THE PARISIAN VERSION OF ‘WORLD WINE MEETINGS’ BECOMES WOW! MEETINGS

August 24, 2020 by evebushman

World Wine Meetings Global, the business convention established in 1984, and the WOW! (World of Organic Wines) area, launched by Vinexpo in 2017, are joining together in response to steady growth in the global market for organic products. The result is the WOW! Meetings, two days of business meetings geared to the needs of the international organic community, which will take place on February 13 and 14, 2021, on the eve of Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2021.

High expectations for organic products in France and internationally
In a global market where production and consumption of organic and biodynamic wines are constantly on the increase, the WOW! Meetings will bring together supply and demand under one roof. This unique location will fulfil the needs of producers and an increasingly diversified array of buyers. Major international buyers and European supermarkets, but also wine merchants and restaurants will benefit from ad hoc business meetings.

The WOW! Meetings – super-targeted business meetings
Producers of organic or biodynamic wines, or those in the final switch-over year will all be represented and the range of products will be extended to include beers, ciders, bulk wines and organic alcohol-free wines. The organising team will roll out its expertise to ensure each participant benefits from first-rate conditions – the venue is specifically equipped for the event; attendees are given a special welcome; the meetings schedules are tailored to individual needs; and there are multiple opportunities for additional networking. The meetings will be planned ahead of the event between producers taking part and qualified buyers, whose buying programmes have been clearly identified.

An unprecedented, seminal event for wine in Paris in February
The positioning of the WOW! Meetings will be extremely attractive and will champion the meaningful values specific to the organic market. Attendance at Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris by major international buyers, along with a strong local presence by supermarket buyers, wine merchants and specialist restaurateurs who form an exceptional, close-knit fabric of businesses in Paris, will be powerful attributes underpinning the success of the WOW! Meetings. This unprecedented synergy will transform Paris in February into a major international gathering for the entire wine industry.

“Our challenge is to meet the needs of the industry and to align as closely as possible with its expectations. The challenge surrounding organic products is such that we felt compelled to create this dedicated business event. Organic is no longer simply a trend, but a full-fledged industry driver. The Wow! Meetings will provide organic wines with a business meeting platform, on the eve of our major Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition”, points out Vinexpo CEO, Rodolphe Lameyse.

Organic wines will also be showcased as part of the WONDERFUL programme during Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris where producers will have stands and there will be opportunities to take the floor and host dedicated tastings. And the WOW! area will continue to form an integral part of Vinexpo events internationally.

The World Wine Meetings umbrella brand, which hosts business events worldwide, will continue to gain traction internationally and starting in 2022 will provide new events in markets with high potential for growth.

About the WORLD WINE MEETINGS
Organised by Comexposium, the WWM and its concept of business meetings offer a unique way to meet importers from the main purchasing regions over two and a half days. For over 30 years, this global prospecting tool has been executed in several cities around the world to serve the export needs of its community of producers.

About WOW!
WOW! World of Organic Wines is the Vinexpo area dedicated to the international range of organic and biodynamic wines. WOW! is a reflection of Vinexpo’s determination to reach out to small and medium-sized wine companies by allowing exhibitors to take part in a prominent international event.

About VINEXPO and COMEXPOSIUM
Vinexpo Holding (owned by the Bordeaux-Gironde chamber of commerce – CCIBG) and Comexposium (the global events organiser) are in exclusive negotiations to join forces and create a new entity which will become the world’s leading wine and spirits events organiser. The new company will manage a portfolio of 10 renowned and iconic events with a view to developing an expanded, renewed and high-performance range of events. The project has the whole-hearted support of all the wine marketing boards, Vinexpo’s strategic council and the board of Wine Paris.

SURREAL BREWING Unveils “CREATIVES IPA” Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Fermented With Ancient Kveik Yeast

August 19, 2020 by evebushman

CAMPBELL, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Surreal Brewing Company adds a new thirst-quenching non-alcoholic beer to its lineup. Introducing “Creatives IPA”, an unconventional beverage of tropical aromas and flavors punctuated by a restrained piney West Coast hop finish. One of the latest additions to its growing line of all-natural, innovative, health-conscious craft beers, Creatives IPA was brewed with the ancient Norwegian Kveik yeast strain and a new variety of hop. “We were intrigued by Kveik yeast as soon as we heard about it. We have a deep appreciation for every ingredient we use, especially the yeast, which as the old axiom goes: the brewer makes the wort and the yeast makes the beer,“ said Tammer Zein-El-Abedein.

As in all their carefully crafted brews, the new beer consists of a complex blend that captivates a craft beer enthusiasts as well as the growing number of people who drink non-alcoholic beverages.

Awarded World’s Best Non-Alcoholic Beer of 2019, Surreal Brewing Company is the family-founded and operated brewing company that specializes in all-natural, non-GMO, non-alcoholic craft beers as a healthy, yet flavorful, alternative to alcohol and/or sugary drinks. The brand’s core brews are all available starting at 17 calories per can, no sugar, low carbs, and two reduced gluten options: Chandelier Red IPA, Juicy Mavs Hazy IPA, 17 Mile Porter, and Natural Bridges Kolsch Style.

Creatives IPA will initially roll out online at http://www.SurrealBrewing.com before being made available at select stores in California.

“This brew is a shout out to all creatives, whether that is through the arts, technology, or other creative outlets, to everyone who creates positive change. This beer is made for all who Dare to Be Different,” said Donna Hockey.

ABOUT SURREAL BREWING COMPANY
Founded in Campbell, California by husband and wife team, Tammer Zein-El-Abedein and Donna Hockey, Surreal Brewing aims to fill a void in the marketplace with a variety of great-tasting non-alcoholic beverages. Surreal Brewing brings forth a new era in which health-conscious and sober individuals can still enjoy the unique, crisp flavor of beer anytime while maintaining their health goals and feeling included at social gatherings.

21st Amendment Brewery Announces New Craft Hard Seltzer Brand: SOMA Hard Seltzer

August 9, 2020 by evebushman

San Francisco, Calif. — 21st Amendment Brewery pays homage to the South of Market (SoMA) neighborhood they’ve called home for 20 years with a new hard seltzer brand: SOMA Hard Seltzer (100 calories, 2g carbs, 0g sugar). Founded in 2000, 21st Amendment’s brewpub is among the pillars of the Northern California craft beer scene located in SoMA, the new heart of the city. SOMA Hard Seltzer‘s 6-Pack design commemorates the originality of the neighborhood from its stencil artwork and murals by local artists to downtown’s angular landscape to the revitalization of the area with new live/work spaces and restaurants. The perfect mix of grit, renewal, and natural beauty, SoMA reflects a modern renaissance happening in metropolitan enclaves across the country such as Brooklyn, LoDo in Denver, and others. SOMA Hard Seltzer celebrates home, no matter where you might dwell.

Masterminds of beloved fruit beers (i.e. Hell or High Watermelon), 21st Amendment’s SOMA Hard Seltzer carries on their infatuation with watermelon for a clean, crisp all-natural seltzer that also comes in enticing flavors such as Guava & Passion Fruit, Mango, and Black Cherry. 21st Amendment’s craft hard seltzer line is executed with the same level of innovation as their acclaimed beer portfolio.

“SOMA Hard Seltzer is brewed with our craft roots in mind. We spent six months working to get the flavors and taste just right. Unlike other hard seltzers, 21st Amendment’s is made using a natural fermentation process giving it a cleaner flavor. SOMA Hard Seltzer is NOT made with grain neutral spirits, and then diluted with water. Many hard seltzers made that way have a metallic and artificial taste. SOMA Hard Seltzer is brewed with Virginia Dare natural flavors, a 90-year-old New York company making wonderful products for the beverage industry,” says Shaun O’Sullivan, Co-Founder and Brewmaster.

Nico Freccia (Co-Founder/CEO, 21st Amendment Brewery) adds, “SOMA Hard Seltzer is wonderful for the active on-the-go individual who is looking for a craft ‘better-for-you’ beverage. It does not fill you up with its 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs with zero sugar.”

Hot summer days are upon us, and whether you’re enjoying your time inside or venturing outdoors, SOMA Hard Seltzer brings a taste of home wherever you roam.

SOMA Hard Seltzer is available now in all 30 states where 21st Amendment distributes. For more information and to find some using our beer finder, please visit www.21st-Amendment.com.

For more information, please visit:
www.21st-amendment.com
@21stAmendment

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2018: Call it What Happy Hour Really Is…A Precursor For Dining in Our Old Age (With new photo of courtyard at Salt Creek Grille!)

July 14, 2020 by evebushman

I was at one of my regular Happy Hour haunts, The Social in Newhall, when I noticed that the bar was completely packed at 5pm, much like it is at Olive Terrace Bar and Grill and Salt Creek Grille when we venture over to the other side of the valley and Le Chene when we want to go even further.

And then I noticed that the people that were packing these bars weren’t 20 somethings…not even 30 somethings…they were people that have “cultivated” their palates for a couple of decades longer than that.

There are lots of great Happy Hours all over Awesometown and we used to do a round-up of their menus annually just to share what they offer. (The last one is our 2016 version you can read here.) The four that I mentioned just happen to be the ones we have been going to of late…at least the past 10 years or so.

So why do we prefer these bars over others? They aren’t particularly loud or noisy, have comfortable seating and, as drinking at 5pm is a precursor to dining at 6 or 7, it seems to work for our seasoned age group.

Of the Happy Hours we go to – the ones that specifically were full very early in the evening – they also offer small bites for free or nominal prices, and some larger plates culled from the main menu. The libations extend from beer and wine to excellently crafted cocktails; one even doesn’t offer any kind of price deal on the drinks at all, just a Happy Hour menu of food. (And that one just happens to be our favorite. Why? Well we can walk there – we’ve said this many times, and yet we never actually have walked there! It’s the neighborhood bar and we often run into people we know. The owner gives us a welcome hug, maybe a peck on the cheek, and we know some of the servers and bartenders. Maybe at a certain age we just like to feel welcome…)

So, as we dined on dishes from appetizers to pastas we noticed how nice it is to dine early, have a well-made cocktail, linger a bit, then go home and…be asleep by 9pm. (And well on our way before the young’uns took over the bars.) However many younger people do go out to Happy Hour – when we were younger these were places with deep discounts, we could get a little rowdy with pals and we would end up staying for dinner as well. (Many were/are family friendly – we weren’t really hip on the idea of bringing our daughter to a bar or winery, but to each his own.) Back in the day that meant the party was to be found at places like TGI Fridays and El Torito. (The latter, if you stayed long enough even offered dancing in the bar. Anyone else remember the Discos of SCV? LOL.)

I feel like the next step for us will be the early bird dinners at iHop, and no cocktail at all…? I hope not. I do know that older friends of mine have pulled back from wine club memberships – at least from wines that are meant to sit in our cellars for 10 years or more – because my pals in their 70s are buying more splits (half bottles), trying to drink through what they already do have and/or are looking for wine brokers to sell their wines to. They do go out…or at least join us for wine on the porch sometimes!

Life is an every changing highway. I’m hoping by the time we start dining at 4pm we’ll be in a place like Atria assisted living, where my mother has happily camped for nearly a year now, and be having cocktails by 2pm and up to two glasses of wine with dinner…now that doesn’t sound too bad does it?

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, 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.

John Fearless Launches Online Shop With Global Hop Varieties And More

July 5, 2020 by evebushman

NAPA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – New aromatic opportunities are being offered through John Fearless for breweries that want to expand their brewing options. South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, USA and German hops are newly available to purchase online via JohnFearless.com. This expanse of inventory offers a much wider selection to the small, medium, and large-sized businesses that purchase beverage-making supplies from John Fearless.

As a leader in the beverage supply industry, John Fearless works hard to ensure top products are available to breweries, wineries, distilleries and non-alcoholic beverages. Quality and unique ingredients are important for craft beverages. In addition to hops, John Fearless also carries a range of products including, Muntons Malt, Brewshield, WineShield, Structan, WLT 150, Milne Microdried fruits, Humuflor Hop Essence, and used wine and spirit oak barrels.

Modern hop varietals with tropical, fruit forward aromatics have been added to the website and are now available to order 24/7:

A number of South African hops are currently available including: Southern Passion, African Queen, Southern Star, Southern Tropic and Southern Sublime New Zealand hops sold by John Fearless include: Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, Taiheke, Wakatu™, Riwaka, and the soon to be released Hort4337 and more.
A wide selection of USA hops include: El Dorado, Azacca, Zappa, Centennial, Cascade and more.
Three hop varieties are available from Germany: Ariana (which offers a blackcurrant, grapefruit, geranium and vanilla aroma blend), Callista and Huell Melon
Ella™ is the flavor hop varietal available from Australia via JohnFearless.com, and it’s highly versatile while containing floral aromatics (a common feature in noble European and Australian hops)

With a focus on finding unique options for small, medium, and large sized brewing companies, John Fearless is excited about their new options for hop varietal sales. Craft brewers can explore aroma profiles from around the world to find the right fit for their beer styles. Detailed information on sizing and pricing for orders is currently available on the John Fearless website on the individual products page.

About John Fearless Co: John Fearless is dedicated to bringing specialty hops, malts and more to the small brewing community. Items sourced from all over the world are brought directly to small businesses looking to craft bold flavors, complex brews and heady aromas. With over 20 years in the beverage industry, John Fearless offers specialty hops, hop aroma, malt, beer and wine stabilizers, finishing tannins, liquid flavor extracts, quality aged barrels, MicroDried® fruits and more.

“The Most Maryland Beer Ever” Celebrates 5 Years with New Look, New Recipe

July 2, 2020 by evebushman

FREDERICK, MD. (PRWEB) – June 2020 marks the return of what has been called ‘the most Maryland beer ever’ by The Washington Post: Flying Dog Brewery’s Dead Rise. This Limited Release sour ale is the first and only beer brewed with the iconic OLD BAY® seasoning and this year it is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a new look, new recipe, and even more OLD BAY.

Five years ago, Maryland’s largest brewery began a partnership with the Chesapeake Bay region’s own OLD BAY. Its initial release created a viral sensation that made it difficult to keep store shelves stocked. Since that time, Flying Dog remains the only brewery allowed to brew a beer using the famous OLD BAY seasoning, a product that runs in the blood of Marylanders and has gained enormous popularity outside of the region.

Initially released as a blonde ale, Flying Dog is taking Dead Rise back to its roots and giving it to fans as it was originally envisioned – as a gose. Perfect for summer days full of seafood, Dead Rise’s new gose formula blends OLD BAY with a refreshing lemony tartness for a beer low in bitterness and high in flavor. Dead Rise was brewed with Citra hops and carries a 5.7% ABV. The beer began shipping to distributors June 1, 2020 in 6-packs of 12 oz. bottles.

“For those of us who grew up in crab country, you can’t get more iconic than OLD BAY. We wanted our new Dead Rise formula to live up to that greatness,” said James Maravetz, VP of Marketing at Flying Dog. “The refreshing pop of tart, balanced with the OLD BAY’s salty and spicy flavor profile, created a beer that tastes like summer on the Bay.”

Brewed with the rugged spirit of the Chesapeake Bay watermen, the name Dead Rise is a nod to their traditional fishing boats, used year-round to gather shellfish feasts. A portion of the proceeds from Dead Rise also benefit Maryland’s crabbing industry through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ True Blue Program, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness for the struggling industry. The True Blue Program highlights and rewards those restaurants who make it a point to serve local, Maryland harvested crab.

The concept for the beer was developed as part of the company’s Brewhouse Rarities program, dreamt up by a Flying Dog staff member with a deep devotion to their favorite state, seasoning and seafood. The new gose formula was also designed to turbocharge the flavor of whatever seafood is on your plate. The recipe’s new lemony tartness freshens up the beer and helps flavors pop. In addition to seafood, try Dead Rise with salty starches like tater tots and fries, lighter proteins like turkey, chicken and tofu, or rich sauces and creamy condiments like melted cheese, bechamel and avocado and ranch dressings.

About Flying Dog Brewery:
As one of the fastest-growing regional craft breweries in the United States, Flying Dog has been brewing world-class beer that pushes the confines of traditional styles for 30 years. Flying Dog attracts everyone from craft beer connoisseurs to those just catching the wave with up to 20 styles available at any given time. Introduced to Flying Dog by the Gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson, artist Ralph Steadman has produced original art for Flying Dog’s labels since 1995. Recent accolades for Flying Dog include its Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times. For more information, visit http://www.flyingdog.com. Flying Dog is now available on Drizly.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in Wyoming this September

April 19, 2020 by evebushman

JACKSON, WYO. (PRWEB) – Each September visitors to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, can take in a spectacular range of cultural activities and outdoor adventures during a time when the days are long, the air is cooler and the streets are filled with artful offerings to nourish the soul. Presented by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival returns for its 36th year, September 9 – 20, 2020, creating 11 magnificent days of interactive visual, culinary and historical art-related functions with the magnificent Teton Mountain Range providing a captivating backdrop to an energetic and creative scene.

September is the perfect time to travel to the charming mountain resort town of Jackson, and the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival presents more than 50 family-friendly events, many of them free, at a time when the summer crowds have dwindled and the scene has shifted to a cooler, calmer and more creative climate. As USA Today said touting Jackson as a fall weekend trip to plan, “Art lovers will enjoy September’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, featuring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as great music and food.”

From a stay-open-late gallery walk called Palates & Palettes, featuring an international selection of art and complimentary wine and beer, to an open-air tasting fair known as the Taste of the Tetons where local chefs create innovative dishes for guests to sample on the picturesque Town Square, Jackson Hole arts cater to all the senses. Or explore the art of the cowboy on Historic Ranch Tours demonstrating how Old West meets New West in Teton Valley.

A signature event of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, the Western Design Exhibit + Sale showcases four days of contemporary and traditional Western-inspired functional art from furnishings to fashion by top artisans from across the U.S. Other festival favorites include the Showcase of Homes, perfect for architecture and design enthusiasts, with the opportunity to tour extraordinary Jackson houses and talk shop with the experts behind the designs. And at the amazing QuickDraw, visitors stroll among dozens of artists busily painting, sculpting and sketching their masterpieces in just 90 minutes, before the newly minted art is offered for sale in a live and lively auction.

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is an extraordinary event that unites admirers of artists, art and nature in a magical mountain town that may be small in size but is big in culture and heart. Each day of the festival offers a chance to see, hear, taste, touch and feel something special, something bespoke, something inspiring, while fall foliage blazes from the trees of the dramatic surrounding mountain landscape. This spirit of culturally rich Jackson is at its peak during the Fall Arts Festival, known as the Rocky Mountain West’s premier cultural event.

About the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival:
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming, is served by major airlines, including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels may be found at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com. The 36th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival will take place September 9 – 20, 2020. For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

What We’re Drinking During Coronavirus

April 17, 2020 by evebushman

Haven’t written about this yet, but it would appear that the subject won’t wait. Over the last few weeks, and possibly many more to come, our new normal has been to stay at home as it’s safer at home. While we’ve been making a small dent in our wine cellar, and an even bigger dent in our liquor cabinet, it’s made me wonder what others are doing. So I reached out to pals on social media to find out what they’ve been enjoying at home now more than ever before. (Note: Those of my friends in the industry are noted as such.)

Me, drinking and social distancing.

Joe W. “Much like you, I’ve gotten a lot of wine samples sent for review. Rose and sparkling have been personal preferences. Keep it light during these heavy times. Somehow focusing on making a variety of appetizers to eat instead of bigger meals.” (Industry)

Elana H. “We have been putting a dent in our wine cellar and liquor cabinet as well! Margaritas w/fresh squeezed Meyer lemons, Grand Marnier and tequila over ice with a salted rim. Then wine with dinner. Had a delicious 2014 Terra De Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir from Whetstone Wine Cellars last night. During the day we have been sending out our wines to people all over the country and hosting tastings through Zoom. https://prioritywinepass.com/prime-solum-napa-valley-virtual-wine-tasting/

Michelene L. “Southern sweet tea and I have no idea why.”

Brenda R., “All the wine and spirit stores in PA have been closed since March 16. Thank God for CA wineries. Ordered some (and they) came in two days. Will have to order more.

Judi L. “Consciously unboozing limiting to, at the most, a glass of wine (whatever’s around) or one cocktail or a shot of mezcal/whiskey/rye. Oh yeah…beer…I love booze but actually not a big drinker. I’m an excellent sniffer and sipper.” (Industry)

Nelson L. “Sales and cheap shipping.”

Michael D. “We went through some great whites early on from Williams Selyem and Guy Farge that paired really well with the cheeses that we got from Lucques. Late night has been about Armagnac and Angel’s Envy Rye. I’ve also recently bottled a Brut IPA and am getting ready to brew a Belgian Tripel…(drinking) a wee bit more (than usual).

Karen B. “Finishing up the last of my 2018 Rosés to make room for the 2019s. Paul Lato 2018 in my glass right now! I was buying at cost, so helluva deal. I’m actually drinking less because we’re open just 3 days a week now and there is no social drinking or tasting with friends.” (Industry)

Nancy F. “I’m either vodka with sparkling soda, gin or vodka martini, or Negroni which are delicious and way too easy to drink! Or it’s wine. Like to switch it out as a I love all. However, the last 2 nights I started out with a fresh orange and lime juice margarita on the rocks with a salt rim…(And you may not have known that) I was a bartender for many years.

Taylor K. “Sales from local restaurants!”

Rick P. “This could be our only salvation; people are drinking all stockpiled wine. Hopefully we will see a buying surge when it’s all over. Otherwise say goodbye to a lot of small wineries.” (Industry)

Jennifer S., “Small dent in the wine cellar and a VERY large dent in the liquor cabinet. Need more scotch, whiskey and vodka. Thank goodness the liquor store is essential.”

Annette S., “Making a definite dent in the wine cellar.” (Industry)

Michael F. “Wine… Wine… & Oh Yeah; WINE! Along with some craft beers and a few fine spirits!” (Industry)

Dan C. “Old Fashioned!”

For me: Local deals from local and Paso wineries including Byron Blatty, Parhelion Cellars, Hoi Polloi, Pagter Brothers, Opolo, Thacher Winery, Hammersky…deals on wine and cocktails-to-go from The Press Room, Egg Plantation, Wolf Creek Brewery and Restaurant, Route 66 Classic Grill, Salt Creek Grille, Dario’s…Zoom tastings with our Napa friends…curbside pick-ups, free shipping and one dollar shipping incentives also. It’s all good during a very trying time.

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

Top L.A. Restaurants & Bars Now Offering Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Sangria and Spirits for Takeout/ Delivery For Delicious Dining and Drinking at Home

April 5, 2020 by evebushman

Georgia’s Restaurant (Long Beach): Georgia’s Restaurant is also now offering Wine and Beer for Takeout and Delivery. Wines by the Bottle feature two White Wines including the Prophecy Pinot Grigio ($18) and the Athena Chardonnay ($21). Red Wines by the Bottle include the Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon ($21) and the Rabble Red Blend ($24). Beer is also now offered including LC Tangerine ($3.50), Scrimshaw ($3.50), LC IPA ($3.50), LC Great White ($3.50) or the LC Hazy IPA ($3.50).

Photo courtesy of Georgia’s Restaurant.

Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange now offers Wines by the Bottle and Beer for Takeout and Delivery Monday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm; 4101 McGowen Street, Suite 115, Long Beach, CA 92630; 714.906.1900; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com

Gus’s Barbecue (South Pasadena): Gus’s Barbecue is now offering Southern Sangria, their Gus’s Old Fashioned and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon for Takeout and Delivery. Gus’s Barbecue will be offering their signature 16 oz. Southern Sangria ($16 each), their 12 oz. Gus’s Old Fashioned ($16 each), and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon by the bottle ($45).

Gus’s Barbecue in South Pasadena now offers Southern Sangria, their Gus’s Old Fashioned, and Gus’s Private Reserve Single Barrel Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon for Takeout and Delivery Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm; 808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena; 626.799.3251; www.GussBBQ.com

The Raymond 1886 (Pasadena): The Raymond 1886 is now offering Wine, Beer and 1886 Pre-Made Cocktails for Takeout and Delivery. Wines by the Bottle ($18.86 each) feature two White Wines including the Altamonte, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, 2018 and the Bonny Doon “Gravitas” Blend, Santa Cruz, 2015. Red Wines by the Bottle include the Condado de Haza, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2015 and the El Esteco, Malbec, Calchaqui Valley, 2017. Beer is offered by the Six Pack ($12.50 each) including Day Beer Lager-Brewed with Czech Sass, Hallertauer Mittlefruch Hops, 4.5% ABV or the Stone Delicious IPA with Lemondrop & El Dorado Hops, 7.7% ABV. Lastly, The Raymond 1886 is also featuring handcrafted COCKTAILS-TO-GO (4 Servings – $45) created by the 1886 Bar Team and prepared in Mason Jars. The three Cocktails offered are the 1886 Negroni prepared with gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari, and orange oil, the Little Italy comprised of rye whiskey, Carpano Antica Vermouth, and Cynar, or the Fair & Warmer, a blend of rums, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, house curacao, and lemon oil.

The Raymond 1886 now offers Wine, Beer and 1886 Pre-Made Cocktails for Takeout and Delivery every Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

Via Alloro (Beverly Hills): Via Alloro is now offering a special selection of Wines by the Bottle from their Award-Winning Wine List for Takeout and Delivery every Monday through Sunday from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm to support the community and their guests’ in-home needs. Via Alloro will also be offering 25% OFF ALL WINE ORDERS to all guests that call the restaurant to order directly. To place a Takeout Order, please call Via Alloro at 310.275.2900 and the restaurant also offers Curbside Pickup. Guests can also order from Postmates if they prefer delivery.

Via Alloro now offers Wines by the Bottle for Takeout and Delivery every Monday through Sunday from 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm; 310 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310.275.2900; www.ViaAlloro.com

Cheese, Chocolate and Brews Getaway to the Netherlands and Belgium

February 12, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Cheese Journeys – a bespoke culinary tour company – brings its signature mix of culture, craft, and luxury travel to cheese, chocolate and beer-aficionados as they spend eleven hedonistic days exploring and tasting the rich bounty of artisan and world-renowned products of Amsterdam and its environs, as well as Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp, September 24- October 4, 2020.

While travelers meet in the iconic capital of the Netherlands, the journey truly kicks off in the lush countryside north of Amsterdam at Beemster Dairy, where cows graze upon the nutrient-dense Beemster Polder – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – producing some of the finest milk in the world which Beemster Dairy uses to handcraft the most flavorful Goudas and other cheeses.

Guests will spend time with cheesemonger and affineur, Betty Koster of Fromagerie L’Amuse. Considered Holland’s ‘Julia Child of Cheese,’ Betty’s deep, long-established relations with Dutch farmers, cheesemakers and other affineurs give her – and Cheese Journeys! – access to the region’s most interesting, innovative cheeses, including Wilde Weide – which is based on a lake-island where only seven 25-pound wheels of cheese are handcrafted each day.

An educational evening of artisan beer and cheese pairings at the Jopenkerk Brewery will further one’s appreciation of award-winning, small-scale producers of Holland’s best blue, goat, and Gouda-style cheeses, while an afternoon at the beach with Koster explores the secret of matching cheese with tea – a surprising combination.

Time will be spent with the energetic Martijn Bos, owner of Boska Holland Cheese & Chocolate wares. This innovative family-run company has been crazy about cheese since 1896, making every tool needed for the cheese enthusiast and professional. Travelers will tour
Boska’s headquarters before partaking in an exclusive cheese & chocolate party showcasing Boska’s wares in use.

Cheese travel to the Netherlands would not be complete without a visit to the Alkmaar Cheese Market for the most Dutch of cheese experiences. This bustling market is filled with vendors and cheese-hauling carriers, upholding the tradition of weighing and selling local cheese for over 500 years.

Heading south to Belgium for the remainder of the tour, guests will spend time in the medieval city of Bruges. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bruges overflows with history, including that of beer. De Halve Maan Brewery is the last brewery operating in the city’s center where travelers will enjoy a sip of Straffe Hendrik as well as an amazing meal in the brewery’s restaurant and gardens.

A day in Antwerp visiting some of Belgium’s top culinary trendsetters at De Konick- Antwerp City Brewery. We’ll enjoy a cheese tasting and lunch with the highly-regarded affineur Kaasaffineurs Van Tricht, taste sweets with chocolatier JITSK, and pair beer with charcuterie from the butcher De Laet & Van Haver. We’ll wrap up the day dining at the mouth-watering Michelin star restaurant The Butcher’s Son.

In the rolling hills of southeast Belgium we’ll take a deep-dive into the Trappist-style beer and cheese experience. Guests will enjoy exclusive, private tours of the Chimay brewery and creamery and learn of Chimay’s unique commitment to high-quality products, agriculture, sustainability, and caring for the future of their employees. Tour the beautiful Chimay Castle, currently home to the Prince of Chimay, a true lover of Chimay cheese! Experience fine Belgium chef-prepared meals featuring local recipes and ingredients…and of course cheese!

We conclude our tour in Brussels after a visit to one of our favorite Lambic-style beer producers. To ensure our guests have time for last-minute cheese, chocolate, and antique shopping, we’ll spend our last day exploring a very desirable and historic neighborhood of Brussels- Sablon, all before returning home.

This trip is co-hosted by Cheese Journeys founder and CEO, Anna Juhl, and Samantha Kane, CCP and cheese expert. Cheese Journeys is privileged to be hosted by Holland’s ultimate cheese experts: the makers and sales team from Beemster Dairy; Martijn Bos, owner of Boska Holland; and cheesemonger and affineur Betty Koster, owner of Fromagerie L’Amuse.

About Cheese Journeys:
Cheese Journeys was founded in 2013 to take food enthusiasts and professionals on custom tours designed to deepen their knowledge of artisan products, learn about customs and trends, and connect with producers and other food lovers during a relaxing and tasty adventure. These tours provide insider access to explore worlds that few culinary travelers discover on their own. Anna Juhl, founder and CEO of Cheese journeys, is a dedicated food professional and cheese enthusiast, offering a warm and personal style of hospitality which lies at the heart of Cheese Journeys, an ASTA member. For more information visit CheeseJourneys.com.