Eve's Wine 101

Masters of Taste Returns Uniting L.A.’s Top Tastemakers Together to Sip, Savor & Celebrate On The Field of the Rose Bowl Stadium Sunday, April 2nd, 2023! (Update: use promo code EVESWINE FOR $10 OFF!)

by

Los Angeles, CA –  Come celebrate and be part of the sixth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.

Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 which also marks the 6th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles, and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kiini Reed also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food. 

Born and raised in Oxnard, California, Chef Michael Reed comes from a family with a passion for food. Thanks to his parents, Michael grew up around the barbeque and the smell of fresh, home-made pies. His family cooked every day, pulling ingredients straight from the garden which went on to inspire Michael’s passion for food and hospitality. After starting down a collegiate path that was separated from the food industry at University of Santa Barbara, a track injury prompted Michael’s decision to make a change. Months later, Michael was enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in New York. While in culinary school, Michael Reed cooked at The Modern, the acclaimed restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. After graduating in 2008, Reed returned to Southern California and worked at David Myer’s Michelin-star rated Sona, as well Xiomara per a recommendation from Nancy Silverton at the age of 26. In 2011, Chef Reed and Kwini Reed jointly created high-end catering company, Root of All Food which specializes in high-end boutique catering, in-home cooking and events, and catering to Southern California. Some of Root to All Food’s previous clients have included Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, The W Hotel, and Sugar Ray Leonard. During the summer of 2014, Reed opened DTLA brunch darling, Poppy + Rose, a restaurant that specializes in classic American diner-fare made from scratch with a seasonal menu. He owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Kwini Reed. In 2021, Poppy & Seed opened, branching more upscale service and cuisine in a modern greenhouse setting. Located in the Anaheim Packing District, Poppy & Seed totes a menu of refined American fare.

Host Kwini Reed is a Southern California native, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. She is the co-owner of brunch restaurant, Poppy + Rose in Downtown, Los Angeles, Anaheim dining destination, Poppy & Seed, and upscale catering company, Root of All Foods with husband and chef of these concepts, Michael Reed. Kwini Reed comes from a large family that values community, generosity, and a strong work ethic – traits that have helped her succeed in her career and personal endeavors. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she now has over a decade of experience in business, finance, and human resource management, having worked at companies throughout LA, including The Standard Hotel, Band of Gypsies, and Brandy Melville USA. In her current day-to-day, she oversees operations of Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed, and Root of All Food managing finances, strategizing new concepts for the restaurant, spearheading collaborations, and more. She and Michael Reed have received numerous accolades for these concepts, including Orange Coast Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant” (Poppy & Seed); and CBS Los Angeles’ “Best All-Day Breakfast Restaurants in LA” (Poppy + Rose) – among others. She pioneers Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed’s giving back initiatives as well, coordinating meal donations to organizations across LA, supporting first responders, social justice causes, youth development programs, and more. She is active with local nonprofits, such as Brown Bag Lady, which provides meals to people experiencing homelessness in LA. In addition, she participated in the James Beard Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) program in 2021, which is focused on empowering women food industry entrepreneurs and restaurant owners and is a member of Re:Her a non-profit with a mission to empower and advance all women identifying food and drink entrepreneurs by way of innovative platforms. In October 2022, Kwini Reed participated in the LA Chef Conference as a co-moderator of a panel on the future of restaurants and in 2023, Kwini and Michael Reed will open Poppy + Rose in San Pedro, offering casual brunch and a refined dinner menu.

Masters of Taste 2022 was a sold-out event that attracted over 3,000 guests and garnered media attention all throughout Southern California and beyond. The sixth annual Masters of Taste 2023 is also expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and top cocktail bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more. 

Some of this year’s Masters of Taste 2023 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants include:

Poppy + Rose and Poppy & Seed 2023 Hosts Chef Michael Reed & Kwini Reed – Downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim

Angelenos’ Wood Fired Pizza Chef Carmen Samaniego – Los Angeles

Arth Bar + Kitchen Chef Mihir Lad – Culver City

Ayara Thai Chef Vanda Asapahu – Westchester

1212 Santa Monica Chef Luca Maita – Santa Monica

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery Chef Thomas Kalb – Pasadena

Alexander’s Steakhouse Chef Richard Archuleta – Pasadena

Casa Cordoba Chef Rebelino Villalta – Montrose

Celestino Ristorante Chef Calogero Drago – Pasadena

Champion’s CURRY Chef Yoya Takahashi – Downtown Los Angeles

Chili John’s Chef Stephen Hager – Burbank

City Club Los Angeles Chef Victor Munoz – Downtown Los Angeles

Fat Boys Chef Michael Gray – Pasadena, Los Angeles

Gabi James Sarah Gabriele & Adam Aro – Redondo Beach

Georgia’s Restaurant Nika Shoemaker-Machado – Anaheim, Long Beach

Great Maple Chef Scott Floyd – Pasadena, Anaheim, Newport Beach, San Diego

Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken – Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles

Hank’s Chef Isaias Peña – Pacific Palisades

Interstellar Chef Angie Kim – Santa Monica

La Bohéme Chef Atsushi Kenjo – West Hollywood

Lunasia Chef Lee Han Fu – Pasadena, Alhambra, Cerritos

Marlou Chef Louis Huh & Chef Marcos Spaziani – Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown

Mercado Chef Jose Acevedo – Hollywood, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica

Per L’Ora Chef Courtney Van Dyke – Downtown Los Angeles

Pez Cantina Chef Bret Thompson – Downtown Los Angeles

Ramen Tatsunoya Chef Ryuta Kajiwara – Pasadena, Silver Lake

Santuari Restaurant Chef Seth Greenburg – Toluca Lake

Smoke City Char Bar Chef George Huynh – Downtown Los Angeles

Soulmate Chef David Joyce – West Hollywood

Taishi Hainan Chicken Chef Theo Shio – Redondo Beach, Long Beach

The Green Room Chef Czarina Sico – Burbank

The Peppered Goat Chef JohnPaul Arabome – Van Nuys, Las Vegas

VCHOS Wendy Centeno – Los Angeles

West Side Bahn Mi/Street Kitchen Chef Jack Ourfalian – Los Angeles

World Empanadas Chef Matthew Hirtz – Burbank

Yardbird Chef Eduardo Osorio – Los Angeles

Yuca’s Restaurant Socorro “Mama Yuca’s” Herrera– Pasadena

Sweet Masters: A select group of Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as Bertha Mae’s Brownies, handcrafted pudding from Better Together Sweets, Creamy Boys Ice Cream, plain funnel cake from Drizzle, custom cakes and desserts from Butter Cake Shoppe, French macarons and gourmet cookies from Etoile Filante Patisserie, I Like Pie Bakeshop, Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes and cupcakes from Lark Cake Shop and Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nomad Ice Pops, Pazzo Gelato, Porto’s Bakery & Café, and more.

Some of this year’s participating Beverage Masters include:

Bars & Spirits: Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails and top brands showcasing their finest spirits at Masters of Taste will include Amaro Angeleno, Beam Suntory, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress 1908 Gin, Knox & Dobson, Krafted Spirits, Maker’s Mark, Maple Block Liquor Bar, Mario’s Hard Espresso, Mezcal 33, Mi Piace, Neft Vodka, Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal, Qué Padre, Raicilla La Reina, Smoke Lab Vodka, Tequila Juegos Mexicanos, The Raymond 1886, Xoloitzcuintle Tequila, and  Woodford Reserve.

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites 14 Cannons Brewing Co., L.A.’s All Season Brewing, Arrow Lodge Brewing, Arts District Brewing Company, Pasadena’s Cerveceria Del Pueblo, Downtown’s Homebound Brew Haus, Juneshine, Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Beer, LFG Seltzer, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Arcadia’s first Microbrewery Mt. Lowe Brewing Co.,Native Son LA, Over Town Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co., andTarantula Hill Brewing Co.

Wineries and Sake: A specially curated collection of Wine and Sake Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including Akagisan Sake, premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, Bodegas de Santo Tomas, CRŪ Winery, Golden Star Vineyards, Hitching Post Wines, I Love Wine Collections, Moraga Bel Air Vineyards, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, Sake High!, Tercero Wines, Veso Aperitifs, Vincola Casta de Vinos, Warson Wine Company, and more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate with All Phenoms, Yerba Mate from Erva Brew Co., Humm Kombucha, fresh juices from Summit Juice Co., and boba milk tea from Sunright Tea Studio and Bearology, and more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2023 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing neighbors home. Committed to providing permanent solutions to end homelessness and rebuild lives, Union Station works with unsheltered and very low-income adults and families across the San Gabriel Valley. Recently expanding  into El Sereno and Eagle Rock, Union Station Homeless Services is the lead County agency for Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3), coordinating homeless services in 36 communities spanning from Pasadena to Pomona. Union Station Homeless Services’ mission is guided by the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity and a place to call home. In the last five years Masters of Taste has raised over $2.7 Million in support of Union Station Homeless Services life-saving programs.

Masters of Taste 2023 is a 100% outdoor event. Additionally, all guests will be receiving their very own utensils and hand sanitizer to use throughout the event.

Mark your calendars and see you at the sixth annual Masters of Taste 2023!

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2023 will take place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, and this is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information on Masters of Taste 2023, please visit www.MastersofTasteLA.com.

Transportation and Parking: Guests are encouraged to utilize car services – Lyft, Uber, Taxi, etc. – since this event does serve alcoholic beverages and is a 21+ and over event. Complimentary parking is also available at the Rose Bowl.

Follow Masters of Taste for the latest updates:

Facebook:   @MastersofTaste

Instagram:  @mastersoftaste

BAR AND RESTAURANT EXPO 2023 NIGHTLIFE AND NETWORKING EVENTS

by

LAS VEGAS – Bar & Restaurant Expo, returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 27-29, will offer unique networking and nightlife events for registered attendees at some of Las Vegas’ most popular nightlife destinations with complimentary beverages and entertainment. Platinum Party tickets are included with the purchase of VIP Passes and Expo + Party Passes, or they can be purchased as an add-on. 

Monday, March 27

Welcome Kickoff Party at Ayu Dayclub

6:00p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Guests can kick off the 2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World. The Welcome Kickoff Party is open to all attendees and is the perfect opportunity to meet with new suppliers, sample beverages, and listen to live music under the stars at the outdoor venue inspired by the beauty and harmonious atmosphere of Southeast Asia’s idyllic islands. Sponsors include Benchmark Beverage Company, Constellation Brands, Diageo, Edge Energy rink, Heineken, International Tea Importers, Ringside Vodka, Ritual Zero Proof, Rocavaka Vodka, Kurvball Whiskey, Uber Eats, Whip Shots, White Claw, and more.

Platinum Party at JEWEL Nightclub

9:00 p.m. -11:00p.m.

The party will continue on Monday at JEWEL Nightclub inside ARIA Resort & Casino. The elevated and intimate space serves as a luxurious backdrop for entertainment by some of today’s hottest DJs and live performances. Attendees can enjoy complimentary drinks from Bar & Restaurant Expo sponsors including ADJ, Constellation Brands, Corona Premier, Diageo, Don Julio Primavera, Don Julio Rosado, Fresca Mixed, Modelo, Rocavaka Vodka, Uber Eats and White Claw.

Tuesday, March 28

First Time Attendee Happy Hour at Gatsby’s

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Open only to first-time attendees of Bar & Restaurant Expo or World Tea Conference & Expo, guests are invited to mix and mingle with industry colleagues, the Advisory Board and Questex staff at Gatsby’s inside Resorts World. Complimentary beverages will be provided.

Platinum Party at OMNIA Nightclub

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Ticketed attendees can head to OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace Tuesday night for the final Platinum Party of the year. Guests can take in the stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip from the nightclub’s gorgeous al fresco terrace or dance the night away inside OMNIA’s main room where music pulsates throughout. Sponsors include Atmosphere, Buchanan’s Pineapple, Constellation Brands, Corona Premier, Diageo, Edge Energy Drink, Fresca Mixed, Modelo, Rocavaka Vodka, Top Chico, Uber Eats, Captain Morgan and White Claw.

Those interested in attending the 2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo can find more information about the expo and purchase tickets at www.barandrestaurantexpo.com/. Bar & Restaurant Expo is a trade event and not open to the public.

###

About Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show, has continued to evolve to mirror the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry. The event has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators, and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces Vibe Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

BAR AND RESTAURANT EXPO 2023 ANNOUNCES EXPO HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY SPONSORS

by

LAS VEGAS– Bar & Restaurant Expo, the nation’s largest and most influential gathering of bar and restaurant owners and operators, is excited to announce its key sponsors and expo highlights for the 2023 show. Returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 27-29, 2023, new expo hall features, including the Non Alc Chill Zone, will join highly popular interactive experiences including NxT, the Restaurant Zone, The Bistro, Tea Bar, and more.

2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo Hall Floor Highlights Include:

The Bar- Hosted by beverage and operations professional, Chris Hopkins, The Barisan immersive experience, diving deep into the future of all things cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to meet with mixologists, industry suppliers and leaders who will demonstrate ways for beverage professionals to achieve growth behind the bar. Guests can also sample inspirational new beverage recipes and test new products and equipment. 

NxT- NxT, pronounced “next”, is an experience at the forefront of innovation for the hospitality industry and showcases the very latest food and drink trends. Featured experiences include the new Non Alc Chill Zone, Power Talks addressing current industry challenges, live music, food and beverage sampling, plus the coveted Industry Excellence Awards ceremony.

Non Alc Chill Zone- New for 2023, attendees can experience the fastest growing trend in the beverage industry at the Non Alc Chill Zone.  As non-alcoholic beverages become increasingly popular, the Non Alc Chill Zone is an educational and interactive experience where attendees can sample the latest and most innovative zero proof beverages on the market. All beverages are complimentary and included with any registration pass.

Restaurant Zone– TheRestaurant Zoneis 15,000 square feet of space comprised of several distinct activations includingthe new Kitchen Equipment Showcase, powered by Middleby; The Food & Beverage Innovation Center and The Bistro. The Restaurant Zone also boasts a dedicated floor featuring the latest products and innovations.

  • The Kitchen Equipment Showcase, powered by Middleby, will bring together a wide variety of the newest, in-demand electric technology and ventless equipment for your kitchens.
  • The Food & Beverage Innovation Center will feature live, dynamic cooking demonstrations led by a team of top chefs. There will be 10 educational sessions over two days demonstrating the latest culinary techniques, and sampling of each dish to 500 attendees per session.
  • The Bistro invites VIP Pass attendees to dine at the 50-seat restaurant to gain a full-service experience of new food menu items, drinks and test drive the latest technology solutions.

Tea Bar- Bar & Restaurant Expo attendees also have access to the World Tea Expo floor, which will feature Tea Bar. Tea Bar is a dynamic experience showcasing the versatility and value of tea in multiple different products including cocktails, RTDs, plus new innovations within the tea industry.

Featured key sponsors of this year’s Bar & Restaurant Expo include:

  • Constellation Brands
  • Carlsberg
  • Heineken
  • Diageo
  • White Claw
  • Uber Eats
  • Middleby
  • True Manufacturing
  • Perlick
  • Savi Controls
  • Rocavaka Vodka
  • SpotOn
  • QubicaAMF Worldwide LLC

A full list of sponsors for the 2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo can be found here.

###

About Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar & Restaurant Expo, formerly known as Nightclub & Bar Show, has continued to evolve to mirror the fast-paced, trend-setting nature of the hospitality industry. The event has been providing the specific tools that bar and restaurant owners, operators, and managers need to grow their businesses, compete, and succeed in this hyper-competitive and dynamic industry. The Bar & Restaurant Group is a division of the Questex Hospitality Group which also produces Vibe Conference, World Tea Conference & Expo, and daily content on barandrestaurant.com.

About Questex
Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Eve Explores: Beverage Academy at Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits and Beer of Nevada Reopening

by

Last month I had the opportunity to visit Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada to learn all about the reopening of its “beverage Academy to customers, partners and the broader food and beverage community for educational events in February 2023.” Below I will share what I learned at the presentation and below that is their latest news release.

Beverage Academy at Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada

First of all let me say that no, there isn’t another wine, spirits and beer distributor that has a beverage academy providing accredited programs. Usually what happens (for my lay people reading this) is the beverages are sold to a restaurant, and if needed, the distributor will explain all about the drink, how it’s used and how to present it to customers. This is the mainstay of the curriculum – for those in the industry so that they can gain necessary education that they can then communicate to the customer.

Now, moving on, the academy at Glazer’s is freaking amazing. There is stadium seating, extra comfortable chairs for that lengthy class, cameras to record the lessons, amazing lighting including the entire lit-up bar, and TV screens for their educational materials. I spoke with Allan Carter, VP of Marketing, Special Events and Education and these are some bullet points of what I learned from him:

  • The room was closed for two and a half years due to Covid; it originally opened in 2013.
  • Many Las Vegas bar staff has been trained in the room.
  • Currently open to staff as well as press and consumers, also available for corporate meetings.
  • The goal is to get all of the new people in the industry trained as many left during the pandemic. Other goals besides educating employees is to add value to suppliers and add value for customers.
  • They have an in-house chef and kitchen.
  • Carter would like the academy to never be empty.

From Master Sommelier Joseph “Joe” Phillips: wine lessons include old world, new world, tasting technique, assessing wine – which includes the SATO method to identify Sugar, Acid, Tannin and Oak.

From Livio Lauro, Author/Spirits Expert: they have past students that started as bar backs that are now beverage directors, they teach bartenders not to be overwhelmed by the up to 3,000 bottles behind them and to give their customers the highlights, get to know their customer’s flavor profile, and to learn the 12 basic cocktails.

Back to me: There is a wide curriculum of master classes and seasonal classes. I received the course syllabus on each which should also be available online. Besides those already mentioned above there are also classes on Fine Service, Mixology, Sake, Spirits of Asia, Wine List Construction, Blind (wine) Tasting and a basic Introduction to Spirits and Introduction to Wine. Check out the classes here: https://www.sgwsacademy.com/apply

Southern Glazer’s of Nevada Academy Reopens After Two-Year Hiatus

LAS VEGAS January 3, 2023 – Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits and Beer of Nevada (Southern Glazer’s of Nevada) announces that it is reopening their renowned Academy, Southern Nevada’s top beverage education center, in February after temporarily suspending in-person instruction because of the pandemic in 2020. The Academy returns with a full catalog of courses including its distinguished and comprehensive Academy of Spirits, Mixology and Fine Service.

The Academy plans to offer more than 15 classes in 2023 including Masterclass sessions and seasonal classes. The mainstay Academy of Spirits, Mixology and Fine Service course has been an important part of the Academy’s core curriculum since it was created. The course covers all things wine, beer, and spirits in great depth. Students will learn about the history, geography, culture, service technique, and impact of their favorite wines and spirits over 12-weeks or a new accelerated 5-day boot camp.

The Academy has served Southern Nevada since 2000 and has been critical in training thousands of food and beverage specialists in Las Vegas. Hospitality is the primary economic engine in Las Vegas and the Academy supports the industry by educating service professionals and preparing them for further certifications in wine and spirits. Accreditation through Southern Glazer’s of Nevada’s Academy is considered a top training among the Valley’s top bars and restaurants, and a strong pre-accreditation resource for international beverage examinations like The Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

“We are excited to reopen the Academy to in person instruction,” said John Landry, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. “The number of new and upcoming resorts and restaurants in Las Vegas is growing daily, so the need for highly-trained food and beverage professionals has never been greater. Supporting the hospitality and beverage industry in Southern Nevada requires more than innovation in distribution — teaching people about trends and best practices keep the industry growing.”

Master Sommelier Joseph Phillips and Mixologist Livio Lauro, both employees of Southern Glazer’s and respected experts in their respective fields, curated the 2023 course catalog. Joseph “Joe” Phillips was a part of the original team who opened the Bellagio in 1998, after previously managing award-winning wine programs for Aqua, Sensi, and Michael Mina. Livio Lauro is recognized as one of the most instrumental figures in the resurgence of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) and is the founding President of the Guild’s Master Accreditation program, which is the premier national testing body for bartenders in the United States.

As part of Southern Glazer’s of Nevada’s commitment to education, the Academy will also be available to host supplier, trade and customer events that create unique value for suppliers and partners.

JANUARY 13, 2023 UPDATE: “As a show of support to the hospitality industry and continuing to move Las Vegas forward from the pandemic, Southern Glazer’s is proud to announce that all Academy classes in Q1 will be free for trade customers interested in fine wines, spirits and beer. To apply and view the full list of offerings, visit sgwsacademy.com/apply“

About Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada

Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada is the state’s leading beverage distribution company and a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned company. The Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. In 2022, Southern Glazer’s was listed as one of Forbes Best Employers for Diversity. In 2021, Southern Glazer’s was selected as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, as well as named by Newsweek as a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly.

For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the 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 Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris 2023, turning the spotlight on Be Spirits

by

The forthcoming Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris exhibition, due to take place from 13 to 15 February 2023 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, is dedicating a hall to the spirits and craft beverage arena with a programme that promises to be more vibrant than ever.

2023, A LANDMARK YEAR FOR BE SPIRITS 

  • In terms of new features, Be Spirits will boast its own hall to make room for spirits from all backgrounds, from the craft distilleries to the household brands, and shed light on industry trends for professionals.
  • The new format comes with a change in tempo stemming from a desire to meet the community’s needs through specific opening times, from 10 am to 8 pm.
  • A new area, dubbed the Craft Pavilion, will be reserved for the upcoming generation, with young producers of spirits, RTDs, alcohol-free drinks, ciders and beers, allowing them to promote their products in an outstanding international setting. Featured producers will include Gin and Pastis from the Distillerie de l’Ort, produced organically by a brother and sister duo in the Perigord region; rum infusions from K’ribean Cocktail-Taleya, born of a family venture in Guadeloupe; Gin with lavender accents by the Le Vadrouilleur-Maison LC 1901 distillery in Haute Provence; and the craft aperitif Vylmer Apéritifs, also produced in Provence and inspired by the 1950s.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT WITHIN THE EVENT 

In 2023, spirits, craft and alcohol-free beveragesare becoming even more significant with 20 % extra floor space compared with the 2022 event and 44 % new exhibitors. Alongside the many French exhibitors, international attendance will be very strong with the return of Belgium, Canada, the United States, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Romania, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Alongside them will be Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic and Vietnam as newcomers to the exhibition in 2023.

BE SPIRITS, AN EVENT FOCUSING ON DISCOVERY 

27 categories of spirits will be represented: Anise-based drinks, Armagnac, Cachaça, Calvados, Cognac, Cream Liqueurs, Brandies, Gin, Mezcal, RTDs, Rum, Rum infusions, Sake, Alcohol-free, Tequila, Tonic, Vermouth, Vodka and Whisky. New alcoholic drinks will enter the Be Spirits repertoire: Absinthe, liqueurs, bitter, Pisco (Peru’s national drink), Hard Tea and Shochu (the Japanese spirit), along with ciders and beers.

Making their debut in the Be Spirits hall are alcohol-free drinks which will come in a range of styles from semi-sparkling, spirits and beers to mixers and tonics, broadening the choice on offer in response to market demand.

EXHIBITORS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS

International participants include Whisky, Rum and Vodka from Canada with Notaboo and sake and shochu from Japan with the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and American RTDs Slim Chillers. French exhibitors will also share the limelight with attendance by the National Armagnac Marketing Bureau, Cognac with Château Montifaud, craft cream liqueurs with La Mentheuse, and Whisky from La Distillerie Warenghem with its Whisky Armorik.

Loyal exhibitors include the Consorzio di Tutela della Doc Prosecco, Anivin de France, Armagnac Castarede, Armagnac Veuve Goudoulin, BBC Vins et Spiritueux, Calvados Christian Drouin, Château de Saint Aubin, Cognac Dobbe, Maison Dolin, Drouet et Fils, Cognac François Voyer, Cognac Prince Hubert de Polignac, Dartilongue et Fils Armagnac, Delors Frères, Distillerie des Moisans, Distillerie Merlet, Distillerie de la Seine, Distillerie Jean-Paul Mette, Distillerie Longueteau, Domaine familial Louis Dupont, Eyland Spirits, Fire&Ice Beverages AG, Hardy Cognac, Hawkins Distribution, Jacoulot, Kaskad Diffusion, Les Bienheureux, Le Club des Marques, Les Jardins de l’Orbrie / So Jennie, Maison de la Mirabelle – Distillerie de Rozelieures, Maison Ferroni , Maison Peyrat, Michel Couvreur Scotch Whiskies LTD, Plus Oultre Distillery, Tesseron Cognac, Terre de Légende – Bruant Distribution, Tennessee Distilling and Vinet Delpech.

Among new exhibitors will be Arspirits, Armagnacs from Château de Lacquy, Black Mountain, Cognac Paul Giraud et Fils, JNPR, Distillerie de l’Ort, Distillerie Castan, Distillerie Miclo, Distillerie des Menhirs, Domaine de Coquerel, Dunrobin Distilleries, Groupe Geloso/Broue Alliance, Kratochvilovci, K’Ribean Cocktail / Taleya, Gaec du Clos de la Pommeraye, Godet Frères Cognac, Vignobles du Hour, Notaboo Corp, Famille Laudet / Domaine de Laballe, Maison Gelas, Saka Spirits, Slim Chillers, Spirignac, Shogga, Spiritique, Spiribam, Square Box / L’arrange Français and Univers Drink.

AN ON! PROGRAMME FUELLED BY CREATIVITY 

As part of the ON! programme, the event will provide the stage for innovative events in a new area called Speakeasy, a nod to the illicit ‘speak softly’ bars of the Roaring Twenties.  The 2023 Speakeasy by Wine Paris & Vinexpo will take an enterprising approach to on-trend topics in the world of spirits and mixology, yet maintain a very convivial atmosphere.

The battle of the Mixologists, a new event, will bring together the industry’s most creative figures. Speakeasy will also be the venue for masterclasses, conferences and panel discussions devoted to new trends and challenges in the global spirits market. The line-up already includes:

  • a masterclass on Brandy curated by Lucien Bernard,
  • a ‘Spirits’ masterclass by the WSET,
  • a ‘Sowine’ conférence hosted by Marie Mascré, ‘Z (for zebra?): younger generations and their relationship with wines and spirits’,
  • and masterclasses by the Japan Sake and Shochu Association.

The FEVS (French Federation of Wine & Spirits Exporters) will also reveal figures for French wine and spirits exports at its annual press conference on Tuesday 14 February at 10 am in the LET’S SPEAK WINE! area.

  • THE INFINITE BAR

One of the go-to attractions at Be Spirits is the huge, 40-metre-long Infinite Bar which is a focal point in the Be Spirits hall and the point where business meets inspiration. In 2023, it will welcome European, Parisian and French bars to showcase the incredible creativity of the top mixologists or up-and-coming personalities on the bartender scene.

For more information, visit wineparis-vinexpo.com

About WINE PARIS & VINEXPO PARIS

Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is the annual event for wine and spirits professionals from around the world. Hosted in February at a key time of the year, it aims to offer a cohesive focal point for industry players centring on a comprehensive, relevant and inclusive range of products that showcases vineyard sites across the globe alongside all the French wine regions.

About VINEXPOSIUM

Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. The group boasts an extensive portfolio of iconic, high-performance events tailored to different market segments: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris; Vinexpo America, Drinks America; Vinexpo Asia; Symposium; Vinexpo China; WBWE Amsterdam; and Vinexpo India, along with Vinexpo Explorer and Vinexpo Meetings. Vinexposium also continues to enhance its digital portal, Vinexposium Connect, the high-performance business enabler where industry members can connect 365 days a year around the world and enjoy online networking and exclusive content.

Registration opens for Vinexpo America and Drinks America 2023

by

PORTLAND, Maine – Registration has kicked off for Vinexpo America and Drinks America following a successful 2022 debut for the two co-located events, which unite the global beverage alcohol industry. The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s new exhibit Hall 3 in New York March 8-9, 2023. Next year’s program will build on the momentum of 2022, which drew more than 380 exhibitors representing the products of 30 countries. Planning for the co-located programs is well under way, and a new member of the Vinexpo America and Drinks America Advisory Board is in the mix. Robert Tobiassen, president of National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc., has joined the prestigious panel, now comprised of 13 esteemed executives from the beverage alcohol industry. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through March 7.

Where the Wine, Beer, and Spirits World Meets in North America

North America’s premier trade-only expos will provide U.S. and Canadian buyers and decision makers with access to new and established brands looking to enter and expand in the North American market, and the opportunity to discuss products and conduct business in one location. Vinexpo America focuses exclusively on wines from around the world and Drinks America features spirits, beer, sake, ready-to-drink, and related products and services. Attendees will have full access to both events. The event will feature two full days of educational conferences and master classes, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships. Exhibitors already confirmed for the 2023 show include Aquitaine Wine Company, Kazayak-Vin, Bodegas Tagua Tagua SPA, Retail Pak, Scentone, Casa Maestri, Charles Edge London, and Slim Chillers.

For younger wine and spirits producers with less than five years in the business, a New Wave exhibitor option is available to help them launch and boost sales. The show will welcome Brau from France and Wine Library from the United States as New Wave exhibitors this year and is still accepting applications.

By the Numbers: Attendees and Purchasing Power

Ninety-three percent of last year’s attendees were from North America, with 43 states represented. Top participating states included New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Illinois. Seventy-one percent had purchasing roles within the beverage alcohol space, and 68% purchased between $100,000 and $1.5 million annually.

Advisory Board Welcomes Robert Tobiassen

Robert Tobiassen, president of the National Association of Beverage Importers, Inc. (NABI), has joined the Vinexpo America and Drinks America advisory board. Since 1935 NABI has represented importers of distilled spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages on key regulatory and public policies at the federal, state, and international levels impacting trade and supply chain distribution in goods and accompanying services.

Tobiassen joins 12 other U.S.-based wine and spirits industry leaders who contribute to the planning and growth of Vinexpo America and Drinks America, including John Beaudette (MHW, Ltd.), Cheryl Durzy (LibDib), Valerie Gerard-Matsuura (Sopexa USA), Monique Huston (Winebow), Helen Mackey (Darden), Vela McClam Thomas (Lemae Group), Steve Melchiskey (USA Wine West, LLC), Brandy Rand (The IWSR), Brian Rosen (BevStrat LLC), Manilay Saito (Business France), Aaron Sherman (SevenFifty) and David Talbot (Ultimate Beverage Challenge).

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.vinexpoamerica.com.

About Vinexposium

Owned jointly by Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding, Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium offers an enhanced range of high-performance events, tailored to different market segments, with a portfolio of iconic and recognized events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, WOW! Meetings, Vinexpo America & Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, WBWE Asia, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai and WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

IRON CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO’S MORIMOTO ASIA NAPA NOW OPEN

by

Napa, CA (Nov. 7, 2022) – Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, has officially opened Morimoto Asia Napa on Sunday, Nov. 6, offering Far East tastes and textures to the Napa region. Located at 790 Main Street in Napa, Calif., guests can experience an eclectic take on some of Chef Morimoto’s favorite Asian flavors, plus a diverse selection of beer, wine, whiskey, and sake. 


The menu showcases a vast variety of hot and cold appetizers, salads, soups, dim sum, and signature dishes, including Szechuan mapo tofu, orange chicken, and black pepper steak. The beverage menu offers signature cocktails, sake flights, wine, and draft beer. The 170-seat restaurant provides an intimate dining experience, with Chinese flavors highlighted throughout the location.


Upon arrival, guests will be immersed in an upscale ambiance and cultural tastes throughout their dining experience. The restaurant features elaborate designs by BLANK Design, boasting two 9-foot terracotta warriors and dragons wrapped around the dining room pillars, tea drawer cabinets, and hints of Asian gate accents. 


Morimoto Asia Napa is open for dinner service nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will also offer Dim Sum brunch soon. Reservations are suggested via OpenTable.


This restaurant marks Chef Morimoto’s third restaurant in California, including Morimoto Napa, Chef’s contemporary Japanese and sushi concept down the street from Morimoto Asia, and the recently opened Momosan Santana Row. His first Morimoto Asia concept opened in Orlando in 2015, followed by Waikiki in 2018. 


For more information on Chef Morimoto, visit www.ironchefmorimoto.com. To learn more about Morimoto Asia Napa, visit www.morimotoasianapa.com.


About Iron Chef Masaharu MorimotoChef Masaharu Morimoto — known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America — has garnered critical and popular acclaim for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients.  In 2001, Chef Morimoto opened his first restaurant in Philadelphia, which was later followed by restaurants in New York, Napa, Honolulu, Mumbai, Mexico City, Tokyo, and Maui.  Morimoto Asia Orlando at Disney Springs opened in 2015, followed by Momosan NYC and Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand in 2016.  Morimoto Asia Waikiki, Momosan Waikiki, and Morimoto Doha opened in 2018.  Next came Momosan Seattle (2019), Momosan Wynwood (2020), Morimoto Taghazout Bay (2021), Sa’Moto Manhattan West NYC (2021), Momosan at Hub Hall in Boston (2021) and Momosan Santana Row (2022); bringing Chef Morimoto’s global restaurant count to 19. His first cookbook, Morimoto: The New Art of Japanese Cooking (2007), won two IACP awards (in the “Chef’s and Restaurants” category and the “First Book: The Julia Child Award”) and it was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award. His second cookbook, Mastering The Art of Japanese Cooking (2017), introduces readers to the healthy, flavorful, surprisingly simple dishes favored by Japanese home cooks. Chef Morimoto has a range of exclusive partnerships with renowned brands such as Global Grub, creating first-of-its-kind DIY cooking kits and The Spice House offering a line of curated spice blends into home kitchens nationwide as well as all of Chef’s famed Momosan restaurants. Follow Chef Morimoto via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or www.ironchefmorimoto.com.

Take your cocktail game to a new level

by

Salteez – Starting at $14.95, also available on Amazon!

Meet Salteez–a super easy to use, peel and stick beer salt strip that’s ready to dress up your next tailgate party or holiday bbq!  Place them on any can, bottle, or cup to add a dash of salt or tangy flavor to your favorite libations. 

Salteez Highlights:

  • Add a burst of flavor to your favorite beer, margarita, cocktail, and more
  • Stickers are coated in edible beer salt
  • Wrap it vertical, horizontal, or all the way around 
  • More sanitary than licking salt off the side of your can or bottle
  • Portable design is perfect for potlucks, tailgating, bbqs, and more!
  • Available in Salt & Lime, Chili Lime, Pickle Salt, and Sweet & Sour Peach

Siligrams – Starting at $29.99, also available on Share A Sale & Skimlinks

Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated corporate gift, a high brow addition to your cocktail cart, or the ultimate gift for the man who has everything, Siligrams are here to deliver. Their customizable silicone Ice Cube Trays are crafted just for you with your monogram, company logo, image, text and more!

Customizable Ice Cube Tray Highlights:

  • Custom molds can feature a logo, initials, or unique design
  • Customize each cube on your tray independently
  • No minimum order quantities- order 1,000 trays or just 1!
  • Design and order in minutes with a live preview on an easy-to-use website
  • Made to order in the USA means fast shipping and unparalleled quality
  • Available in multiple shapes and sizes to fit your glassware

Vinotemp Adds The New 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler And A Compact Stainless Steel Single Zone Wine Cooler to their Collection

by

HENDERSON, NEV. (PRWEB) – Vinotemp®, the leading wine storage solutions and appliance provider, has announced the launch of their new 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler designed with a front vent for built-in or freestanding installation. The super modern exterior and spacious interior are the focus point of this beautifully designed wine refrigerator, that adds symmetry and balance to any space. The double doors create for double the space, fitting up to 180 bottles of wine. In addition to visual appeal, the dual doors allow you to control the temperature on each side separately, making it perfect for storing different varieties of wine or beer on one side and wine on the other – all at their ideal temperature!

The Vinotemp 36’ Double Door Wine Cooler properly stores up to 90 bottles of wine on each side and features 15 gliding metal shelves with a black wooden lip in each zone, great for adjusting shelves and incorporating different bottles like champagne or vodka.

  • Vinotemps Backlit™ Illuminating Design

This cooler includes a white interior backlit design, that provides the best lighting to view your collection.

  • Customizable Temperature Control on Each Side

An adjustable 26-degree temperature range (39-65°F) allows users to select a proper, customized storage climate and serving temperature for beer, wine, champagne and more. Each side is equipped with its own easy-to-use, all glass touch screen control panel to set the right temperature for any drink.

  • Adjustable Shelving

The adjustable, pull-out shelving makes it easy to access the 180 bottle of wine this refrigerator can store. Each of the shelves has a black front that is high enough to cover most of the bottom half of each bottle. This arrangement gives the unique impression that the bottles are “floating” within the storage unit and is exclusive to Vinotemp.

##

HENDERSON, NEV. (PRWEB) – Vinotemp®, the leading wine storage solutions and appliance provider, today announced the launch of their new 24-Bottle Wall-Mounted Single-Zone Wine Cooler, a perfectly designed compact wine storage solution that can fit in any room. This wine cooler contains stylish black wooden pull out shelves and soft interior LED lighting illuminates the cooler’s contents,
making it easy to read labels and locate your favorite bottle of wine. The dual-pane tempered glass provides extra insulation that maintains wine at ideal temperatures.

  • Digital Display

The push button temperature control panel with digital read-out at the top interior makes setting and monitoring the temperature of your wine cooler a breeze!

  • Designed to Match Your Style and Space

Recessed, built-in installation and black glass or stainless steel trim make this appliance a seamless addition to efficient and stylish spaces.

  • Customizable Temperature Control

An adjustable 26-degree temperature range (41-64°F) allows users to select a proper, customized storage climate and serving temperature.

To learn more about Vinotemp’s newest offering, and other appliances and wine storage solutions, visit vinotemp.com.

Best High-Altitude Fall/Late Summer Festivals

by

For those looking to elevate their summer/fall festival adventures – go up. High-altitude mountain festivals means iconic views, cooler temperatures and oftentimes less crowds (though you have to watch your alcohol consumption at high elevations!).

We put together a list of our favorite late summer/fall food/beverage and movie festivals that are over 8,000 feet of elevation –

Vail Wine Classic (8,150’, August 11-13): The Vail Wine Classic includes “Vail Uncorked Dinner Series” featuring five-course dinners at Vail’s top restaurants, a Somm-led “Argentine Experiences Hike” that culminates with a three-course paired lunch, a seminar about RIEDEL’s’s varietal-specific glassware, and much more. Vail Wine Classic brings master winemakers and wine enthusiasts together for an immersive three-day tasting event that includes all-inclusive tastings of diverse and distinctive wines from around the world and a-la-carte events.

Breckenridge Wine Classic (9,600’, Sept. 15-17): In addition to the iconic Grand Tasting sessions that feature hundreds of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and epicurean purveyors, the Breckenridge Wine Classic’s innovative lineup includes a “Winemaker for a Day” experience, “Wine & Wildflower Hike,” and exquisite paired dinners with some of the country’s best vintners at five standout Breckenridge restaurants, including one at the ski resort.

Vail Oktoberfest (8,150’, Sept 9-11 + Sept. 16-18): The beloved Vail Oktoberfest is a Bavarian extravaganza of competitions, costume contests, German delicacies, flowing German beer, traditional music and dance, children’s entertainment and more. This free, family-friendly event was named among the 10 greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. by USA Today.

Telluride Film Festiva l (8,750’, Sept. 2-5) – Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado triples in size. Swells of passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total cinematic immersion, embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms.