L.A. WINELINE ALL HAIL, DUKE OF BOURBON.

Byline: - Larry Lipson

David Breitstein, also known fondly as ``the Duke'' due to his well- known Canoga Park wine and spirits store, Duke of Bourbon, has long been associated with wine-related charity endeavors.

Now the tables are turned on Breitstein, and it's his turn to be honored. The annual Symphony of Wine, a fund-raising event that benefits children's music programs of the Thousand Oaks-based New West Symphony, has named Breitstein as its 2004 star.

He will be in the spotlight at a multiwine dinner and live wine auction beginning at 3 p.m. June 27 at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.

The five-course dinner will be prepared by chefs from Valentino in Santa Monica, the Hitching Post in Buellton and Leila's in Oak Park.

Accompanying wines are from Joseph Phelps, Duckhorn, Hitching Post, Au Bon Climat and Long.

Usually a sellout, the dinner and auction of rare and coveted wines is limited to 200 attendees. Price is $250 per person.

Tickets and information: [phone].

WINEMASTERS: Another quick sellout every year is the Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters, a major food and wine festival that donates its entire proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The 15th annual event this year is slated for May 15 at 5:30 p.m., and it will again be held at the Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood.

Some 33 chefs from major restaurants around the United States are brought in to offer samplings of their fare. They include such names as Erik Blauberg of the 21 Club in Manhattan, Sue McCown of Earth and Ocean in Seattle, Walter Manzkee of the Restaurant at Auberge in Carmel and Jeff Jackson of the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Several top local chefs will be present.

Wines from 60 famous wineries to be poured include labels such as Andrew Murray, Au Bon Climat, Caymus, Cosentino, Dal Valle, Duckhorn, Far Niente, Ferrari-Carano, Flora Springs, Grgich Hills, Hess, Justin, L'Aventure, Paradigm, Paul Hobbs, Peter Michael, Qupe, Ridge, Robert Mondavi, Schramsberg, Spottswoode and Trefethen.

Tickets ($275) and information: [phone] and www.californiawinemasters.org.

SANTA BARBARA'S BEST: Previously held all weekend, the hugely popular annual Santa Barbara Vintners' Festival makes it more convenient this year as a one-day trip for L.A.-area wine lovers.

More than 70 Santa Barbara wineries will show off their wines at the Firestone Meadow from noon to 5 p.m. May 15, and although there will be free food samplings all day, attendees are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and folding chairs.

Actual wine pouring and tasting will conclude at 4 p.m., but the live music and food service goes on until 5 p.m.

Tickets ($75) that include all wine samplings can be ordered by phone at [phone] or online at www.sbcountywines.com.

GRENACHE BARGAIN: And if you can find any Las Rocas de San Alejandro 2002, a superb grenache from the Calatayud region in Spain, buy it without hesitation.

At around $6.99 a bottle, this Eric Solomon European Cellars selection is one of the best red wine bargains encountered this year.

I bought as much as I could afford (two cases) at Liquid Wine & Spirits, 10100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, [phone], but it's all gone from there.

Information: European Cellars Direct, New York, NY [phone] or www.europeancellars.com.

Larry Lipson, [phone]

larry.lipson(at)dailynews.com