Overcast skies couldn't dampen the festive atmosphere at the second annual Cal Lutheran Wine & Beer Walk on April 25.
Around 350 guests — many donning purple and gold — filled the outdoor plaza between William Rolland Stadium and Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. Attendees swapped stories of Kingsmen and Regals lore while sampling top-shelf food, wine and beer from nearly 25 vendors whose generosity made the event possible.
Felix Wang, a member of the Cal Lutheran Community Leaders Association and chair of the Mathews Leadership Forum, said the highly anticipated gathering lived up to its billing.
"Personally, I would love to see the university host more events that bring alumni, supporters, students and the broader community together," said Wang, general manager of Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn. "These types of events not only benefit CLU athletics, they elevate the university's profile beyond the campus."
The event raised $20,000 for the Victory Club, which helps cover the cost of postseason travel, new equipment, banners, apparel and extra resources for student-athletes. Associate Vice President and Athletics Director Howard Davis conceived the festival two years ago.
"I am super proud of the Cal Lutheran coaching and support staff and their hard work to make this event such a success," Davis said. "(Operations Coordinator and Budget Analyst) Elizabeth Brooks was elite in project-managing the Wine & Beer Walk from start to finish. But every single staff member pitched in to make this one of the flagship events on the university's calendar. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
Guests started arriving before 4:30 p.m. and continued to arrive until well after 5. Every ticket holder 21 and older received a wristband, an engraved bottle opener and a commemorative glass from which to sample the goods.
Moorpark-based Pars Fortuna stood out as one of several local vintners that delighted attendees with their amazing wines.
Winemaker Kira Malone, the creator of Pars Fortuna, shared the story behind each vintage. The accomplished decathlete and mother of two founded the company in 2023 with her husband, Julian, owner of Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark.
"Since we don't have a tasting room yet, we love coming to events like this so we can introduce people to our wines," Malone said. "Everyone has been so nice."
Among the vendors were five businesses operated by Cal Lutheran alumni: Opolo Vineyards (Paso Robles), Hiatus Craft House (Camarillo), Jackson Family Wines (Santa Rosa) and Naughty Pine Brewing Co. (Thousand Oaks).
Athletics staff and Kingsmen and Regals coaches assisted with the pours, including men's volleyball head coach Kevin Judd, fresh off his team's third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III semifinals. Judd was accompanied by his wife, Nicole, an administrator with Conejo Valley Unified School District.
This year's Wine & Beer Walk marked the first for new Associate Athletic Director Katie Bell, whom the university hired last summer.
"I was absolutely blown away at how the Cal Lutheran community came together," Bell said. "The energy was palpable, and the community rallied together to raise nearly $20,000 that will directly support our incredible student-athletes. I can't wait to see how this event grows in the future."
The men's basketball program added an element of friendly competition to the evening, inviting attendees to play several rounds of Kingsmen trivia on their smartphones. The game included questions such as "What is head coach Russell White's favorite type of music?" (Answer: movie soundtracks) and "Which team holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single-game?" (Answer: the 2025 Kingsmen, who hit 21 against Whittier).
Trivia winners — and even a few runners-up — received polos emblazoned with "Kingsmen Basketball."
White credited Brooks for her role in organizing the event and drawing a large crowd.
"For me, it was fun to see so many people investing in Cal Lutheran sports," White said. "I saw classmates, former players and local friends. A total A+ event! I look forward to the next one and making our booth even more interactive than this year."
Stonefire Grill served its signature tri-tip, pesto pasta and breadsticks while a DJ provided music. President John Nunes welcomed and interacted with guests throughout the function.
"The Wine & Beer Walk was a terrific evening that elegantly brought together a wide swath of the Cal Lutheran community - neighbors, alumni, supporters, student-athletes, parents, coaches and staff - all in service to our student-athlete experience," Nunes said.
Following the event's success, Davis gave the green light for a third Walk next spring.
"We are already into the planning for next year and expect it to be an even bigger and better event," he said.
