A Swinging Time at Casa Romantica's 'Toast to the Casa'

The ninth annual “Toast to the Casa” showcased an evening celebration of fanciful proportions at the historic Casa Romantica on Saturday. The evening included wine and food tastings from some of San Clemente’s premier restaurants and wine distributors.

"We started this event about nine years ago as a fundraiser and it’s our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Casa Romantica Founding President Guy Varriano. “We came here 12 years ago, leased the property from the city and spent about $5 million for renovations. So what you see today was not what it was originally."

The evening featured 15 local restaurants and 30 wineries offering some of their featured wines and wine blends. Five bands ranging from jazz to swing were on terraces overlooking the ocean and gardens.

The decor featured candles, lighting and wispy white draperies to ensure a romantic scene for the silent and live auctions.

“The lights hanging from the tree and spread all the way through to the ocean terrace were all donated by wonderful people in the community,” said Casa Executive Director Jenifer Finley. “This event looks very elegant and opulent, but it really cost the casa very little and we raised a lot of money—the community makes it possible.”

The evening concluded with a live auction featuring several weekend getaways, a custom-fit stand-up paddleboard, top-shelf liquors and elegant jade jewelry.

All proceeds from the auctions and contributions are donated to the Casa Romantica.