia Town Center.

“Wine dinners are fun, but everyone has been there, done that. This event will be a unique dining experience unlike any other in Santa Clarita,” said Cindy Schwanke, COC culinary arts instructor. “Plus, it gives us an opportunity to showcase to the community the talents of our future chefs.”

The event features unique pairing tips and industry insights and advice from master sommelier and COC wine studies instructor Elizabeth Schweitzer.

With a collection of some of the region’s top micro- and home-brewing experts also in attendance, the evening will provide guests with a fun and educationally-inspired fine-dining experience.

As each round of food/beverage parings are introduced, guests will be presented with a background of the dish and drink, including its history and region of origin, before being ask to taste, drink and vote on which pairing they preferred.

After the pairing presentation, guests will be able to purchase additional tastings by making a donation to Culinary Arts department, and will have an opportunity to mingle with the event’s resident sommelier and roster of chefs, beer brewers and pairing experts.

“Where else are you going to be able to have access to so many wine, beer and food aficionados all in one room,” added Schwanke.

Tickets to the ‘Beer vs. Wine: A Culinary Contention’ are $55 per person or $100 per couple and can be purchased from the College of the Canyons Foundation. All of the proceeds will benefit the College of the Canyons Culinary Arts department.

This event will serve as part of the college’s ongoing 40th Anniversary celebration.

For more information about the event ‘Beer vs. Wine: A Culinary Contention’ or to purchase tickets please contact the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3434.