Perlis Picks The Spinster Sisters and The Astro

February 16, 2019 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Santa Rosa in Sonoma County is very diverse. There are many high end hotels and restaurants if you are looking for that but there are other options as well.

In what is known as the SOFA arts district are two places you should know about. The area is known as SOFA because it is South of A Street and actually has an annual sofa parade during its Winterblast street festival.

Acclaimed Chef Liza Hinman took a big chance when she opened The Spinster Sisters restaurant in 2012 in the under-served SOFA area. But the risk has clearly paid off with the restaurant’s popularity and accolades, most recently being awarded Best Restaurant in 2017 by the North Bay Bohemian. Being lauded by others as well (such as Michelin, SF Weekly, Eater and Wine Enthusiast) are just additional examples of the kudos they have received, serving Liza’s continually evolving menu featuring local products.

Truly, upon entering this restaurant, you know immediately that you wish it was in your neighborhood. A lot of adventurously prepared small plates (like smoked trout dip, pork belly sliders, steamed mussel mouclade, among many others) were keeping a large crowd in a family atmosphere very happy. The very fairly priced wine list is intriguing as well, with a nice selection of local wines combined with other California and international choices. The by-the-glass list includes some wines on tap, which adds to the fun. Oh, and they are open for breakfast and lunch too. Check out their website for more info on the menus and wine selections.

Liza’s continuing commitment to the area’s development is evident in her recent acquisition and remodeling (along with her partners from The Spinster Sisters) of The Astro Motel, which is walking distance from the restaurant. Admittedly, this was another risk on her part, as the property had long been considered a blight to the area. But Liza and her team have transformed the Astro.

The Astro has 34 rooms, of which two are Doubles and two are King Suites. The rest have Queen size beds in them. Built in the early 60s, it used to look like a pretty standard “motor hotel” with rooms in a U-shaped layout with a parking lot in the middle. That parking lot is mostly gone, replaced by landscaping and an edible garden. A short walk to offsite parking picks up the overflow. Each room has its own colorful and eclectic furnishings designed by local artists and craftspeople. And all these mid-century original items are for sale.

The Astro actually opened earlier than planned, as FEMA approval granted after the fires in late 2017 for them to house displaced survivors at no cost to them, again just showing commitment to the area.

The downstairs lounge area currently serves breakfast with coffee from Flying Goat and pastries from Criminal Bakery. The lounge is a roomy place to wind down and use the free WiFi to go through emails at the end of a day of sightseeing. The plan is to expand the offerings to include wine tasting from local producers.

The Astro is a fun place to stay. There are plenty of things to do in the area as well. One of the investors is Giro d’Italia champion Andy Hampsten and the motel rents Shinola Bikes to its guests. Also, per the website: “It’s the only place in Sonoma County where, within a five-minute walk, travelers can gaze at contemporary art or used cars, see an avant-garde theater ensemble or a team of bocce players, get a tattoo or a tintype portrait, and a taste of the some of the finest wine, beer and produce in Northern California.” Besides, you’re right in the middle of Sonoma County.

It wouldn’t be right to close this article without a big thank you to The Astro General Manager Lisa Robbins and her staff. They are a gracious group and went out of their way to take excellent care of us.

The Spinster Sisters

401 S A St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

The Astro

323 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

https://theastro.com/

http://thespinstersisters.com/

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com

Spain’s Greatest Destination Winery? Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Part One

February 15, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Try to imagine: an award-winning winery, hotel and restaurant – all built into a restored 12^th century abbey in Spain. A small group of wine writers were tasked with that very thing a couple of weeks ago. And between a stellar wine and food pairing luncheon with Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine GM Enrique Valero Quintana and Tesse restaurant partner Jordan Ogron, it was accomplished, and then some. Let me give you Part One of your taste now:

Enrique Valero-Abadía Retuerta CEO – Chapter room

With just a slice of a view of Sunset Blvd., surrounded by rows and rows of bottles of fine wine, ornate decanters, a tantalizing menu and centered on a dining table set with multiple wine glasses, we had the perfect backdrop at Tesse.

As we took our seats Quintana started to tell us about the unique abbey turned destination winery in the Duero Valley, and we quickly learned why the property deserved attention:

Award winning winery.
Spain’s leading hotel.
Michelin-star Restaurant.
Restored Medieval Abbey, built 1146.
1730 acres.
All surrounded by streams, woods and wildlife.
Wines have scored in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for three consecutive years.
210 hectares under vine, 70% of which is Tempranillo, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
LeDomaine’s score in the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards was 99.52, ranking it #1 on the list of the Top Hotels in Spain and Portugal – and #2 in Europe. This was a five star hotel.
Quintana said that the location by the River Duero “gives us a unique soil and climate” and “the human factor” adds to the allure.
This is the “rebirth of a historical vineyard” as wines were produced on the estate centuries ago.
The “building is something unique” in Spain.
Their “Spa Sommelier” recommends a wine that depends on the treatments you decide to have. And this is the first in the world.
Their purple “wine salt” is an “old formula” that was discovered when a ship traveled from Britain to Spain, carrying both wine and salt which were “accidentally blended.”
When we sampled the wines we would “feel the soul of what happened there for nine centuries.”
All rooms face the vineyards.
They “restored what they inherited.”
In 2014 the Queen of Spain gave them the best restoration award.
“We blend the natural environment, the historic (building) with the human factor…the people that work here and (treat) clients as guests.” These employees are the “apostles of the project.”

Shall we visit? Only two hours from Madrid…here’s a short You Tube video to complete your virtual tour and here are the photos from our luncheon.

For my review of the wines and the luncheon please return to this website on 2/22.

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel, Winery, Refectorio and Santuario Spa

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine opened as a luxury hotel in 2012 after an award-winning restoration of the ancient abbey. Located in Sardón de Duero, the wine country north of Madrid, it is widely acclaimed as the finest luxury hotel in Spain.

Abadía Retuerta Winery boasts 54 vine plots each with very distinct characteristics, each analyzed, controlled, worked, vinified and tasted separately. Each terroir is planted with a single varietal or grape variety, either Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot or Petit Verdot. It is among the most advanced wineries in Europe combining ancient wine-making traditions with cutting-edge technology.

Refectorio is a sanctuary of haute cuisine, located in the abbey’s original refectory where the monks ate their meals, boasting One Michelin Star. Executive Chef Marc Segarra’s delectable dishes are served under a vaulted Gothic ceiling and a 17th-century fresco of The Last Supper.

The nurturing and innovative sanctuary of holistic healing and wellness features 10,000-sq.-ft. of ultra-luxurious facilities, a ground-breaking “fusion wine” oenotherapy spa concept based on a blind tasting of wines, a signature treatment menu, Spain’s first ‘Spa Sommeliers’ who guide guests on their wellness journey, and the highest level of individualization and guest service including Spa Butlers who welcome guests and assist at every step of their spa experience.

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

www.ledomaine.es

reservations@ledomaine.es

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

From a Wine Student and Wine Writer: So Long to Piero Selvaggio and Valentino

January 18, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

By the time this article runs Valentino Santa Monica will have shuttered after over 40 years in the same location. The cellar, a Wine Spectator Award winner for many decades, will have been completely depleted via sales and/or being moved to a new restaurant in Newport Beach. The longtime owner, Piero Selvaggio, will have moved out too, soon to be found in Newport Beach with his wine and new restaurant, Louie’s by the Bay. (Read more about the move here in this August 2018 article in the LA Times.)

Piero lecturing at the Skirball

While people knew the restaurant for the wine, cuisine, location, Piero and his staff – I knew it for at least two completely different things. Over the years I was able to attend at least three classes that Piero lent his expertise to and enjoyed a few special occasion press dinners as well. Every one left its mark on me.

The most recent class I attended with Piero was a presentation by Planeta Winery focusing on the Nero d’Avola grape that is cultivated in Sicily. Piero shared his own experience growing up in Sicily before coming to the states and entering the restaurant business. After the class I was lucky enough to sit beside him for lunch. When the waiter brought over a plain green salad with nothing but a yummy dressing I took to the cheese and charcuterie that had also been served and “dressed up” my salad a bit more. Piero, watching me a bit, asked for the tray of goodies so he could do the same. I was tickled.

A few years earlier I had attended a lecture via Tasting Panel Magazine where Piero was part of a panel discussion and presentation at the Skirball on the wines of Calabria. Once again I was amazed by the amount of knowledge this restaurateur had under his belt and vowed to never underestimate the amount of knowledge, and sweat, that goes into running a restaurant for so many years.

The very last meeting I attended where Piero hosted was at Valentino and discussed the sticky wicket of the how and why of corkage policies. As I listened to somms and restaurant owners lament the demise of their business due to corkage policies that were demanded by customers, I was charmed by Piero who never once criticized a guest. A real gentleman.

There were also a few press dinners I attended courtesy of Piero. We were “guests of the Briziarelli estate” for the multi-course dinner, which was fabulous. LOTS of photos in this link. I remember a slight lull in the evening and I was able to get Piero to take a few minutes to show me his famed wine cellar. Hall after hall, room after room, up a staircase to a larger room, and finally opening up into the private cellar dining room. I had literally died and gone to wine writer heaven that night.

Another dinner heralded in the latest Brunello di Montalcino 2010 vintage, again in a multi course menu, only to be interrupted…by the blare of a horn? It was famous Italian butcher Dario Cecchini from Panzano, Chianti! And why Valentino for this special dinner? “Valentino was ONE of only 26 restaurants to toast the Brunello 2010 as only 26 were awarded the Leccio d’Oro prize; the restaurant was also one of the first to receive this prestigious award in 1995 – and the first outside of Italy.” Part one on this story is linked above, this is the link for Part two.

The most memorable dinner for me had to be the Prosciutto di Parma event. A group of press were invited into that private cellar dining room, after appetizers on the second story patio and then after a demonstration and lesson with Francesco Lupo we sat and enjoyed dish after dish created by Chef Nico Chessa. My mouth waters to this day when I reminisce about that dinner.

Okay, only now, after having written all this out, I can say goodbye to Valentino and all that Piero gave to us. I will be forever grateful for his gracious press invitations and the wealth of education I gained from it all. Can you say the same about any restaurateur you have known?

Food Blogger Shares 10 Best Practices for Following a Recipe

January 17, 2019 by evebushman Leave a Comment

PHOENIX (PRWEB) – In theory, recipes are supposed to be simple and straightforward ways to turn raw ingredients into delicious dishes. Unfortunately, many cooks — especially folks who are new to the culinary arts — discover that there is much more to recipes that meets the eye, because instead of something delectable they wind up with something disappointing; or in some cases, disastrous.

The good news is that award-winning food blog GiangisKitchen.com has just published an easy-to-read article with 10 best practices for following a recipe. Just some of the practical wisdom courtesy of Giangi Townsend, food maven and founder of the globally-popular blog, includes:

Before starting any recipe, read it twice from beginning to end.
Understand that cooking times are soft suggestions, not hard rules.
Head to YouTube to learn how to dice, chop and julienne like a pro.
Understand the different ways to measure liquids vs. solids.

In addition to these and several other best practices, the article also provides advice on replacing ingredients without ruining recipes, such as swapping breadcrumbs with panko, white pepper with black pepper, and more.

There is also a bonus tip on presentation that can make all the difference between a meal that is worthy of remembering fondly, and one that is destined to be quickly forgotten. Writes Giangi: “Remember to serve your dishes in beautiful plates! Personally, I really like white plates as makes the food stand out more…Portion and shape are also important. After all, we don’t just eat with our mouth and stomach — we also eat with our eyes. A fantastic presentation is much more inviting.”

The full article is available on the GiangisKitchen.com blog at: https://www.giangiskitchen.com/10-best-practices-for-following-a-recipe. Access is free, and no sign-up is required. The recently re-designed website also features original recipes, money-saving offers and coupons, and is optimized for all screens including tablets and smartphones.

For additional information on GiangisKitchen.com, including advertising, marketing and media inquiries, email giangi(at)giangiskitchen(dot)com or visit http://www.giangiskitchen.com.

Facebook users can also follow Giangi’s Kitchen by visiting https://www.facebook.com/giangiskitchen.

About GiangisKitchen.com

GiangisKitchen.com is a popular blog that features simple, delicious, elegant and nutritious recipes, which are primarily geared towards working moms, dads, grandparents, and everyone else with a desire to prepare a great evening meal for their family in just 30-45 minutes.

Unique Wine Blend To Salute the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

December 24, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, the lifestyle brand centered around wine and food, focused on creating memorable moments that enrich lives, has expanded its role as the Official Wine of the Screen Actors Guild Awards® to salute the 25th Annual SAG Awards.

At the heart of the Cooper’s Hawk’s celebration is a wine named the “Artist’s Red Blend” developed under the supervision of Cooper’s Hawk CEO/Founder Tim McEnery and Winemaker Rob Warren to salute the SAG Awards’ Silver Anniversary. This limited-edition wine, which bears a commemorative label, will be served during the Awards ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. This event will be simulcast live at 8 p.m. (ET) on TNT and TBS.

Cooper’s Hawk’s “Artist’s Red Blend” will also be the Official Wine being served at the Post-Awards Gala that same evening. In addition, Cooper’s Hawk will be offering this exclusive wine in its restaurants during live viewing parties on Jan. 27, and it will be available to the nearly 350,000 members of the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club as January’s wine of the month.

“The Cooper’s Hawk wine club and SAG-AFTRA members are large communities who share similar characteristics – artistry, passion and dedication,” said Tim McEnery, Founder and CEO of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants. “We are honored to be part of such an extraordinary occasion and to celebrate the outstanding representatives of the acting community.”

This marks the second in a multi-year partnership between Cooper’s Hawk and the SAG Awards. The critically acclaimed winery also returned for its second year as a partner of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Patron of the Artists Awards, held on Nov. 8, and provided wine for the receptions.

“I truly enjoyed my visit the Cooper’s Hawk winery in Illinois to watch the Artist’s Red Blend being bottled and labeled,” said Kathy Connell, SAG Awards Executive Producer. “I am appreciative that it both celebrates the SAG Awards’ Silver Anniversary and honors the excellence of actors’ performances.”

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants will provide exclusive taste experiences throughout the evening of the SAG Awards. Honorees, presenters, industry notables and members of SAG-AFTRA at the SAG Awards ceremony and Post-Awards Gala will be served Cooper’s Hawk Artist’s Blend. The individual components of this deep red blend come together in a synergistic way; much like the characters in a movie, to form something that is more than the sum of its parts. The nose is loaded with aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, and baking spices. It is full-bodied with firm, well-rounded tannins and an exceptionally long finish.

Cooper’s Hawk wines have earned more than 500 awards, including Best of Show at the prestigious 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. In addition to its winery, the company operates 34 restaurants/tasting rooms and the country’s largest members-only Wine Club.

About Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Founded in 2005 by CEO Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is built upon the passionate belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections. Cooper’s Hawk is a lifestyle brand centered around wine and food and focused on enriching lives. The concept is a fusion of familiar elements – winery, modern casual restaurant, Napa-style tasting room and artisanal retail market – that has combined to create an entirely new hospitality experience.

Connect with Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Hashtag: #sagawards
Website: chwinery.com
Instagram: @CHWinery
Twitter: @CHWinery
Facebook.com: /coopershawk

About the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®
The 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC will be produced by Avalon Harbor Entertainment, Inc. and nationally simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 at 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT). Nominations will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018.

One of the awards season’s premier events, the SAG Awards® annually celebrates the outstanding motion pictures and television performances from the previous calendar year. Of the top industry honors presented to actors, only the SAG Awards are selected entirely by performers’ more than 160,000 peers in SAG-AFTRA. The SAG Awards was the first televised awards show to acknowledge the work of union members and the first to present awards to motion picture casts and television ensembles. For more information about the SAG Awards®, SAG-AFTRA, TNT and TBS, visit sagawards.org/about.

Connect with the SAG Awards®
Hashtag: #sagawards
Website: http://www.sagawards.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sagawardsofficialpage/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sagawards/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sagawards/

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout Wins Gold at Tastings.com World Beer Championships

December 6, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

FORT BRAGG, Calif. (PRWEB) – North Coast Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery producing exceptional, high-quality beers, is excited to announce that its Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout has been awarded a gold medal at the Tastings.com World Beer Championships.

Tastings.com judges described Old Rasputin as “a craveable hoppy imperial stout that is superbly balanced,” rewarding it with a ranking of 94 points and a gold medal at the Tastings.com World Beer Championships.

Internationally recognized, the Tastings.com World Beer Championships is America’s oldest annual international beer competition, dating back to 1994. The World Beer Championships reviews a different beer category each month, using feedback provided from an exceptional panel of judges with expertise in categories such as beer retail, production, distribution and taste. Beers are blind tasted and judged on a 100-point scale, providing the highest level of control to guarantee beer fans with top quality reviews.

“North Coast Brewing Company is thrilled that our Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout received a 94-point score from the Tastings.com World Beer Championships,” said North Coast Brewing Company Brewmaster, Chuck Martins. “Old Rasputin is a fan favorite and it’s an honor to be recognized with one of the highest ranking scores.”

Rooted in history, Old Rasputin is one of North Coast Brewing’s most famous brews, nationally recognized within the craft beer industry. Featuring a remarkable mix of rich flavor elements and a warming finish, Old Rasputin is a timeless take on an imperial stout.

Old Rasputin is an internationally distributed beer and can be found locally using North Coast Brewing Company’s beer locator.

About North Coast Brewing Company:
Founded in 1988, North Coast Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery producing exceptional, award-winning beers in Fort Bragg, CA. North Coast Brewing crafts a wide range of beers, including barrel-aged ales and popular seasonal offerings, including a Berliner Weisse series, to 48 U.S. states and internationally. A pioneer in the brewing community, North Coast Brewing Company is focused on sustainability and is a Certified B Corporation, California Benefit Corporation and Best for the World 2018 Changemaker honoree. For more information on North Coast Brewing, please visit: https://northcoastbrewing.com/.

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. Introduces 3-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

December 5, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (PRWEB) – Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. is pleased to announce the release of their 3-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Available on the market in early 2019 and ranked fourth in Fred Minnick’s Best American Whiskey Rankings for 2018, the 3-year-old continues the Taylor family legacy of craftsmanship. This release follows the successful re-introduction of award-winning Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey which, in November 2017, was named No. 15 Best Whiskey in the World by Whisky Advocate.

“Peerless Rye Whiskey continues to become more complex as we add age,” said Cordell Lawrence, Director of Global Marketing & Strategy. “We want to reinforce that although we’ve only been barreling since 2015, we have carefully crafted an independent path that is here to stay. We don’t source and we don’t cut corners.”

The 3-year-old exemplifies rare notes and characteristics that make this expression stand apart and cement the Peerless identity as an artisan distillery centered on uncompromising quality and innovation. Peerless spirits are crafted using strictly sweet mash, never chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof so our patrons experience a genuine, robust Kentucky whiskey.

The 3-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey will be available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $125.00.

Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey can be tasted and purchased at the Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co. located on 120 N 10th St. in downtown Louisville. The distillery is open to the public on Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm (Thursdays and Fridays until 7pm).

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About Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
The Peerless family’s very first bourbon went into a barrel in 1889. They have since revived the craft in their own state-of-the-art distillery in the Bourbon District of Louisville. The Peerless family believes that patience builds character and fine bourbon can never be rushed. All under one roof, the select Kentucky Peerless grains are milled, cooked, fermented, double-distilled and barreled as bourbon and rye. Peerless Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was named the No. 15 Best Whiskey in the World by Whisky Advocate in November 2017.
For more information, visit kentuckypeerless.com.

New York dominates the global scene in the 2018 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards

November 28, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

New York City sweeps a total of 50 three-star awards in the 2018 World’s Best Wine Lists Awards, with establishments including: Bar Boulud, Morrell Wine Bar & Café, Terroir and The NoMad Hotel receiving the honors in addition to having already been awarded, respectively: Best Short Wine List in the World; Best By-the Glass Wine List With Coravin^® in the World; Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin^® in the World; Best Spirits List in the World during the ceremony which took place at Vintners’ Hall on September 11^th 2018. Other New York based three-star winners included: The Modern, Tribeca Grill, Restaurant Marc Forgione, Momofuku Ssäm Bar, The Lambs Club, Ai Fiori and Restaurant DANIEL.

Photo: The World of Fine Wines on Facebook.

London is second, picking up a total of 44 three-star awards for establishments including: 28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen, Maddox Street (also winner of Best Micro Wine List in the World) and La Dame de Pic (also winner of Best Medium Size Wine List in the World); Hélène Darroze at The Connaught; 67 Pall Mall; Sager + Wilde, Paradise Row; Sketch (also winner of Best Spirits List in Europe) and HIDE (also winner of Best By-the-Glass Wine List Without Coravin^®in Europe). In the UK capital, other three-star honors recipients included: Seven Park Place by William Drabble, Bubbledogs, Château Latour at Ten Trinity Square, Hakkasan Hanway Place and MASH London.

Other global recipients of the prestigious three-star honors include among others: The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TE (also winning Wine List of the Year 2018 and Champions’ League World’s Best Wine List 2018); Pilu at Freshwater, Sydney, AU (also winning Best Regional Wine List in the World 2018); Pix Pâtisserie, Portland, OR (also winner of Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List in the World 2018); Bern’s Steak House, Tampa, FL (also winning Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List in the World 2018); Nº5 Wine Bar, Toulouse, FR (winner of the Best Wine Bar List in the World 2018); Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient Hotel, Pretoria SA (also winner of Best Hotel Wine List in the World 2018); The World Residence at Sea (also winner of the Best Cruise Ship Wine List in the World 2018).

Numerous restaurants around the globe received jury prize recognitions, including: Ai Fiori, New York; The Lambs Club, New York; The Modern, New York; Masani Italian Dining & Terrace, Carlton, Australia; Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney; The Cut Bar & Grill Sydney; Vue de Monde, Melbourne; Geranium, Copenhagen; The NoMad Hotel, Los Angeles; Tartine Manufactory, San Francisco; Petrus Restaurant at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong; Pampa Roja, Argentina; La Gaffe, Saint-Florent, France; and TENSHINO at Pullman Bangkok King Power.

In its fifth anniversary year, the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards’ prestigious judging panel – chaired by Neil Beckett, Editor of The World of Fine Wine – featured: writer and broadcaster, Andrew Jefford; award-winning sommelier, Andreas Larsson; publisher and writer Ch’ng Poh Tiong; wine writers Elin McCoy, Francis Percival and Alder Yarrow; sommelier, Luciana Girotto; wine writer and lecturer Anne Krebiehl MW; and WSET International Training & Development Advisor, Jeremy Wilkinson. They have assessed over 1,000 of the world’s best wine lists to determine the shortlists and winners.

All of the finalists in the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards must reach certain standards in relation to a range of criteria, among which the most important are: the breadth, depth, interest, quality, and value of the wine selection (relative to the nature and size of the list and any specialism).

A three-star award recognizes a great wine list and takes into consideration a very high proportion of leading producers, established and emerging; a very good mix of vintages in terms of age, maturity, quality, and style; an extensive by-the-glass and half-bottle program; and clear evidence of originality, personality, and vision.

Since their inception in 2014, the awards have gone from strength to strength, and are “rapidly becoming as coveted as Michelin Stars,” according to former World Sommelier Champion Gerard Basset MS MW OBE. On the awards, The World of Fine Wine’s Editor, Neil Beckett, commented, “In its fifth year running, and at its first live ceremony, the World Best Wine Lists Awards was honored with the presence of guests from every continent apart from Antarctica. I think that the geographical spread of our top winners speaks volumes for the global spread of fine wine and also for the global scope of these awards”.

For the full list of winners please click here.

González Byass is European Winery of the Year: Wine Enthusiast Magazine Announces Wine Star Award Winners

November 26, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

CHICAGO (PRWEB) – González Byass, a family-owned producer of fine wines, Sherries and premium spirits, is the 2018 Wine Star Award winner for “European Winery of the Year” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Each year, the editors at Wine Enthusiast Magazine nominate the most influential members of the alcohol beverage industry for the annual Wine Star Awards, including people and companies who have made outstanding achievements in the wine and beverage world.

Founded in 1835, González Byass is a family-owned, collection of wineries that spans across Spain’s most important wine producing regions. The González family has been dedicated to making fine Sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, creating such well-known brands as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry and Lepanto Brandy de Jerez. Today, the fifth generation of the González family continues to build the winery and brands, including: Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Cavas Vilarnau (Barcelona), Finca Constancia (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla), Finca Moncloa (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz), Viñas del Vero (Somontano) and Pazos de Lusco (Rías Baixas). In each of these regions, González Byass seeks to make the highest quality wines respecting the local terroir and the environment.

“This is a huge accomplishment,” says Mauricio González Gordon, chairman and fifth generation family member of the company, “With such amazing wineries in Europe, we are so excited to win this award. González Byass strives for excellence and it is wonderful to be recognized for the hard work and dedication by one of the leading wine publications in the United States.”

González Byass and the other winners will appear in Wine Enthusiast’s “Best of Year” December 31st issue. The honorees will be presented with their coveted trophies at the 19th annual Wine Star Awards black-tie gala on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Nobu Eden Roc in Miami, FL.

About González Byass USA
González Byass USA is a Chicago based importer for a strategically selected portfolio of fine wine and spirit brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy, Austria and the US.

González Byass USA is the US subsidiary of González Byass headquartered in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. González Byass is a family-owned, collection of wineries founded in 1835 which spans across Spain’s most important wine producing regions. From its foundation, the González family have been dedicated to making fine Sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, creating such well-known brands as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry and Lepanto Brandy de Jerez.

Today the fifth generation of the family are the custodians of these exceptional brands having built the company into a family of wineries which produces wine in some of Spain’s most famous regions; Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Cavas Vilarnau (Barcelona), Finca Constancia (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla), Finca Moncloa (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz), Viñas del Vero (Somontano) and Pazo de Lusco (Rías Baixas). In each of these regions the family strives to make the best possible quality wines respecting the local terroir and the environment. At the same time the company has also expanded its interests further in the premium spirits business and has created pioneering brands such as The London No.1 and Nomad Outland Whisky to compliment the Spanish brandies in the portfolio Soberano, El Presidente and Lepanto.

González Byass USA also represents a number of international wineries in the US market including from Austria Domäne Wachau, from Italy Caldora, Cantine Cellaro, Vesevo, Vigneti Del Salento and Villa de Borgo, and from the US Row Eleven. In addition Harveys Bristol Cream and Fundador Brandy de Jerez were recently added to the portfolio.

Diplomático Rum Named Wine Enthusiast’s “Spirit Brand of the Year”

November 25, 2018 by evebushman Leave a Comment

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Diplomático – a super-premium rum brand renowned for its superior taste, quality and mixability – is honored to announce its win as the Wine Star’s “Spirit Brand of the Year.” Each year, Wine Enthusiast’s distinguished Wine Star Awards recognizes companies and individuals whose vision has impacted the wine and spirits industry. Diplomático is thrilled to be a part of such an esteemed group as the first-ever rum to win this category. Produced by Destilerías Unidas S.A. (DUSA) in Venezuela, Diplomático is an independent, family-owned brand recognized as one of the finest rums in the world.

Jose Rafael Ballesteros, Diplomático’s CEO says, “We are truly humbled by this award as it recognizes our contribution to elevate the rum category and make consumers re-evaluate their perception of rum. This is an ongoing goal as we work toward being not just the best premium rum globally, but also one of the greatest spirits in the world.”

Diplomático’s delicious and distinctive taste profile is the result of a unique rum-making process. The rums are distilled using a rich variety of methods, which allows its award-winning Master Blenders to create exquisite blends, including Reserva Exclusiva, the brand’s flagship sipping rum.

The high quality of Diplomático is upheld by its most valuable resource, its people. The company’s growth has always been alongside its employees and their families, supported by a long-standing commitment to protect the community and ecosystem surrounding the distillery. The company provides sustainable jobs for over 700 workers in Venezuela and has developed strong social programs to improve the quality of life and growth of its human talents while minimizing environmental impact.

“We’re in the midst of a rum revolution,” says Adam Strum, Editor and Publisher, Wine Enthusiast Magazine. “We chose Diplomático Rum for the Wine Star award, not only for its supreme quality but also because we admire their leadership in educating spirits lovers about the ways in which we can mix premium rum, and sip it too. Being a family-owned business ourselves, Diplomático’s commitment to family and work mirrors our philosophy, and we’re excited to welcome Diplomático to the Wine Star Awards family as the first-ever rum to win this award.”

Earlier this year, Diplomático announced E. & J. Gallo Winery as its exclusive U.S. distributor. As both companies embrace the same family and community values, they are excited to continue to grow and leverage each other’s expertise to expand Diplomático’s presence in the U.S. market.

“As their U.S. import partner, we congratulate Diplomático on this well-deserved recognition,” says Ernest Gallo, COO of E. & J. Gallo Winery. “Diplomático represents an important part of our growing luxury spirits portfolio as it transcends the rum category and introduces more premium spirits consumers to all that rum has to offer.”

Wine Enthusiast will officially award Diplomático Rum at the Wine Star Awards Gala on January 29th, 2019 in Miami at the Nobu Eden Roc Hotel.

About Rum Diplomático (http://www.ronDiplomático.com)

Diplomático, a family-owned brand inspired by the character of Don Juan Nieto Melendez, whose portrait is illustrated on its labels, is a premium-and-above rum from Venezuela. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Diplomático Distillery (producing top-quality spirits since 1959) combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce the finest of rums. The production area boasts great conditions for sugar cane and rum production including fertile lands, abundant water and a tropical weather. The team of award-winning Master Blenders works diligently to create unique and complex rums. The product range consists of the Tradition Range: Planas (aged up to 6 years), Mantuano (aged up to 8 years) and Reserva Exclusiva (aged up to 12 years), and the Prestige Line: Single Vintage and Ambassador, both aged 12 years and finished in Spanish sherry casks for one and two years respectively, and a Special Edition: The Distillery Collection featuring a Single Batch Kettle rum and a Single Barbet column rum.

About E. & J. Gallo Winery

Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned winery and the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 110 countries around the globe. A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, sustainable practices, marketing and worldwide distribution, Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings.

The Gallo portfolio is comprised of more than 100 unique brands, including New Amsterdam Vodka and Gin, Familia Camarena Tequila, RumHaven, Lo-Fi Aperitifs and E&J Brandy and luxury spirits offerings which include California Premium Brandies Argonaut and Germain-Robin, imported Scotch whiskies from Whyte & Mackay, including The Dalmore and Jura Single Malts, Shackleton Blended Malt and John Barr Reserve Blended Scotch and Diplomático Rum. Premium wine offerings include Apothic, Carnivor, Columbia Winery, Ecco Domani, Edna Valley Vineyard, J Vineyards & Winery, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Orin Swift, Chateau Souverain, Talbott Vineyards, and William Hill Estate, along with highly acclaimed imports, such as Alamos, Brancaia, La Marca, Las Rocas, Martín Códax, Whitehaven, and LUX Wines, importers of Allegrini, Argiano, Jermann, Pieropan and Renato Ratti.

About Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Wine Enthusiast’s approach to wine and spirits is accessible and unpretentious, and enjoyed by novices and experts alike. Published 13 times per year, the magazine’s audience is at nearly one million strong. The magazine and its Buying Guide with more than 200,000 ratings and reviews make up the most comprehensive database in the industry available for free online at http://www.WineMag.com.