Watch Brilliance Come to Life for Revolutionary Wine, Beer & Spirit Makers in the Paso Robles, CA Film “Tin City” – Available on Video for the Holidays

December 11, 2019 by evebushman

PASO ROBLES, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Calling all foodies, oenophiles and travel junkies, this inspirational film is a must for your holiday bucket list, not to mention your friends and family gift list. Alluring and heartfelt, Tin City tells the story of passionate wine country craft makers whose permanently stained hands, aching backs, and barrels of dreams weigh heavy on the mind. These are the proud battle scars of Paso Robles’ small lot wine, beer, spirit, and cider makers making a name for themselves, and a home for their barrels, in Tin City, USA. Watch the trailer here.

Tin City Film Facebook Photo

The film takes place inside the concentrated industrial village of Tin City hidden away in the heart of Paso Robles Wine Country—a wine region within a wine region. This industrial epicurean playground has grown into a mecca for food and wine travelers from around the world. Director Dina Mande of Juice Media has caught it all over the last couple of years.

“The documentary pulls back the curtain and allows viewers to dive past the average wine tasting room banter,” Mande said. “You actually get to meet these creative souls and understand the vision behind true boutique wine, cider, and craft beer. This is the unmistakably human element within the bottle. Once you know their stories, it only deepens what’s in your glass.”

“There is an allure; putting a vine in the ground and, many years later, having that thing be so much bigger,” says Aaron Jackson, winemaker and proprietor at Aaron Wines, in the opening scene. “There are very few things we consume in this world that give people that much joy and connect those two processes.”

Recently celebrated at San Luis Obispo Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and LA’s LaFemme Film Festival, Tin City was acquired for North American distribution by Gravitas Ventures, is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, and will be available through VOD on Amazon.com November 26^th, 2019.

San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery Wins Double Gold and More

December 2, 2019 by evebushman

SAN JOSE, CALIF. (PRWEB) – San Jose’s 10th Street Distillery has earned Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for its Peated Single Malt American Whisky, which expanded distribution to Southern California on November 1. 10th Street Distillery Single Malt American Whisky offers discerning whisky enthusiasts an award winning, super-premium American Single Malt that draws inspiration from both Scottish whisky-making tradition and Californian ingenuity.

10th Street Peated Single Malt American Whisky (ABV 46 %, MSRP $65) is the first whisky produced in San Jose. It is crafted by a small, passionate team with painstaking attention to detail, combining time-tested methods with a unique sense of adventure. The carefully crafted harmony between the wood, malt and peat has resulted in a delicate, balanced whisky with subtle complexity which has already won Best in Class Gold at Whiskies of the World.

“We wanted to make an authentic peated whisky with California provenance. So, we needed a malted barley that had been dried over a peat fire to give it that essential peat reek with a touch of smoke,” explains 10th Street Distillery co-founder Virag Saksena. “At the same time, we also wanted it to be distinctly Californian, incorporating local terroir.”

After months of searching, partners Virag Saksena and Vishal Gauri found a maltster who created a custom peated malt that perfectly complements the alkaline, mineral-rich water of the Bay Area – the essence and key ingredient in their distillate. The gentle heathery notes of the peat used for malting allowed them to craft a flavor profile which is distinctly peaty yet extremely approachable.

10th Street Distillery founders are engineers with a steadfast passion for making things better. They refused to accept the status quo of making whisky in America (where whisky is spelled with an ‘e’). First, they learned the old ways of making Scotch whisky from the masters; then, they reinterpreted these techniques with an engineer’s precise, meticulous attention to detail and a willingness to erase boundaries. The culmination of eight years of design and development efforts in San Jose’s first modern distillery.

10th Street Distillery’s alembic-shaped, double-pot copper stills are derived from traditional copper pot designs with unique custom modifications for a complex flavor profile. The top-quality, ex-bourbon barrels slowly age and develop the whisky’s smooth, velvety expression without overpowering it with wood. The influence of local microflora during the extended fermentation adds a touch of the local terroir. A premium whisky that respects tradition while breaking new ground, 10th Street’s Peated Single Malt American Whisky promises to be a new American classic.

Peated Single Malt American Whiskey Tasting Notes:
Nose: Citrus, with a peat smoke essence
Color: Light golden
Palate: Creamy full flavors of vanilla and dark red apple peels, turning into rounded peat flavors. A delicate balance of fruity and smoky notes.
Finish: Full bodied, buttery, with a lingering peaty finish

About 10th Street Distillery:
San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

Sequoia Grove Celebrates 40th Harvest with Sustainability Certification

November 28, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Sequoia Grove Winery, a Napa Valley producer of Cabernet Sauvignon since 1979, is celebrating its 40^th harvest in a new winemaking facility in Rutherford, California. This family-owned winery continues to make significant investments in winemaking, vineyards and sustainability to craft distinctive, varietally-correct wines that are unmistakably Napa Valley.

Sequoia Grove Winery is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and has recently become certified in Napa Green Land and Fish-Friendly Farming for their estate vineyards. These latest certifications, combined with the winery’s recent re-certification as a Napa Green Winery, demonstrate an estate that is deeply committed to environmentally-responsible practices throughout its entire operation.

Sequoia Grove Winery is taking its environmental message beyond the winery by joining 1% for the Planet®. As a 1% for the Planet® member, Sequoia Grove Winery has committed to donating 1% of sales from its Vineyard Series wines to the nonprofit Save the Redwoods League.

“For us, the coastal redwood tree is more than just our brand icon; it’s a symbol of persistence, fortitude and interconnectedness,” explains Steve Bowden, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “These magnificent trees represent a true sense of place along a narrow strip of the California coast, just like our Vineyard Series wines. We are proud to partner with these great organizations to protect and preserve habitat for endangered old and new-growth sequoia groves.”

From the very beginning, Sequoia Grove Winery was recognized as an innovator with a focus on quality. Early accolades included “Best American Cabernet Sauvignon” in the American Wine Competition for both 1985 and 1987. Fast-forward to today – the winery is still family-owned and continues to push the envelope in quality. Countless 90+ point scores have been bestowed upon Sequoia Grove’s Napa Valley and Vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignons and the 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet was a Wine Spectator “Top 100 Wines” award winner.

“We are extremely excited to be celebrating our 40^th harvest,” explains Rick Bonitati, President of Sequoia Grove Winery. “Over the last few years, the winery has focused efforts on improvements across all facets of the operation including precision farming techniques, viticulture, sustainability and the replanting of the estate vineyards. Now with the new winemaking and educational facilities, our dedicated team is even further inspired to continue our mission to produce wines of distinction and provide an exceptional Napa Valley experience for our guests. We’ve only just begun to see the results of this undertaking; the future looks very promising.”

The property improvements continue with a completely re-imagined educational facility and accompanying guest experience. Under the direction of Executive Chef Britny Maureze, the Sequoia Grove educational program provides guests with comprehensive wine and food pairing discussions, focusing on the versatility of Cabernet Sauvignon as a pairing varietal. With a diverse selection of educational experiences being offered, from the recently-added and highly-acclaimed “Terroir Tasting” featuring vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignon paired with cuisine, to the compelling “Cabernet Culinary Challenge” and classic offering of “A Taste for Cabernet,” visitors may choose from a variety of interactive educational sessions which pair Sequoia Grove wines with warm hospitality.

“No matter what we’re trying to achieve, the renovations and upgrades have provided our team with tools for us to succeed—be it winemaking, viticulture, sustainability or the visitor experience,” says Sequoia Grove Winemaker, Molly Hill. “To me, that speaks volumes about what Sequoia Grove Winery stands for.”

About Sequoia Grove Winery:
Established in 1979, Sequoia Grove Winery is obsessed with the details that go into crafting our Napa Valley wines and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Our commitment to quality starts in the vineyard; we grow the very best grapes in the finest terroir to form the foundation of our wines. Quality is intrinsic to everything we do, from winemaking to our gracious hospitality; it’s ingrained in our culture and the vanguard of our philosophy. At Sequoia Grove, we’ve been carving our own path for decades while never losing sight of who we are: rooted in history, guided by integrity, resolute in our values, and committed to the future. Learn more at www.sequoiagrove.com.

Find us on Instagram @SequoiaGrove

About 1% for the Planet®
1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. It recognizes that the current level of environmental giving—only 3% of total philanthropy—is not enough to solve the most pressing issues facing the planet. Through its business and individual membership programs, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through everyday actions and annual commitments. Their team advises on giving strategies, certifies donations, and amplifies the impact of the network. Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.

About Save the Redwoods League
Save the Redwoods League is one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations. Save the Redwoods League has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918, connecting generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forest. Our 24,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 216,000 acres of irreplaceable forest in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For more information, go to savetheredwoods.org.

Portola Hotel and Spa Celebrates the Holiday Season with Dazzling Festivities

November 24, 2019 by evebushman

Monterey, CA — The holiday season has never looked brighter! Portola Hotel & Spa, the elegant Four-Diamond hotel situated along Central California’s Monterey Bay, is hosting magical events for the whole family to celebrate the holiday season including a throwback to the 80’s with a righteous New Year’s Eve event.

Portola Hotel & Spa invites families to celebrate the holiday magic of Monterey and take part in the second annual Winter Wonderland from December 13-25, 2019. Portola’s Winter Wonderland will offer a variety of entertainment, activities, dining experiences and more. In the spirit of holiday giving, the hotel has partnered with The Salvation Army and will provide barrels for food donations in the lobby. In addition, complimentary champagne and themed treats inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas will be served in the lobby from 4:30pm to 6pm, courtesy of Portola’s Culinary Team! With caroling from children’s choirs, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating and face painting, these are just a few of the back-to-back festivities the hotel has in store.

Although winter in California might be full of sunshine and sandy beaches, winter is still in full swing all around the property, from classic winter activities to cozy culinary experiences. From November 23 through January 5, 2020, visitors can lace up their skates at the Custom House Plaza adjacent to the Portola Hotel for Ice Skating by the Bay! Back for another year of ice skating under the Monterey sun, this is a winter activity the whole family can enjoy. Sip your favorite holiday beverage and savor in the seasonal menu selections from Jacks Monterey, located inside the Portola Hotel. Jacks is the perfect place to cozy up with your loved ones on the newly renovated terrace among a blazing outdoor fire pit. At Monterey’s first craft brewery, Peter B’s Brewpub, pick up the coveted Annual Ugly Sweater and warm your soul with handcrafted seasonal ales and locally sourced eats.

To ring in the new year, Portola Hotel & Spa is hosting a Totally 80s New Year’s Eve Party! Festivities start at 7pm on December 31, 2019 for 21+ and older. Enjoy live music, a buffet dinner and an open bar for a righteous time in downtown Monterey. Arrive in new wave style – loud colors, statement makeup and excessive hair gel are welcome. Dance to live music from The Money Band in the grand ballroom and countdown to 2020 with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Guests can even capture their evening at The Vintage PhotoBox photobooth.

To round out the night, guests can stay in a well-appointed guest room at Portola Hotel & Spa for ultimate relaxation after dancing the night away. The New Year’s Eve Party Overnight Package is now available and includes admission for two for the 80s themed-party. Tickets are available for pre-sale at $160 per person until November 30, 2019 and will be available for purchase until December 31, 2019 for $175 per person. Tickets are $160 per military personnel with valid ID.

Totally 80s New Years Eve will be an unforgettable night of revelry. For overnight accommodations or for more information, visit portolahotel.com.

About Portola Hotel & Spa

The AAA Four Diamond, Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA was one of the first U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Certified hotel on California’s Central Coast. The full-service hotel offers guests a rich, historical ambiance, with residential style and a dedicated staff to ensure an unparalleled guest experience. The Portola Hotel features 379 coastal inspired guest rooms and suites, ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Portola boasts an expert event planning staff and over 60,000 square feet of meeting space with the adjacent Monterey Conference Center. Home to the Monterey Peninsula’s original craft brewery, Peter B’s Brewpub, The Club Room and Monterey’s newest dining hot spot, Jacks Monterey. The Portola boasts an award-winning 6,000-square-foot day spa. Spa on the Plaza offers beautifully appointed treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu of signature treatments. Overnight guests also have access to the hotel’s spa and fitness facilities, complete with steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.

For more information, please visit www.portolahotel.com.

Daughter Follows in Footsteps of California “Champagne” Winemaker Hanns Kornell (Review of new sparkling by Eve included)

November 20, 2019 by evebushman

HELENA, Calif. – PRNewswire – Napa Valley wine consultant and community leader Paula Kornell introduced the inaugural vintage of her Napa Valley Blanc de Noir (Eve received a bottle for review, tasting notes below) carrying on the work of her father, legendary sparkling winemaker Hanns Kornell.

Paula worked closely with her father at the family winery Kornell Champagne Cellars, established in 1958 and among the first in California to produce sparkling wine using the traditional method. Through a range of wines, Hanns Kornell helped generate domestic interest in sparkling wine – at that time called Champagne by most American producers. Paula’s experience and knowledge gained through her father’s tutelage, as well as her mother’s love of sharing stories, food, and wine, are the stimulus behind Paula Kornell sparkling wines: a focus on authenticity and tradition from grape to bottle.

Photo by Eve Bushman

“This is truly a dream realized,” says Paula. “Carrying on the family tradition is something I’ve thought about and worked towards for some time and I believe that my parents would be proud to see the legacy finally come to fruition.”

The launch of her own wine brand follows Paula’s 30 plus years’ experience in the wine industry, including a term as president of the Napa Valley Vintners board and as board member for nine years. Her passion for her father’s wines as well as for those of Napa Valley have inspired her to bring Napa’s historic past back to life.

Vintage Wine Estates, a family of independent wineries and producers throughout Napa, Sonoma and the Pacific Northwest, will partner with Paula to bring the Méthode Champenoise sparkling wine to market. With deep roots in the wine business and an innovative approach to connecting consumers to the story behind the wine, Vintage Wine Estates will provide essential resources for Paula to revive her family’s historic tradition of winemaking.

“We are thrilled to be working with Paula to bring this deeply personal project to light,” says Pat Roney, CEO and Founding Partner of Vintage Wine Estates. “The Kornell family story is so intertwined with the history of winemaking in Napa and Sonoma counties, and it is an honor to be a part of the next chapter.”

Assisting Paula with winemaking is Robin Akhurst, winemaker at Vintage Wine Estates since 2015 and specialist at crafting wines that express the character and distinction of Napa Valley. Robin has a thoroughly global perspective on winemaking, cultivated through experience working harvests in Marlborough, Burgundy, and Australia, before settling in Napa Valley.

Following the launch of the 2017 Napa Valley Blanc de Noir Méthode Champenoise ($50 retail) this month, Paula plans to release a California Sparkling Wine Méthode Champenoise in Spring 2020.

Tasting Notes From Eve

Tickled pink…or is it bubbly with excitement…to have a Blanc de Noir (for wine 101ers that’s a white wine from red grapes, almost always Pinot Noir, that have had very little skin contact so the color is limited) sparkling wine for review:

A hint of pink to the color of the wine, so the skins were maybe left on a wee bit longer than I expected to give off some pretty color, a glittery 24k rose gold edge and medium-sized bubbles in the center of the glass (in a white wine glass for tasting) and mini bubbles raced up on the edge. On the nose I got sweet pink grapefruit, yellow peach and apricot stone fruit, kiwi, Golden Delicious apple, sweet raspberry, wet stone, dry earth, river rock and a little graphite. Going in for the taste I found the same fruit with the addition of lemon-lime, cream and French bread. Long finish where the fruit really shone. Well done Madam Kornell. You can get more info from the Paula Kornell Sparkling Facebook page too.

About Paula Kornell  Growing up on her family’s Napa Valley vineyard, Paula Kornell worked with her father until the closing of Kornell Champagne Cellars in 1992, after which she served as General Manager of Vichon Winery, then Carmenet in Sonoma County, and finally Oakville Ranch. Now principal of Kornell Wine Company, she consults with esteemed wine brands and appellations across Napa and Sonoma counties. She was 2009 President of the Board of Directors for the Napa Valley Vintners, filling a position her father held 45 years earlier. She currently serves as board secretary for the Queen of the Valley Foundation, and on the board of Napa Humane.

About Vintage Wine Estates  Vintage Wine Estates is a privately held wine company founded by a group of vintner families with deep roots in the wine business. VWE owns a prestige collection of winery estates and brands—referred to as “our string of pearls”—signifying the quality and legacy of these iconic wines. They span the most significant winegrowing regions: Napa, Sonoma, California’s Central Coast, Washington State and Oregon. Labels include Clos Pegase, Girard, Delectus, Swanson, Cosentino, Cherry Pie, B.R. Cohn, Firesteed, Laetitia, Qupé, and an extensive portfolio of lifestyle and exclusive wine brands. VWE also produces the luxury spirits marques from the Splinter Group and No 209 Gin. An industry leader across all sales channels and dedicated to providing wine and spirits consumers with a range of wines from $10 to $150. www.vintagewineestates.com.

RIVIERA 31 AT SOFITEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS UNVEILS ‘INDIAN SUMMER’ COCKTAIL COLLECTION

November 18, 2019 by evebushman

Los Angeles, CA – Riviera 31 at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has debuted a new cocktail menu inspired by the Angeleno lifestyle surrounding health and wellness.

Riviera

Director of Nightlife Aidan Demarest, who joined the Sofitel team in August 2019, has curated a limited-edition cocktail collection designed to cure the summer hangovers and embody the health-conscious City of Stars. In a town where there is no shortage of gluten-free, vegan and clean-eating spots, Demarest has introduced his first cocktail menu for the property entitled ‘Indian Summer.’

Comprising seven drinks, the menu offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic sips perfect for a pre-holiday cleanse or Awards Season preparation. Demarest combines unique flavors with holistic ingredients that aim to wow the taste buds while leaving guests feeling refreshed. With innovative names such as “Tulum Bounceback” and “Yoga Deck,” visitors can work up a sweat on the dance floor and detox at the bar.

“My intention with this new cocktail collection was to pair our mixology experience with our vibrant eclectic world music program while keeping it clean and sexy. Using fall inspired earthly ingredients in light and fresh recipes, I created these cocktails to end the summer season and embrace fall on a health conscious note,” said Demarest.

The cocktail menu is made with fresh juice and his very own simple syrup made in house. ‘The Enlightenment’ ($20) is light and tangy using vodka, pomegranate juice, lemon and elderflower liquor topped with sparkling wine. For kombucha lovers, the menu’s reimagined Paloma ($20) will become their new go-to drink, combining blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, habanero and kombucha. For those looking for an elevated mocktail, the ‘Puff Down’ ($15) intends to detox with key ingredients like turmeric ginger syrup and lemon juice.

The West Hollywood watering hole has become a favorite among locals, visitors and celebrities looking for nonstop entertainment and handcrafted mixology. From the hotspot’s iconic Jazz Eclectic Nights every Monday to energetic Salsa Nights each Wednesday, there is constant fun and play at Riviera 31.

For more information on Riviera 31, visit https://www.esterelrestaurant.com/riviera-31

About Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a stunning hotel in LA offering elegant luxury accommodations and dramatic decor with an ambiance that combines see-and-be-seen excitement and the calm of an urban resort. Ideally situated on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, opposite the Beverly Shopping Center, this West Hollywood hotel is conveniently located near Cedar Sinai Medical Center, Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue, and Sunset Boulevard. Discover a unique blend of French fashion mixed with Hollywood glamour at this elegant hotel offering 295 rooms on 10 floors including 28 suites all featuring Sofitel’s luxurious feather top and state-of-the-art technology. Make the most of Sofitel Los Angeles’s numerous onsite amenities from the 2,500-square-foot gym SoFIT to the French cosmetology SoSpa and the Celebrity Hair Salon LeSalon. Have breakfast at our farm-to-table breakfast restaurant Esterel, join us for lunch or dinner at Cattle & Claw, our burgers and lobster SoCal Eatery and finish the night at Riviera 31 Lounge Bar for a night of breathtaking live music and unforgettable cocktails.

www.sofitel-los-angeles.comAbout Riviera 31
Riviera 31 at Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills is a sophisticated cocktail lounge that offers a sensual baroque take on flowers and their mystery and elegance, where the cozy ruby red and blue velvet sofas invite to lounge on under the gold Rococo ceiling. From legendary Jazz nights, Salsa Nights and DJ events, Riviera 31 hosts the best entertainment nights in town! Celebrities from Cara Delevingne to Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds and Kourtney Kardashian and Amber Heard have been spotted! Enjoy cocktails, tapas and communal plates that takes visitors on an epicurean journey through French coastal cuisine.

Acme Hospitality Introduces Pearl Social, Santa Barbara’s Most Innovative Cocktail Lounge

November 14, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Barbara, California – Acme Hospitality introduces Pearl Social, an intimate cocktail and music bar opened to the public on November 1, 2019. The bar is located at 131 Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara in Suite B, located between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery.

Pearl Social is a nod to the celebrated first lady of Santa Barbara, Pearl Chase, a community activist who worked tirelessly on the historic preservation and beautification of the popular coastal city. Pearl Chase was an intelligent and courageous woman who deeply loved her adopted hometown of Santa Barbara and spent her life committed to bettering it. Pearl Social is intended to be a place of connection for the community to come together in a social and convivial atmosphere.

The cocktail program is led by Gavin Koehn, a Santa Barbara local and long-time Acme alumnus. Starting his career in hospitality as a server at The Lark, Gavin quickly established himself as a cocktail prodigy and moved on to lead the beverage program at sister restaurant Loquita. A participating U.S.A. finalist in the Mediterranean Inspirations global cocktail competition held in Ibiza, Spain, Gavin brings his passion for Old World cocktails with modern twists to Pearl Social. The eclectic cocktail menu has five cocktail classics; Not So Classic; Rule Breakers; Are they Martinis; Communal Consumption; and B. Anthony Approved non-alcoholic drinks. Samples include the Dry Appletini with Calvados, Pineau de Charentes, Dry French Vermouth and London Dry Gin; an absinthe-laced twist on the ever-popular espresso martini; The Unheard Melody features Blanche Armagnac, mezcal, blueberry-infused grappa, lemon, pineapple and basil. Communal Consumption selections offer librations served in vintage punchbowls to share, sure to please couples on a night out.

Enter Pearl Social’s intimate space, designed by Doug Washington and Kim Calabrigo of August Studio, located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s popular Funk Zone. Washington is an integral part of the Acme family, responsible for the design of all of its successful concepts. The design of Pearl Social is inspired by the 1930s-1950s transatlantic urban social clubs of the United States and Europe. Influenced by the Mediterranean climate, gorgeous Pacific coastline and lush flora of Santa Barbara, Pearl Social is illuminated by tranquil hues of deep blue, green and soft pink. The custom overhead chandeliers, originally designed by Washington, are reinterpretations of lights that hang in New York City’s Grand Central Station. Deep blue walls encapsulate the space creating a romantic and luxurious vibe. Emerald green tile provides the backdrop for the custom-built back bar built by Alan Lockwood, bordered in front with Calacatta Luccia quartz. Mid-century style leather sofas atop vintage Persian rugs, soft rose-colored velvet chairs and low-slung conversation areas create the perfect opportunity for connection. A nature-inspired mural saturates the space with intense color and energy while the intimate patio provides a cozy place to circle up. Pearl Social is designed for relaxing, settling in and connecting with friends.

Acme Wine Director Hayden Felice is credited for development of the wine program at Pearl Social. By-the-glass wine selections are small but focused, with an emphasis on sustainable farming practices and natural winemaking processes featuring both Old World and local winemakers that produce the finest wine worldwide. Similar to the by-the-glass list, the bottle list selections have substantial breadth. The numerous fans of Pearl Social’s previous incarnation, Les Marchands, can find selections from the extensive wine list from the beloved wine shop on Pearl Social’s list and at The Lark restaurant. All four of the Les Marchands Wine Clubs continue to be offered online.

The service team is led by Kacey House, also General Manager for The Lark, who is committed to delivering the warm and gracious hospitality that all Acme concepts are known for.

Award-winning Chef Jason Paluska from The Lark designed a complementary menu of snacks for Pearl Social. As the original chef for The Lark, Jason has garnered numerous awards and international recognition for his Central Coast inspired, seasonal, locally sourced, and scratch-made menu. His small bites menu at Pearl Social includes a choice of West Coast Oysters with Foraged Pink Peppercorn and Sea Bean Mignonette as well as Malt Vinegar Potato Chips with Smoked Trout Roe Dip. Some larger format dishes include a Golden Beet Tartine with French Butter Pear, Burrata, and Crispy Sage, as well as a Dry-Aged Beef Burger Paired with Green Peppercorn Aioli, Jasper Hill Aged Cheddar and Pickled Red Onion, served on a Helena Avenue Brioche Bun.

Live and recorded music is planned as a regular feature of Pearl Social featuring jazz, blues, folk, rock, acoustic instrumental and vocal performances as well as DJs spinning favorite tunes.

Pearl Social is open nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5:00 p.m. – midnight on Friday and Saturday.

ABOUT ACME HOSPITALITY:

Acme Hospitality owns and operates an innovative collection of boutique food and beverage concepts in the heart of Santa Barbara, California’s Funk Zone. The group has earned numerous awards and accolades for its many concepts. Recognition includes “America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants” from Wine Enthusiast for both The Lark and Les Marchands; “36 Hours in Santa Barbara” by the New York Times for Loquita; Travel + Leisure; “Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America” by OpenTable for The Lark; “10 Hottest Restaurants in Santa Barbara” by Zagat for Lucky Penny; and “10 Best New Restaurants by U.S.A.Today for Loquita, and Los Angeles magazine; Food & Wine for The Lark, Loquita, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Tyger Tyger and Monkeyshine. Acme Hospitality is dedicated to delivering outstanding food, wine, cocktails, service and beautiful interiors to the Santa Barbara community and visitors to the American Riviera from around the globe.

PEARL SOCIAL

131 Anacapa Street, Ste. B, Santa Barbara, California 93101

(between The Lark and Helena Avenue Bakery)

805.284.0380

info@pearlsocialsb.com

For more information, the public can visit: www.pearlsocialsb.com

Follow PEARL SOCIAL:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pearlsocialsb.com

Twitter & Instagram: @pearlsocialsb

For information on the ACME HOSPITALITY visit: www.acmehospitality.com

Rescue Dog Wines launches nationally

October 31, 2019 by evebushman

LODI, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Based in Lodi, California, Rescue Dog Wines was established with the goal of donating 50% of its profits to rescue dog organizations across the country. Proprietors Blair and Laura Lott explain that they started planning a new life in wine country around 2015. “We knew that we wanted to embrace sustainable growing practices and create a new, more rewarding lifestyle for ourselves. In addition, we knew that we wanted enough land to grow wine grapes AND foster dogs…we knew that we wanted to create high quality, premium wines. During this period of exploration throughout many of California’s wine regions it dawned on us that we could combine our two passions and Rescue Dog Wines was born,” they said.

The Lotts are preparing to plant their 16-acre vineyard in Lodi this spring to Grenache, Sangiovese, and Mourvedre. Until those grapes are grown, the winery is sourcing grapes from the Lodi growing region which are grown according to Lodi Rules and California Rules sustainability protocols. The winemakers are Susana Rodriguez Vasquez and Eric Donaldson.

Current releases are Bubbly Boxer NV Demi-Sec Sparkling Wine, Methode Champenoise, $34.00 (Lodi AVA); Predominantly Poodle NV Sauvignon Blanc, $18.99 (Lodi AVA: Cosumnes River sub-AVA); Bubbly Boxer Sparkling Rosé is a NV, Methode Champenoise, $38.00 (Lodi AVA); Beloved Mixed Red, Red Wine Blend, NV, $24.99 (41% Lodi, 28% Cosumnes River, 21% Clement Hills, 10% Mokelumne River) and 2018 Rosé, $18.99 (Cosumnes River AVA). Rescue Dog Wines’ first release was Beloved Mixed Red Blend, a non-vintage red, which was released in the summer of 2018.

The wines are available to purchase from the winery’s website. There are plans for a tasting room in Lodi in the future.

On National Dog Day (August 26), the winery did a joint program with Hotel Milo in Santa Barbara, California. Dogs were welcomed with treats and gifts, and owners with choices of the Rescue Dog wines. “This type of collaborative effort brings us great joy,” comment Blair and Laura Lott, who have participated in dog rescue related events including the Sacramento SPCA Fall Gala, Friends of the Alameda (California) Animal Shelter, the Lodi PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter), Los Angeles Found Animals Foundation, The Rescue Dog Runway Show in Los Angeles and the English Bulldog Rescue Bully Ball in Atlanta. As Rescue Dog Wines have been presented at rescue dog charity events around the country, Blair and Laura have felt an enormous wave of enthusiasm and interest. “The feedback we receive is phenomenal and heart-warming. We love meeting our customers and future customers and discussing our combined love of dogs and wine,” Blair explains. “People are initially drawn in by our mission, but end up leaving impressed with the wines,” he adds. Blair and Laura also relish their role as evangelists for the Lodi growing region.

Blair Lott was born and raised in Georgia. He worked with his father on their 20-acre farm and, in fact, several generations of his family have been farmers in the South. The family grew vegetables and raised livestock and he came to value the agricultural lifestyle. There were lots of dogs in his childhood, mostly boxers and Boston terriers. At 17, Blair formed an alternative rock band, the first expression of the drive to creativity which still propels him today. Blair spent the first years of his career working in the music world—writing and performing in Athens, Georgia, Nashville and later in Melbourne, Australia. He transitioned into a livelihood as a digital media consultant. During his three years in Australia he became immersed in the wine and food scene and intrigued with the idea of making wine his vocation. After moving back to Atlanta and marrying his wife Laura, they decided to move to northern California to be closer to wine country.

Laura Lott was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, and she grew up all across the U.S. as part of an Air Force family. In the summers she visited her family in Brittany, on the northwest coast of France. Her grandfather was a pastry chef in St. Malo and Laura has fond memories of spending time in the bakery. She would also visit cousins who were farmers; she remembers dinners being interrupted by having to run outside to take care of squealing pigs. She’d garden with her grandmother, where one of their specialties was making jam from the raspberries they grew. As a young adult Laura adopted her first rescue dog, a boxer, Daisy, from an animal rescue operation in Atlanta. The experience of visiting the animal shelter made an enormous impression on Laura; she determined after that visit to make rescue dogs a cause in her life. In the first part of her career, she became an HR specialist for large corporations. She then left the corporate world and embarked on a journey of exploration, investigating her creative side.

Founded in 2009, Krewe du Bizou Wines is based in New Orleans and imports and distributes fine wines from around the world. In New Orleans, the term “krewe” is applied to a group of people who make up a Mardi Gras organization. “When combined, you get a collection of fine wines representative of those special little kisses (bizou) in life, which is exactly what you’ll discover at Krewe du Bizou Wines,” explains James Moises. The company is located on the Lafitte Greenway at 2500 Saint Louis Street in New Orleans. Following Rescue Dog Wines’ lead, Bizou will be donating a portion of their sales to local New Orleans animal rescue groups.

Presqu’ile Recruits Julie Simon As New Executive Chef

October 28, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Maria, California – Presqu’ile, the estate winery poised high in the hills of Santa Maria with stunning ocean and vineyard views, announces the addition of Julie Simon as their new executive chef. Simon will be creating the tasting room wine and food pairings, as well as developing special event menus and overseeing wine dinners, including those with guest chefs.

Julie recently headlined at one of the winery’s sell-out Guest Chef Dinners which brought her to the attention of the Murphys and invited her to come aboard. In her new position, she plans to rework the wine and food pairings to reflect both her style and to complement the library of wines at Presqu’ile. She is also designing an organic garden on the property.

Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales for the winery welcomes Simon to the Presqu’ile family, stating, “We are very excited to have Julie join the team. Her commitment to local sourcing, organic farming, and clean, ingredient-focused cooking truly aligns with Presqu’ile’s philosophy, and will make for a very great partnership showcasing our wines in their best light.”

Julie Simon is enthusiastic about joining Presqu’ile, remarking, “I am thrilled to be joining such a strong and dedicated team, where I can be a part of propelling the Presqu’ile hospitality experience forward. And the addition of a permaculture garden not only shows our commitment to great food, it also nurtures the ‘sense of place’, mirroring our winemaking philosophy.”

ABOUT CHEF JULIE SIMON

Julie Simon is a San Luis Obispo based chef and farmer. Ten years ago, Simon was enrolled in university in her native France, ready to follow that path to a law career. Her restlessness and uncanny ability in the kitchen compelled her to move to Paso Robles where her aunt and uncle farmed an olive grove and pressed olive oil. Soon after, Simon landed kitchen jobs in some of the Central Coast’s finest restaurants and eventually became executive chef at the renowned Thomas Hill Organics Bistro when she was 23 years old. Julie served as opening chef at Foremost restaurant in San Luis Obispo. Her history in farming and pop-up dinners bring a worthy contribution to Presqu’ile’s vast array of services, further enriching the most sought after wine destination in the area.

PRESQU’ILE WINERY

5391 Presqu’ile Drive

Santa Maria, CA 93455

Phone 805.937.8110

www.presquilewine.com

ABOUT PRESQU’ILE WINERY:

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to making exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Presqu’ile is a multigenerational collaboration between Madison and Suzanne Murphy, their three adult children, Matt, Anna and Jonathan, and their daughters-in-law, Amanda and Lindsey. No strangers to agriculture, four generations of the wine-loving Murphy family have been farming land in Louisiana for almost a century. Led by eldest son Matt Murphy, the family founded Presqu’ile—the Creole word for “almost an island”—both as a tribute to a beloved Gulf Coast family gathering place that was lost in Hurricane Katrina, and because they envisioned Presqu’ile as an island-like haven amid the vines. Also on the team is rising star winemaker Dieter Cronje.

The Santa Maria Valley is one of the most distinctive winegrowing appellations in the world. With one of the longest growing seasons in all of California. The Santa Maria Valley is a true cool-climate winegrowing region, yielding wines of extraordinary elegance and purity—qualities that define the world’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. To preserve the complexity of these grapes, the Murphys worked with acclaimed San Francisco-based Taylor Lombardo Architects to create a gravity-flow winery designed to Matt and Dieter’s specifications. And to ensure that each wine reflects its vineyard, Dieter practices a naturally minimalist approach to winemaking, with a focus on whole clusters, native yeasts and modest new oak. As a result, Presqu’ile’s wines are pure and purposeful, conveying the authentic charm, complexity and signature Santa Maria spice that have made the wines of the Santa Maria Valley famous among enthusiasts of elegant and balanced wines.

For further information on Presqu’ile Winery visit

www.presquilewine.com

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Highest Rated Wine in a Can

October 27, 2019 by evebushman

NAPA, Calif. (PRWEB) – California’s WineSociety premium canned wine stands up to bottles at the 2019 International Wine & Spirits Competition, Sommelier Challenge, with its TEMPT red blend scoring a 94 Point Rating and Platinum Medal. To date, this is the highest ranking for a canned wine in any wine competition.

“For the first time in Challenge Series history canned wines have taken a spot in the top tier.”* Says Rich Cook, columnist for Wine Review Online, Director of the San Diego County Fair Wine Competitions and the Director of Robert Whitley’s Challenge Wine Competitions.

WineSociety launched in January of 2018 with three flagship blends, TEMPT (red), FATE (white) and CHANCE (rosé). Although the concept of wine in cans may not be new, top quality wine that rivals a bottle is, a message CEO and founder Angela Allison has worked hard to convey.

“Wine lovers shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience and consumers are seeking an alternative option to bottles. So many people still don’t know wine is available in cans, let alone good wine. We have found that education is key and ratings reinforce that. The Platinum Medal and 94 rating is an exciting achievement for WineSociety and an equally exciting moment for the canned wine industry. To score this high in a blind taste judged by distinguished sommeliers, speaks volumes. We hope this gets more cans in hands!”

From day one it has been WineSociety’s mission to change the way American’s purchase and consume wine by offering quality, approachable and affordable alternatives to traditional wine. Unlike typical single serve canned wines, WineSociety is packaged in sleek, matte, and minimalistic 500ML cans (just shy of a full bottle!), these wines strike the perfect balance of elegant and casual and are meant to be shared. Each of their blends are designed for maximum enjoyment and canned to be environmentally-friendly and convenient for any experience.

On WineSociety’s TEMPT blend Cook continues, “This Syrah-dominant blend shows black and blueberry fruit, a touch of tar and a touch of smoky oak on the nose, and the promise translates in the mouth with a plush midpalate and a nice supple grip in the finish. Well done!“ *

WineSociety can be purchased online starting at $49 for a 3pk or $149 for Subscription at http://www.winesociety.com with shipping to almost 40 states, as well as select National and local retailers in CA, TX, OH and KY where you can purchase by the can for about $9/can.