[Editor's Note: To see more photos of the Cig Con West 2009 VIP Dinner, click on the link for the OFFICIAL VIP DINNER SLIDESHOW.

As people started arriving at the gorgeous setting of the Robert Hall Winery, they were checked in to the conference and, with goodie bags in  hand, made their way to the tasting deck. This beautiful flagstone patio overlooked the majestic vineyards. There was a Latin Jazz trio cranking out the good vibes and a live cigar rolling demonstration by Cuban immigrant Jorge D. Gonzales-Pardo of Cigartainment.com.

Cuban cigar roller demonstrates techniques for rolling hand made cigars

Though most of the attendees were from California, we had people come from far and wide to attend this first-ever Cig Con West. Exhibitors from Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Rhode Island, and even Canada, were on hand to enjoy the great venue. California, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, Arizona and New Mexico were all represented by participants who came to enjoy the cigar and wine event in the sunny climes of the Central California Coast.

The VIP dinner was exquisite, as chef Jeffery Scott really nailed this wonderful menu. Cooking for well over 100 people is never easy, but him and his staff handled it with such aplomb that he received a standing ovation when introduced after the dinner. [See the event menu by clicking button at right.

Robert Hall Winery was  an intimate dinner venue

During the dinner, cigars were provided by "Esplendido Sponsor" Camacho cigars. They passed out their new Camacho Connecticut to let people taste a lighter-bodied Camacho cigar. Then, at the end of the meal, Camacho served up their 10th Anniversary Corojo, which was paired with the 3 after-dinner flights of wine. To match up with the medium to full bodied anniversary cigars, Robert Hall served up their Meritage, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Vintage Port.

But the end of the evening still wasn't in sight. Local radio personality, the Big Kahuna, led the festivities for the live auction, which included such items as Vanderburgh custom humidors, Double Magnum- Conn Creek 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon, dinner for 4 with chef Jeffery Scott, a necktie signed especially for Cig Con West by Rocky Patel, a Box of Commemorative Cig Con West 2009 Cigars, from Cigartainment.com, and much, much more.

Charity auction raised money for local groups helping disadvantaged youth

The proceeds of the auction went to 3 local charities to help the youth of San Luis Obispo County. These organizations included: the Arroyo Grande Rotary Club Scholarship, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and the Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs.

As all good things must come to their proverbial end, the attendees of the very first Cig Con West VIP Dinner left filled with great food and wine, and with a keen anticipation of what would transpire on the next day during the Cig Con West day long event. Stayed tuned for Part 2 of the Cig Con West Recap.