FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY RECOGNIZED AS BEST WINE REGION 2019

October 7, 2019 by evebushman

FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY, N.Y. — Finger Lakes Wine Country has once again been recognized as the Best Wine Region by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The region was named the Best Wine Region in 2018 as well. Over a period of 28 days, readers voted for their favorite wine region through USA Today’s online poll. The Finger Lakes region competed against nineteen other wine regions across the United States; the Top 10 being recognized by USA Today as the best, with the Finger Lakes taking the highest honor once again.

President of Finger Lakes Wine Country, Laury Ward, expressed excitement at the news and stated, “To receive this honorable award two years in a row is a testament to our local community of farmers, winemakers, and hospitality ambassadors. And to the many visitors, who, through word of mouth, and passion-driven branding and marketing of the region, have discovered and fallen in love with our stunning destination.”

Finger Lakes Wine Country is named for the long, slender glacially-carved lakes that contribute to the exceptional terroir that is characteristic to the region. It is home to more than 140 wineries that feature a diverse selection of cool-climate wines including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, among many others. Our picturesque landscape entices visitors from around the globe to discover our world-class wine, award-winning craft beverages, historic small towns and welcoming communities, local gastronomy, and the perfect backdrop for year-round outdoor recreation.

For more information, please visit www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com. Find us on social media! @FLXwinecountry #myFLX

Trentodoc Sets the Italian Record

September 25, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Italy has set a record at the annual Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), which is regarded as the most comprehensive and rigorous international wine competition of its kind. For the first time since the contest’s beginning in 2014, Italy, led by Trentodoc with 27 Gold medals, has won the most medals of any other country, proving its consistent improvement in quality and importance on the global wine stage.

In 2019, Trentodoc once again claimed the spot as Italy’s top sparkling wine denomination with a total of 27 Gold and 19 Silver medals, up from 22 Gold medals in 2018. Additionally, a Trentodoc producer was awarded the title “Sparkling Winery of the Year,” an affirmation of the wine region’s place among the finest producers of sparkling wines in the world.

According to the CSWWC, 2019 was truly a “record-breaking year,” which holds true not just for Trentodoc wines, but for Italy and the competition as a whole. This year saw an increase in entries of over 30% and a total of 185 Gold and 212 Silver medals awarded to participants from 18 countries. Italy doubled its entries and officially claimed the largest-ever national haul of medals with a total of 71 Golds and 92 Silvers awarded.

“The competition’s results are a clear sign that the Trentodoc wine appellation is growing not only in terms of numbers, but also in quality,” says Enrico Zanoni, President of the Trento Doc Institute, the association representing 53 Trentodoc wine producers from the northern Italian region of Trentino. “Trentodoc sparkling wines are being internationally recognized as among the best sparkling wines in the world and as the perfect expression of the area’s mountain environment and excellence in winemaking.”

Trentodoc wines are differentiated by the mountain environment, ties to tradition, and long aging potential. The cool temperatures from the Dolomites, the mitigating effect of the nearby Lake Garda, the high altitude where vineyards are grown – between 656 and 2952 feet above the sea level – and the soils rich in limestone and silica are key factors contributing to the unique freshness, acidity, and elegance of these sparkling wines.

Istituto Trento Doc works closely with Masters of Wine and AIS (Italian Sommelier Association) to communicate these unique characteristics and promote education of Trentodoc, bestowing the Trentodoc Award Best Sommelier of Italy to the country’s most accomplished sommelier each year. Trentodoc’s first-place performance in the CSWWC shows that this sparkling wine from the mountains continues to claim high international regard.

To learn more about Trentodoc: Sparkling Wine from the Mountains, visit http://www.trentodoc.com/en/.

About Trentodoc:
Founded in 1984, the Istituto Trentodoc promotes and safeguards the wines of Trentodoc, a denomination that now represents 53 sparkling wine producers from the Trentino region in northern Italy. Giulio Ferrari first began producing sparkling wine there in 1902 after visiting the Champagne region of France. The Trentodoc denomination was established in 1993 and is the first Italian DOC to produce only Classic Method sparkling wines. In 2007, the collective Trentodoc trademark was created, allowing the sparkling wines of Trentino designated as Trento D.O.C. to use it, thereby relaying the origin, connection with the territory, and excellence of Italy’s unique sparkling wine.

U.S. supermarket wines are catching up with European counterparts

September 16, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — U.S. supermarket wines, once considered to be poorly made and rarely worth drinking, scored a major success at the 2019 International Salute to Excellence awards for private label in Amsterdam, winning seven top honors in the category.

Getty images

The award-winning wines were:

From Costco: Kirkland Signature Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 (Bordeaux, $10), best quality; Kirkland Signature Asolo Prosecco NV (Italy, $10). best value.

From Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s organic Grower’s Reserve Merlot 2017 (California, $5), best quality; Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 (Russian River Valley, $15), best quality.

From Aldi US: Evanta Malbec 2017 (Argentina, $4), best value; Scarlet Path Zinfandel 2017 (Lodi, $8), best quality; Outlander Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Paso Robles, $9), best quality.

This is the best performance ever recorded for wines sold exclusively by U.S. supermarkets, more than doubling the number of 2018 winners. The showing demonstrates that U.S. private label wines continue to get closer to their European counterparts in terms of value and quality – especially among wines costing less than $15. This matters because wines that are sold exclusively by European supermarkets have long been considered among the best wine in the world at combining those two things.

“Don’t overlook private label store wines,” said Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntrye, one of 18 international judges who participated in the 2019 wine awards program. “These were good value, high quality bottlings. Some stores are doing a great job sourcing really good juice.”

Wines were judged in 25 categories by varietal, style, and appellation, and each category was judged for best quality and best value. The 18 men and women who judged the competition came from around the world, and included Masters of Wines, sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, wine educators, and retailers. They judged 350 wines from 40 retailers in 11 countries.

To see all results for the 2019 judging, visit www.plmasalute.com/wine-awards. The international Salute to Excellence Wine Awards are a competition sponsored by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, with offices in New York and Amsterdam. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 4,000 companies who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products in foods and beverages, as well as home and health products. PLMA sponsors two trade shows annually in Chicago and Amsterdam.

Lusso Della Terra Cellars Wins Top People’s Choice

September 12, 2019 by evebushman

Lusso Della Terra Cellars won first place in the People’s Choice Award at the 21st annual Winemakers’ Cookoff in Paso Robles on August 10. It was the winery’s first year participating in the Paso Robles Rotary sponsored event, which was held at the Paso Robles Event Center.

The owner and winemaker, Edward Cholakian, helped serve up Texas Beef Sliders alongside Cali Grill chefs, Marlynna and Adam Farleas. The sliders featured Texas beef, bacon, cheddar, onion straws, house-made barbecue sauce, on a toasted brioche bun, served with Cali Grill’s famous waffle fries, and was paired with Lusso Della Terra Cellars’ 2016 Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cholakian was proud to win the top award at the competition, which pits area winemakers in competition with each other, serving grilled masterpieces alongside their best wine in order to raise funds each year for local high school scholarships. “We were so thrilled to be apart of this amazing community event,” Cholakian said about participating. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing staff and the staff from Cali Grill. They all worked hard to make this event unforgettable.”

The winemaker said he was also grateful to the event coordinators, who helped make their first year worthwhile. “This is an unforgettable event, we hope to continue participating in the future,” he said.

Lusso Della Terra Cellars is a boutique winery located in the Paso Robles AVA. Their small lot, specialty wines win competitions across the country and please wine connoisseurs from around the world. Their winery is located in San Miguel’s rolling hills, and they provide a luxurious experience for visitors, a space for private events, and vineyard backdrops for small, intimate weddings. Lusso Della Terra also provides full service Custom Crush to a variety of clients, and they work with winemakers from around the world, large and small.

Edward Cholakian is a Paso Robles area winemaker and has been making wine locally for over 10 years. A graduate from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Edward began his wine industry career on the accounting side of winery operations after graduation. He worked for an inspirational Italian winemaking family in the Russian River Valley that showed him the true wine industry lifestyle; he inevitably fell in love and the rest is history. Cholakian went to UC Davis and received a degree in Enology and named his winery Lusso Della Terra, Italian for luxury of the land, to honor their family.

Cali Grill is a family owned and operated restaurant and has been part of the Central Coast Community for over 40 years. Their home style Cooking is fresh and delicious, and the restaurant’s atmosphere is perfect for a business lunch, or a family dinner.

For more information on Lusso Della Terra Cellars, visit https://ldtcellars.com/.

For more information on Cali Grill, visit http://www.caligrillpaso.com/.

Clavey Vineyard and Winery Wins Top Placements with Wine Enthusiast, Sunset International Wine Competition, and Monterey International Wine Competition

September 11, 2019 by evebushman

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (PRWEB) – Grass Valley-based boutique winery, Clavey Vineyards & Winery, has won top placements from three prestigious establishments: Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Sunset International Wine Competition, and Monterey International Wine Competition.

Wine Enthusiast (will appear in late summer issues)

2015 Syrah – 90 pts
2015 Sangiovese – 91 pts
2016 Rose – 89 pts
2015 Class III – 86 pts

Sunset International Wine Competition

2016 Sangiovese – Gold Award
2016 Syrah – Bronze Award

Monterey International Wine Competition

2015 Sangiovese – 92 pts
2015 Class III – 90 pts

This brings us to 13 awards to date for 2019, including recognition from the esteemed San Francisco Chronicles, West Coast Wine Competition, and the Jefferson Cup Invitational among others.

“My wife Summer and I are excited to bring our boutique winery on a national stage,” says Executive Winemaker Josh Orman. “We are very proud that our family-owned winery is furthering the Sierra Foothill appellation on the wine map. Our dream is to bring more delicious natural wine options to the public.”

From the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, Clavey Vineyards & Winery specializes in unfiltered and unfined wines that are Certified Vegan. With a growing portfolio of award-winning wines, Clavey’s eco-friendly wines are ideal for environmentally conscious wine consumers and those with dietary restrictions.

These wines are now available in several locations including our Tasting Room in Nevada City, the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, and online at http://www.claveywine.com.

For more about Clavey, please visit http://www.claveywine.com or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2016: A Trio to Taste From Paso’s Oso Libre

September 10, 2019 by evebushman

After regrettably missing out on a wine luncheon orchestrated by Cori Solomon of the #LAWineWriters Cori reached out to the winery and connected me so that I could review a few samples from home. The winery: Oso Libre in Paso Robles.

A Teaser

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains on the far western edge of Paso Robles’ acclaimed Adelaida district, Oso Libre Winery is fast gaining recognition for its rich, complex wines and for the unusual microclimate of the sustainably farmed vineyards that produce them. This small, family-owned estate lies just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, which is consistently cooler than the rest of Paso Robles and is proving ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone varieties and Primitivo.

Owners Chris and Linda Behr acquired the 90-acre property in 1996 when it was raw land and set about developing it into a sustainable working cattle ranch and vineyard. After more than 10 years of getting to know the region, understanding the property’s unique microclimates and learning how to grow grape vines and make wine, the couple was ready to embark on their next phase—a winery. Their son Jeff Freeland and his wife Elizabeth, with their twin daughters, moved north from Los Angeles in 2007 and two years later the family winery opened for business. (‘Oso Libre’ is Spanish for ‘free bear,’ a combination of their last names and a nod to Linda’s Hispanic heritage.)

Tasting – Aromas and flavors divided by ;

2012 Nativo (100% Estate Primitivo)

Dark browned plum in color. Spiced red apple, plums, dark cherry, mushroom, earth and dark cocoa; bright red fruit, cracked black pepper, dry and good tannins. 90 Eve pts.

2012 Carnal (Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah)

Blackberry in color. Smokey blue to black fruit including blueberry, blackberry, black plum, cigar, grilled mushrooms, grilled meat, spice rack; same dark and robust fruit, dust, black pepper, firm balanced tannins. Want another bottle. 92 Eve pts.

2012 Vino d’Oro (Chardonnay)

The color of pale yellow hay. Oak, Meyer lemon, cantaloupe melon unsalted butter; viscous, both cream and tang from the oak, lemon with a long finish. 89 Eve pts.

Visiting Oso Libre

With its distinctive Central Coast location, award-winning wines and picturesque working ranch and vineyards, a visit to Oso Libre Winery offers guests much more than wine. Just off Highway 46 towards Hearst Castle, the mountain setting boasts outdoor patio seating just steps from the vines. The SIP-certified (Sustainability in Progress) estate is powered by solar panels and a wind machine, and Oso Libre practices sustainability in all areas of the business. A spacious and welcoming tasting room is open every day except Tuesdays, and visitors are encouraged to take their time tasting and learning about Oso Libre’s limited production wines. An impressive display of 54 bottles on the tasting room wall, one from each of their neighboring wineries, emphasizes the close ties Oso Libre has to its fellow vintners and the community spirit they all enjoy. The winery is dog and kid-friendly and families can view the “working partners” grazing in the pastoral, mountainous ranch setting. Wine club members are treated to the locally raised dry-aged beef at member gatherings and special events at the winery.

Oso Libre’s wines not only offer a sense of terroir of this coveted Central Coast region, they also embody the winery’s blended beliefs of commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and charity. Oso Libre prides itself in creating a sustainable and healthy ecosystem for every component of its working ranch.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

The New York Wine and Grape Foundation Announces Winners of the 2019 New York Wine Classic

September 9, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has announced the winners of the 34th Annual New York Wine Classic. The New York Wine Classic took place on August 5^th – 7^th in Watkins Glen, NY and included entries from 113 wineries from across the state. Six Mile Creek Vineyard from the Finger Lakes region took home the most prestigious award of the competition, The Governor’s Cup, with their 2016 Cabernet Franc. Additionally, the esteemed “Winery of the Year” award was presented to Wagner Vineyards of the Finger Lakes region. The Specialty Wine Champion award, reserved for wines made of fruit or meads, was given to Johnson Estate Winery for their Passionate Peach fruit wine.

The Governor’s Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the “Best of Show” or top prize in the New York Wine Classic. The “Winery of the Year” award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries. The Governor’s Cup and Winery of the Year winners will be presented with their awards at a special event later this summer.

Known as “The Oscars®” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. This year the competition included 883 New York Wines from across the state. A total of 31 Double Gold, 56 Gold, 278 Silver, and 320 Bronze medals were awarded by a panel of more than 20 expert judges consisting of influential wine writers, wine educators, retailers, restaurateurs and experts from around the state and globe.

“The New York Wine Classic is one of our largest annual events honoring the best of New York Wines. We are thrilled with the turnout this year. The Classic and our annual NY Drinks NY events continue to help New York shine as a truly exciting and innovative wine region,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

Regional events and wine dinners hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation will run throughout 2019. Event details will be listed on www.newyorkwines.org this summer.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation is also proud to announce the following “Best of Category” winners:

Best Sparkling Wine
Harbes Vineyard, Blanc de Blancs

Best White Wine
Wagner Vineyards, 2017 Dry Riesling, Estate Grown

Best Rosé Wine
Coffee Pot Cellars, 2018 Rosé

Best Red Wine
Six Mile Creek Vineyard, 2016 Cabernet Franc

Best Dessert Wine
Vineyard View Winery, 2017 Ice Wine

Click here to view the full list of winners from the New York Wine Classic including complete “Best of Class” awards, given to Double Gold or Gold medal wines in classes of at least seven wines.

About The New York Wine Classic
The New York Wine Classic was created and is annually hosted by The New York Wine & Grape Foundation. Open to all New York State wineries, categories include vinifera wines like Riesling and Cabernet Franc, and hybrid wines like Traminette and Maréchal Foch. The contest also includes categories for wines made from labrusca grapes, other fruits, and honey.

About The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF)
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation promotes the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from the state’s diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. Learn more at www.newyorkwines.org.

Buzz Pop Cocktails Wins Gold Medal

August 29, 2019 by evebushman

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (PRWEB) – More than 30 spirit industry leaders and upwards of 500 spirits brands participated in the inaugural PR%F Awards and PR%F Awards Design Distinction during a two-day blind-tasting point-rating competition in Las Vegas June 16-18, 2019.

Our brand Buzz Pop Cocktails was awarded a GOLD medal by achieving an overall 90 out of 100 points, at the 2019 PR%F Awards, a spirits competition designed to crown the leading spirits with accolades, recognition and an entryway into the marketplace. The event was held at Tivoli Village in Las Vegas.

The awards competition was open to spirits brands, domestic and international, with nearly 100 categories to enter. All entries were rated on a proprietary 100-point system crowning medals to those who scored 70 points or above. (Bronze: 70 – 79 (Daily Drinker); Silver: 80-89 (Praise); Gold: 90-95 (Highly Recommended); Double Gold: 96-99 (Superlative) and Century Award: 100 Points-A Perfect Score (Highest Honor, Unparalleled, Peerless.)

“It was a remarkable two days of introducing new spirits brands to buyers and collectively discussing the current trends of the beverage industry with the most talented minds in the industry,” said Michele D. Tell, Executive Director of the PR%F Awards. “We are honored to have crowned so many brands with medals and accolades, and to honor the top five rated as ‘perfect’ with a Century Award,” she said. “We look forward to continuing our PR%F Awards program in the Summer of 2020.”

The idea behind the PR%F Awards was to create an avenue to introduce spirits brands to key decision makers in the liquor industry, and therefore, all PR%F judges were mainstream liquor buyers, distributors, and industry leaders with buying decision capability. Our judges hailed from 11 different states and hospitality arenas – Delta Sky Clubs/Delta Airlines, Young’s Market Company, The Sugar Factory, Hard Rock International, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Spec’s, Breakthru Beverage Group, Good Spirits Distribution, BevStrat, Inc., Liquid Distributors-GA, Burke Distribution, RLED, LLC, Caesars Palace, Boyd Gaming, Sheraton, ARK 1521, The Strat Casino Hotel & Tower, Downtown Project-DTP, Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmine’s Italian, Virgil’s BBQ), Giordano’s Pizza-Corporate and Marque Media.

“The beverage industry is ever-changing and we saw those trends firsthand with the amount of flavored whiskeys, ready-serve cocktails, gins and organic/kosher and health-based products that entered the PR%F Awards 2019,” said Michael S. Politz, publisher of Food and Beverage Magazine, title sponsor of the PR%F Awards. “I was especially pleased to see how many women-owned brands entered this year. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the beverage industry,” he said.

Buzz Pop Cocktails is proud to be the world’s only all-natural Adult Push-Pop focusing on being Vegan, Gluten free, fat free and certified Kosher.

“It is an honor and we are very humbled to take home the gold for our #1 flavor Buzz Pop,” said Joseph Isaacs, founder & CEO of Buzz Pop Cocktails. “This is the 2nd award this month. Earlier we were rated #1 alcoholic popsicle by the Huffington Post,” he adds.

About Buzz Pop Cocktails
Beginning its journey in March 2016 and re-launching in Tampa, Florida in September 2018, Buzz Pop Cocktails is the only ready-to-serve, all natural 100% fruit, authentic Italian sorbet with top shelf liquors. Buzz Pops only serves their customers a high-quality, all-natural frozen specialty sorbet. It’s an “Indulgent premium cocktail with a healthy twist” delivered in an old-fashioned, see through push pop. Buzz Pops are not sold in liquor stores but instead through a food service model which includes such iconic customer brands such as Caesar’s Entertainment, Aramark, Levy Restaurants, TAO Group, Waldorf Astoria, 4 Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Marriot and Disney Springs. Buzz Pops are also available in convention centers, sporting arenas, corporate events and event planners. http://www.buzzpopcocktails.com

About The PR%F Awards and PR%F Design Distinctions
The PR%F Awards is the premiere spirits awards program and PR%F Awards Design Distinctions is headquartered at 3900 Hualapai Avenue, Las Vegas, Nev. 89123. The competition will be held annually. http://www.proofawards.com

ROY CHOI AND MADELYN ALFANO TO RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE WESTERN FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY EXPO

August 19, 2019 by evebushman

LOS ANGELES, CA – The 2019 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will present their annual Torch and Beacon Awards to two inspirational leaders in the industry on Center Stage during this large West Coast gathering for the food and beverage industry. The Beacon Award, recognizing an outstanding woman leader, will be presented to Madelyn Alfano, President & CEO of Maria’s Italian Kitchen. The Torch Award, honoring an outstanding chef and/or restaurateur will be presented to Roy Choi, co-founder of Kogi Korean BBQ and award winning New York Times Bestseller. The awards will be presented during the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Sunday, August 25 through Tuesday, August 27, 2019. For more information about the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and details on the awards, visit www.westernfoodexpo.com.

“Congratulations to Roy and Madelyn for all they have achieved throughout their careers to bring them the recognition they deserve through these distinguished awards. We look forward to presenting this year’s Torch and Beacon Awards on Sunday and Monday afternoon on Center Stage,” said Tom Loughran, Vice President of the Clarion UX Food & Beverage Group. “Roy and Madelyn are both an inspiration to the culinary industry and join a distinguished dossier of other chefs and restaurant leaders who have a received both of these awards over the past five years including Danny Meyer, Geoffrey Zakarian, Curtis Stone, and others.”

The Torch Award, which symbolizes Illumination, Energy, Joy, Victory, Enlightenment, Hope and Education will be presented to Roy Choi on Sunday, August 25 at 3:30 pm on Center Stage by The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and The California Restaurant Association. This prestigious award was created to honor outstanding chefs and/or restaurateurs who embody all those qualities and characteristics. Roy was chosen for his outstanding knowledge and leadership; philanthropic and community efforts; extraordinary talent and creativity; and his innovation and inspiration.

In 2008, Roy Choi and a crew of friends & family started what would be the beginning of the intersection between food, technology, culture, entrepreneurship, and long lines. That comet was called Kogi BBQ and it made a splash on the streets of LA, being the first to use Twitter and usher in a whole new generation of eaters and followers to what would be called America’s first viral restaurant by Newsweek. Roy was named Food & Wine Best New Chef 2010, TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World 2016, LA Times Restaurant of the Year 2017, and has an award winning New York Times Bestseller memoir called, L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food.

Roy resides in Los Angeles where he oversees Kogi BBQ, Chego!, A-Frame, Alibi Room, LocoL, and his first restaurant outside California called Best Friend at Park MGM, Las Vegas. Roy is co-producer on the movie Chef and executive producer/co-host on the subsequent, The Chef Show on Netflix. He is also executive producer and host of the socially conscious television show Broken Bread on KCET and Tastemade and is a highly recognized speaker at events and panels worldwide. For more info on previous Torch Award Winners, visit https://www.westernfoodexpo.com/torch-award-recipients.

The Beacon Award, which symbolizes a person that illuminates or inspires will be presented on Monday, August 26 at 3:30 pm to Madelyn Alfano on behalf of The Foodservice Council for Women and The Clarion UX Food and Beverage Group. Madelyn Alfano, President & CEO, Maria’s Italian Kitchen is one of California’s most successful restaurant owners who has truly served as a Beacon for the industry through her leadership, contributions, and inspiration.

In l985, she opened her first Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Sherman Oaks, Calif. With headquarters in Los Angeles and more than 500 employees, Maria’s Italian Kitchen is among the leading privately owned restaurant groups in the state. Today, there are 10 Maria’s Italian Kitchens, including the newest location in Oxnard. With every community Madelyn joins, she offers healthy, quality food with hospitable service in a casual yet elegant and friendly atmosphere.

In addition, she is an active professional, serving as a board member of both the Statewide California Restaurant Association and past president of its Los Angeles Chapter. She is past President of the Los Angeles Board of the National Association of Women Business Owners. A member of YPO since 2002 and recently elected as the International Network Food and Beverage chair, she is currently a panelist and member of the CNBC Small Business Council and sits on the Board of Advisors for the UCLA Anderson Business School Price center for Entrepreneurs.

Following the award presentation, Madelyn Alfano will sit as a panelist on the Foodservice Council for Women. For more information about the Beacon Award, and past recipients, visit https://www.westernfoodexpo.com/Beacon-Award.

The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, sponsored by the California Restaurant Association (www.calrest.org), will provide industry professionals access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, a renowned education program, several culinary demonstrations, and 450+ of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community. For more information, visit www.westernfoodexpo.com

The trade show and conference will be co-located with Healthy Food Expo West, bringing attendees access to the latest healthy products from organic, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-safe to hormone-free, non-GMO, plant-based, low-sodium, low-fat, and Coffee Fest, the business-to-business specialty coffee & tea destination for access to new products, education and trends.

The three trade shows are owned and managed by Clarion UX (www.clarionux.com), which produces 37 events across 13 sectors of both trade and consumer events. Clarion UX, which is the U.S. division of Clarion Events, UK, and backed by The Blackstone Group has become one of the fastest growing event companies in the U.S. with aggressive growth through both acquisition and launch. Clarion acquired PennWell in early 2018, bringing 4 Tradeshow 200 events into the U.S. portfolio and super-charging the already rapid growth. Clarion UX has offices in Trumbull, CT; Kennesaw, GA; Boca Raton, FL; Tacoma, WA, and Fairlawn, NJ.

2019 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards Announced

August 3, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, CA – The San Luis Obispo County wine industry annually comes together to honor members of the local wine community. These awards recognize dedication, stewardship, innovation and leadership demonstrated in the San Luis Obispo County wine community. The 2019 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Awards go to – Winegrape Grower of the Year, Paul Hoover, Still Waters Vineyards; Winemaker of the Year, Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards; and Wine Industry Person of the Year (posthumously), Scott Welcher, Opolo Vineyards.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Wine Country Association, the Independent Grape Growers of the Paso Robles Area, The Vineyard Team, and past award recipients worked together to identify the 2019 winners. The honorees are evaluated on their leadership and accomplishments in California’s third largest wine region, San Luis Obispo County.

“Each year the San Luis Obispo County wine community looks forward to the Mid-State Fair as a time we can recognize the leadership, hard work, and dedication of those who have helped bring worldwide recognition for our region’s wines,” said Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. “We are excited to celebrate these passionate individuals with their friends, family, and colleagues, and honor the mark they’ve left on our wine community with their quest for quality in the vineyard and winery.”

The San Luis Obispo County Wine Community celebrated this year’s award winners at a special event on July 19 at the California Mid-State Fair within the Mission Square.

Links to bios:

Winegrape Grower of the Year – Paul Hoover, Still Waters Vineyards

Winemaker of the Year — Justin Smith, Saxum Vineyards

Wine Industry Person of the Year (posthumously) – Scott Welcher, Opolo Vineyards

ABOUT PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY ALLIANCE
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California’s third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. Social – #pasowine, @pasorobleswine (Twitter and Facebook), @Pasowine (Instagram)